ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE REGENT “HOOK, LINE AND SINKER” Of course it’s funny—this Radio Pictures’ “Hook, Line and Sinker,” which will open to-day at the Regent Theatre. It goes without saying, with such a battery of professional funmakers contributing to the story’s hilarious success! In the starring roles are Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, who can point to four positive “hits” since they entered the talkie field “Rio Rita,” “The Cuckoos,” “Half Shot at Sunrise” and “Dixiana.” In the leading feminine role is Dorothy Lee, who combines charm, rare beauty with a hoyednish comedy flair. Jobyna Howland, with a comedy his tory of more than twenty years, inspires j bursts of laughter whenever she appears : on the screen. She is six-foot-three in her French heels. Hugh Herbert and George Marion contribute fun mixed with vigorous characterisations. And last but not least, Tim Whelan, humorous writer, is responsible for the story “Hook, Line and Sinker”; Ralph Spence, one of the best known “wisecrackers” and dialogue specialists in films, collaborated with Whelan on the lines; and Eddie Cline, a graduate of the Mack Sennett sure-fire comedy school, directed the picture. It’s claimed to be the best yet by the screen’s funniest two-some —and those who have seen Wheeler and Woolsey will agree that plenty of laughs are guaranteed. “City Lights.” Having declared that he considers the talking picture an inferior medium of screen entertainment to the silent motion picture production, Charlie Chaplin backs his opinion with the presentation. of “City Lights,” a romantic comedy photo-play to be shown at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday next, which is synchronised with music and sound effects. At no time is the human voice heard in “City Lights.” It is the comedianproducer’s contention that dialogue limits the field of expression and being primarily a pantomime artist, be regards silence as the best medium for him and the character lie portrays. Chaplin adds that he is not being pre ; judiced in the stand he has taken but that he is merely carrying on in wha ■ he believes a superior art form. “City Lights” is heralded as Chap- j lin’s supreme effort. Of considerable j significance are the facts that reveal < that Chaplin expended 1,500,000 dollars of his own money and close to three - years of his time in the making of this I photoplay. From sources close to Chaplin it is f learned that the comedian’s enthusiasm, over “City Lights” is greater than he ' has ever before evidenced. It is believed that this production will pave the way for more non-dialogue pictures and ' start renewed activity in studios as well I as in theatres. Chaplin’s film is the first of any importance to come out of I Hollywood in close to three years in I silent form. AU through the making of “City Lights” Chaplin has been sul merged by correspondence from every portion of the world lauding him for his stand against talking pictures. From individuals and organisations re pr'senting the deaf, the comedian has had several hundred thousand letters alone, praising him for bis loyalty to pantomime.

the majestic theatre “WITHIN THE LAW” In “Within the Law,” Metro-Gold--1 wyn-Mayer’g talkie version of Bayard t Veiller’s stage success of the same l name, which opens at the Majestic - Theatre to-day. Joan Crawford takes . her place among the screen’s foremost j dramatic stars. Her portrayal of Mary Turner, the ’ shop girl sent to prison although inno- - cent, is done with a depth and under- : standing that comes as a revelation to l those who have had every confidence ■ in the young actress. Her performance is a flawless one and is destined to rank with that of Jane Cowl who created the role on the stage eighteen i years ago. i From the opening scene in the courtroom to the final fadeout, the picture never loses its momentum, piling up dramatic situations in so rapid succesI sion. that one is astonished at the adroitness with which Sam Wood, the director, avoided a tendency toward anti-climaxes. Suspense is strained to the utmost and realism is carried so far as to actually make Miss Crawford look dirty and ill-kempt in certain scenes, a rare sacrifice on the part of an attractive screen personage. Miss Crawford is to be congratulated for her willingness to check her vanity in these .scenes. Robert Armstrong in the role of Jo® Garson, the crook upon whom Mary Turner relies to avenge herself upon an unjust society, holds the honours in the supporting cast, wh'le Marie Prevost as Aggie, another member of the underworld gang, comes him a close second for acting merit. Attention is also drawn to Kent Douglass, a newcomer to the screen, who plays opposite the star in the romantic lead. Much promise is seen in this new juvenile who not only has good looks to I his credit, but an abundant supply of acting ability. Others who are exceptionally well cast include .John Miljan as the suave police inspector, Purnell Pratt, Hale Hamilton. Robert Emmett O’Connor, Tyrell Davis, William Bakewell. Gwen Lee and Isabel Withers. THE GRAND ••BLIND WVES” | Lively, sparkling, wide open blue eyes I —opened wide in amazement —quick, stacatto, decisive speech, clear-cut, and 'alive! Such is the first impression one I gains of Genevieve Tobin, comely stage ] star who has met Hollywood and taken [it by storm in her first two Universal pictures, “A Lady Surrenders” and ' “Blind ’ Wives,” ' the latter now | showing at the Grand Theatre. Miss Tobin has tiny hands, perfectly 'moulded. “They’re the feature I dishike most about myself. I always have to have my gloves made to order or buy I children's sizes.” she states ruefully. I Blonde hair, gracefully waved, silky and glistening. A delightful English accent of which one is not conscious after the first, dozen words —a determined chin and snapping eyes—a complexion which is flawless ami a constant joy to the cameraman. Such a description proves a fair appraisal of Miss Tobie. Her mother has been her constant coin panion on her invasion of London, where she played the lead in “The Trial of Alary Dugan.” in Now York during the runs of “Polly Preferred,” “I’ifty Million Frenchmen” and other hits, and now for a year in Hollywood. I where Mother Tobin keeps house for her and manages her business affairs. - Very simple and inauspicious!is the I private life of Miss Tobin. She lunches quietly in her dressing room on food which has been prepared at home ami brought Lo the studio by her mother.

DUCHESS THEATRE “THE BORDER LEGION” Another famous Zane Grey story tha is a real thriller will be shown at th< Duchess Theatre to-night. Wes tern stories are becoming increasing!; popular now that the talkies have addc' the additional lure of sound and speech “The Border Legion,” with its stella cast of lead and character players, i one of the most ambitious and bes of the Western outdoor talking film produced to date. Richard Arlen am Jack Holt, fighting for the love of Fa; Wray, create great surprise and patho? while the comedy side is provided fo by Eugene Pallette, leading the fur There are magnificent vistas, gorgeou backgrounds, vast herds of cattle horses by the hundreds, and always th« Border Legion, riding, joking and fight HAWERA SHOW PHOTOGRAPHY SECTION This has always been a very inter esting section of the Hawera Wintei Show. This year classes numbering ton in all have been revised, and gooc prizes are offered in each section There are two open classes, six classes for amateurs and one for children under 16 years of age. This is a very popular age for photography, and this section should command good entires. Those who have not received a schedule can do so upon application to the Manager, P.O. Box 79, Hawera, and in this section entries close on June 13. CONVENT CONCERT The pupils of the Convent Schools assisted by the boys of the Marist School, will give a concert in the Opera House on Wednesday next, June 17, al 8 p.m. An excellent programme has been arranged, including choruses, national dances, recitations and violin solos, etc. There will be special or chestral numbers and elaborate frockting and scenic effects. Box plan at Rowells. THE LUXOR Patrons are reminded of the usual weekly dance to be hold in the Luxor this evening, commencing at 8 o’clock. Being centrally situated, the “Luxor’ is most convenient to both town and country patrons. Specially reduced prices of admission will be available after the pictures to enable those who wish to enjoy a dance before going home. The latest dance music will be supplied by the Globe Dance Band and supper will be served in. the Royale Willows Restaurant.