AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18796, 7 February 1931, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS.

DOUBLE FEATURE ATTRACTION. AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. Fuller-Haywards will present a particularly fine double bill at the Theatre Royal for this afternoon and evening. Written by Mr F. Anstey, the editor of Punch, “The Man from Blank - ley’s,” is a fine example of English satirical humour at its wittiest. Mr and Mrs Tidmarsh, preparing to give a dinner to their wealthy, although somewhat eccentric American relations the Gilwattles, decided to add distinction to their table by engaging a young man of aristocratic appearance and manners to be present as a guest. In due course, a slightly intoxicated young man makes his appearance at the Tidmarshes’s home and announces himself as Lord Strathpeffer. When some of the guests appear to recognise him and call him Mr Gordon, events move rapidly and many amusing scenes ensue. John Barrymore, admittedly one of the finest actors on the screen to-day has the title role, and plays one of the best parts of his career. Loretta Young has the leading feminine role, and acquits herself with even more than her ordinary distinction.

Billie Dove, beautiful First National Vitaphone star, again talks in “Her Private Life,” the dramatic story of London life which comes to the Theatre Royal this evening. This is the third all-dialogue motion picture that Miss Dove has made, the first being “Careers,” which made such a decided hit some time ago. “Her Private Life” is the story of a titled English noblewoman who is unhappily married, and finally divorced through the blackmailing sister of a man she loves. But in the end she attains happiness. it provides Miss Dove with a role of great dramatic strength, and gives her an opportunity to prove again that she is an actress of high ability, as well as being the screen’s most beautiful star. Walter Pidgeon is cast opposite Miss Dove, and a splendid supporting cast is provided, including Holmes Herbert, Montagu Love, Thelma Todd, Zasu Pitts, Mary Forbes, Brandon Hurst and Roland Young. “Her Private Life” was directed by Alexander Korda, the distinguished Hungarian maestro. The English scenes are particularly effective, and one feature of the picture is an elaborate fox hunt. Seats may be booked through ’phone 570.

‘'SONG O’ MY HEART.” JOHN McCORMACK’S GREAT PICTURE. John McCormack, acclaimed by millions as the world’s most popular tenor, will make his debut in sound pictures in “Song o’ My Heart,” the first diking picture actually filmed in Ireland. This Fox-Movietone special production is the attraction at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Though recently completed in America, its release In this country will be simultaneous with the general release in the States and other parts of the world. “Song o’ My Heart” may be termed a lyrical romance. In theme, it is far removed from the revue and “backstage” type of story that has recently deluged motion picture audiences. It tells a romantic story of an Irish setting, and in its restrained and artistic direction lies its great charm. In the course of the picture Mr McCormack sings eleven songs. Ten of these songs, which include several of his most famous ones, as well as many never before sung by him, wll be in English, and one in Italian. The manner of presentation of the songs is unusual, but to the fact that they form a part of the story and advance the action as they are sung. The lyrics of some of these songs take the place of dialogue and aptly interpret the plot The love interest, which predominates throughout, is romantically acted by Maureen O’Sullivan, a new Irish “find,” and John Garrick, so well-known here as Reginald Dandy. Other members of the large cast include J. M. Kerrigan. Alice Joyce, Farrell Macdonald, Tommy Clifford, Emily Fitzroy, Effie

Ellsler, Edwin Schneider, Andreas de Segurola and Edward Martindel. The outdoor scenes were shot in Ireland, the entire cast and technical staff spending three months in and around Dublin. A number of the scenes were made on Count McCormack’s big estate, Moore Abbey, in Monasterevan, others in tlie villages of Lusk and Rush on the banks of the River Barrow. The box plan arrangements are advertised on the front page.

“CONCENTRATIN’ KID.” HOOT GIBSON AT GRAND. Hoot Gibson brings another smashing story of the west, in his latest starring, picture, “The Concentratin’ Kid,” to the Grand Theatre to-day. “The Concentratin’ Kid” is a typical Western picture, with the innovation of some modern ideas. Hoot is determined to keep up-to-date with his screen plays, even though they are based on the wild and woolly west. Poignant dramatic scenes, rapid action, hilarious comedy, and even a chorus of beautiful girls, combine to make this picture one of Gibson’s best. The Kid always expected a few hard fights to clinch the deal, and he meets plenty of opposition in his newest Western thriller. Hoot Gibson, the peer of riders and ropers, is seen at his best in “The Concentratin’ Kid.” Chock full of thrills, action and unexpected adventure, together with rare cowboy humour, the film does not lack interest and the plot unfolds with rapid, surefire motion. The story concerns itself with a cowboy who is very much in love with a radio singer whom he has never seen, and the complications that result from their romance and a group of oattle rustlers. The story works up to a swift climacteric finish, that leaves one almost breathless. The action is intense, calling for high pressure action on the part of the cast. Throughout the picture there are scenes of hard-riding cow-punchers, hand-to-hand fights and gun play—a sure de/ight for those who like lively Western pictures. The role of the radio girl is played by Kathryn Crawford, a beautiful and talented singer, who came to the screen from the mus/cal comedy stage. Her singing of “I Want My Man of the Golden West” is one of the highlights of the film. There will be a matinee to-day at 2.15.

THEATRE ROYAL. SUNDAY AT 8.15. EARTHQUAKE FUND ENTERTAINMENT. Fuller-Haywards will present an alltalking programme at the Theatre Royal on Sunday evening in aid of the Earthquake Fund. Speed, excitement, suspense and humour are the four prime characteristics of “Big News” which is the main attraction. “Big News” might well be described as one hectic day in a newspaper office. With a time lapse of only twelve hours, the story is crammed with more thrills than are the lot of many lifetimes. Nor are they hung on loosely, but developed as part of a logical plot which deals with the effort of a reporter on a big metropolitan daily to get the "lowdown” on a band of liquor and narcotic dealers. Robert Armstrong has the featured role of “Big News,” as Steve Banks, who has plenty of personal peccadilloes as well as a keen nose for news. The combination of geniality with a light touch of cynicism which have helped Bob along the road to fame in former pictures, is said to have plenty of scope in "Big News.” Carol Lombard, who plays the feminine lead opposite Armstrong, Is a girl whose gorgeous blonde beauty is augmented with real dramatic ability. She is said to be excellent, both as to voice and acting. Cupid Ainsworth, a hefty comedienne, is a riot as the conductor of an “Advice to the Lovelorn,” while her wise-cracking comes under the heading of brilliant bon mots. Excellent supporting films will also be shown. Doors will open at 7.30.