CINEMA PROGRAMMES

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1935, Page 2

CINEMA PROGRAMMES

“THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN.” “HORROR” PICTURE AT PLAZA. Excellent entertainment of its type is afforded in Hollywood’s latest masterpiece of the “horror” variety, “The Bride of Frankenstein,” which will open a season at the Plaza Theatre, Stratford, to-day. The film is a triumph of make-up and spectacular effect. Karloff, as the monster, surpasses his fine effort of two years ago, while the clever acting of Elsa Lanchester in the title role, coupled with the polished performance of Colin Clive, goes to make a film which should have a very wide appeal. Elsa Lanchester as the poet’s wife, Mary Shelley, and Gavin Gordon as Lord. Byron, appear in an effective prologue. The monster is seen in further adventures of such a hairraising nature that the picture is said to furnish the very ultimate in ghastly thrills. At the conclusion of “Frankenstein,” it will be remembered, the monster was apparently destroyed in a burning mill but the opening scenes of "The Bride of Frankenstein” show how he escaped death and returned to throw the entire countryside into a state of terror. As previously, the film traces the fortunes of the “man-created” monster—but an additional attraction is the reaction of a “monstress,” created for the express purpose of affording a mate for the monster, to her unusual companion. The climax of the picture is very fitting and satisfying in consideration of the previous episodes. The high standard set by the feature picture is reflected in the excellent supporting programme. REGENT THEATRE. MATINEE AT 2 P.M. TO-DAY. On many cinema occasions movie audiences have been treated to a glimpse be-, hind the scenes of a modern newspaper office. With dramatic license, Hollywood has painted the newspaper as an altruistic crusading institution, as a degenerate scandal-mongering blight, as a romantic, adventurous occupation, and in some cases as the practical, exciting and efficient business organisation that it really is. Neither publisher nor editor nor cub reporter has been spared by Hollywood in its serio-comic dramatisations. But the inherent drama and romance in the journalistic profession has not been entirely exhausted. The Columbia Studios recently produced a romantic drama set against the turbulent scene of a modern newspaper; employing as its main character a sensation-seeking proprietor. Portraying this role. is that able character actor, Walter Connolly, with Fay Wray and Victor Jury in co-featured parts. The film is entitled “White Lies,” and presents the poignant story of a man driven to murder as a result of the sensational expose published in the tabloid newspaper of an embezzlement for which he has made good. Though “White Lies,” which opens to-day at the Regent Theatre, is not essentially a “newspaper" picture, the deft and intelligent manner in which it is presented as a background provides a refreshing novelty. The supporting feature, “Carnival,” is 'the story of a puppeteer, who tries to bring up his son without a mother. This human story was written by Robert Riskin, the author of those famous hits, “Lady for a Day,” “It Happened One Night” and “Broadway Bill.” Sally Eilers and Lee Tracy are co-starred. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “THE KEEPER OF THE BEES.” The film adaptation of the last and most popular novel of the late Gene Stratton-Porter, “The Keeper of the Bees,” which faithfully preserves the spirit of the original, will commence at Everybody’s Theatre td-day at 2 and 7.45 p.m. In the words of an English critic, “the picture has gentle poignancy, simple charm and refreshing atmosphere, and the character-drawing is accurate ana sensitive.” In her own unpretentious way, Gene Stratton-Porter gave to the world several charming romances which, while perhaps not classics in the literary sense, will certainly not be forgotten now that she is dead. Her simple genius for pleasing the avenge reader possibly reached its height in “The Keeper of the Bees.” And there is no doubt that the film retains to the full the human interest of the original. Here is a romance about ordinary, understandable people living a refreshingly unsophisticated life. It is the very simplicity of the story and its setting that gives the tale its universal appeal. Gene Stratton-Porter went to nature for the inspiration of most of her stories and this one is rich in the lore of honey bees, with ’a magnificent background of flowers, sunshine and ocean scenery. “The Keeper of the Bees" is the story of a gassed ex-serviceman who thinks he has only six months to live, and who finds romance and hope In a strange fashion. The film appeals fearlessly to all the emotions, mixing pathos with humour and drama. Neil Hamilton acts naturally and sincerely as Jamie, the returned soldier who finds the will to go on living in the peaceful domain of the bee-master, played by Hobart Bosworth. Edith Fellowes is an engaging character as the tomboy, Emma Dunn lightly strikes the tragic note as Margaret, and Betty Furness is most attractive as Molly. A varied and entertaining supporting programme includes “Sinbad the Sailor" (coloured cartoon), “Weather Forecast" (interest), “The Country Boy” (coloured cartoon), Pathe Pictorial and Pathe Varieties. OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT. “NAUGHTY MARIETTA." The many hundreds of patrons who saw “Naughty Marietta” some months ago will be glad to hear that it is now playing a return season at the New Plymouth Opera House. Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy are starred. The story is a spectacular and gripping drama of New Orleans of the old Creole days, with pirate battles, the famous marriage auction and other vivid detail as a background for its musical charm. Song hits in the ( picture include Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life, Tramp. Tramp, Tramp. I’m Falling jn Love With Someone and The Italian Street Song. W. S- Van Dyke, of “Thin Man” and “Manhattan Melodrama" fame, directed. A notable cast includes Frank Morgan, Elsa Lanchester (Mrs. Charles Laughton), Douglas Dumbrille, Joseph Cawthrone, Cecilia Parker, Walter Kingsford, Greta Meyer, Akim Tamirpff, Harold Huber and Edward Brophy. There ,is a splendid array of shorter films. A matinee will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. STATE THEATRE, NEW PLYMOUTH“REDHEADS ON PARADE." An entertainment idea which brought fame and fortune to Jesse L. Lasky 20 years ago furnishes the inspiration for the motion picture producer’s lavish apd colourful musical extravaganza, "Redheads on Parade,” commencing to-day at the State Theatre, New Plymouth, and starring John Boles with Dixie Lee. The burden of the action of this hilarious new musical comedy falls on the capable shoulders of John Boles and adorable Dixie Lee who carry out their assignments in fresh and admirable style. Supported by Jack Haley, Alan Dinehart. Raymond Walburn, Herman Bing and William Austin, ’ and by • gorgeous en-

sembles of adorable redheads, they play the romantic leads in this rhapsody on red. To the recent series of rhythmic hits which Jay Gorney has composed for Fox pictures, the celebrated songwriter adds the three new tunes especially composed for “Redheads on Parade," With choruses and ensembles of the most beautiful redheads in America “Redheads on Parade” is a dashing, colourful song and laugh filled picture. In “Redheads on Parade,” Miss Lee again displays the intriguing voice which won her the title of Broadway’s best “blues” singer.