AN ARLEN STORY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20543, 19 February 1935, Page 3

AN ARLEN STORY.

Marshall and Constance Bennett Co-starred. “ Outcast Lady,” a clever screen adaptation of Michael Arlen’s widely - read novel, “The Green Hat,” is offered at the Tivoli Theatre this week. Constance Bennett, a star whose glamorous personality and talent for playing deeply-emotional roles, have assured her a large following, takes the part of Iris, and opposite her, in the role of Napier, is that faultless actor, Herbert Marshall, whose flair for romantic portrayals, particularly w r hen there is a touch of drama, eminently suits him for the part. Robert Forbes appears as Boy Fenwick, w T ho, on his wedding night, brings tragedy into the liTe of his bride by leaping out of an hotel window to his death. Gerald, the brother of Iris March, whose dipsomania leads inevitably to further tragedy, is played by Hugh Williams. A strong cast was necessary to portray the depth, subtlety and brilliance of the plot in “ Outcast Lady,” and it can be seen from the players mentioned that the producers, Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer, have taken great pains to ensure success in this respect. Newsreels and another film of a popular travel series comprise the supports. Startling Drama. “ The Man Who Reclaimed His Head,” which is said to be the strangest and most powerful screen drama of the year, is booked for presentation at the Tivoli Theatre shortly. The noted English actor. Claude Rains, is starred in this unusual production. It is a typical Claude Rains role, dynamic, artistic, subtle, which this Theatre Guild star plays for all it’s worth. He is supported by a big cast, including Joan Bennett . Lionel A twill. Baby’ Jane, Henry O’Neill, Lloyd Hughes. Lawrence Grant, Wallace Ford. Gilbert Emery and Henry Armitta. The central theme of “ The Man Who Reclaimed His Head ” deals with the activities of an international munitions ring, with headquarters in Paris, and new light of a highly dramatic quality is shed on an “ eternal triangle ” composed of one woman and two men. “DAMES.” Spectacular Musical Film at Crystal. All previous records in the presentation of scenes of glorious beauty and originality have been surpassed in “Dames,” the musical and dancing extravaganza, which is now in the second week of its successful season at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Chief romantic interest is provided by Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, while Joan Blondell. Zasu Pitts, Guy Kibbee and Hugh Herbert ably maintain the comedy side. The “shorts” are excellent.

“Case of the Howling Dog.” A new type of murder mystery drama has been introduced to the screen by Warner Bros, in “ The Case of the Howling Dog,” which comes to the Crystal Palace Theatre on Saturday, with Warren William and Mary Astor in the leading roles. The plot is entirely different from the ordinary run of mystery plays. There is a clearcut case of murder to start with, but to the police the case closes enshrouded with mystery. During the spectacular trial the criminal lawyer uncovers two other murders. Warren William has the role of the noted criminal lawyer and crime investigator, while Mary Astor plays the part of the society woman accused of killing her husband. ZANE GREY STORY. “Sunset Pass,” the film version of Zane Grey’s popular romantic drama, is having a return season at the Grand Theatre this week. Randolph Scott. Tom Keene, Kathleen Burke, Noah Beery, Harry Carey and Kent Taylor are the principal players in this thrilling story. A good list of shorter films includes Chapter 9 of the se’rial “Gordon of Ghost City” and a Charlie Chaplin comedy

“THE CAT’S-PAW.” Harold Lloyd Starred in Hilarious Comedy. Harold Lloyd, the famous bespectacled comedian, is starred in “ The Cat’s-Paw,” which heads the current bill of fare at the Majestic Theatre. Lloyd appears in a different type of role and makes up for his long absence from the screen with a film that is his best yet. Although “ The Cat’s-Paw ” is a hilarious comedy, it has an underlying note of steadfast purpose. Lloyd, cast as a young man who returns to the United States from China after an absence of twenty years, has what he himself considered the ideal role in an ideal story. His object in going to America—to secure a wife—is enough in itself to cause trouble, but when he finds himself amongst a crowd of shady politicians, and developing a regard for “ wise-cracking ” Petunia Pratt (Una Merkel), he is hard-pressed to find the right course. “Playful Pan,” a Walt Disney Silly Symphony, is the pick of the supporting films, which include a comical musical number by Ruth Etting, a travelogue and a Fox Australian News.