AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18536, 5 April 1930, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. ! THE TWO BLACK CROWS. “Why Bring That Up?” the Two Black Crows' first Paramount all-talk-ing picture, was given an enthusiastic reception by a capacity house at the Majestic Theatre last night. Thousands of gramophone enthusiasts already know these comedians by their recordings. "Why Bring That Up?” is a story from behind the footlights, and is based on the actual lives of Moran and Mack. They spent several years in studying many distinct types of American negroes, before developing the characters they present in their famous comedy dialogue. Both comedians were born in the State of Kansas, which borders on the Southern States, and had ample opportunity to study the negroes during their youth. Mack says that the contact with the happy, carefree blacks, greatly influenced their comedy. The characters they present are not typical of any particular type, but are really a combination of many types. Supporting players are Evelyn Brent and Harry Green. The former is a popular player and a great artist, the latter well known in Australia and a fine player. The whole picture is a lavish production such as Paramount alone can make. A special feature of the production is the dancing of the ballet. and Earl Lindsay, the well-known dancing-master who went to Hollywood to direct the dances. As Bob, musical director, Lindsay makes his first actual appearance in a motion picture, speaking as well as putting a troupe of chorus girls through their ' steps before the camera. Besides playing this part, Lindsay directs the trcupe of girls in two ensemble numbers. One of these, a boy and a girl 'song, will feature the song "Do I Know What I’m Doing?’ The piece will be sung by "Buddy” Wattles and June Clyde, musical company players. The other number will be “Shoo, Shoo, Boogie. Boo.” The supporting programme is well up to Majestic standard. and includes musical and comedy numbers of an entertaining nature. I v *:ey the Mouse will be seen in a mr.t umusing sketch, "Mickey's Opry House.” “ THE LONG LONG TRAIL.” ALL TALKING AT THE ROYAL. There's never a dull moment along the "Long. Long Trail,” Hoot Gibson’s all talking Universal thriller, which ccmes to the screen of the Royal Theatre this afternoon and evening. Riding, fighting, romance and humour features every minute of "The Long. Long Trail.” It is Hoot Gibson at his most exciting best. It is a talking picture. Hoot plays the part of a bashful cowboy who falls in love with a beautiful girl from the East. Everything depends on his winning the redeo sweepstakes—and then villainy makes it hot for Hoot. Especially interesting are scenes made at Salinas, California, rodeo. Hoot and his outfit stayed a week on location at the rodeo, and most colourful and exciting scenes were obtained. Hoot knows all there is to know about exciting rodeo scenes. He once carried off the allround championship at the famous Pendleton roundup. Action and humour abound in the picture. The romantic element is supplied by beautiful Sally Eilers, one of the most charming and successful of the younger actresses of the screen. The notable cast includes Kathryn McQuire, James Mason. Archie Ricks, Walter Brennan and Howard Truesdell. Arthur Rosson directed "The Long, Long Trail.” It was adapted for the screen by Howard Green from the novel, "Ramblin’ Kid. by Earl V. Bowman. Short varieties will include an all talking comedy, "Watch Your Friends,” "Fox Movietone News,” June Etting a charming vocalist. The "Universal News Reel,” and one of the popular “Oswald the Raboit," cartoons. Seats may be booked through ’phone 570.

GRAND THEATRE. JOAN CRAWFORD IN “UNTAMED.” In “Untamed.” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s production featuring Joan Crawford in her first all-talking film, which is at present showing at the Grand Theatre. Miss Crawford reveals surprising dramatic ability. This popular star enacts the role of an uncivilised girl who is suddenly removed from her primitive jungle existence to wealth and luxury in a magnificent Long Island mansion. Totally unfitted to cope with tiie wiles of her own sex, she is compelled to fight for the man she loves acording to the law of the

jungle. Featured in a large cast are Robert Montgomery, Gwen Lee, Ernest Torrence, Gertrude Astor. Holmes Herbert and John Miljan. Jack Conway directed this film drama, the story being written by Willard Mack. In addition to the main feature an excellent supporting programme is also shown and includes a two-reel Charlie Chase comedy and a Metrotone News in sound. Ukelele Ike also features a number of popular song hits.