AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19673, 15 December 1933, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS

“LADY AND GENT” AT REGENT. “THE LITTLE DAMOZEL” TOMORROW. “Lady and Gent,” the appealing comedy drama which has enjoyed a good season at the Regent, is to conclude to-night and will be replaced tomorrow' by a new British and Dominions picture, “The Little Damozel,” the figures of which for the opening three days' showing at the Plaza Theatre, London, broke all London box-office records for the last five months. In three days over 20,000 persons paid for admission, and at the end of the week 50,000 patrons had paid to see the film, including the Prince of Wales. This is indeed a striking proof of its popularity. After her successful screen appearances with Jack Buchanan in “Good-Night, Vienna.” and with Henry Edw’ards in “The Flag Lieutenant,” Anna Neagle, by reason of her beauty, charm and grace, together w’ith a mature stage sense, was chosen by the author, Monckton Hoffe, for the title role. “The Little Damozel” is a richly human drama, calling for much expression during its developments of two distinct personalities and a vast range of emotions. Miss Neagle proved herself to be capable of handling the difficult role with outstanding auccess. and apart from her dramatic acting she sings two delightful songs, written by the celebrated Noel Coward, and gives some original dance numbers. Co-starring w'ith Ann Neagle is James Rennie, born in Canada and now considered one of the greatest actors of the New York stage. Thus, with an already world-renowned story, with direction by Herbert Wilcox, introducing music by Ray Noble and Noel Cow'ard. and with a cast headed oy Anna Neagle and James Rennie, “The Little Damozel” may w-ell lay claim to be a production of unusual interest as well as merit. “FRA DIAVOLO” FOR MAJESTIC. LAUREL AND HARDY'S LATEST. For "Fra Diavolo” the screen's comic opera, which will replace ' Strange Interlude” at the Majestic to-morrow, the National Broadcasting Company of Chicago supplied 150 trained singers. The music of Auber runs through the talkies and the magnificent voice of Dennis King is heard in a c ong that Timaru will be singing very soon. King is completely at his ease in "Fra Diavolo,” both as the devil's brother and when masquerading as the Marquess de San Marco, a gallant with a polished manner and a courtly presence. When he has robbed the rich men and the pretty ladies, he becomes the devil's brother, and the mountains ring with his voice as he goes riding back to his band of robbers. This is the musical side of "Fra Diavolo,” Thelma Todd supplying the physical beauty. Then you come to the comedy, ancl here are Laurel and Hardy, amusing in their 18th century make-up. and enthralling in their antics. Laurel has new and un-dreamed-of busine s, and. incredible as it sounds, one of his best contributions to the screen ls a laughing number. The sad-faced Laurel laughs, Hardy laughs, everybody laughs. It ls as irresistible as Laurel's new game. "Kneesy. Earsy, Nosey,” and it would be just about a> difficult for anyone less talented than Stan Laurel to begin it The story of two friends who turn bandits

in retaliation for being robbed of their life savings just when they meant to retire is reported to be permeated with humour from its very opening reel to finish. For instance, Hardy is captured by a bandit gang and is sentenced to be hanged. Laurel is given the hangman’s assignment. Also involved in the hilarious incidents are James Finlayson. Lucille Brown, Arthur Pierson. Henry Armetta. Matt McHugh. Lane Chandler, and Nena Quartero, THEATRE ROYAL. SPECIAL PROGRAMME TO-MORROW. To-morrow a special programme will be screened at the Theatre Royal. The main picture will be "Ghost Valley, an exciting story of the West, starring Tom Keene, whose popularity with picture-goers has been definitely established. An event of importance to-morrow will be the start of "The Lost Special," a thrilling serial which is based on Sir Arthur Conun Doyles famous story of the same name. Good supports are promised.

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