AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19314, 15 October 1932, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

at the majestic. “LETTY LYNTON.” The “wild oats” sowed by youth form the structure of one of the amazing screen plays of the year in “Letty Lynton,” in which Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery appear at the Royal Theatre to-day. Based on the famous novel by Marie Belloc Lowndes, and directed by Clarence Brown, the picture moves through colourful revels in South America and romance beneath tropic skies, then catapults its hero and heroine into the midst of grim reality in New York, in a light-ning-like shift of dramatic action. Miss Crawford, as the heiress, spoiled and petted by society, wrecking men’s hearts with every whim, is a glamorous figure. In the dramatic climax, when, gripped in the trap of her own indiscretions, she faces the choice of prison or a wrecked reputation, she gives what is probably the most efiective performance of her entire career. Montgomery, as the flippant young polo player, who turns fighter when the happiness of the girl he loves is menaced, makes the most of an excellent role and adds another hit to ois list of scoring characterisations. Nils Asther, the Swedish screen hero, returns with his newly-mastered English and is a fascinating villain as Renaul, the South American. Lewis Stone is compellingiy forceful as the district attorney, ana May Robson, the famous stage star, contributes a masterly performance as the stern old mother. Louise Closser Hale contributes comedy in the role of the maid. Emma Dunn, Walter Walker and William Pawley round out the excellent cast.

“WHILE PARIS SLEEPS.” \ REGENT THEATRE. Intense, vivid action-drama is said to constitute the chief interest in “While Paris Sleeps,” featuring Victor McLagien, opening to-day at the Regent. Swift movement of both action and plot has been maintained throughout, setting a pace for other melodramas to follow. Accord mg to Allan Dwan, who directed the picture, this was the first consideration in shooting each scene. His years of experience have taught him that ihe public demands “speed” in its entertainment just as it does in other elements of its daily life. “While Paris Sleeps” is an original story written by Basil Woon, one writer whose intimate acquaintance with the littleknown and forbidden districts of the gay centre of art, fashion, and romance was gained after a residence there of more than 15 years. McLagien is featured in a role said to be of great symathy and poignant appeal as the father of a young girl cast adrift on the streets of Paris while he is serving life imprisonment in a French penal colony. Helen Mack, Fox Films young debutante star, is seen as the daughter who is wooed and won by William Bakewell, another o: the screen's promising youngsters. Others in the cast are Jack Laßue, Rita LaRoy, Maurice Black, Paul Porcasi and Lucille La Verne. The programme is completed by a remarkable selection of fine featurettes. “INNOCENTS OF CHICAGO.” AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. How Eve in the shapely form of Margot Grahame is responsible for the shooting-up of two rival gangs in the bootlegging underworld is hilariously told in "Innocents of Chicago,” ihe new comedy satire which comes to the Majestic Theatre to-day. The Universal Milk Co. Inc., a cloak for one of the biggest booze rackets in Chicago, is owned by Tony Costello whose greatest rival is Spike Guinan. Spike hits on the brilliant idea of marrying hs daughter Peg to the only too-will-ing Tony, thus amalgamating the gang, but does not reckon with Tony’s girl—Lil, who vents her wrath on all and sundry. An ingenuous young Englishman. Lloyd arrives from England, to take over, in all good faith, the ‘‘Universal” and generally add* to the confusion by refusing to step into the matrimonial breach vacated by the vanquished Tony. What happens when Lloyd’s uncle, who presumably had been “put on the spot” arrives and forces Spike to buy the racket from his nephew, provides fast comedy. With Margot Grahame as Lil, and Henry Kendall as Lloyd, supported Bernard Nedell and Birnie Barnes, the cast is a strong one. On the same programme is the British comedy drama “Strictly Business” which is said to be one of the best acted films of this season.

‘‘THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLF STREET.” COMING TO TIMAjtIU. The quaint old-world frocking, the snow-white frills above tiny fee, which peep timidly from the quaintest crinolines; the corkscrew curls which cluster round pretty heads, or single plaits with wayward wisps straying round milk-white necks, poke bonnets, and large feathered hats mingling from time to time in Elizabeth Barrett’s dainty and picturesque room in Wimpole Street, create a most charming atmosphere of lavender and old lace for Rudolph Besiers enthralling romance, “The Barretts of Wimpole Street, which is to be presented at the Theatre Royal on Monday, October 24th, under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Mis 3 Margaret Rawlings, who will appear as Elizabeth Barrett, has gained a tremendous hold on the London public, and this celebrated actress takes rank with the great ones of the past. In association with Miss Rawlings are Mr Barry K. Barnes, a notable English juvenile actor, who appears as the poet, Robert Browning; Mr E. Bellenden Clark, a character actor of distinction, who is said to give a fine performance of the domineering father his prayer in the first act holding his audience spellbound; and Miss Maiy Cobb as Bella Hedley, a vivacious flirt who is as bold as she is beautiful. Other important characters are faithfully portrayed by Messrs Kenneth Brampton. Harvey Adams, Noel Boyd, John Wood, Richard Fair, Leslie Jones, JH!.hn Calder and Miss Kathleen Goodall. Mr Gabriel Toyne was specially brought out from London to produce the play, and from the rise to the fall of the curtain his work is in evidence in a most remarkable manner, particularly in regard to the setting and lighting. The box plan is to be opened at the Bristol next Thursday morning, and if there is any virtue in merit and reputation there should be quite a rush for seats.