PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 163, 13 July 1933, Page 10

PLAZA THEATRE

DOUBLE-lEATURE PROGRAMME. “Speed Demon,” the Columbia mo tot boat racing story which is now showing at the Plaza Theatre should more than satisfy the present-day mania for speed and still more speed. William Collier, Jnr., and Joan Marsh are featured in the principal roles of the production. For twenty-five years William Collier, actor, playwright, stage director and producer, has been one of the kings of the theatrical world. And now, his black-haired son, William Collier, jnr., 28 or 29 years old, is carrying on the Collier dynasty as one of tho princes of Hollywood. He plays his 100th leading role in “Speed Demon,” Columbia’s melodrama of the mile-a-minuto speed boats which has a cast including Joan Marsh, Wlicelor Oakman, Robert Ellis and Georgic Ernest. A picture that starts with the swiftness of an arrow and continues toward a smashing climax with amazing rapidity is “State Trooper,” a Columbia production featuring Regis Toomey and Evalyn Knapp, which is also showing. Chock full of thrills and romance is this swift-moving melodrama that has the added distinction of bringing an entirely new plot to the screen—a plot revolving about aminous activities in America's gigantic oil industry. (Director D. Ross Lederman has imbued the film with a breathtaking tempo. The story is lucidly told, and results in outstanding entertainment for all members of the family. “Leap Year” on Saturday. Another triumph for tho British studios, “Leap Year,” will commence on Saturday at the Plaza Theatre for what should prove to be an extended season. Since his performances in “Rookery Nook” and “Canaries Sometimes Sing,” the appearance of Tom Walls have been eagerly awaited, and his admirers will not be disappointed with his acting in “Leap Year.” He is inimitable as Sit Peter Trailion, a diplomat who has to make love to women for reasons of State. When ordered by his chief-ot-staff. Sir Archibald Mallard, to make advances to Mrs. Paula Zahren, also in the cause of his country, Sir Peter declines, stating that he is in need of a holiday. However, Sir Archibald is equal to the occasion, and, with the connivance of the telephone, arranges an unorthodox introduction on the telephone wires between the diplomat and Mrs. Zahren. The upshot is that the diplomat dines with the lady, is attracted by her, and desires to continue the acquaintance. However, Mrs. Zahren is destined to pass out of his life, and, in spite of frantic searching by Sir Peter, her whereabouts remain concealed. With the passage of four years, Sir Peter has ceased his search, and engaged to the daughter of Sir Archibald Mallard. Then, on the fourth anniversary of the night he dined with her, the diplomat meets at Cannes the object of his■

search. Even for his diplomatic powers the resultant situation is difficult to master. “Leap Year” is interspersed with a charming musical score composed by Kurt Schroeder. Acting in conjunction with Tom Walls are Edmond Brain. Ellis Jeffreys, Jeanne Stuart, Charles Carson, Lawrence Hanrar Joan Brierley and Anne Grey.