ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19699, 5 October 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

“BECKY SHARP.” AN ALL-COLOUR PRODUCTION. NEW ERA IN FILMS. Natural colour comes to the screen for the first time in a full-length picture in “Becky Sharp," the film verj sion of “Vanity Fair,” at the Civic Theatre. With colour the third essential dimension of complete drama reaches the screen. In silent pictures the screen had but one dramatic dimension —action. In 1928 the second—sound —came to revolutionise motion picture production. Now, in 1935, comes colour to transform the neutral shadows of the screen to convincing flesh and life with the intimate beauty of realism in colour. “Becky Sharp,” moreover, is far beyond being a mere pageant of oolour. It is splendid screen entertainment, sparkling with humour, replete with romance, and rich in drama. Miriam Hopkins may not be the Becky of the hook, but as the lovely, vivacious and successful coquette, she has invested her role with life anij understanding. " Vanity Fair," as most lovers of literature know, is 'the story of a wilful and clever beauty, who uses her charms to advance her social position and make a sweeping conquest of the hearts of men. True to Thackeray’s story, the Him deals with London society of the early nineteenth century. Sir 'Cedric Hardwicke makes his American film debut as the Marquis of Steyne, and gives an outstanding performance. Alan Mowbray is also very convincing as Rawdon. Frances Dee plays Amelia Sedley, and Billie Burke appears as the snobbish Lady Bare- j acres. Other' prominent, members of the cast are Nigel Bruce, Alison Skipworth, William Faversham, William Stack, Doris Lloyd, George Hassell and Charles Rickman. The film has a particular interest to New Zealanders in that Colin Tapley, the Dunedin player who has been successful in Hollywood, and May Beatty, another New Zealander, give clever performances. Mr Tapley has quite a big part as William Dobbin, and plays it well. Miss Beatty appears as Briggs. “Becky Sharp” has the biggest scene ever photographed In colour. The great ballroom set covered 14,000 square feet and In it 500 people dance to the dreamy strains of a Viennese waltz, move gracefully up and down its broad starway, or stand about in groups chatting. The chaste blue and grey of its towering walls provide an effective background for the kaleidoscopic array of gaily uniformed men and the many-hued gowns of the ladies.

STATE THEATRE. “The Triumph of Sherlock iHolmeu” brings back the famous detective of Action, stage and film in one of his most exciting exploits. Based on the' late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s story, “The Valley of Fear," the film opens with Holmes jiust about to retire from his practice as private investigator, ills one regret being l/iat ho has been unable to bring to justice the arch-criminal Moriarty. Moriarty visits Holmes and urges him to make his retirement permanent, and not to emerge to interfere with his schemes. Later a murder mystery at an eerie old castle brings the official detective, Lestrade, to Holmes for assistance. The criminologist cannot resist the temptation to solve the problem, and takes an active part in the elucidation of the mystery, incidentally bringing Moriarty within the clutches of the law. Arthur Wontner stars in the leading role, lan Fleming plays Dr. Watson, Lyn Harding is seen as the crafty Professor Moriarty, Minnie Rayner gives an excellent performance as Mrs Hudson, the Raker Street landlady, and Jane Carr and Leslie Perrins provide the romantic interest There is a very entertaining supporting programme, including comedies, travelogue and gazettes.

THEATRE ROYAL. “Stolen Harmony” provides a most unusual story, combining sensation, melody and humour. Cast in the leading role, George Raft returns to the type of characterisation that shot him to stardom in “Scarfaco.” Starred with Ben Bernie and his orchestra, Raft plays ah ex-convict who turns straight for a chance to join the band on a trans-continental amusement tour. He falls in love with the little dancer in Bcrnie’s troupe (Grace 'Bradley), and for her sake determines to make good. When the company’s funds are stolen he is suspected of the theft. The entire troupe is kidnapped by a gang of desperate outlaws. Raft comes to their rescue, and by pretending to be one of the outlaws saves the band at the risk of his own life. A batch of new tunes are featured in the film.

Tho supporting programme includes “Jitter Bug Party,” an amusing revue; “No 'Motor to Guide Him,” variety; a Popeyc the Sailor cartoon, and interesting gazettes.

REGENT THEATRE. “In Calientc," the latest musical offering, with Dolores Del Rio and Pat O’Brien in the stellar roles, opened successfully yesterday. Busby Berkley, famous creator of screen spectacles, has staged three big song and dance numbers entitled “In Caliente,” “Lady in Red,” and “Muchacha.” In the latter number Phil Regan, as a bandit chief, does the singing, while Dolores Del Rio is featured in a dancing review. “Lady in Red" is sung by Winifred Shaw, musical comedy star; and "In Caliente,” the title song, is sung by a group of entertainers. Another number, a ballad entitled “To Call You My Own,” is sung by Phil Began.

Pat O’Brien portrays an lullrasopliisticated magazine editor, who is brilliant but Inebriated a large part of tho time. lie gets mixed up with a blonde, so his employer kidnaps him and takes him to Caliente to try to sober him up. There he meets Miss Del Rio, in the role of a famous dancer, and falls for herself and her dancing, forgetting that lie had once written a vicious review' about I lie

girl. Glenda Farrell, who plays tho part of 1 lie blonde menace, will not give Pat up until she discovers that his employer (played by Edward Everell. Horton) has more money. Leo f lari Ho is the rascally uncle of Miss Del Itio, who Irics lo profil by the oiiliro Irnnsaelion. Others in the, slroiig cast are Phil Began, Winifred Shaw,

Dorothy Dare, Luis Albernl. Specialty numbers are given by the famous de Marcos and the Canova Family, who have Important parts in the picture. The usual excellent “shorts” are Included in the programme.

ROXY THEATRE. An outstanding programme will be screened to-day. “Evelyn Prentice” is a highly dramatic story, with plenty of oomedy to lighten the tension, and working up to an exciting climax. Myrna Loy, William Powell, and Una Merkel head the strong cast. “Enter Madame” brings back the popular Elissa Landi in one of her finest productions. It is a gay, romantic comedy, with tender romance. Gary Grant and Lynne Overman are in the supporting ■cast.

“Holland in Tulip Time” is a charming travel gem in technicolour—a very spectacular producton.

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE. Without flag-waving or sentimental heroics, “Brown on Resolution” tells a plain, unadorned laic of duty bravely carried -out in the exalted spirit of naval tradition. The principal players in this thrilling naval tale by G. M. Forester are John Mills, a talented newcomer to the screen, and Betty Balfour. Elizabeth Brown declines to marry at her father’s dictation, and meeting Lieutenant Somerville, R.N., falls in love and stays with him during his leave. Subsequently a son is born, and young Albert Brown is trained for a naval career, treasuring a watch inscribed by Nelson which his father had given his sweetheart as a keepsake. Brown becomes an A.B. on H.M.S. Rutland, which during the war is sunk by the Zeither. There is a thrilling climax. Jack Hulbert, he of the triumphant gain and cheery demeanour, has an entirely new type of role In “Bulldog Jack,” a mixture of heroics and comedy, a role which fits him like a glove, undeniably the best this talented comedian of many big hits has yet put over.

“MODERN PALESTINE.” “Modern Palestine: The Re-making of a Country Under British Mandate,” will be spoken upon on Sunday evening in the Y.M.C.A. Hall, Barton Street, Hamilton.

technical school concert. The annual concert of the Hamilton Technical School will take place in the school assembly hall next Wednesday night. A varied programme has been arranged, including orchestral selections (under the direction of Miss Margaret Roe), a comedy, recitations, songs, character sketches, cornet and brass band selections, violin trios, eto. Excellent entertainment is assured.