AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20097, 2 May 1935, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “THE LOST PATROL” Scenic backgrounds of spectacular and awesome beauty are noteworthy features of “The Lost Patrol,” new RKO-Radio Picture in which Victor McLaglen, Boris Karloff, Reginald Denny and Wallace Ford play the leading roles. The entire picture, which is showing at the Regent, has a Mesopotamia desert locale, and was filmed on location among the towering sand dunes near Yuma, Arizona. These dunes, among the largest and most beautiful in the world, cover hundreds of square miles along the ArizonaCalifornia boundary. Whipped constantly by restless winds, the dunes sprawl in grotesque shapes, which change w&h th* vagaries of the gales. Frequently, entire dunes are moved, and new mounds spring up to take their place among the sand giants. In making “The Lost Patrol,” Director John Ford takes advantage of some of these storm periods to photograph scenes of amazing scenic beauty. The plot of the picture centres about a patrol of British cavalrymen lost on the desert when their officer is killed by Arabs. Tremendous drama and suspense are said to be developed as the soldiers wait for death. Supporting the principal players is an outstanding cast including Alan Hale, Billy Bevan, Sammy Stein, Douglas Walton, Brandon Hurst. Paul Hanson, J. M. Kerrigan and Howard Wilson.

MAJESTIC THEATRE “DR. MONICA” An unusual theme, original treatment of the frequently hackneyed love triangle, reaching a thrilling, dramatic and unexpected climax, with charming and talented Kay Francis in the title role, supported by such outstanding stars as Warren William, Jean Muir and Verree Teasdale. This tells the story of “Doctor Monica,” which Warner Bros, presented for the first time locally at the Majestic Theatre last night. It is no sordid love affair of the screen. Two women, both fine characters, are in love with one man, who is married to one of them, and is the lover of the other. The man is thoroughly ashamed of himself, conscience stricken at the thought that he is responsible for wrecking the happiness of the two women who love him. Each woman tries to sacrifice herself for the other, and in one of the most dramatic scenes ever screened, the “other woman” flies out to sea in an almost fuelless aeroplane. Kay Francis is magnificent in her portrayal of the role of Doctor Monica, and Jean Muir, as the “other woman,” shows why Warner Bros, have so rapidly advanced her to stardom. Warren William makes a difficult role very convincing.

“ARMS AND THE MAN” PRESENTATION BY DRAMA LEAGUY Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man,” a delightful comedy in three acts, is to be presented in the Theatre Royal on Tuesday next by the Repertory Group of the South Canterbury Drama League. The presentation of this play, which is described as the most novel and effective attack on the idolisation of the modern military man ever penned, should mark a distinct advance in play production in this district. Indeed, remembering the previous efforts of the Drama League in the realm of play producing, it can be taken for granted that the presentation of “Arms and the Man” will leave nothing to be desired. A capable cast of players has been chosen and it is certain that no small part of Shaw’s outstanding work will be neglected. Special scenery has been provided for the play, and the costuming, which will be a feature of the presentation, has been especially imported from Australia, and particular care is being taken to present the play in its correct setting. Box plans will open at Begg’s this morning.