VISION OF FUTURE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 174, 24 July 1936, Page 10

VISION OF FUTURE

“THINGS TO COME.” . PROPHECY AT REGENT Startling, yet not by any means impossible, is the vision of the immediate nature presented by H. G. Weils in tile Britisii film “Things to Come,” commencing to-day at the Regent Theatre. : If ever any picture was a warning to war-mongers it is this, presenting as it does a dismal piophecy of death, disease, and barbarism. But it is not wholly pessimistic, for it shows the downfall of the last dictator and the rise, when civilisation seems to be an almost forgotten thing, of a race of people whose activities are based upon science and common sense. Then the ruins of "Everytown,” destroyed by air raids in the war of 1940, give place to a vast underground city of the future, air-conditioned and artificially lighted, constructed mostly of steel and glass. The change in man's manner of life matches his new outlook upon it. The picture ends with the start of yet another step into the future, the firing of a projectile containing two young people from a “space gun” to explore the immensities of the universe. The imagination of H. G. Wells is given full rein, and aided by the skill of the cameramen, has resulted in an unforgettable picture. The leading roles are played convincingly .by Raymond Massey, Margaretta Scott, Ralph Richardson, ( and Sir Charles Hardwicke, and their ( performances are matched in nearperfection only by the technical in- ( genuity needed to bring to the screen ( the wonders of the future. "Things to ( Come” marks a milestone in the British film industry. , A FAVOURITE DOC I . i £ "THE VOICE OF BLGLE ANN.” t t The unusual story of "The Voice of ( Bugle Ann.” adapted from Ihe novel , by Mac-Kinley Kantor, heads next [ Wednesday's programme at the Majestic Theatre. The portrayal of ‘ the principal figure, Spring Davis, by < Lionel Barrymore is, perhaps, one of ‘ the finest that this actor has played. . “The Voice of Bugle Ann" is based on J an actual court case in Missouri, and ( tells the story of a veteran Missouri j fox hunter and his favourite dog, with ( a marvellous btgle voice, to avenge which he kills a man and goes to J prison. It is held the greatest tribute t to a dog since Senator Vest’s famous , speech which figures in Hie trial c scene. The cast includes Maureen ’ f O'Sullivan and Eric Dinden, who play the young lovers of rival families; r also Dudley Digges, Spring Byington, Charley Grapewin, Henry Wadsworth, William Newell, James Macklin, Jonathan Hole, and Frederick Hale. I “ COLLEEN ” MUSICAL COMEDY FILM Warner Brothers have again excelled themselves in the production of a successful musical comedy film in "Colleen,” next Saturday’s attraction at the Majestic Theatre. With Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler in prominent roles a large ballet, and many spectacular dance ensembles, the film is well up to the standard of previous productions from the same studios. The humorous element has by no means been neglected and both Jack Oakie and Joan Blondell are at their best as an unscrupulous couple endeavouring to extract as much money as possible from a rich business man. NEXT GARBO PICTURE SELECTION ANNOUNCED ROBERT TAYLOR'S PART The next: Garbo picture has been definitely lixed and Robert Taylor has been chosen as leading man. The subject is "Camille," which is probably known better under its stage name. “The Lady of the Camellias." The film itself is going to be instructive to students of Garbo's work. The play is a classic not. for any particular inlritisie merits as a dramatic work, but ite.'ause almost every famlous actsrs , i;k Hiding Bernhardt, has 1 played tn it a one time or another. ( | The i-.-.i.l';! part provides a gruel- . I tin-; test o; tin’ actress’ abilities. If I well handled, it is impressively emo- j tional. In less capable hands it be-j comes mere sentimental nonsense, i Garbo and her employers have shown considerable courage in choosing so - difficult a subject . Many, however, will probably find ■ young Mr. Taylor more interesting at | I the moment. Two years ago he was a , student of psychology in California. ■ Now he will step in front of the “Camille" set to play the leading role ■ opposite a woman whom many still believe to be the screen’s finest ac- < tress. 1 Taylor was first noticed a little over i a year ago when "Society Doctor" the i film that gave him his first biggish i ' part, was generally released. Metro- i Goldwyn-Mayer scouts had discovered i him in his college dramatic society. ■ He was given a part in one of the ; “Crime Doesn't Pay” series of tworeelers and lent out to play minor i roles for other companies. : Since “Society Doctor" he has been - climbing steadily. "Times Square i Lady," "Murder in the Fleet" and , “Broadway Melody of 1936" led him through a light-comedy apprenticeship to the more serious business of the recent “Magnificent Obsession.’’ To-day he is by no means a polished : actor. He would modestly be the first to admit it. But that will not be such a handicap as it sounds. “Camille," ; while being a perfect show-piece for its leading lady, makes much smaller demands on its rather callow leading i man. To Robert Taylor it will mean great - encouragement, valuable experience, ; and a feeling of justifiable pride in playing opposite Garbo at the age of 24, with only two years of picture work behind him.