ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 279, 25 November 1931, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE ‘•THE DREYFUS CASE” The tragic story of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, an innocent French army officer made the victim of a .ravesty of justice, is recounted with all its pathos in the distinctive English film version of the play by Herzog and Rehfisch, showing at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The eminent English critic Michael Orme says: “The poignant drama of * Dreyfus’ springs from the vindication of truth rather than from the suffering of a single man. Of that suffering we catch but i.n occasional glance, an almost ironical reminder of the unhappv bone of contention. These glimpses are made memorable by Cedric Hardwicke, whose cry of *1 am innocent—innocent!’ rings in the ears; while his mute resignation to his fate on Devil’s Island and the superb restraint of his first faltering footsteps into freedom after his temporary release for r new trial is a moment that will live in the annals of screen acting. A remarkable company has been called together for the interpretation of ‘Dreyfus.’ The powerful Zola of George Merrit, the grave and sensitive Colonel Picquart of Charles Carson. and the dynamic Labori of Sam Livesay stand out in a cast wherein member exactlv fits the frame. Firmlv planned and edited with fine discretion bv John Harlow. ‘Drevfus' is an arresting picture: the austerity ns wop as th n sineeritv of Elstroo’s handling nf this historical document bring to the British International picture a rare dignity and a eomn°l l ing power which owe nothing to convention.” Mr Orme is a •critic of worth end his opinion should count for much. Th* drama of the Dreyfus ease is so poignant that its presentation on the c tage or screen cannot fail to be fraught with dem human interest. The ultimate triumph of justice over the crose-purposes of politic il conspiracy will strike an answering chord in the hpprfc nf nl’ ’’hn epn fhp film. ft W*S in October. 1894. that Captain Dreyfus was unjustly convicted by court-mar-tial on a charge of espionage. He was «entenced to life imprisonment in the following December. The subsequent outcry almost precipitated a national crisis. In spite of forged documents and corruption, his honour was finally vindicated in 1906 when he was given the rank of chevalier in the Legion of Honour. Later he gave distinguished service to his country in the Groat. War. At present he is living in retirement in France. An excellent British supporting programme is headed by the “Glasgow Orphans’ Choir,” of 85 voices, singing “The Bonnv Banks of Loch Lomond/’ and other old favourites. P’ans are at Emmett’s, ’phone 5077.

REGENT THE ATI E “EYES OF THE WORLD” Sounds of a struggle emanated from a lonely cabin nestling in an isolated clearing in the midst o? a majestic forest. There was a scream, a scream of a woman in distress. Slowly a shadow crept from the underbrush and stealthily moved toward the cabin. It was a woman, a queer woman with a veil closely hiding her features. She listened at the door for a moment, then entered, and . Just in time. A man was forcing his attentions upon a young and beautiful girl. In her hand the woman of mystery held a gun. Pointing it toward the man she spoke in a voice low, but tensely vibrant with emotion. “Get down on your knees and pray. In one minute I am going to pull the trigger of this gun!” The clock on the mantel ticked ominously. The abject figure of the man mumbled incoherently. The woman stood in stonelike stillness with the gun pointing at the man. A half minute flew by, then three quarters and then—

See what happens in the “Eyes of the World,” now showing at the Regent Theatre. Beautiful romance, powerful drama and natural scenic effects have been combined in an unusually entertaining motion picture by Henry King whoso “Eyes of the World” stars with TTna Morkel, John Holland, Nance O’Neil and Brandon Hurst in the featured cast. In this worthy dramatisation of the popular book by Harold Bell Wright, Director King has achieved an out-door romance that compares favourably with his classical “Tol’able David.” and “The Winning of Barbara Worth.” The story is placed in the mountain country of California and unfolds the romance of a simple maiden of the hills who meets and falls in love with a young artist from the cities. Their tender adventure is rudely disturbed through the scheming of an unscrupulous, love-starved matron who desires the companionship of the artist. The story moves quickly through an amazing pattern-work of thrilling and dramatic scones, rising to a crescendo of and forgiveness each have their moments of triumph. “Eyes of the World is an exceptional work of entertainment. with an easily-understand-ablo plot that comes to a satisfying and logical conclusion.

