AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18617, 12 July 1930, Page 18

AMUSEMENTS

“HARD TO GET.” AT THE ROYAL. ‘ Hard to Get." the current attraction at the Royal Theatre, marks the first occasion on which Dorothy Mackaill has been starred individually. Hitherto her name has been coupled with some other of First National s stars, among them Milton Sills with whom she made “The Barker” and “His Captive Woman,” and Jack Mulhall, who has been associated with her in most of her later successes. Now, however, for the first time in her screen career, she appears independently in "Hard to Get.” But since it is necessary to have a leading man, Miss Mackaill has as her vis-a-vis a youthful Irish lad, Charles Delaney. Miss Mackaill gives one of her usual sterling performances and enters into her role with characteristic elan. Delaney proves himself a capable satellite in Miss Mackaill’s first starring vehicle. The story concerns the adventures of a New York mannequin who each morning on her way from her parents’ little flat to an exclusive modiste shop hunts for a rich man on Fifth Avenue. She finali> chooses a poor one! A remarkably strong supporting cast distinguishes itself in “Hard to Get.” The story pre-

sents lovably human characters, the comedy is clever and the director. William Beaudine. has done his work well. A comedy quartette consisting of Louisa Fazenda, James Fmlayson, Jack Oakie. and Margaret Beaudine supplies roars of laugher and a very likeable, human touch to contrast with that exclusive modiste shop and its beautiful models. Edmund Burns makes a fine villain, and Clarissa Selwynne has a most effective role. Adding considerably to the entertainment value of the programme is a number of good musical featurettes. Johnny Marvin leads his band through a number of popular selections, while Adele Rowland is original in “Songs in Stories.” Other items are Harry Wayman and his Debutantes in humorous songs, the Record Boys, and an interesting Paramount Sound News.

CLIVE BROOK IX “THE RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES.”

One of the best actors of the talking picture is Clive Brook. His fine voice and great acting have already been heard and seen to advantage in such pictures as • Interference” and "Charming Sinners,” and he now adds a further conquest to ;iis laurels. It is the bringing to the screen of the famous character of fiction. Sherlock Holmes. As Holmes, Mr Brook assumes for the first lime in his career as a screen actor, a number of disguises, and his fine voice is also disguised to meet the parts he is playing. “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” is a Paramount all-talking picture, and comes to the Majestic Theatre this afternoon and evening. Sherlock Holmes, written by Conan Dovle years ago. is one of the most popular cha* acters of fiction, and this latest modern exploit of his is thrilling, and will keep you on the edge of your seat all of the time .whilst you are following with Holmes the clues of the baffling mystery. In addition to Mr Brook, there is a big cast of well-known screen players. A most excellent series of featurettes will include. Ford Sterling in a merry talking comedy. “The Fatal Forceps.' Another of the popular cartoons is entitled. “Chinatown my Chinatown.” “Deep Sea Melodies” embraces cute vocal and instrumental numbers, and the Fox Movietone News always contains items of interest. Seats may be reserved through 'phone 651 or at the Majestic office. The regular week-end matinee will take place this afternoon. “THE DESERT SONG.” IS COMING. Wednesday will mark the opening of the long-awaited Warner Bros.’ and Vitaphonc operetta. "The Desert Song.” at the Majestic Theatre. "The Desrt Song,” Warner Bros.’ Vitaphone novelty—a complete screen operetta, with music, songs, choruses, dances, dialogue—is said to prove that “the sound motion picture business has only just ’started.” It is a novelty, but an enchanting one, and points the way to still greater triumphs for the talking and singing pictures—the production of entire grand operas ’non the screen. “The Desert” retains all the charm, colour, action, romance and tropic love of the stage production, but greatly

enhanced by the motion picture camera‘s power of motion. The desert scenes were made in a desert, and not in front of painted backdrops. Warner Bros, were fortunate in being able to select, a cast of such excellent singers, most of whom have had both stage and screen training. John Boles, tenor lead, sang the same role in the stage presentation of “The Desert Song,” and has been a screen leading man for several years. Carlotta King, lyric soprano. is a concert and radio artist of note. Their voices register perfectly on Vitaphone, are true to tone, and sweet in quality. Marie Wells, Robert E. Guzman also give splendid singing performances. Others in the excellent

cast are John Miljan, Edward Martindel, Myrna Loy, Jack Pratt. Otto Hoffman and Del Elliott. The large chorus is well trained, and possesses fine singimr voices. Roy Del Ruth's direction is splendid, and the photography is magnificent. The story is that of a Frenchman who becomes a sort of Robin Hood of the desert, who rights the white men's injustices to the natives. Disguised as the Red Shadow, he leads a band* of desert tribesmen. His father, commander of the French garrison, seeks to capture him. He loves Margot, his father's ward, and makes love to her in his own person and as the Red Shadow. In the 'latter character he kidnaps her and, refusing to fight a duel with his own father for her possession, is deposed bv the tribesmen and sent out in the desert to perish. He returns as the heroic vanquisher of the Red Shadow and Margot discovers that her two lovers are the same person. “The Desert Song” is one of the best entertainments the screen has ever offered. Fast action and colourful drama are supplemented with delightful music, and the vocal solos, duos and choruses that helped the stage version to a great success. Box plans will open at the Bristol on Monday.