AT THE EMPIRE THEATRE.

Waipa Post, Volume 44, Issue 3178, 17 May 1932, Page 8

AT THE EMPIRE THEATRE.

to-night and wednesday. " GOING WILD." The greatest comdey cast of the year was assembled for "Going Wild," the First National and Vitaphone production which comes to the Empire Theatre to-night and Wednesday. One comedian is usually enough in a picture, but First National has been generous and' provided half-a-dozen. Joe E. Brown, who has become the foremost comedian in pictures since the advent of the talkies, heads the list «>as the star of the production, and is credited with haying given a funnier performance than he did in the comedy riot, "Top Speed." Frank McHugh, who caused plenty of laughs in " Bright Lights/' " The Toast of the Legion," " Dawn Patrol," " The Widow from Chicago," and"" Top Speed," plays a highly entertaining part as an inebriate (ten dollar work for a drunk) in " Going Wild.' Laura Lee who made her debut in "Top Speed", also plays the feminine comedy lead in " Going Wild." A newcomer, from the New York musical comedy stage, is Ona Munson, who is not on.y beautiful but has one of the best singing voices in pictures. She is well trained as a comedienne because Eddie Buzzell is her husband! Walter Pidgeon, whose performances have all been tinged with gaiety, plays the role of Brown's rival aviator in the picture, while Lawrence Gray, Gloria Swanson's leading man in a number of pictures, plays opposite Miss Munson. Johnny Arthur is also in it. THURSDAY AND FRIDAY AND SPECIAL MATINEE THURSDAY. "THE OUTSIDER." An unusually strong caste has been assembled for the production of the British dramatic triumph "The Outsider," a British Dominions picture to be released at the Empire on Thursday, when screened in Auckland was accorder a flattering reception. The story deals with the medical profession] and has a dramatic setting always gripping in its intensity, with romance and high life, giving the picture a wfde appeal. The daughter of a surgeon is lame from birth, and has grown into a pathetically beautiful young woman, her tragic misfortune presses hffyily.i The centre of ,a smart set, cultured in tastes and charming in manner, she nevertheless lives a life of most profound disappointment, and regrets intense fied by the vivre of her section. She is adored by a wealthy young man, who vehemently resents the " straightlaced" attitude of the girl's father against trying any treatment not dictated by the most stringent medical practice'.' *A " quack," reputed to have performed wonderful cures, comes into the neighbourhood, and a conflict is engendered between father and daughter regarding the possibility of the uncertificated and unqualified practitioner effecting a cure of the young woman's disability. Against the wishes of the father, the "quack" is given the opportunity to treat the affliction, and a long and painful period of suffering ensues, the patient 'being buoyed up by the emotional administrations of the pseudo doctor and the attentions of her fiance. At long last the time comes for the vital test of the treatment, but the inevitable result is that the tragedy of the young woman's affliction becomes still more tragic, and her limbs are rendered useless. The climax comes with a tensely dramatic scene, which is enacted with super ative effect. The feature of the production is really the exceptionally fine acting of the principals. Harold Huth, the new screen star, as "The Outsider.," scores a most impressive triumph, while the impersonation of the invalid daughter by Joan Barry is faultless. Frank Lawton, playing opposite, also achieves a further success. The picture throughout is characteristic of British efficiency . and thoroughness, and provides excellent entertainment. The supporting pictures are of equally high merit, and include an Australian Gazette, Rambling Reporter in a trip through Kashmir, and a novel number " China Plate," a Cynchratoon. The programme is certain to prove popular.