GRAND THEATRE. “UP FOR MURDER.” Lewis Ayres, the boyish actor of “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Common Clay.” gives another splendid studv of adolescent manhood in “Un For Murler,” now showing at the Grand Theatre. Monta Bell, an ' minent iournalist of wide exoerienc-a.

wrote the story and directed the picture with insight. The tense drama of the plot has been developed logically and without any concessions to mere sensationalism. Ayres is the perfect choice for the part of a young reporter on a large metropolitan daily. His disappointing early years are deftly traced through his first important assignment as escort to the beautiful social writer at a brilliant international ball, until he stands under the shadow of the gallows after being found guilty on a charge of murder. The episodes leading up to this position include the youth’s importunate avowal of his love for the social editor; his discovery of the relationship which exists between the woman and his news editor; and the swift, tragic scene in which the two men meet face to face on common ground. The climax is reached with the woman’s revelation of the true circumstances surrounding the death of the older man. Through all the changing moods of the story, Ayres conveys a sincere impression of the idealistic youth. Genevieve Tobin endows with poise and dignity the part of the worldly social editor, and Dorothy Petersen is splendid as the hero’s beautiful mother. The whole film progresses with such verve and speed that even the most exaggerated type of journalist depicted rings true. DUOHESS THEATRE. “UP THE RIVER” Coming at a time when genuinelyhilarious comedies are at a premium, “Up the River” will be screened at the Duchess Theatre, to-night and tomorrow night. Hany unique features are said to characterise this production. The story, an original by Maurino Wat kins, revolves around tho earnest efforts of two hard-boiled burglars to promote a romance that begins behind the bars. These lads hold the gaolbreaking championship of the country, and they employ their peculiar talents with considerable frequency, even to the extent of breaking out of one gaol to get into another when tho comforts of the first do not measure up to their standards. Meanwhile, the romance staggers along, helped over the bumps by the aforementioned volunteer Cupids who eventually manage to bring it. to a satisfactory conclusion. Spencer Tracy and Warren Hymer play the roles of love’s little helpers, with Humphrey Bogart and Clairo Luce in tho romantic leads. Miss Luce is a delightful newcomer to the screen. William Collier, senr., and Joan (“Cherie”! Lawes aro also featured. The supporting cast is a strong one.

SPECIAL DISPLAY Tho Wanganui Horticultural Society is holding a special display of quality flowers and novelties at the D.I.C. rooms on Friday next, tho 27th inst., and exhibitors are notified that the entries for the competitions close with the hon. secretary, Mr. V. B. Willis, to-morrow at 12 o’clock noon. There will be two classes —one for the best

decorated table in respect of which special prizes value £1 for first prize and 10s Gd for second prize respectively have been donated by the 8.1. C., and also for the best collection of garden flowers and shrubs, tho prizes for which are arso £1 and 10s Gd respectively, donated Dy the Wanganui Horticultural Society. There will be no entrance fee payable in either class and there will be no charge for admission to tho display, which opens at, 2 p.m.

FREE CHRISTMAS DINNERS POOR CHILDREN OF BRITAIN r l he valuable charitable work of the Church Army is again brought under the noti'eo of readers of tho “Chronicle” on the occasion of tho annual appeal for donations to provide Christmas dinners for poor children in the Homeland. The Church Army’s honorary secretary in New Zealand is Mr R. J. Whibley of Kukuta, Wanganui, who, last Christmas received the following cable: “Thousand children at. Neweastlc-on-Tyno send warmest thanks to you and all kind friends in New Zealand and best wishes. —Lord Mayor and Sheriff.”