AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18541, 11 April 1930, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

AT THE MAJESTIC. “WORDS AND MUSIC.” That students learn more things in college than football, is demonstrated in "Words and Music,” a campus revue which will be shown for the last time lat the Majestic to-night. All the characteristics of a delightful musical comedy are preserved, and. interwoven with gorgeously staged ballets and choruses is a story which depicts amusing sidelights on American University College life. The annual stage frolics of the Darnell College, in which rival producers are in competition for the same leading lady, provides the plot. Her sympathies are captured by a student, an employee of a music shop, who sees his hopes of continuing his University career doomed unless he wins the prize for the outstanding production of the frolics. His rival is a student of the bellicose athletic type. The struggle for the ladv'e services sees many contraventions of the coilege ethics with amusing complications from which even the dean of the college herself does not escape, and she suffers the indignity of being tossed in a blanket by the liotous students. The embarrassment which follows provides opportunity for another fair student who seeks the leading role for herself, and she has a temporary victory. The eventual staging of the frolics is seen among scenes of splendour in which the outstanding spectacle is an Old English hunting scene. The costumed huntsmen and ladies arrive amid the realistic barking of the hounds and tooting of horns. Spectacle after spectacle follows in the presentation of the frolics, and in all the production contains eight songs which should become very popular hits. The “Shadows” number, sung by David Percy, with Lois Moran, was written by Con Conrad. Sidney D. Mitchell, and Archie Gottler, and besides the principals thirteen persons appear. “The Hunting Song” and “Too Wonderful for Words,” by Percy and Miss Moran are both delightful numbers, while the latter is extremely charming in “Sincerely Yours,” with a chorus of twelve boys. William Kernell contributes words and music for two songs, “Steppin’ Along.” and “Good Old Mary Brown.” The former is sung and danced to by Tom Patricola, who has originated a new dance of the same name, and Bubbles Crowell. The latter number is presented by an ensemble of college boys. Short varieties embrace Clark and McCullough, two famous comedians in an all-talking comedy, “The Diplomats,” the Kentucky Jubilee Singers in solo and concerted numbers, and a Fox Movietone News.

ROYAL THEATRE. THRILLING MYSTERY DRAMA. Excitement, last action, and suspense are a few’ of the elements which help to provide thrilling entertainment in Paramount's latest mystery drama, “The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu,” which is to end its session at the Royal to-night. The famous Sax Rohmer storv has thrilled millions all over the world in story form, and Paramount has incorporated all the tense, emotion arousing incident* into a never-to-be-

forgotten picture with Warner Oland as the cunning, diabolical villain, Dr. Fu Manchu. The story follow's the vengeful career of the fanatical Fu Manchu, his wily machinations, which bring a beautiful girl into his clutches, and his efforts to use her to w'ork his will against his enemies. In addition to Warner Oland, the cast includes Jean Arthur. O. P. Heggie. Neil Hamilton, and William Austin. The actors were picked from Hollywood’s best w'ith special reference to particular fitness for the parts. Jean Arthur and Hamilton carry the romantic leads. Heggie plays the part of a detective. William Austin is his own laughable self as the eccentric secretary to a wealthy Englishman. “The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu” is the third of a series of mystery pictures which Paramount has made recently, and those who thrilled to “The Canary Murder Case” and "The Studio Murder Mystery,” will be able to form some idea of the eerie qualities this latest of the series possesses. Outstanding in a programme of good supports, which includes the latest Paramount Sound News and a rollicking comedy, “The Hold Up," are the Kentucky Jubilee Singers in plantation melodies. The personnel of the troupe is identical with that which appeared in Timaru some time ago, and many of the numbers will be familiar to local theatregoers. There will be a matinee at 2.30 today. “HIS GLORIOUS NIGHT.” AT THE GRAND. The inner secrets of European court intrigue, and glimpses of the social side of secret diplomacy, form a scintillating background for John Gilbert’s. first all-talking feature, "His Glorious Night.” which opened its season at the Grand Theatre to a large audience last night. Gilbert was perhaps Hollywood's most popular Romeo of the silent screen, and the talking version affords him still greater opportunities to display his romantic artistry. “His Glorious Night,” which is a Metro - Goldwyn-Mayer production, is a film version of Terence Molner's stage play, “Olympia,” and tells of a beautiful young widow, the regal Princess Orsolini, who has a violent flirtation with the dashing Captain Kovacs during a visit to a smart watering resort. Her mother, Eugenie, fears a scandal and urges her daughter to be more discreet, especially since Olympia is betrothed to the insipid Prince Luigi. Discovering that Kovacs is of peasant birth, Olymnia suffers deep humiliation and brutally dismisses him To further humble the princess, Kovacs has himself arrested as an imposter and a card cheat. Startled by fear of exposure, Olympia arranges for him to escape before the affair becomes public. Kovacs, however, refuses to leave until he has a word alone with the princess, meeting her on a moonlit balcony. After the arrival of Prince Luigi and her father, the general, Princess Orsoiini is further distressed to discover that Kovacs has failed to keep his agreement and is calmly awaiting the arrival of detectives from Vienna, who hold a warrant for the arrest of the criminal whose identity he has borrowed for the occasion. When it j develops that Kovacs is not the society crook and is a military hero with considerable integrity and means, Orsolini completely capitulates and puiuues him with entreaties of devotion. Kovacs chidingly reminds her that he still is merely a man of low birth. But the princess is thoroughly chastened

now—peasant or prince, he is hers. Catherine Dale Ow'en, a beautiful stage star, plays the feminine lead, and other members of the cast include Nance O’Neil, Hedda Hopper, Doris Hill, Guutav von Seyffertitz and Richard Carle. Supporting items include the “Eight Victor Artists,” featuring Henry Burr in “When You Played the Organ,” Metrotone News, and Charley Chase's latest two-reel comedy, “The Snappy Sneezer.” “DISRAELI." SEASON COMMENCES SATURDAY. We doubt whether there will be another picture this season or many seasons to come that w r ill equal “Disraeli,' the screen version of the famous stage play, produced by Warner Brothers and to be presented at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday with George Arliss in the leading role. Mr Arliss is a great j actor. There is a power and subtlety to his interpretations that im amazing. To watch him in the role of Disraeli, the remarkable statesman who became Prime Minister, is to know the thrill of witnessing something that is powerfully dramatic. It would be unfortunate to miss this really fine production. There are not many actors like Mr Arliss and there are not many pictures like "Disraeli.” It is an artistic achievement and Warner Bros, are to be congratulated for presenting to the screen public a film of such splendor and intelligence. The cast supporting Mr Arliss is an unusually good one. Florence Arliss plays Lady Beaconsfield. Disraeli’s wife. Joan Bennett is beautiful as Lady Clarissa and gives a commendable performance. Anthony Bushell, David Torrence, Ivan Simpson and Doris Lloyd all deserve special mention for their good work. The screen story follows the stage play that made such a tremendous hit. It deals with one of the most melodramatic and romantic periods in the life of Disraeli. Box plans for back stalls and circle are at the Bristol. A matinee will take place on Saturday afternoon.