AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20290, 13 December 1935, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “DEATH AT BROADCASTING HOUSE” Novel treatment of the murder mystery theme, combined with effective acting of the principal parts, makes an unusually entertaining film of “Death at Broadcasting House,” which will conclude at the Regent today. The story is of a murder which was broadcast to the world, and it is presented in a most interesting and entertaining manner. “The Keeper of the Bees” Coming to-morrow to the Regent Theatre is “The Keeper of the Bees” the film version of the widely-read and well-beloved novel by Gene StrattonPorter. This is a most appealing dramatic romance. Skilfully modernised in adaptation and treatment, it faithfully preserves the moving human interest spirit of the original story. As the tale is told on the screen, an atmosphere of sincerity predominates, and there is a refreshing absence of theatrical heroics. Pitched to a rather serious key in which, however, there is no lack of comedy contrast, it is that kind of entertainment for which the theatre-going public has many times demonstrated its affection. The theme, natural and human and treating conflicting human emotions under unusual conditions, is directed and acted in a manner that should delight audiences of all ages and tastes. Set in the charming rustic locales made familiar to picturegoers by previous films of Gene Stratton-Porter stories “The Keeper of the Bees” tells of the experiences of Jamie, a World War veteran who believes he is living on borrowed time. MAJESTIC THEATRE “SMART GIRL” There is plenty of action and comedy in the new Paramount production “Smart Girl,” which is having a season at the Majestic Theatre. Ida Lupino, Kent Taylor and Gail Patrick head the cast in this bright romantic drama. It is the story of a modem girl and her adventures in lovemaking, and in the business of making a living. Two sisters find themselves faced with the problem of earning a living after their father’s loss of his huge fortune and his suicide. A handsome young lawyer comes into the picture at this stage and both girls fall in love with him. The eternal triangle is created and many amusing and dramatic moments arise. A strong supporting programme makes the entertainment well worth seeing. “Bright Eyes.” One of the finest, most human, most heart-warming films in a decade will begin an engagement to-morrow morning at the Majestic Theatre. The picture so heartily endorsed is “Bright Eyes,” Fox Film’s newest and best vehicle for the amazing talents of Shirley Temple, child star extraordinary. No such performance as Shirley’s no such dramatic and persuasive film story has been seen on a local screen in recent months. There can be no doubt as to the reception which will be accorded this delightful drama. “Bright Eyes” has universal appeal in every sense of the word. Swift, human, at times pathetic, at times very funny, it is a story which will hold you in its spell from opening sequence to the finish. David Butler, director of the picture, conceived the original idea of the story.. With Edwin Burke, whose script, “Bad Girl,” won the the Academy Award in 1931, he wrote it. Then William Conselman, another gifted Hollywoodite, adapted it to the screen. The efforts of everyone associated with “Bright Eyes” takes place at a large commercial airport near Los Angeles and in a wealthy Pasadena home nearby- James Dunn is once again cast “opposite” Shirley, and delivers one of the ablest performances of his notable Hollywood career. Jane Darwell, who registered so emphatically in “The White Parade” of recent memory, contributes splendid work, and other members of a fine east are Lois Wilson, Judith Allen, Charles Sellon, Dorothy Christy, Jane Withers and Theodore van Eltz, STATE THEATRE “ROBERTA” POPULAR Delightful music and a fascinating story combine to make “Roberta”, which concludes at the State to-day, one of the most notable musical productions ever presented in Timaru Dealing with the life of an “AllAmerican” footballer, who inherits a fashionable gown-designing establishment in Paris named "Roberta,” the picture strikes a novel note and provides numerous opportunities to introduce that type of bright and original humour so much appreciated by modern audiences. In addition to the fascinating theme, the musical numbers are of exceptionally high quality and some clever dancing is performed by Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. “Anne of Green Gables” Seldom has the charm of familiar and human figures been presented so well on the screen as in the outstanding sentimental drama “Anne of Green Gables,” which comes to the State tomorrow. The film is very similar in type to “Little Women,” which was ranked by many critics as one of the 10 best pictures of 1934. ’ The story is adapted from the novel by L. M. Montgomery and is marked by the same homely sentiment. Appearing in the title role is the charming young actress Anne Shirley, and she captures admirably the spirit of her namesake whose hitherto unhappy life had not quelled her confidence nor dulled the inquiring nature of her mind. She gives an outstanding portrayal of a gay, whimsical and lovable nature. Tom Brown, O. P. Heggie and Helen Westley take the other leading parts.