THE THEATRES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 190, 12 August 1931, Page 3

THE THEATRES.

BRILLIANT comedy. Mr Tom "Walls, the English director, has produced a great film in “ Canaries Sometimes ijing,'’ which heads the programme at the Plaza Theatre. It is something entirely new in the way of farce comedy. It is the latest British Dominions film and definitely places the inimitable Tom Walls, who takes the chief part himself, on a pedestal as a talkie comedy star. The witty and sparkling dialogue from the pens of Frederick Lonsdale and Ben Travers, coupled with the brilliant acting of an excellent cast, make the film “ Canaries Sometimes Sing ” an entertainment of outstanding merit. The story concerns only four people, who find themselves in a domestic whirlpool through one husband falling in love with the other’s wife. But the story matters little when the witty dialogue and superb acting are considered. There is a firstclass supporting programme. SYDENHAM TALKIES. The famous comedy, “Charley’s Aunt,’’ starring Charles Ruggles and June Collyer, will be screened at the King's Theatre Talkies, Sydenham, to-night, Thursday and Friday. There cannot be many who have not heard of “ Charley s Aunt.” It is equally certain that a large percentage of the population have previously seen this comedy either on the stage or the silent film version, and, of course, many have seen both. Those who have seen it previously will, no doubt, be looking forward again to making the acquaintance of that wonderful personality, Charley's Aunt from Brazil. When one thinks of the many humorous incidents in the plot, it creates a keen desire’ to see it played again. The role of dowager aunt is this time played by Charles Ruggles. It is not giving anything away to say that the “aunt” is really a student of the famous Oxford University, who agrees to play the role in order to act as chaperon for some friends. The troubles encountered by the bogus aunt in carrying out the duties of chaperon are far too numerous to mention, but altogether they jnake the greatest evening s fun it is possible to imagine. A strong supporting programme includes a travelogue, news reel and cartoon. Patrons are advised to reserve at the Theatre Sweet Shop. GOOD DOUBLE BILL. A fine double feature programme is presented at the Liberty Theatre. The Vitaphone production “Divorce Among Friends” is a humorous skit on married life, with James Hall as the husband and Irene Delroy taking the part of the attractive wife. The second feature picture is of the thriller type, its title, “The Gorilla,” speaking for itself. NORMA SHEARER’S FILM. “Let Us Be Gay,” Norma Shearer’s successful sequel to “ The Divorcee," is being screened for a return season at Everybody’s Theatre. This brilliantly acted film. with its engaging and sprightly dialogue, is brimful of delightful crmedv situations, and there can be little doubt as to its popularity with the public. It is a light-hearted film appropriate to Grand National Week.

"THE SEA GOD.” Sea, pearls ancl cannibals are brought together in a picture which is refreshing both in its novelty and its disregard for screen conventions. It is “ The Sea God,” now being screened at the Theatre Royal. The programme of shorts is excellent and part two of the thrilling fire-fighting picture, “ Heroes of the Flames,” is also shown. “ THE ROYAL BED.” On Saturday next the Theatre Royal will present ” The Royal Bed,” a picture hailed as one of the really outstanding attractions of 1931. It is a sparkling comedy starring Lowell Sherman, whose clever style of acting is well known to theatre-goers, and with him is Mary Astor. The story is adapted from Robert E. Sherwood’s stage success and it is laid in a mythical monarchy in the North Sea. It has many refreshing elements, it is said, and as a satirical, comedy it is declared to have nb equals. Humour, drama and spectacle are combined and the picture certainly should prove an unusual attraction. GRETA GARBO TRIUMPH. Greta Garbo was never better cast in any role than she is in “Inspiration,” which is being screened at Crystal Palace. No other actress could have played the part of Yvonne, the lovehungry Parisienne, in quite the way that Miss Garbo plays it. She acts as one feels sure she herself would act under the same circumstances. Robert Montgomery as Andre also has a role well suited to his type. He makes a very effective contrast to Greta Garbo and adds to his already good reputation as an actor. Other splendid characterisations are given by Lewis Stone, John Miljan, Marjorie Rambeau and Judith Vosselli. Interesting supporting pictures are shown. REMARKABLE TALKIE. An unusual type of films heads the Grand National Week programme at the Regent Theatre. It is entitled “Doctors’ Wives,” and deals with the very interesting question of whether the wife of a successful doctor has a right to demand that her husband should consider her every whim as being of greater importance than his duty to his patients. Warner Baxter and Joan Bennett are cast in the roles of the successful doctor with a fashionable clientele and his extremely jealous wife, who does not realise until she has imposed much suffering on her- ] self and her husband, that a doctor’s ; work is confidential and that he cannot S afford to ignore his duty. MAJESTIC HAS COMEDIES Another excellent entertainment is billed this week at the Majestic Theatre. In addition to the main film, “ Three Girls Lost,” a really well acted and produced picture, there is an excellent comedy, “ Enter the Queen,” and a news reel of particular interest to Christchurch residents. It shows scenes of the play in the Christ’s College-Boys High School match, the harrier championship and Riccarton and Addington race meetings.