DUCHESS THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 244, 15 October 1932, Page 11

DUCHESS THEATRE

“ MERELY MARY ANN ’ ’ I Women are traditionally supposed to ■be gentle and forgiving, and most character actresses on the screen emphasise these traits, but Beryl Mercer, who plays a harsh and suspicious landlady in “Merely Mary Ann,” Fox romance starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell and showing to-day and to-night at the Duchess Theatre, is one well known player who rebels at the attitude. “There is no distinction to being a dear old mother with grandchildren prattling about one’s knees,” Miss Mercer says. 4 ‘Not on the screen, that is. In the first place, nearly any actress can do such a part easily and naturally. In the second place, there is seldom any outstanding interest or glamour to it. “In “Merely Mary Ann,” Miss Mercer's idea of a good role is amply fulfilled, since her scheming tactics, which d’6ve the two young lovers from her boarding house, eventually lead to their happiness. OPERA HOUSE. “UNDER WHERE?” Not only will the stage settings of “Under Where?” be entirely new and up-to-date, but there will also be excellent music. Airs. Stuart Cunningham has undertaken the duties of musical director and has organised an orchestra of high-class musicians. Requests have ben made for the orchestra to play selections from “Moonflower.” This request will be conformed to during one entr’acte. Air. Paul Latham is well known for his histrionic ability, and the part which he has undertaken provides him with a splendid opportunity to reveal rhe art of the old master. His capacity for fulfilling a character role is of a high order and he can be relied on to make full use of his opportunities. Airs. T. L. Sperring is in her element in this fun-making farce. As an elocutionist, Mrs. Sperring knows how to use both voice and gesture in support of any acting which she undertakes. Her understanding of character is her great ability, and she puts a great deal of intelligent “go” into her contribution. Air. Jim Scott cannot be called anything else but an original comedian He has had enough experience on the boards to prevent him becoming “gun shy,” as he himself puts it- Jim Sgott, if he goes on the boards, will “arrive,” as all who sec him in “Under Where?” will agree, ’('he part for which he has been cast, suits him and his peculiar talent admirably. Actually he reveals himself much better in farce than in musical comedy and all will agree that he achieved a real success in “ Moonflower. ” Mr. Col''!) Brown is acting as stage manner, he being assisted by Air. A. Ansley. These two young men have considerable experience in this vital : work and the fact that they have been I enlisted will ensure good work being