FAMOUS DETECTIVE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 280, 29 November 1935, Page 10

FAMOUS DETECTIVE

f ORIENTAL AT PLAZA “CHARLIE CHAN AT SHANGHAI” “Charlie Chan in Shanghai,” which will be screened to-morrow at the Plaza Theatre, once again presents the urbane and. polished cter actor Warner Oland, in his role of the famous Oriental detective. “Consistently played by Warner Oland,” writes a critic of the film, “and regularly featured in competently conceived mysteries, Charlie Chan is now the Sherlock Holmes of the screen. He has beaten Philo Vance by a short head, and has become identified with a w’ell-tried formula. This is one of his best adventures. The setting is a good one and the story, though cut to pattern, is expertly presented and neatly worked out. Photography, which cunningly suggests tropical heat, rounds of a capable job of work, and a very sound piece of entertainment in its class.” A welcome reappearance in Wanga; nui of the Australian soprano Miss Gladys Moncrieff will be made at the Plaza Theatre on Friday next. Admirers of Miss Moncrieff will have a splendid opportunity of hearing many of the popular old and new numbers with which the name of this artist has ’come to be fondly associated. Vocal gems from “Naughty Marietta,” “Maid of the Mountain,” “Southern Maid” and “Rio Rita” are assured of a hearty reception. The noted pianist Gii Dech, who accompanied Miss Moncrieff on her last visit, will again delight audiences with his masterly technique. In addition, John Robertson, a New Zealander who has won much favourable comment abroad as a cornetist, will also make a stage appearance. • * • • Excellent acting, direction, and photography have made a film triumph of John Buchan’s well-known novel “The Thirty-nine Steps,” tcoming next Saturday to the Plaza Theatre. Commencing with panic in a London music-hall and the accidental meeting of a beautiful, mysterious woman, and Hannay, a young Canadian, on holiday in England, the story grows more intriguing as the plot progresses. In answer to the stranger’s request for, temporary protection, Hannay takes her to his home, but her adversaries are too clever, and the young man is horrified to find her dying after being stabbed in the back. However, before her death Hannay himself is in possession of her secret, and the importance of his knowledge involves him in a series of adventures with a network of spies besides putting him in the serious position of an escaping murderer. The film is full of the most exciting escapes and situations, until the secret of “the thirty-nine steps” is discovered, strangely enough, in a Loudon mustehall. Robert Donat makes Hannay an appealing and handsome personality, while the beautiful Madeleine Carroll, as the girl who tries to give him away, plays her part admirably. Godfrey Tearlc and. John Laurie also have important roles. An interesting supporting programme is shown.