AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18819, 6 March 1931, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

“SWEETHEARTS ON PARADE.” AT THE GRAND. “Sweethearts on Parade,” the current attraction at the Grand Theatre shows a decided indication to pay more attention to story and characterisation than has been evident in most pictures of late. The plot is rather light but the characters of the story will appear as rather likeable folks. Alice White, popular star, heads what is really an all-star aggregation with her portrayal of a small town girl who comes to the big city to marry a millionaire. Marie Prevost scores with her wise and witty observations on life in general and millionaires in particular. Lloyd Hughes has one of the best roles ever assigned to him as “Bill,” the scrappy leatherneck. Ray Cooke, as his sailor friend, is a recent screen find who will bear watching judging from his performance in this film. Marshall Neilan directed with all the flair for fast continuous action for which he is noted. “Sweethearts on Parade” is excellent film fare and a “talkie” that the youngsters will thoroughly enjoy

MAJESTIC DOUBLE BILL. ENGLISH VAUDEVILLE AND DIX COMEDY. Several talkies of the vaudeville type have been seen and heard in Timaru, but they have all been from American studios. But now English producers have challenged Hollywood’s supremacy in this further field of film enterprise. “Elstree Calling,” which is the first offering on the double feature programme at the Majestic Theatre, is an entertainment of the highest class. All the performers who help to make “Elstree Calling” the best variety film yet could not be mentioned. None fails to raise a laugh. But something must be said concerning the staging. Its simplicity adds much to the general attractiveness of the film, as it assists the artists to give a personal touch with no nightmare settings to take the audience’s attention. Richard Dix in “Lovin’ the Ladies” comprises the second offering. The picture brings Dix to the screen at the height of his popularity. Talking pictures have been introduced since his scores of successful silent films, and they have not found Dix wanting. In fact, he is even better suited to dialogue films than to silent pictures—the result of extensive stage training. A notable supporting cast is to be seen in the film. Lois Wilson, who will be remembered as Dix’s heroine in several silent pictures, is playing with him again and is more appealing than ever. Allen Kearns, stage comedian, Rita La Roy, Renee Macready and Anthony Bushell also are seen in important roles. TWO FINE ATTRACTIONS. AT THE ROYAL.

The double programme at the Royal Theatre will have its final screening to-night. “Peacock Alley,” has for its heroine a dancer who longs for the security of marriage. She is tired of fighting her own battles and wants a husband to do it for her—but the man she loves prefers the role of lover to that of husband. Shall she give herself to this man, or marry a man who loves her but for whom she has only respect? How she makes her decision and how fate, in the person of a detective whp has been watching her and interpreted her actions as those of an undesirable frequenter of the resplendent peacock alley, steps in to upset things provide “Peacock Alley” with a dramatic plot and opportunity for racy, sophisticated dialogue.

“The Forward Pass” is actually a picture of American college life, in which the American national game of football figures very prominently. “The Forward Pass” is a story of campus love and football rivalry, and the football thrills are variety by plenty of comedy and a number of new songs. MAJESTIC—SATURDAY. RUTH CHATTERTON’S LATEST. Ruth Chatterton, already recognised as one of the finest dramatic actresses the talkies have given us, achieves another success in “The Lady of Scandal,” which will head the programme at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday. The talkie is based on Frederick Lonsdale’s stage play “The High Road,” and the adaptation has been so carefully made that every scrap of humorous dialogue is caught. But it is not a comedy. The story is bold and dramatic without running to sickly sentiment. Elsie Hillary (Ruth Chatterton) is the principal character. An actress on the London stage, she becomes friendly with John, son of Lord Crayle, who announces their engagement. In correct mid-Victorian style, the family is shocked at the engagement, and even Miss Hillary's charming manner when she visits the ancestral home fails to break down their hostility. But Miss Hillary is allowed to stay to learn their customs, the family thinking that morning prayers, visiting the sick and other aristocratic duties will convince her that she not suited to the life. Unfortunately, however, one relative, a sophisticated nobleman, comes to the family gathering and remains to fall in love with Miss Hillary. Ruth Chafterton’s acting in this rather embarrassing situation is excellent. The story winds on to an unusual ending, leaving one anxious to learn what happened next. Basil Rathbone and Ruth Chatterton’s husband in real life, Ralph Fdrbes, have the principal male leads. Box plans are at the Majesty. Theatre.