AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21001, 1 April 1938, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE •SPARKLES" Jessie Matthews’ new scintillating i musical. “Sparkles” has been once again directed by Sonnie Hale, who is showing no signs of returning to acting for his many fans. His decision io retire and direct films only was a sad blow to most picturegoers, but his productions are more than making up for this. In “Sparkles”—Jessie Matthews has never been seen to better advantage—she sings and dances more divinely than ever, and the story’ and ’ dialogue have more than usual brightness and opportunities for your favourite musical star. All this, through the excellent direction of Sonnie Hale. Also in the cast of this G.-BD. release ar? Barry Mackay, opposite Jessie. Nat Pendleson, Noel Madison, and Olive Blakeney. The title of “dancing divinity” that was bestowed upon Jessie Matthews some time ago has become so timeworn as to be a household world; but unlike such phrases which are apt to disappear after while, this one has stuck to her—that’s only natural, because she has earned it thoroughly and lives up to it with every appearance. In “Sparkles,” her new’ scintillating GauI mont-British picture she once again I demonstrates how absolutely individual and charming are her work and person ality. There is nobody : i Britain today who can equal her in her own special line. She started off in “The Good Companions” as a leading star and has steadily built up her huge following ever since. Oth r G.-B. releases include “There Goes the Bride,” “The Man From Toronto,” “Waltzes From Vienna,” “First a Girl.” “Evergreen,” "Its Love Again.” “Head Over Heels,” and now “Sparkles.” MAJESTIC THEATRE “SOULS AT SEA ” “Souls at Sea” is the motion picture treatment of the famous trial of "Nuggin” Taylor, sea captain of the '4o’s, who assumed command of the brig “William Brown” when that ship caught fire in mid-Atlantic shortly after her master died. Taylor is played by Gary Cooper, who hardly performed as well in any of his ’ong string of credible adventure stories—possibly because he was re-enacting a story from history’s pages for the first time. The “William Brown” was equipped with only two life boats and Taylor realised that he could never bring the entire ship’s company to safety in the frail craft. He ordered a trial to determine who should be permitted to go aboard the lifeboats and who should us ordered—at pistol point —to remain aboard and go to the bottom with the ill-fated vessel. He included himself among the survivors not because he wanted to save his life, he later told an admiralty court, but because he knew he was the only man who could bring the life-boats safely through to land. There followed a trial which is now epic among sea trials. Taylor was accused of manslaughter on the high seas not only by most of the survivors, but what hurt most, by his sweetheart, played by beautiful Frances Dee. This powerful Paramount picture lists in its cast George Raft, who is superb as the hard-boiled mate of the vessel who would steal a kernel of corn from a hen but would follow his captain to the grave; Henry Wilcoxon. Harry Carey, Olympe Bradna, Robert Cummings, Porter Hall and a roster of supporting players. •ACTION FOR SLANDER” NEW PICTURE AT STATE Unquestionably the finest picture of its type which has come to Timaru for some time is “Action for Slander.” which opens to-day at the State. What is even better is the fact that the picture is a British one, with a particularly strong British cast. It is indeed refreshing to Lear dialogue delivered by voices which carry no suggestion of the well-known American accent. It is not that the best American pictures are offensive to the ear because of the accent, but they all carry at least that faint suggestion which stamps their origin. The story is that of Major George Daviot, twhose wife leaves him on account of an affair he is having with the wife of a brother officer. At a house-party he is very successful in a poker game, until the brother-officer. Captain Bradford, takes the opportunity of an accusation by a slightly-fuddled stockbroker to brand Daviot as a cheat. His affair with Bradford’s wife, and further advice from his friends, causes him to agree not to take action. A whisuering campaign initiated by the stockbroker and Bradford, however, closes every club in London against him. In desperation, he retires to a second-rate board-ing-house where he repulses his friends on account of their advice. At last they get in touch with his wife Ann. who prevails him to bring an action for slander against Bradford. At first the case goes heavily against Daviot. who has only his own evidence to go on. but a clever trick by a skilful lawyer brings about a surprising reversal of opinion. FAY COMPTON SEASON “VICTORIA REGINA” TO-NIGHT This evening at the Theatre Royal, beginning at 8 o’clock J. C. Williamson Ltd. will present England’s greatest and most popular actress, Miss Fay Compton and her brilliant London company in Laurence Housman’s worldfamous dramatic triumph “Victoria Regina.” Seats in central positions may be selected to-day at Begg’s and afterwards the plans will be on view at the Theatre Royal. Miss Fay Compton is unquestionably, the finest actress the New Zealand stage has known for many years, and in “Victoria Regina” she is given opportunities to present her outstanding genius in dramatic artistry. Her incomparable characterisation of Victoria, from the age of 19 to that of 80 demands her continuous appearance on the stage and repeated changes of make-up, combined with delicately shaded indications of the changes of time and domestic influence upon an imperious will. With subtle art Miss Compton, it is said, makes an everlasting picture

of the woman and the queen, lovable even in her tolerant prejudices, often humanely democratic and susceptible to cajolery, but intensely jealous of her privilege. “George and Margaret” In response to many requests the management will present Miss Fay Compton and her company to-morrow night in Gerald Savoury’s comedy triumph “George and Margaret." which has been running continuously tor 12 months in London, and is still attracting record audiences there. “George and Margaret” is different in every respect, from “Victoria Regina, and in it Mi§£ Compton displays her wonderful versatility in a delightful comedy role. She and the members of her company put aside the pomp and dignity of Housman’s drama, and in the simple setting of a modern home they keep the audience laughing for two and a half hours with portrayals of recognisable domestic characters and mannerisms of the age. Father, son and happy guest, to say nothing of mother, qjaid. missie and the boy friend—they are all there to fit snugly into a charmed circle of family comedy. Brilliant delineations in witty and brilliantly clever dialogue are turned into living personalities, and the humour is natural, spontaneous and compelling. Miss Fay Compton and her company achieved an electrical triumph in “George and Margaret” in Auckland, and it is likely that it will be revived there before the company returns to Australia. “George and Margaret" was also received with great enthusiasm on Saturday night last in Christchurch, and the Theatre Royal there has been taxed to its capacity at every performance since then of Gerald Savoury’s excellent comedy.