AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19804, 21 May 1934, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS

■ -’HIS WEEK OF GRACE.” GRACIE FIELDS AT MAJESTIC. The popularity of Gracie Fields in her latest production ’’This Week of Grace” was fully evident at the Majestic on Saturday. “This Week <f Grace” is musical comedy of the most pleasing variety, and, by virtue of the high standard of its musical entertainment it does not require to rely to any great extent on its plot to carry it along. Miss Fields sings her way through the production in her own happy and tuneful fashion. The audience is first captivated by "My Lucky Day,” and the numbers which follow are equally attractive. They include “Happy Ending,” “Heaven Will Protect an Honest Girl,” “Mary Rose,” “When Cupid Calls,” and “Melody Rose.” Of the supporting players, the most outstanding is Frank Pettingell, as Gracie’s father, who fits into the picture as naturally as the backgrounds. Douglas Wakefield, as Joe, his faithful helper, has a. range of facial expressions that must be the envy of any comedian, and his appearance on the screen is inevitably greeted by a ripple of laughter. Another successful role is played by Henry Kendall, who as Henry Baird moulds the uncouth factory girl into a woman fit to take her place in the best of society. IRENE VANBRUGH AT REGENT. "HEAD OF THE FAMILY.” A British talkie, powerfully dramatic in theme, and which I rings Irene Vanbrugh to the screen for the first time, is “Head of the Family,” which had a successful opening at the Regent on Saturday. Besides offering a story of powerful dramatic appeal, the picture has the additional value a number of popular and famous players in supporting roles, including John Stuart, himself a Star, Arthur Maude, Pat Paterson—recently given a contract by a major Hollywood studio—and D. A. Clarke-Smith. “The Head of the Family” brings to the screen a subject that has not hitherto been attempted by a British studio, picturising the effort of the older generation which, from its traditional security and serenity, finds itself faced with the necessity of adapting itself to new conditions wrought by the post-war period. Irene Vanbrugh has the role of the head of such a family, whose inspiration and courage successfully steer her husband and her children through the storm of domestic and financial difficulties that overcome them at a moment when their security seems most assured.