CINEMA PROGRAMMES

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1935, Page 13

CINEMA PROGRAMMES

i —“ STATE THEATRE. GEORGE ARLISS IN “IRON DUKE.’* “The Iron Duke,” a fine British production, will begin a season at the State Theatre to-morrow. An exceptionally large cast 'was assembled for the picture and is headed by George Arliss, who, incidentally, makes his British film debul in the film. Writing of ‘‘The Iron Duke,, Campbell Dixon, the well-known LondOr critic, says: “It is one of the most notable productions ever undertaken in this country. ‘The Iron Duke’ was made by one of bur most famous directors, Victor Saville, and the fact that it cost some £130,000 indicates that at least nothing needful to impressive spectacle has been stinted. The producers should have theii i reward. “The Iron Duke’’ emerges from [ the studio a picture big in theme, conception and execution. Nothing should do more to raise .the prestige of the British screen abroad. In ‘The Iron Duke’ we see Wellington in peace and , war. The scenes from the Congress of Vienna and the Duchess of Richmond’s ball on the eve of Waterloo, at Brussels, to the battle itself and the shabby intrigues that resulted in the execution of btey. Certain scenes at Waterloo -have been admirably handled. It is a dour heart t®t does not beat faster at Wellington’s ‘Up Guards and at ‘cm’ and exult at the terrific charge of the Scots Greys. One of the many other effective scenes in a story full of pageantry and colour is the meeting of Wellington and Blucher. The company includes such well-known names as Ellaline Terriss, Gladys Cooper, A. E. Matthews, Allan Aynsworth, Franklin Dyall, Edmund Willard—-to mention only a few. Box plans are now open at Collier’s and theatre, ’phone 843. NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. i “FATHER BROWN” FINALLY. Walter Connolly has the title role ir "Father Brown, Detective,” a new type of mystery drama based on Gilbert K Chesterton’s whimsical character, which will' be screened finally at the New Plymouth Opera House to-day at 2 and ? p.m. Paul Lukas and Gertrude Michael have the chief supporting roles. Masterly character acting, relieved by the sparkle of comedy, forms the keynote of “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch,” which commences at the New Plymouth Opera House tb-mprrow at 1 and 8 p.m. Adapted from the immortal story by Alice Hegan Rice, the picture is faultlessly produced. Those, who have read the book will be fascinated in watching the characters come to life. Pauline Lord, an accomplished actress, makes her debut on the screen in the title role. As Mrs. Wiggs her performance is a constant delight. Mrs. Wiggs is a woman deserted by her husband, in whom she has never lost faith, and has been left with the task of bringing up a large family on a meagre income. Miss Lord is ably supported by two irrepressible humorists, W. C. Fields and Zasu Pitts, who contribute many amusing scenes. Zasu Pitts is seen in the role of Miss Hazy, a neighbour of the Wiggs family, and her experiences in her efforts to secure a husband through a matrimonial agency precipitate many bright incidents. Her efforts are finally rewarded in the shape of a Mr. Stubbins. W. C. Fields is seen at his best as -Mr. Stubbins. The romance of the story is carried by Evelyn Venable, as Lucy Olcott, and Kent Taylor as Bob Redding. There is also a strong supporting cast. The strength and appeal of the story is contained in its extreme simplicity, and all the favourite incidents of the book are admirably portrayed, making the picture bright entertainment from start to finish.

REGENT THEATRE. “LOST LADY” FINALLY. “Lost Lady,” which concludes at The Regent to-night/provides dramatic entertainment of a brilliant nature. Barbara Stanwyck, Frank Morgan and Lyle Talbot are featured. “Society Doctor” is the intriguing title of the film that heads the new programme at the opening at the Regent to-morrow at 2 and 7.45 p.m., and the picture fulfils the promise of the title, for' it is very entertaining and maintains interest from the first reel to the last, as the plot develops to an exciting climax. The film is the natural successor to the popular “Men in White,” for it is set within the walls of a metropolitan emergency hospital. It is one of the mqst gripping hospital dramas ever

filmed, with two doctors (friendly enemies) bidding for the love of a pretty nurse. It shows life in the raw, in all its stark realism, lived within four hospital walls. “Society Doctor” tells how three lifetimes are relived in. a single day, and every moment of the film is interesting. An exceptionally strong cast is engaged, including such clever players as Chester Morris, Virginia Bruce, Robert Taylor, Billie Burke and Raymond Wallum. There is a very entertaining supporting programme, including Metrotone News, Laurel and Hardy in “Them Thar Hills,” Toyland Broadcast, a musical cartoon in beautiful technicolour and “Music in Hair," a Hal Roach musical novelty. —: x EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “VIENNESE NIGHTS.” “Viennese Nights,” Sigmund Romberg’s beautiful operetta in colour, will conclude screening at Everybody’s today at sessions commencing at 2 and 7.45 p.m. One of the most spectacular films to emanate from the British studios for many years, “Jew Suss” will have its first New Plymouth presentation at Everybody’s to-morrow. No efforts have been spared to give Lion Feuchtwanger’s story the breadth and sweep which it merits, and no attempt has been made to soften its catastrophe. It is the most imposing picture which the British-Gau-mont firm have yet produced. Every detail in the production has the mark of authenticity. The historical background is accurate and impressive. The figure of Suss, as played by Conrad Veldt,

