ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 98, 19 January 1935, Page 14

ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Latest Programmes Under Review

ST. JAMES THEATRE

“The Notorious Sophie *Lang”

The number of murder stories which have appeared on the screen is legion, but at St. James Theatre last night patrons were transported from the realms of gangaterdom and the usual "tough ’ stult to the refined atmosphere created by the modern, polished jewel thief. Quite the best picture of its type raramount have issued for a long period, "Tne Notorious Sophie Lang” fully lived up to its promise. Jewels, sparkling, rare and of fabulous wealth displayed in New York prove an irresistible lure to Sophie Lang (Gertrude Michael), notorious jewel thief, who emerges from retirement to accept the tacit challenge of Paul Cavanaugh, Europe’s master thief. Blazing newspaper headlines, and soon a crack squad of New York police is on the trail of the crocks, who are each attracted by the romantic personality of the other. Paul is soon to know that Sophie is also adept at filching hearts, and when he learns of the mysterious woman’s real identity the inevitable of course is bound to happert. Few actresses could handle such a difficult role as capably as does Miss Michael. Her personality is striking, and she flits through the various episodes with consummate ease. Paul Cavanaugh has always suited the suave, polished role, and in all situations he showed perfect quality. The film is no grim record of an implacable crime hunt, but has episodes of a really hilarious nature. Alison Skipworth as Aunt Nellie and Leon Errol as Peltz are excellent. The principals are admirably supported by a large cast of police and oftimes frantic jewellers. “Love Thy Neighbour,” the popular Screen Souvenirs, and “Husband’s Reunion” completed an excellent evening's entertainment.

MAJESTIC THEATRE “Chained” In “Chained” the Majestic Theatre has a picture that is most enjoyable, with fine dramatic passages lightened by interludes of really good humour. Those who remember Clark Gable in “It Happened One Night” will be glad to know that he brings the same nonchalance into the present picture. Scenes where the drama might be a little tense and realistic are handled by him in such a way ■that their likely gloom is dispelled. Restraint is the keynote, and his engaging manner will bring him even more admirers. As Diana Laverley, Joan Crawford also gives an admirable performance. Based on an original story by Edgar Selwyn, the narrative of "Chained” is concerned with a girl who is married to one man but loves another. The psychological aspect of the situation is most interesting and ultimate happiness for the three people concerned is cleverly worked out in a film in which there is plenty of action and which moves quickly. As the business man, Otto Kruger plays with skill, and Stuart Erwin supplies the majority of the laughs, and is a really ■lovable scamp. The supporting programme is also good, “The SpectacleMaker,” in technicolour, is particularly fine. During the interval a dancing duo entitled "Shadow Waltz” was given by Miss Joan Raine and Miss Joan Mabin. A further dancing feature was provided by Miss Valeska aud Miss Gwynn Jenkins. DE LUXE THEATRE “Case of the Howling Dog” A mystery thriller in which there are three murders and other more surprising features, Is provided in the .Warner Bros, picture, “The Case of the Howling Dog,” which opened its Wellington season at the De Luxe Theatre yesterday. When Arthur Cartwright hears a dog howling outside' his window for'two successive nights, he is driven to attorney Perry Mason in a mood Which persuades that individual to' call in a psychiatrist. Cartwright asks certain queer questions about the making of wills, and leaves ten thousand dollars in cash with his attorney. Things happen in the next door house to Cartwright’s that night, when Mrs. Foley, who has been deserted by her husband, wanders in on him unexpectedly. Foley and the dog he unleashed at his wife are shot by an unseen hand as they spring at her. Mason outwits the police in clearing up the mystery, which includes a dramatic court scene in which the bodies of the Cartwrights are unearthed just outside the window. Warren Williams takes Mason’s .part superbly as the master attorney-detective, and as Bessie Foley. Mary Astor is suited to a more modest part. The supporting programme includes Miss Iris Mason at the organ.

KING’S THEATRE “A.Very Honourable Guy” In “A Very Honourable Guy,” which commenced screening at the King’s Theatre last night, Jot E, Brown secures another success as a elever comedian. As "Feet” Samuels, he plays the exacting role of the gainbler who is stupid because he is honest, and he is known as a man incapable of going back on his word. Finding himself in difficulties, he agrees to deliver his own corpse to a certain doctor within 20 days, for the consideration of 1000 dollars. After this his luck is proverbial. Loss becomes unknown to him, and his wealth untold. On the eve of his marriage to a chorus girl, whose part is played by Alice White, he is abruptly reminded by a superior gangster' who has “underwritten” him to the doctor, that his body is due the next day. How this superior gangster is convinced in the eleventh hour of the doctor’s madness, and how the lives of “Feet” and his fiancee are saved after a spectacular night chase in motor-cars at unheard-of speeds, adds a spice of excitement to the film, and brings the story to a satisfactory close. There is a wide selection of supports.

