AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19374, 24 December 1932, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE. “MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS.” “The Maid of the Mountains,” the screen version of the musical comedy made 30 famous in England by Jose Collins, and in Australia and New Zealand by Gladys Moncrieff, will start at the Majestic Theatre to-day. No film, silent or sound, has ever been produced in England which can boast of such spectacular splendour, delightful melodies, together with an allstar cast, as can the British International Pictures production, “The Maid of the Mountains.” The scenes of the brigands’ stronghold on the mountain side, and the magnificent ballroom in which over two hundred dancers are held up by Baldasarre and his men, are only matched in splendour by the banqueting hall where, entertained by a full symphony orchestra, at a table 30 feet long, the guests toast the new Governor. During this scene Nancy Brown, the brilliant discovery for the title role, sings Fraser Simpson's famous waltz song, “Love Will Find a Way.” Nancy Brown is certainly the “find” of the year. Another spectacular scene is the setting for the arrival at the palace of Baldasarre, played by that popular stage star. Harry Welchman, masquerading as the new Governor. The facade of the palace, on VenetianGothic lines, towered over the studio, and on its terraces and balconies the guests wait. A guard of honour, composed of a company of ex-Guardsmen, parade to the stirring strains of a military band. The show contains many popular airs. First class featurettes will comprise the first part of the programme.

REGENT THEATRE. “BIRD OF PARADISE.” “Bird of Paradise,” the picture r ->r which Timaru picture-goers have anxiously been waiting, will have 'ts initial screening at the Regent to-diy. Tlie story itself is replete in drama. At the opening of the picture a wealthy American’s yacht is seen cruising through the Islands. One of the members of the party, Johnny Baker, falls overboard as the vessel is passing through a coral lagoon, and is rescued from a shark by Luana, a native girl. He leaves the vessel to remain on the island. His companions leaving him in the belief that he has succumbed to only a temporary infatuation.- The girl is "tabu,” as she is the daughter of a chief, and when she is carried off from the native she is to marry by the young American, and the pair are chased by the superstitious tribesmen, the thrills of the story pile up rapidly. Dolores Del Rio acts with all her fervour and undoubted fascination as Luana, and Joel McCrea, with his magnificent physique, is as much at home in his part in the jungle as Weissmuller was as Tarzan in “Tarzan the Ape-Man.” The action is greatly aided by an enchanting musical score, the haunting native melodies forming an invisible background to the dramatic action. In addition to the feature picture, a pleasing supporting will also be screened. Mickey Mouse Party. At 10,30 this morning, a Mickey Mouse Christmas Party will be held for the children. The programme has been specially arranged so as to give the children a bright and happy time, and those who attend will be presented with a piece of Mickey Mouse Christmas pudding.

THEATRE ROYAL. “MILLION DOLLAR LEGS.” “Million Dollar Legs,” with Jack Ooakie, W. C. Fields, and Clyde and Ben Turpin in the leading roles, will be screened at the Royal to-night. This programme has been specially arranged for the benefit of many people who will probably prefer to attend the pictures rather than push their way through the crowd all evening, and those who make for the Royal can be assured of an evening’s splendid entertainment. The story begins in the Republic of Klopstokia, where all the men are named George and all the women, Angela, and the President, W. C. Fields, holds his job because he is the best weight lifter in the country. Jack Oakie plays the role of a salesman who falls in love with one of Klopstokia’s Angelas, and in order to save the defunct treasury of the country, organises an Olympic Team which can carry off all the international honours and win an endowment offered by Jack's boss, the brush king. So all of Klopstokia, Including the famous spy, Mata Machree, “t re woman no man can resist,” journeys to Los Angeles for the Olympic Games, and there, in spite of Mata’s interferences, good old Klopstokia comes through. At the matinee this afternoon, episode 8 of “Buffalo Bill” will be screened.

The programme also includes a full list of entertaining featurettes.