stands out as a remarkable performance. “Jew Suss” is one of the largest historical novels, but the dramatic theme is related so skilfully that the effect is one of unity and not of diffusion. Lothar Mendes, the director, has set all. the characters in relation' to Suss, with a result that the story.- is not one of 18th century Germany, or of the struggle of the Jewry to escape from the confinement of the ghetto, but resolves iteelf into a dramatic account of the rise and fall of one man. Suss is a commanding and subtly painted figure. Conrad Veidt has brought out his true character almost perfectly. He cleverly reveals his dignity and his lust for power, as well as portraying his vanity and spirituality. He is a genuinely tragic figure, for, like Shakespeare’s tragic heroes, he is the author of his own greatness and his own doom. Veidt has never previously had such a dramatic part and he definitely enhances his excellent reputation. The story is unfolded with smoothness and moves with a fine unhurried sweep to the climax. The director has displayed an excellent sense of photographic values as distinct from spectacle, and the production is a triumph of modern technique. Frank Vosper gives a vivid and-, forceful study as Suss’ master, the brutal Duke Karl Alexander, while Benita Hume is always pleasing as the frivolous duchess. Other notable players in the cast are the late Sir Gerald du Maurier and Cedric Hardwicke. The film makes a special appeal to those who appreciate artistic achievement, while it will prove attractive to many through the wealth of its scenery. The box plans are at Collier’s. PLAZA THEATRE, STRATFORD. “EVELYN PRENTICE.” Once again the principals of the brilliant comedy-drama, “The Thin Mem,” William Powell and Myrna Loy, are seen together in “Evelyr. Prentice,”- which will open a season at the Plaza Theatre to-night. The new film is said to have the same delightful characteristics of their former success, which was undoubtedly one of the most entertaining yet seen on the screen and received an enthusiastic reception throughout its Stratford season. Film-goers have eagerly awaited the next picture, in which these two brilliant players would appear, and at last their wish has been gratified. Critics have enthused about “Evelyn Prentice,” and all agree that it maintains the high standard set by its predecessor and succeeds in recapturing the rare combination of flashing humour arid thrilling drama. Th< film should prove an outstanding success and should establish Powell and Miss Loy as perhaps the most popular pair on the screen today. Excellent Metro-Goldwyn supports ■precede the main picture, including one

of particular interest, that of the 'second Fitzpatrick Travelogue .produced entirely in colour and entitled “Holland in Tulip Time.” KING’S THEATRE, « “BLUE SQUADRON” FINALLY. "Blue Squadrori” will be finally screened to-day at a special after-school matinee at 3.15 p.m. There will be no pictures to-night at the King’s Theatre owing to the theatre being sub-let. A great war ace who laughed at death but feared to live is the colourful and dramatic character portrayed by Richard Dix in “Ace of Aces,” RKO-Radio Picture coming to the King’s Theatre tomorrow, with Elizabeth AH an an d Ralph Bellamy. The story is a thrilling account, tinged ''with tragedy, of the spectacular career of Lieutenant Rex Thorne, who becomes known as the “Ace of Aces” after his astonishing forty-two victories in the air over enemy fliers. His pre-war pacifism and ideals vanish as warfare makes him Hard and cynical. The gentle reproach in the eyes of ne •.of his dying foemen brings Thorne the realisation that he is nothing more than a legalised killer. With a mind taught to kill, he knows he cannot return to post-war serenity, and attempts to absolve himself dramatically in a pulsestirring climax which is daringly different. A fine cast supports-Dix in Miss Allan, Bellamy, Theodore Newton, Frank Conroy, Bill Cagney, Art Jarrett and Howard Wilson. J. Walter Ruben directed “Act of Aces.” Included on the same programme is “Cheating Cheaters,” a feature drama starring Fay Wray and Cesar Romero. INGLEWOOD TALKIES. “MOULIN ROUGE.” Constance Bennett, one of the most popular stars of the screen, will appear j at the Inglewood Theatre to-day and tomorrow in “Moulin Rouge,” an intriguing story of the stage and the effect it has on the happiness of a fascinating American actress. Racquel and Helen have been doing a sister act together, but after Helen’s marriage her husband objects to her continuing her career. The husband, a playwright, is working on a new production with Racquel in mind as star. Helen’s chance to return to the stage arises when Racquel wishes to go away and prevails on Helen to take her place. These two are almost complete doubles and Helen plays her part so well that she fascinates her own husband. The developments from the moment when her success as an actress threatens to wreck her success as a wife make an unusual and entertaining theme for the picture. Constance Bennett, who

plays the dual .role of Helen and Racquel, reaches a neM standard as an actress. She also sings several attractive songs. Franchot Tone and Tullio Carminati are also in the cast. The supporting programme includes “Playful Pluto” (cartoon), “March of the Years” (organlogue), “Unknown Island” (travelogue) and Ibises and Herons (gem). The first episode of “Gordon of Ghost City” serial, featuring Buck Jones, will be shown today and to-morrow. ;