AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18510, 6 March 1930, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

GRAND THEATRE. ALL TALKING PROGRAMME. Once again the genius of King Vidor master film-director, which manifested itself in “The Big Parade,” is shown in his latest effort “Hallelujah,” which reveals the real soul of the negro. “Hallelujah,” is a barbaric, rhythmic symphony of soul-touching spirituals, of cotton fields and gambling dens, of religious ecstasy, and of the negro’s peculiar and inimitable zest for living. Recognising the tremendous value of a native musical background in this story of Negro life, Vidor made a special effort to select players for the leading roles of the film who were qualified to sing individual numbers as well as interpret their parts before the camera. For example, Daniel Haynes, who has the male lead in the picture, was understudy for Jules Bledsoe in Ziegfeld’s “Show Boat” when he was signed by Vidor to go in the cast. Nina Mae McKinney, the seventeen-year-old feminine lead of “Hallelujah” attracted considerable attention by her clever singing and dancing in “Blackbirds,” the coloured musical success, before Vidor signed her. Fannie Belle de Knight, the Southern mammy of the photoplay, has appeared on the stage in parts requiring talent of this kind. Harry Gray, an 86-year-old negro, who was chosen for a featured part in the film when Vidor met him by chance in New York, has a splendid natural voice which he uses to advantage in his role. Victoria Spivey was well-known as a cabaret singer and recording artist when chosen for a part in the picture. Irving Berlin contributes two new songs, “The End of the Road” and “Swanee Shuffle,” while other syncopated melodies, work songs, hymns and “blue” songs are used in the proper atmospheric setting throughout the photoplay. The supporting short units are comprised of a Metrotone news in sound and the latest Stan Laurel comedy entitled “Angora Love.”

MAJESTIC THEATRE. RUTH CHATTERTON IN “CHARMING SINNERS.” “Charming Sinners,” which opened its season at the Majestic Theatre last night, is one of the most pleasing light matrimonial comedies that has been produced for some time. A sparkling story of married life, acted by a group of outstanding cinema stars, makes this picture a lively and entertaining show. Ruth Chatterton who has one of the leading parts, has followed her brilliant stage career with a great start in motion pictures. Clive Brook gives another suave, polished performance and he gives audiences a treat with sparkling humour that is a revelation and a delight. Ruth Chatterton as the wise wife, tired of her husband’s philandering, decides to punish him once and for all. She chooses the dignified method of repaying him in his own coin by pretending to give her affections to an old admirer, William Powell. She fools her husband in clever fashion, reawakens some of the romance which appeared dead to her forever, and brings about a re-adjust-ment in her home, which no amount of scandal or ranting could accomplish. Clive Brook, as the husband, reveals new' talents in a splendid characterisation. Mary Nolan, as the “other” woman is delightful. A group of auxiliary players, recruited from the stage, including Laura Crews, Florence Eldridge and Juliette Crosby, are artfully cast. A number of special supporting pictures are shown. A clever cartoon featuring Mickey the Mouse in “A Barnyard Battle,” and “A Bird in the Hand,” with Lois Wilson in the leading role, provide the comedy element. A novelty short ‘ Goodbye My Lady Love.” and the Fox movietone news completes the programme.

“4 DEVILS” AT ROYAL SPECIAL SOUND SYNCHRONISED \TTRACTION. Described by critics as ranking amongst the best screen entertainment of the year, “4 Devils” was given an enthusiastic reception at the Royal last night. The picture is a gripping romance of the circus that tugs at the heart strings. Stark drama lurks in the lives of the dare-devil troupe known as the “4 Devils,” and a titanic struggle of human strength and weakness develops, which well-night wrecks four lives. The film successfully combines art and entertainment—the result of a human, logical story, perfect performance and flawless direction. Etched upon a background of circus life, the picture tells with mingled pathos, comedy and drama of the lives of four acrobats —two girls and two boys—who are helped by a kindly old clown to ascend to fame and happiness from the squalid, heart-break-life of a waggon circus, only to fina Their deepest sorrow in the midst of success. While the acting of all in this appealing and deftly told narrative is beyond reproach, it is perhaps the performance of Janet Gaynor, who enacts a Parisian circus performer with fire in her being, and soulfulness in her orbs, that is the outstanding individual effort. Maiy Duncan gives a dashing and magnetic portrayal as the temptress who lures Charles from the love of Marion. Morton is fine as the elder brother, and Barry Norton is satisfactory as the younger male acrobat. Nancy Drexel gives an excellent performance as the second girl and Farrell Macdonald gains much sympathy as the old clown who watches over them in their trials and tribulations. F. W. Murnau, creator of “Sunrise,” “Faust,” and “The Last : Laugh,” achieves another triumph in j "4 Devils.” In every Murnau picture ' there is always revealed something ! new in treatment, in photography and i unique shooting, and it is for this rea- ! son that his productions attract and i amaze the public. The sound syn- 1 chronised effect adds to the enjoyment ! of the entertainment, which must • rank as well above the ordinary. The famous Roxy Orchestra of 110 per- i formers is responsible for the musical 1 accompaniment. The Fox Movietone News, and an = all-talking comedy, entitled “Sound ! Your A.,, are interesting supports. I There will be a matinee this arter- I noon at 2.30.