AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18797, 9 February 1931, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

“THE CONCENTRATIN’ KID.” FINE .WESTERN AT GRAND. Hoot Gibson, the peer of riders and ropers, is seen at his best in “The Concentratin’ Kid,” now at the Grand Theatre. 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 cattle 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. I Throughout the picture there are scenes of hard-riding cow-punchers, hand-to-hand fights and gun play—a sure delight 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 musical comedy stage. Her singing of ■ “I Want my Man of the Golden West” is one of the highlights of the film. “SONG O’ MY HEART.” JOHN McCORMACK’S SCREEN TRIUMPH. I Few talkies have received a recepti ion such as was accorded “Song o’ My j Heart” at the Majestic Theatre on I Saturday night. “Song o’ My Heart” is

the first talking picture made by the famous Irish tenor, John McCormack, and is indeed a fitting vehicle for the artistry and talent of so illustrious a singer. From beginning to end it is McCormack’s pictureit fairly vibrates with his personality, and It was obvious that the beauty of his voice found favour with Saturday’s crowded house. After several of the star's numbers vociferous applause was to be heard—an honour conferred by Timaru picturegoers on few movie stars. In the course of the picture McCormack sing 3 eleven songs, which in the Order of presentation are: “Then You’ll Remember Me," “A Fairy Tale by the Fire," "Just for To-day,” “I Feel You Near Me," “Kitty My Love,” “Rose of Tralee,” "Loughi Sereni E Cari,” “Little Boy Blue,” Ireland, Mother Ireland,” “I Hear You Calling Me,” and “A Pair of Blue Eyes.” Such is the quality of the numbers that it wculd be extremely difficult to individualise, but some of the better known melodies found immediate favour with the audience. Through the picture runs a charming little romance ably carried on by Mureen O'Sullivaii and John Garrick (better known to Timaru theatregoers as Reginald Dandy). Sparkling Irish humour is provided by J. M. Kerrigan and Farrell Macdonald. “Song o’ My Heart”, is a musical treat such as is rarely made available to Timaru audiences, and one that cannot fail to please. The main attraction is supplemented by several short features. DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME. NOW AT THE ROYAL THEATRE. “Her Private Life,” the all-talking First National picture which had its initial screening at the Royal Theatre on Saturday, has many qualities which should recommend the film to all those who enjoy a real fast-moving story of outdoor life. Billie Dove has the principal part, and in “Her Private Life” this well-known star is seen and heard in one of her greatest roles. It is a dramatic story of English society and of poverty in New York. The picture provides Miss Dove with a role of great dramatic strength, and also gives her an opportunity to prove again that she is an actress of outstanding ability, as well as being one of the most beautiful stars of the screen. > “The Man from Blankley’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 announce*. himself as Lord Strathpeffer. When some of the guests appear to recognise him and call him Mr Gordoh, events move rapidly and many amusing scenes ensue. John Barrymore, 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.