EMPIRE THEATRE.

Waipa Post, Volume 45, Issue 3211, 2 August 1932, Page 5

EMPIRE THEATRE.

TO-NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. “ RICH AND STRANGE.” “ Rich and Strange ” is a romantic and exciting story of the strange and lovely places of the world unfolded before the wondering eyes of a simple insurance clerk and his wife by the magic of sudden and unexpected wealth, who subsequently return sadder bult wiser. “ Rich and Strange ” puts “ a girdle round the earth in 90 minutes” and filmgoers who see this film 'at the Empire Theatre to-night and Wednesday will visit the Folies Bergeres in Paris, the docks at Marseilles, the native quarter of Port Said, the Suez Canal, Colombo and Singapore, not to mention Brixton High Street. In “Rich and Strange” Joan Barry and Henry Kendall, who play the leading parts of an Insurance clerk and his humdrum litle wife, have roles which are in no way like anything either of them have ever done before. Joan made a great hit as the beautiful cripple, Lalage, in “The Outsider.” Henry, who is under contract to 8.1. P., and has appeared recently in “ The Flying Fool,” is not immune from the usual risks he is forced to run in the good cause of films, in one instance having to lie perfectly stjll while a water bottle is dropped on his forehead. The Coal and Wood business formerly carried on by Messrs Baker, Herries, and Co., has been acquired by Mr N. Gailichan, who is now able to supply finest quality “SIDE SHOW.” THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. Winnie Lightner, who has been a popular figure with Te Awamutu audiences ever since her appearance in “The Gold Diggers of Broadway,” will add to her reputation by her characterisation in “Side Show,” the Warner Bros. Vitaphone production. Although in the past she has been acknowledged to be an exponent of the art of boisterous comedy, her abilities in a more dramatic role have not yet been realised. In “Side Show’’ she takes a part which requires more than mere clowning, and shows that she is able to deal with strong emotional scenes. The picture, however, is notable principally for its comedy, which prevades every scene. As the title indicates, the film is4&ased on the carefree life of the sawdust circus ring, and much of the picture’s interest depends on the enthralling insight it gives into the life “behind the scenes.” In many ways the film is as good as a circus, for bearded ladies, dwarfs, living skeletons and trapeze artists are all seen. Winnie Lightner takes the part of Pat, a loyal supporter of old Colonel Gowdy, whose circus has seen better days. Whenever difficulties arise, Pat shows her alleg--iance by taking any part necessary, whether it is the Bearded Lady or the Living Torch. She has entered into an alliance with Joe MeCready, one of the circus artists, but soon after the picture commences, her sister, Irene, whom Pat has been educating, arrives on the scene and falls violently in love with Joe. Thinking of her sis. ter’s happiness above all, Pat offers no difficulty to the two young people’s friendship, but when the friendship becomes obviously a romance, she still thinks of Irene’s happiness and attempts to break the relationship. Irene, discovering something of the friendship between Joe and Pat in the past, misconstrues her advice and a definite break between the sisters occurs. The way in which a: reconciliation is effected between them, and a happy ending is assumed, forms a splendid climax to a very entertaining film.