AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19661, 1 December 1933, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS

“INTERNATIONAL HOUSE.” GREAT OMEDY FOR MAJESTIC. “Secrets of the Blue Room,” the great mystery story which has been thrilling large houses at the Majestic, will receive its final Timaru presentation to-night. It will be replaced tomorrow by “International House,” one of the brightest, most tuneful and most amusing productions ever filmed. With regard to the centre of action and the scope of the story, the picture is in a way a burlesque on “Grand Hotel." The scene is laid in International House, an hotel at Wu-Hu. China, where agents from all parts of the world meet to bargain with Dr Wong, a Chinese scientist who has invented a radioscope, an instrument which enables the possessor to see and hear events in all parts of the world. The American representative, who has a habit of contracting juvenile complaints, has a high temperature on the eve of his marriage, and the authorities, in the belief that he is suffering from measles, place the hotel in quarantine. The stage is now set for the uproariously funny scenes that follow, the piece de resistance being the arrival at the hotel in an autogyro cf that popular comedian, W. C. Fields. Laughable sequences follow, Fields dominating the action with his Innumerable smart quips and ridiculous antics. Others in the large cast who contribute to the fun are Peggy Hopkins Joyce, Sari Martiza. Stuart Erwin and Franklyn Pangborn. The music in the film Is incorporated into the story in the demonstrations of Dr Wong’s radioscope. Many of America’s favourite stage and radio stars take part, including Rudy Vallee, Baby Rose Marie and Cab Callow’ay.

“TELL ME TO-NIGHT.” FEAST OF SONG FOR REGENT. The interesting comedy, “The Warrior’s Husband,” which has been much enjoyed at the Regent, will conclude its Timaru season to-night. Hailed by critics as a picture that no one should miss “Tell Me To-night,” which is to commence to-morrow, is expected to pack the house at every session. Writing of the picture one critic said: “Jan Kiepura's beautiful tenor voice rings through the fun and sentiment of this delightful entertainment. It 4 s a feast of glorious melody and rich comedy. Kiepura has the happy faculty of suggesting that he sings because he must. This Polish star is boyish and charming and so happy that he expresses the joy of living through his superb voice.” “Tell Me To-night” has that adorable quality of infectious entertainment which made “Sunshine Susie” and "Marry Me” such emphatic successes. Kiepura is by far the most fascinating member of a really outstanding cast. Tall, wellbuilt and handsome, he has a voice that for sheer beauty of quality places him in the first rank of tenors of the Italian school. The story of "Tell Me To-night” was filmed in the lakes district of Switzerland, and the photography is superb. The music in the piece ranges from the most lilting ff modern melodies to tuneful excerpts from grand opera, and sparkling comedy and pleasing romance round out a story that should appeal to every taste. Sonnie Hale, a comedian whose comedy Ls distinctly new and wholly delightful, adds to the Joy of the picture with his bubbling laughter. Edmund Gwenn and Athene Sevier contribute to the fun.