AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19604, 26 September 1933, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

“ RASPUTIN AND THE EMPRESS.” AT THE MAJESTIC. Lionel, Ethel and John Barrymore make "Rasputin and the Empress,” now at the Majestic Theatre, one of the most remarkable films to be screened to Timaru. “ Our Betters.” To-morrow's attraction will be "Our Betters," from the play by that brilliant satirist, W. Somerset Maugham, featuring Constance Bennett. When he titled "Our Betters,” Maugham had his tongue to his cheek, for he shows the very topmost layer of society's upper crust to be no better In manners and morals than the least and the worst of us. London and New York were shocked when they first witnessed this biting satire on the stage, but after a lapse of several years it was revived to both metropolises and Ina Claire made a great success of it to New York. It should prove to be Constance Bennett's greatest characterisation and call forth talents that previous roles have not given her a chance to display. Here is an innocently romantic girl who has sophistry forced upon her. Either she must wear a protective coat of hardness, or go through life utterly crushed because the man she marries for love has wed her for money. “MONEY TALKS.” AT THE REGENT. A first class British comedy, “Money Talks,” will have its final screenings at the Regent Theatre to-day. It has regaled large audiences and has a strong cast headed by the Hebrew star, Julian Rose. “ Hard to Handle.” A story that combines quaint humour, rare satire, uproariously funny situations, snappy dialogue and delightful romance, was chosen by Warner Bros, as the starring vehicle to which James Cagney makes his return bow on the screen, after an absence of several months. It is a take off on the flamboyant, pompous and over-confident publici’/ promoter, entitled “Hard to Handle,” which is scheduled to be shown at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. Cagney, as the press agent, puts over every sort of promotion scheme from dance marathons. treasure hunts, cold cream and grapefruit campaigns to building up a one horse college into a tremendous institution. Mary Brian has the leading feminine role as Jimmy's sweetheart, who jilts him when he is a success and marries him when he gets into trouble. Others in the cast include Allen Jenkins, Ruth Donnelly, Claire Dodd and Garvin Gordon. PLEASANT POINT TALKIES. “Madame Butterfly” will provide delightful entertainment at the Pleasant Point talkies this evening. Sylvia Sidney is cast as the young Japanese girl whose romance with the American naval officer has been described as one of the most touching in literature. Excellent supports will also be provided.