AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19525, 26 June 1933, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “JACK’S THE BOY.” The British Dominions Gainsborough picture “Jack’s The Boy” attracted good houses to the Regent on Saturday. It is a light-hearted piece of work, one of those fortunate products of the studio which genuinely distract the mind and ease the spirit. It is by way of being a musical comedy, but it is not so much of a musical comedy that the 6tory is lost in an unwanted maze of song. There is a little singing, and good, bright singing, there is a satisfactory amount of dancing of both the eccentric and ballroom order, there is an underlayer of catchy music—not too much of any of these things. The main interest lies in the efforts of an enthusiastic but raw and uncommon police constable to lay by the heels a gang of “smash and grab” raiders in London, and in the romance which accompanies this praiseworthy activity. Jack Hulbert, in the leading role, shows how he has come to earn the- title of Great Britain’s comedy king, and he is aptly supported by such notablities as Cicely Courtneidge and Winifred Shotter. The minor features of the programme are a fitting introduction to the main picture. In addition a splendid picture of the running of the Grand National Steeplechase is on the programme. MAJESTIC THEATRE. “A SUCCESSFUL CALAMITY.” George Arliss gives a notable performance in “A Successful Calamity,” the comedy-drama which heads the current programme at the Majestic. The great character actor’s perfect artistry and finish make this another classic of the screen, and a worthy successor to other Arliss triumphs. “A Successful Calamity,” cannot be compared with any previous Arliss picture, with the possible exception of “The Millionaire,” for the plot is worthy of its principal figure, and has originality. George Arliss virtually becomes the part he is playing, and his studious attention to detail makes the role ring true. In “A Successful Calamity,” the star plays the role of Henry Wilton, n millionaire, who becomes tired of the continual round of social affairs which keep his wife and family away from him. The announcement that he has “failed” in business and is ruined brings members of his family to their senses, but they do not know that Wilton has arranged the “failure” to ascertain their reactions to poverty. All ends happily, but before the final scene the plot takes many twists and turns which keep the audience in a state of pleasant anticipation. A splendid picture of the running of the Grand National Steeplechase will also be screened. COLLINS BENEFIT CONCERT. BOX PLAN OPENS THIS MORNING. A programme of an exceptionally high standard has been" arranged for the benefit concert to be held next Thursday in the Theatre Royal, in aid of the family of the late Mr P. L. Collins. The committee in charge are well satisfied with the response with which their efforts are meeting, and, as the object is a most worthy one, it is expected that the house will be filled to capacity. Assisted by several leading local artists are the combined efforts of the Municipal Band, the Orchestral Society and the Catholic Dramatic Club. The principal number to be played by the Band will be the grand selection from Meyerbeer’s opera, “L’Etoile du Nord.” The well-known march, “Dunedin.” by Kenneth Alford, will also be played. The Orchestra, by special request. will play Weber’s Concerto for clarionet and orchestra, with Mr W. C Burke as solo clarionet. The “Turkish Patrol” is another number to be played by the Orchestra. Two short plays

“Home at Last" and "A Marriage Has Been Arranged,” will be presented by the Catholic Dramatic Club. The assisting artists will be Miss Lilian McDonald, Mrs F. H. Ruddenklau. and Messrs ‘G. H. Andrews, R. Richards, L C. Andrew and J Duncan. The Band and the Orchestra will be under the conductorship of Mr W. H. Osborne, and Mrs G A. Martin will act as accomparuste.

On account of the attractive and varied programme which has been arranged. the concert should prove one of the finest of its kind held in Timaru. Moderate prices have been decided on, and patrons of 2/- seats can reserve without extra charge. The box plan will open at Begg's this morning.