AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 9 April 1927, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

.REGINALD DENNY TN “TAKE IT FROM ME.”. Always an exhilarating farceur, Reginald Denny, who appears at the Theatre Royal this evening in ‘'Take it From Me,” again proves his right to he. classed as a prince of mirthmakers. “Take it .From Me” has no serious intent, and those who look for a moral will seek it in vain. it is simply a riotous funny comedy, one of the It'st which Denny has yet appeared in. Denny makes his how as the nephew of a millionaire, but minus even the wherewithal to pay his car fare home from the races, where he has, lost his last cent. Arrived home, lie learns that his uncle has left him his huge department store, with a proviso that lie must show a- profit in three months, or lose the business. Denny knows no more about running a business than the man in the moon, but lie is deadly serious in trying to do tlie job right, and his numerous amusing unties, performed in a most solemn manner, with his countless blunders and instances of bad business judgment, make exceedingly diverting comedy. There is also a “villain,” of course — a comic villain—whoi tries to prevent Denny from winning the store keeping tho establishment’s finances on the wrong side of the ledger, but somehow or other the ridiculous schemes put into effect by the temporary manager, such as insisting on the shop walkers performing their duties on roller skates, brings so much new business to tho store that Denny wins it, along with ■ the heart of his dainty stenographer. | There arc some fine stage spectacles in the picture, including a splendid mannikin parade, in which a bevy of beautiful girls display the very latest in bathing costumes. Blanche Mehaffv makes a charming leading lady, and the remainder of the cast is particularly well chosen. “Take it From Me” has all the breezinoss of musical comedy, from which it- was adapted, with the added advantage that it is presented in a manner which is, of course, impossible on the ordinary stage. The feature film is preceded by another broadly fareial comedy, “George in Love,” which also evokes spontaneous laughter all through its unfolding. Other films will include the “International News,” “The Pathe Gazette.” and a Priam a. colour scenic. “Japan.” Tho Royal Orchestra will ho heard in the ver.» latest numbers, including ballet music from “Lnmora” (Gounod). “Valse Espaj-nolo” (Metre), “Czardas” (Trinkaus), “Royal Ambassadors” (march), fox trots, “BlackShuffle,” “Just a Bird’s-eye View,” “Thinking of You,” “Who?”; overture, “King Midas”; cntracte, “The More We Get Together.” Seats m,a.v bo booked as usual. The regular matinee will take place at 2.30" this afternoon, when the final episode of

“Hurricane Hutch” will be shown. “ALOMA OF THE SOUTH SEAS” AT THE GRAND. One of tho most alluring stories of | the South Seasi yet seen on the screen, I is (he Paramount Picture, “Aloma of Hie South Seas,” wlikeh will be seen at I he Grand Theatre to-day. Gilda Gray is Hie star and in the east are such well-known players as Percy Marmout, Warner Baxter, 'William Powell and Harry Morey and Julanne Johnstone, j On Paradise Island, out" Bob Holden has sunk.to the depths. A friend had | made most of a false report of his j death, and married his fiancee, and he has come to thus South Sea Isle to forget. Here Andrew Taylor lias many interests and copra plantations. Aloma a native gir', her beauty and dancing brings the desire of possession fo Red Malloy and bis mate. But their intention are rudely imternipted by tlie derelict Holden. His failure to pay for board and general drunkenness are tlie cause of liis being arraigned before

the magistrate and deportation ordered. Aloma, in thanks for his timely interference, appeals to Andrew Taylor. Holden is banished to Taylor's plantations. Aloma conies to keep liouse lor Bob Hoiden, to fight with him back to respectability. Sho has succeeded but lie has reckoned without tlie jealousy of Militant', her native lover. Already lied Malloy and his mate have ridden in Muitane’s canoe never to* return. Hoiden promises to marry Aloma and in displaying the ring, Sylvia and her husband, Van 'iemplevon, overhear. Van, a sodden dirt, is attracted to Aloma, and takes her ring. On her cry of “Bob Ho d--011,” Sylvia realises that Van has tricked her into marriage with him, saying Boh was dead. Sylvia starts out for Bob's house, while by another . route, the natives bring Aloma in wuldmg procession. At the house, Sylvia, realising what Boh is do.mg, is gr.of striken, while Aloma recognising her, is boastful over the marriage. Van is tired of Sylvia and wants Aloma, and in a drunken fit. telJ.s how he tricked Sylvia into marrying him. Bob drags him to beg his wife’s forgiveness. M'uitano filled with jealousy, offers to row them to the settlement. Realising what it means to ride in. Muitune’s boat, Aloma tries to warn Boh, but is not heeded. Muitane’s boat is washed ashore. Mo trace of the white men can be found and Muitane says the.sharks must have had them. Realising the love of Sylvia for Boh, lie tells Jut that Boh has been saved, but her husband perished. Aloma realises that marriage of native and white men will not bring liapp.iness, and resigns herself to tlie love of Muitane, mid Bob and Sylvia are happily reunited. Supports include two Gazetts and a Mirthquake comedy “This Way Out.” Seats may be reserved as usual. ’Phone. -JS6.

HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY. About September, 1920, there arrived in 'Western Australia a company of London artists, wlidsKul come frotn the Ear East, where they bad played India, China., Japan, Mesopotamia, and the Philippines, after having toured the British Isles and South Africa. Tlie company were known as the Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Company, Quite unknown to Australia then, it was not long before their fame was noised abroad. Engagements and bookings i'ol’owed very quickly, so that more than throe years were occupied in touring Australia, duriing which time they established a big reputation and extraordinary popularity. Having conquered Australia by peaceful penetration, as it were, Mr B.Vhop east longing eyes toward New Zealand. That was in .December, 1923, and hither he and his merry band journeyed for a season of five mouths. So remarkable, however, was tho enthusiasm with, which the company was greeted that the tour was extended till the following November—eleven months in all. Returning to Australia, the company played long seasons in every capital city, which look a further two and ahalf years, and returned to' New Zealand for another short tour, only to repeat their former success; but, as before mentioned, the company, having a previous Australian engagement, tlie forthcoming visit, which is for one night, only, on Tuesday April 12th, at the Theatre Royal will positively be farewell visit here, and the, productions will bo entirely new from start to finish. Box plans are at the Bristol.

1 j SCOTT’S PICTURE CIRCUIT. Harold Lloyd in “Hot Water,” a comedy of married life and muddling relatives will be screened by the Scott Picture Circuit next week. “The Average Woman,” a drama of tlie younger generation, will also be screened with “Hot Water,” at Pleasant Point on Tuesday, Pareora on We’ l ue«day, St. Andrews Thursday and Glenavy Saturday 16th.