ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 140, 16 June 1931, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE MAJESTIC THEATRE “WITHIN THE LAW” In “Within the Law,” Metro Gold-wyn-Mayer’s talkie version of Bayard Veiller’s stage success of the same name, which has its final scrceing at the Majestic Theatre to-night. Joan Crawford takes her place among the | screen’s foremost dramatic stars. i Her portrayal of Mary Turner, the I shop girl sent to prison although innocent, is done with a depth and understanding that comes as a revelation to those who have had every confidence in the young actress. Her performance is a flawless one and is destined to rank with that of J ano Cowl who created the role on the stage eighteen years ago. From the opening scene in the courtroom to the final fadeout, the picture never loses its momentum, piling up dramatic situations in so rapid succession 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 Joe Garson, the crook upon whom Mary Turner relies to avenge herself upon an unjust society, holds the honours in the supporting cast, wh’le Mario Pre vost as Aggie, another member of the underworld gang, conies him a close second for acting merit. Attention is also drawn to Kent Douglass, a newcomer to the screen, who plays onpo site the star in tho romantic lead. Much promise is seen in this new juvenile who not only has good looks to 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 Bakc’well, Gwen Lee and Isabel Withers. i “Once a Sinner." No more poignant, human, dynamic j drama has come, to the screen in years than is embodied in “Once a Sinner.” Fox Movietone production directed by Guthrie McClintic, which comes to the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Dorothy Mackaill is featured and tho story revolves around a beautiful girl who has sined before marriage, and insists on telling her husband-to-bo of her past before she marries him. It is a tremendous domestic drama, finely enacted by one of the most meritorious and best balanced casts seen in a long time, with Miss Mackaill superb and having abundant support from such notable players as Joel McCrea, who plays the inventor husband; John Halliday, “tho other man” in her life; C. Henry Gordon, as the, owner of a string of gambling places in Paris; Sally Blanc, Ilka Chase and Ninette Faro. WANGANUI’S WELCOME WEEK In connection with the early settlers’ celebration, which is to take place on Thursday, June 25, it has been suggested that all those taking part should bring to the gathering any early photos of Wanganui which would be of interest to early residents in the, district. The City Council also may be prevailed upon to exhibit all the early paintings which are at present housed under its control. A lady supporter of the Welcome Week movement has offered a prize for the best description of Victoria Avenue as it will appear during tho festivities, from those qualifying as early settlers, and who knew the Avenue 40 years ago. Relief of Distress When a committee of business men decided to organise “Welcome Week,” it was resolved that any surplus accruing from the effort should be donated to the Mayor’s Relief Fund. Since the abandonment of the No. 5 Unemployment’Scheme, however, it has become imperative that his Worship should have at his disposal a sum from which relief may be given in cases of distress. The members of the executive therefore arc sparing no effort to create the nucleus of a fund for this purpose, and make an appeal to all those who are able to assist them in their efforts by supporting the entertainments which have been provided. The public will be asked to estimate the weight of “Miss Wanganui’s” monster birthday cake, which is now I on view at the National Mutual Building, next the Bank of New Zealand, tickets for which arc being sold by members of the Ladies’ Committee. It should be clearly understood that the cost of this movement (printing, advertising, postage, etc.) is being borne entirely by the manufacturers and retailers of Wanganui. CONCERT POSTPONED It was intended that Trussell’s orchestra would lie giving a concert on Sunday night, but as it was found that the Garrison Band had a performance already organised for that night, the concert will be given by Trussell’s orchestra a wook later.

