CINEMA PROGRAMMES

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1935, Page 2

CINEMA PROGRAMMES

NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. “THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP.” As enduring as the English language itself are the immortal works of Charles Dickens, who, as a lover of the intricacies and eccentricities of human character, brought to life in the pages of his novels a host of brilliantly-painted personalities. Writing of “The Old Curiosity Shop,” which commences at the New Plymouth Opera House to-day at 2 and 8 p.m., a critic said: “It was indeed artistic justice that a British studio should haye produced this classic. It has handled the long and diverse original in a most convincing style, attaining one of those rare exaniples of faithfulness which only occasionally adorn the screen. It has caught with remarkable clarity what Dickens intended to convey in his story—the tragedy of Nell and the loneliness of her pathetic little figure. Thomas Bentley, the producer, is a Dickens connoisseur, and the result of his great experience is a picture which is unddubtedly a screen classic. One characterisation especially calls for mention: it is that of the unforgettable Quilp, who, as played by Hay Petrie, must become one of the most brilliant characterisations of film history. All the loathsome, domineering and bitter rascality of Dickens’ original pendrawing is given life in a mariner that will remain a memory with all who see this remarkable picture. Nell is played by Elaine Benson and the grandfather by Ben Webster; their acting is delightful, while such figures as Brass (Gibb McLaughlin), the scoundrel lawyer, Dick Swiveller (Reginald Purdell), the light-hearted ne’er-do-well, and the frightened Mrs. Quilp (Beatrix Thomson) are portrayed with wonderful realism. The picture is one of Britain's outstanding successes, and its cast is undoubtedly one of the finest combinations yet seen.” The supporting programme includes Pathe pictorial, “Canberra” (Australian scenic), and “What the Cook Saw” (musical novelty featuring Sylvia Welling), STATE THEATRE, NEW PLYMOUTH. GEORGE ARLISS IN ‘THE IRON DUKE’ Large crowds are still flocking to the State Theatre, New Plymouth, where George Arliss is Statring in “The Iron Duke,” A splendid characterisation of the Duke of Wellington as he appeared in those inspiring days of battle and manoeuvre which culminated in the final fall of Napoleon is given by George Arliss. The action keeps very close to the actual historical events of the “Hundred Days” after Bonaparte’s escape from Elba until his ultimate defeat at Waterloo. The picture has many famous scenes which have been commemorated by verse and painting, such as the ball at Brussels on the eve of Waterloo, when the officers withdrew one by one to march out to battle with their companies; the triumphant meeting of Wellington and Blucher on the Battlefield; Wellington’s. defence of the partition in the House of Lords; and the final charge of the Guards at Waterloo. Through all runs the romance of Lady Frances Webster. (Lesley Wareing), lost in admiration of the great Duke, of her husband (Walter Sondes), and of the Duchess (Ellaline Terriss). Tire story is only partly a tale of Napoleon, telling mostly of the diplomatic struggle of the Duke with Madame, daughter of Marie Antoinette (Gladys. Cooper) and the proud advisers of the feeble Louis XVIII. (Allan Aynesworth). A news reel and a novelty film are also presented, with a splendid review of the life of King George, and episodes of his reign since his coronation. Plans are at Collier’s and at the theatre (telephone 843). EVERYBODY’S TO-DAY. “VANESSA; HER LOVE STORY.” Helen Hayes and Robert Montgomery are co-starred in “Vanessa: Her Love Story,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s latest release, which begins at Everybody’s Theatre, New Plymouth, to-day at 2 and 7.45 p.m. The picture is romantic drama of the type in which both stars have scored. For Miss Hayes, it follows “What Every Woman Knows,” latest of her M.-G.-M. pictures which include “The White Sister” and “The Sin of Madelon Claudet.” For Montgomery, it follows “Forsaking All Others,” and gives him a characterisation somewhat like the one he did in “Private Lives”; his hits, of course, include “Hide-out,” “Strangers May Kiss,” “Riptide,” and many more. In “Vanessa: Her Love Story,” the stars appear with a notable cast of 80 film favourites. Otto Kruger has a commanding role as Ellis Herries, Miss Hayes’ insane husband. May Robson plays the memorable character, Judith Paris. Lewis Stone appears as Adam and Violet Kem-ble-Cooper is seen as Lady Herries. Henry Stephenson, Donald Crisp, Jessie Ralph and Agnes Anderson are others among the notable players. “Vanessa: Her Love Story” is a picturisation of Hugh Walpole’s novel, “Vanessa,” which was the fourth and last of his group of books dealing with the spectacular Herries clan of the rugged Cumberland district of England. This series included “Rogue Herries,” “Judith Paris” and “The Fortress,” each a best seller. An attractive supporting programme includes Metrotone news, “Nosed Out” (Irvin S. Cobb comedy), “Zeeland, the Hidden Paradise,” a Fitzpatrick travel talk in glorious colour, and “Something Simple,” a Charlie Chase comedy. REGENT THEATRE TO-NIGHT. “OUR DAILY BREAD.” “Our Daily Bread,” the King Vidor picture which won the League of Nations’ gold medal for outstanding merit, will commence a season at The Regent Theatre, New Plymouth, to-night. This film will especially appeal to those who have suffered in the depression as well

as to those who appreciate an artistic moving picture. It tells of the struggle by unemployed for food against obstacles, both man-made and natural. A young city couple, driven to selling their possessions for food, are offered the use of a farm by an uncle, with a second mortgage over it. They know nothing about farming and get the help of an unemployed man who knows more about rural life. More' labour is needed and the young man becomes the organiser of a motley crowd of workless who plough the land and plant a crop cooperatively. Their struggle against mortgagee, drought and other tribulations form the bulk of thfe story. Karen Morley and Tom Keene have the leading roles. “Our Daily Bread” will be preceded by “Here’s George,” an amusing comedy-drama featuring an all-star. cast. PLAZA THEATRE, STRATFORD. “FATHER BROWN, DETECTIVE.” ‘ A programme which should appeal to a wide variety of tastes is that headed by the thrilling drama “Father Brown, Detective,” which will have its initial screening at the Plaza Theatre to-night. Adapted from the novel by Gilbert K. Chesterton, the film introduces a new fiction character who bids fair to become equally as popular as his predecessors, Bulldog Drummond, Philo Vance, Charlie Chan and Sherlock Holmes. As the genial, amiable yet shrewd Father Brown, Walter Connolly scores a veritable triumph. The story deals with his battle of wits with the daring and romantic thief Flambeau, played by the polished Paul Lukas. Heading an exceptionally find supporting programme is a clever Walter Catlett comedy, a Betty Boop cartoon, sporting series, American Sound News and British Sound News reels. KING’S THEATRE, STRATFORD. . 9 SHIRLEY TEMPLE’S BIG ROLE. With Adolphe Menjou, Dorothy Dell, Charles Bickford and little Shirley Temple playing the principal roles, B. P. Schiilberg’s Paramount film, “Little Miss Marker,” will be finally screened at the King’s Theatre to-night. The story deals with a new type of screen character—the Broadway bookmaker, who does not make books, but who bets oh horse races, and who never goes to races. Early in the film a little girl, blonde, curly-headed and five years of age is left With a grouchy, selfish bookmaker as security for a race bet. The bookmakers begin playing nursemaid to the tiny tot, and, before long, she has learned their rough ways and is talking /their crude, language. An unusual and very dramatic finale is reached when they attempt to win back her innocent faith. Intefwbven with this plot is a romance between the bookmaker and the sweetheart of the town’s worst “citizen.”