CINEMA PROGRAMMES

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1935, Page 2

CINEMA PROGRAMMES

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “GRANDAD RUDD.” A refreshing comedy is presented in Cinesound’s “Grandad Rudd,” ' which opened a season at Everybody’s Theatre yesterday. A sequel to the popular success, "On Our Selection,” the film is based on one of Steele Rudd’s wellknown novels of Australian life. It is In the universal appeal of the picture that there lies, perhaps, its strongest claim to merit. The inimitable characters, Grandad, Sarah and Dave, with their honesty and simplicity, are really delightful. Clever dialogue and farcical situations provide numerous incidents that keep the audience in roars Of laughter. The plot is slight, but interest- never flags as one humorous episode follows another. Perhaps the most amusing incident in the film is a cricket match played between the Rudds and a neighbouring family. Special rules are drawn up, making no provision for such contingencies as boundaries and lost balls. How Grandad makes the winning stroke by hitting the ball into a well and how he finishes registering his runs by being trundled up and down the pitch in a wheelbarrow, makes a hilarious scene. Bert Bailey again scOi-es an outstanding success with his portrayal of Grandad Rudd, whose incomparable spirit, unfailing philosophy and robust humour are a constant delight. Selected supporting features include Australian Fox News, Pathe Pictorial Varieties and “The Headless Horseman” (coloured cartoon). Screenings will be repeated twice daily at 2 and 8 p.m. until next Tuesday. REGENT THEATRE. MATINEE 2 P.M. TO-DAY. Thrilling adventure and open-air romance in the pioneer days of America are the keynotes of “Wagon Wheels,” Which begins at The Regent to-day at 2 and 8 p.m. The story begins in a northern town of America, where Gail Patrick, as a beautiful young widow, has had her child taken from her as the result of legal proceedings. She is determined ndt to be parted from the boy, So she Steals trim from his guardian and Sets Off td join a waggon expedition of pioneers travelling south to Oregon. Slowly the waggons get further and further into uncivilised country and the hardships suffered by the waggoners are innumerable. Randolph Scott, who will be remembered for his fine performance in "The Last Round-Up,” is the guide in charge of the party, and he does all he can to lessen the difficulties of the brave young woman who is making the hazardous journey for the love of her child. Randolph Scott and Gail Patrick are a delightful pair of lovers, and a feature of the picture is their singing Of the theme song, “Wagon Wheels” as they sway along in a covered waggon. The drama of the story is offset by delightful humorous incidents and musical numbers. The supporting programme includes Paramount British News and “The Phantom President,” a charming mixture of comedy, romance and music featuring Claudette Colbert. The penultimate chapter of “Pirate Treasure” will be-screened at the matinee only. NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. SHIRLEY TEMPLE TO-DAY. Tire five-year-old Shirley Temple again presents an appealing and entirely lovable child study in “Now and Forever,” which will commence at the New Plymouth Opera House to-day at 2 and 8 p.m. After her rise to popularity through such films as “Baby, Take a Bow, and “Little Miss Marker,” this clever child has revealed a surprising maturity and endeared herself to every film-goer who has seen her. In “Now and For- Ever She appears with such well-known players as Gary "Cooper and Carole Lombard, but as in her previous pictures she holds the undivided attention of the audience from first to last. The beginning of the story shows Cooper and Carole Lombard as two daring but charming criminals, who are forced to flee to another city with the po"ce close on their trail. However, for the sake' of their young child they decide to break away from their former habits, but they find that this is more difficult than they expected, and the complications which ensue form the basis of a highly ehtertaining production. An outstanding supporting programme includes “Springboard Champions,” a special film for swimmers featuring Pete Desjardius, world champion high and low board diver, Paramount News, British Sound News, “Axe Me Another” (Popeye Cartoon) and “Madhouse Movies” (variety). STATE THEATRE. JACKIE COOPER-SHIRLEY TEMPLE. The Fox Film presentation of “Peck’s Bad Boy,” which will be seen at the State Theatre, beginning to-day, was acclaimed by Hollywood critics at its preview showings as a “new American classic” and a vital human document for every man and woman.” That brilliant and appealing young player, Jackie Cooper, is the star of this human film story. Jackie is seen as a fine two-, fisted boy who is‘nearly crowded out of his father’s life and affections through the plotting of an unprincipled aunt and her no less unprincipled son. To judge from advance reports, no story of boyhood has brought to the screen a profounder understanding or a more touching situation In addition to Jackie Cooper, a number of notable players have been assembled for the picture. Thomas Meighan returns to the screen from a two years’ retirement to play Jackies lather. Young. Jackie Searl has an important role as Bill Peck’s own especial demon. As his scheming mother, Dorothy Peterson contributes a perofrmance that has already drawn “raves” from previewers and that fine actor, O. P. Heggie is also in the cast. On the same programme is Shirley Temple in a delightful new release Fox comedy. A three-reel Fox News and a cartoon “Slow But Sure complete an outstanding programme. Note the State’s revised price list, so be wise and book early at Collier’s and at theatre, PLAZA, STRATFORD. “THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO.” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Henry M. Goetz and Edward Small’s milliohdollar Reliance production of the Alexandre Dumas novel which has thrilled millions of readers in every civilised country in the world, will be screened at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Produced on a lavish scale, with a score Of principals and hundreds of supporting players, it offers Robert Donat, handsome young English screen and stage actor, whom filmgoers will recall as the King’s love rival in “The Private Life of Henry VIII..” in his first American-made film. Elissa Land! appears opposite him in the role of Mercedes. The producers of the film recruited outstanding personalities not Only for the principal roles but for the countless supporting roles as well. Rowland V. Lee was sighed to handle the megaphones. Peverell Marley, who has to his credit the photography of such

examples of cinema art as “The House of Rothschild” and others, was assigned the camera work. An excellent supporting programme precedes the feature attraction and includes an ever-pOpular organlogue, “Sing with, the Street-singer “ Universal News reel and Mickey Mouse in “Steamroller.” KING’S, STRATFORD. “BLACK CAT,” “LETS TALK IT OVER” The age old and still believed superstition of the cat with nine lives is uniquely personified in “The Black Cat.” Universal’s chilling thriller with Karloff and Lugosi (“Frankenstein” and “Dracula”) coming to the King’s Theatre today. .Away back in the dark ages it was believed that the black cat, in particular, never dies. When it does expire through Unnatural Causes, it enters the body Of the nearest living being and Still goes on living. This Strange and phantastic belief is carried out in the story of “The Black Cat,” which was suggested by a tale from the facile though weird pen of Edgar Allan Poe. Karloff and Lugosi take on new and terrible shapes in “The Black Cat,” which boasts of an exceptional’ cast including David Manners, Jacqueline Wells, Egon Brecher, Harry Cording, Lucile Lund and many others. The second feature on the evening’s entertainment is an hilarious comedy, “Let’s TMk it .Over,” in which Chester Mortis and Mae Clarke are co-featured. BAND RECITAL AT STATE. The Taranaki Regimental-New Plymouth Municipal Band Will give a recital to-morrow night at the State Theatre. A fine musical programme has been arranged consisting of band and Vocal items, and will no doubt attract a great crowd. Many people are anxious to hear band and vocal items in this new theatre, and can be assured of a splendid night’s entertainment in a theatre specially built for SOuhd. Reserved seats can be booked at the theatre to-day and to-night. DoOrs Will open at 8 p.m. and a generous response to the appeal for funds to provide the band with a dress uniform is expected to be met. The band is in good form and a large audience is anticipated.