THE REGENT “HOOK, LINE AND SINKER” Of course it’s funny—this Radio Pictures’ “Hook, Line and Sinker,” which has its final screening at tho Regent Theatre to-night. It goes without say inf, with such a b cry of professional funmakers contrii buting 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 hi 3 tory of more than twenty years, inspires bursts of laughter whenever she appears on the screen. She is six-foot-three ?n 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, Lino and Sinker”; Ralph Spence, one of the best known “wisecrackers” and dialogue specialists in til ms, 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 tho screen’s funniest two-some —and those who have seen Wheeler and Woolsey will agree that plenty of laughs arc guaranteed. “City Lights” To-morrcw Having declared that he considers tho talking picture an inferior medium of screen entertainment to the silent motion picture production, Charlie Chaplin backs his opinion with the pre sentation of “City Lights,” ft romantic comedy photo-play to be shown at the Regent Theatre, starting to-morrow for one week only. It 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, he rcI gards silence as the best medium for I him and tho character he portrays. I Chaplin adds that he is not being prejudiced in the stand he has taken but that he is merely carrying on in what he believes a superior art form. “City Lights” is heralded as Chaplin’s supreme effort. Of considerable 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 photoplay. From sources close to Chaplin it is 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 as in theatres. Chaplin’s film is the first of any importance to come out of Hollywood in close to three years in silent form. All 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 representing the deaf, the comedian has had several hundred thousand letters 1 alone, praising him for his loyalty to pantomime. I THE GRAND "BLIND W T VES” 1 Lively, sparkling, wide open blue eyes - —opened wide in amazement—quick, \tacatto, decisive speech, clear-cut, and - alive! Such is the first impression one - 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 show ing at the Grand Theatre for the last time to-night. Miss , Tobin has tiny hands, perfectly moulded. “They’re the feature 1 dislike most about myself. I always have to have my gloves made to order or buy , children’s sizes,” she states ruefully. ’ 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 and a constant joy to the cameraman. Such a description ' proves a fair appraisal of Miss Tobin. Her mother has been her constant com1 panion on her invasion of London, where she played the lead jn “The Trial of Mary Dugan.” in New York ; during the runs of “Polly Preferred,” “Fifty Million Frenchmen” and other ' hits, and now for a year in Hollywood, where Mother Tobin keeps house for ’ her and manages her business affairs. Very simple and inauspicious is the private life of Miss Tobin. She lunches quietly in her dressing room on food - which has been prepared at homo and brought to the studio by her mother. “Sally” Shows To-morrow. 'Die staging of a mammoth motion picture like “Sally,” the First National and Vitaphono production which comes at the 11 a.m. matinee tomorrow at the Grand Theatre, starring Marilyn Miller, resembles a whole series of Broadway “first nights,” with all their nervous tension, anxiety, weeks of preparations, and countless thousands of details that must be perfected before “the show goes on.” “Sally” was Miss Miller’s greatest stage triump! As a spectacle, the picture exceeds even the stage production for the reason that the limitations of tho stage do not apply in the motion pictures, and many elaborate i scones, impossible in the footlight ver-

sion, will be shown tn their entirety on tho screen. For instance tho Follies scones, where Marilyn Miller is shown as the star of a big ballet in tho world-famous revue. On the stage tho sc o occupied but a few minutes, and it was constructed on a movable platform so that tho scene might quickly be shifted to tho semifinal scene in tho dressing room, where tho boy and girl aro reunited. Because of the stage limitations and the necessity for a quick change to another set, tho stage ballet was nocesarily limited and rather cramped. In the motion picture it is one of tho biggest and mo‘t spectacular scones over mado for the camera. “Sally” is made entirely in technicolour, and for this reason every costume worn by the 110 girl in tho ballet scenes was made especially for the picture. During the last three weeks prior to tho making of tho scene, eighty women were kept busy in tho wardrobe department, completing the work that more than twenty seamstresses had been planning and working on for two months. The costumes of tho o irls were in gorgeous colours, and planned so that each group harmonised with the others. “LAUGH THAT OFF” The rehearsals for the clever threeact comedy “Laugh That Off” aro reported to be highly successful and the producer, who was a member of the touring company, which presented the play in New Zealand recently, states that in many respects tho Wanganui amateurs are even better than the professionals. The comedy will be staged and dressed on a most ‘complete scale, and play-goers may rely on a bright, snappy performance of tho highest standard. Popular prices are being charged, and seats may be reserved at 11. I. Jones and Sons., the plans opening to-morrow (Wednesday) morning at 9 a.m. As the proceeds are to go to the Mayor’s Fund for the relief of local distress, it is expected there will be a ready response. Intending patrons are therefore advised to book their scats earlv.