AMUSEMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 34, 10 February 1930, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS

THE REGENT “THE LAST OF MRS CHEYNEY” "The Last of Mrs Cheyney,” now showing at the Regent Theatre, is especially attractive. Heralded by the leading critics as the most finished alltalking picture—it fully lives up to all that has been said in its favour. Besides being a perfect vehicle for Norma Shearer, every factor of good entertainment is triumphantly presented—story, star, cast and production. Technically the picture is a revelation. It may be added that with a single exception (Hedda Hopper) every member of the distinguished cast is British born, thus interpreting the characterisation of the story with thoroughness. The story commences when Lord Dilling, who has a determined way with women, is kindled to overwhelming passion by the frigid aloofness of the beautiful Mrs Cheyney, with whom he strikes up an acquaintanceship at a London social bazaar.

By spying upon the talented and charming Mrs Cheyney, Dilling makes the discovery that she is a society crook, working as an inside accomplice for Charles, her suave butler. Angered and elated at the same time, Dilling invades her boudoir after guests have retired in the mansion of the wealthy Mrs Webley, hostess at a fashionable week-end party. Dilling warns her that he will expose her if she makes an outcry. She replies by ringing an alarm. In the title role of Frederick Lonsdale’s well-known stage play, Miss Shearer clinches her hold on stellar talking screen honours. The story is built around the adventure of a beautiful London society "Raffles’’ and a member of nobility who loves her even when she robs his home. Basil Rathbone was entrusted with the role of the nobleman and proves to have been a happy choice. George Barraud, who plays Mrs Cheyney’s burglaring butler, does some deft character work, as does Herbert Bunston as Lord Elton, a role which he played in the stage production, and Cyril Chadwick as "Willie.” Hedda Hopper is the only non-Britisher in the cast. Others deserving of special mention are Moon Carroll, Madeline Seymour, Finch Smiles and Maude Turner. Seats may be hookcl at the Bristol until 5 p.m., thereafter at the theatre, -’phone 5252.

MAJESTIC. AN ATTRACTIVE FILM "THE RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES.” "The Return of Sherlock Holmes,” showing at the Majestic Theatre, attracted a very large and appreciative house on Saturday evening. For entertaining qualities, it may be said that it is even better than the Ronald Coleman feature. From beginning to end the film is crammed with exciting moments fully living up to the standard set by Conan Doyle, the originator of the Sherlock Holmes series of writings. Holmes is portrayed in the picture by Clive Brook, one of the most distinguished of actors of the screen, and an Englishman by birth. He forsakes the ancient garb of a century ago of the original Holmes of the brain of Conan Doyle, for the more modern garb, but it makes him just as fascinating as the fiction character. In the > cast, too, is Betty Lawford, the leading lady whose troubles and fears about the safety of her sweetheart and the death of her father are the cause of Holmes coming from retirement and taking up this case in which he bests the arch criminal, Moriarty. Betty Lawford, too, is English, and well known on the stage there, being typical of the beauty of English girls. The whole picture is under the direction of Basil Dean, a. noted director and producer of stage plays from England. In the changing times through which the motion picture is moving at the present time, there is always something that someone has done first. But with "The Return of Sherlock Holmes,” there is a different kind of first. Holmes has been a popular detective of fiction for years, and his exploits have been the source of excitement for millions but although the themes of exploits and the methods of Holmes have been copied, there has never been one of the famous stories on the screen till the appearance of Clive Brook in this Paramount picture. Thus for the first time, the public will be able to judge whether the Holmes that they have imagined has been faith-

THE GRAND. “WHY LEAVE HOME?” With each new talking picture that makes its appearance the film industry proves it is advancing in giant strides. The latest microphonic recorded achievement of Fox Movietone to delight local fans is "Why L...ve Home!” which opened a six-night’s season at the Grand Theatre on Saturday to a large and enthusiastic audence. Bubbling with a never-ending stream of delightful humour, and containing an ear haunting group of song numbers that proved irresistible, "Why Leave Home?” is one of the most entertaining all talking, singing and dancing pictures this reviewer has yet encountered. It is an adaptation of the well-known stage success, “Cradle Snatchers,” and is even funnier in the screen version than it was in the footlight production. A melange of college youths, chorus girls, "two timing” business men and indignant wives compose the cast, and the catchiness of the melodies is assured by the authorship—that of Conrad, Mitchell and Gottler, who have many Broadway musical shows to their credit as well as the tuneful numbers of the "Fox Movietone Follies of 1929.” Excellent direction and staging combine with the hilarious situations and snappy repartee to constitute a fastmoving and always enjoyable picture. Walter Catlett repeats his stage success, sharing tho leading honours with Sue Carol and Nick tuart! Incidently, Catlett wrote the amusing dialogue. Notable performances are given by the other celebrities in the cast, David Rollins, Richard Keene, Dixie Lee, Jean Bary, Jed Prouty, Ilka Chase and Dot Farley doing specially good work. Raymond Cannon’s direction and his deft use of camera angles is noteworthy. Don’t miss "Why Leave Home?” Catlett, to our way of thinking is one of the most entertaining comedians in America. He can cavort about with the best of them and make anything from a cigar store Indian to a confirmed pessimist get the giggles and keep them. His voice, too, has something in it which brands him "comic.” Sue Carol is even happier and sweeter than she was in the "Movietone Follies.” Sue is one of the best of the younger members of the Fox luminaries and when she sets out to please, she registers one hundred per cent. Nick Stuart proved a fine selection and his voice registers excellent. In fact we can say that the entire cast lived up to expectation; and we insist that "Why Leave Home?” is something you must leave home for —and see it as soon as possible for it is scheduled to play twice daily until Friday next at the Grand Theatre. The supports on this programme are exceptionally good and well selected. Seats for to-night or any night of the season may be reserved without extra charge at theatre office.

SCOTTISH OPEN-AIR ENTERTAINMENT The Wanganui Caledonian Society are running a grand Scottish open-air entertainment in aid of the Wanganui Pipe Band contest fund in Cook’s Garden on Thursday night, when a remarkably interesting and novel programme will bo submitted. Commencing at 7 p.m. there will be no less than eight competitive Highland dancing events for juniors, competitors coming from adjoining districts. The recalls in these events will come on • the jl’ogramme after 8 o’clock and in addition there will be Highland and fancing dancing galore by many of New Zealand’s champion dancers. The mention of such names as Misses Gladys Smyth, Mary Thomson and Jean Scott, all New Zealand champion lady dancers, and Messrs Gordon McCombie and R. W. Haddow, New Zealand champions and wee Charlie Stewart, the w >nderful Harry Lauder impersonator and champion Highland dancer should draw crowds to see such experts perform. Vocal items will also be given. There will be a fine cycling programme and in addition a number of most interesting wrestling bouts by some of New Zealand’s best, wrestlers. The Pipe Band will give their contest items including the wonderful spectacular marching event, with special lighting effects. This never fails to arouse the enthusiasm of the audience.

fully interpreted by Clive Brook or not. Seats may be booked at Emmetts until 5 p.m. thereafter at the theatre, ’phone 2863.