AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19375, 27 December 1932, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS

THEATRE ROYAL. “NIGHT COURT.** The change at the Royal to-night, will be headed by “Night Court,” a film of unusual qualities. Tempered by a theme of a husband’s unerring devotion for his wife who became the victim of a dastardly plot to save a judge’s name, the film presents many scenes of the grim and unvisited channels of life. A cast of exceptional ability has been selected to present the story of a dishonest night-Court judge, who gives false sentences according to the bribe received. The judge is brilliantly portrayed by Walter Huston. Lewis Stone, always the polished actor in legal robes, appears as Judge Osgood, one who is determined to stamp out the evil; Phillips Holmes is in the part of the wronged taxi-driver, Mike Thomas, and Anita Page plays his wife, Mary. The plot is cunningly woven round the activities of Judge Moffett, who realises that he is suspected of illicit practice in the Court, but by destroying all circumstantial evidence finds that he is able to defy the activities of those sent to inquire into his affairs. “MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS.” MAJESTIC THEATRE. During the holiday season, “Maid of the Mountains” has been attracting large audiences to the Majestic. The film is rich in humour and delightful music, and those who have already witnessed the production, have enjoyed it as much as the stage play. Backgrounds which provide a fairyland of delight for all beholders, include a gigantic Palace, the Governor’s Castle and grounds, and the mountain fastness of the bandits. The rout of the robber band by the Governor’s soldiers through the rocky mountain pass provides one of the most thrilling high lights of the film. The rollicking lilt of “Live for To-day” sung with an accompaniment of the “clopping” of horses hoofs along the high Mountain pass; the introduction of perfect little cameos illustrative of “A Bachelor Gay” number rendered by Harry Welchman; the mirth provoking ditty “Dirty Work,” in which Albert Burdon is chased by Gus McNaughton and Wallace Lupino through an entire Palace, the three of them ending up by falling into the moat, and finally that beautiful number “Love Will Find a Way,” sung superbly by Nancy Brown as the “Maid” with all the bewitching charm of the true Gipsy, all go to make this all-British colour feast of romance an entertainment to be seen and seen again. Excellent supports are also shown. REGENT THEATRE. “BIRD OF PARADISE.' All the glamour of the South Sea Islands has been captured in “Bird of Paradise,” the Radio picture which is showing at the Regent. Endowed with an exceptionally strong story, based on the celebrated play by Richard Walton Tully, “Bird of Paradise” must rank as one of the major achievements of talking pictures, and forms a notable step in the advancement of the screen. A notable feature of the film is the excellent photography, some of the scenes being worthy of permanent preservation. Sun, sea and clouds mingle in remarkable vistas, while spectacular native ceremonies are recorded with remarkable fidelity. The action is greatly aided by an enchanting musical score, the haunting native melodies forming an invisible background to the dramatic action. Dolores del Rio, who stood in the forefront of artists in the days of the silent screen, establishes her right to be regarded as one of the leading players in talking pictures, her performance as Luana being far greater than anything she has accomplished previously. It is impossible to conceive of any actress who could have filled the role to more advantage. Joel McCrea, who has gained ground with every picture in which he has appeared, adds to his laurels as Johnny, his striking physique standing him in good stead. The touches of comedy which lighten the drama of the production are contributed by “Skeets” Gallagher and Bert Roach.