“The Gay Divorcee”

STATE THEATRE “Peck’s Bad Boy” A unique opportunity for film-goers to see America’s two most famous juvenile 'stars, Jackie Cooper and Shirley Temple, is offered at the State Theatre this week. Jackie Cooper has the leading role in the film version of the well-known book, “Peck's Bad Boy.” But, like the other film version of the story which appeared with Jackie Coogan as the Bad Boy in the silent picture days, the book is not followed closely: the Bad Boy in the film displays none of the malicious mischief which was a prominent feature of the ■original story. Jackie Cooper, deeply attached to his sole remaining parent, his father, finds the ties of paternal affection gradually broken by the machinations of a visiting aunt and her nephew. All the time he is the victim of vicious conspiracies, but when he eventually feels compelled to run away the situation rights itself and the old relationship is restored. . Jackie handles his role perfectly: there is comedy even in his pathos, and he completely enlists the sympathy of the audience. It would be difficult to imagine a more unpleasant child than Jackie Searle as the nephew: possibly he is compelled to over-accen-tuate the part at times. Thomas Meighan gives an excellent portrayal of the father, Mr. Peck, while Dorothy Peterson as the aunt, and O. P. Heggie as Duffy, the odd-job man. take further acting honours. The Shirley Temple comedy, "Pardon My Pups," dominates an interesting variety of supports. Perhaps the best tribute that can be paid to the acting of the wonder girl of the screen is that she does not appear to be acting. There will.be few among those who see her who will fail to be charmed with her natural demeanour, her dimpled smile, and subtle sense of humour. When we are introduced to her right at the start we instinctively desire to see more of her and regret the fact that she does not appear in every scene. The story of the comedy is not a burlesque, but an incident that will appeal to dog-lovers as well as admirers of the girl-star of the picture. Long after the hilarious closing scene the audience remained in fits of laughter. » PLAZA THEATRE

Divorce in the gay atmosphere of a lavish musical extravaganza forms a colourful background for “The Gay Divorcee,” which opened at the Plaza Theatre last night. The producers have not concerned themselves greatly with giving the picture a story, but far from detracting from the film this adds to its piquancy. Rather have the producers depended on what might be called' the incidental side of the film —the dancing, the music, and the general backgrounds —and they have laid emphasis on the witty dialogue with which the production is unstintlngly punctuated. The picture has an exceptionally strong cast, the leading roles being entrusted to such well-known comedy actors as Fred Astaire and Edward Everett Horton, who show what they really can do, given the opportunity. Nothing more lovely on the feminine side can be imagined than the captivating Ginger Rogers, who fits into her part as if it had been written around her. She is ably supported by the flirtatious Alice Brady, whose unstable memory makes a receptive foil for Edward Horton’s flashing wit. Add to these the melodramatic Erik Rhodes ns Tonctti. the hired co-respond-ent. and Eric Blore as the garrulous waiter, and the east 's complete. Fred Astaire is the high-light of the picture. He can act, and, nbovo all, he knows how to dance. Amid the inviting music his agile feet slip naturally into titillating tap-dances which gradually merge into acrobatic feats. But his brightest performance is in his complicated yet graceful dances with Ginger Rogers. As an exuberant young man deeply in love, he pqts over, his dialogue with carefree ; abandon. Spectacular dancing scenes are introduced during the picture, and these have been handled with all the American flair for the unusual combined with the graceful. The .picture is brimful of tuneful melodies, most popular among which is the now famous song, “Night and Day,” which is sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Featured in the climax is the rhythmic ‘‘The Continental." Other song hits are: “A Needle in a Haystack,” “Let’s Knock Knees,” and “Don't Let it Bother You." Altogether, it is a musical comedy which carries with it an air of freshness and vitality. The story concerns Guy Holden (Fred Astaire) and his friend, Egbert Fitzgerald (Edward E. Horton),-who return to London after a gay time in Paris. Holden meets Mimi (Ginger Rogers) in unusual circumstances, and falls in love with her. Although he combs London he is unable to find her. but, unknown to him, Fitzgerald accepts his first cnse in arranging a divorce for Mimi, He sets the scene for a seaside hotel, where Mimi mistakes Holden for the professional co-respondent, and from then onward the story whirls to its climax. The supports arc excellent.

PRINCE EDWARD, WOBURN

Joan Biondell and James Cagney star in “Footlight' Parade,” which begins today at the Prince Edward Theatre, Woburn. It will be followed on Tuesday by “Ever Since Eve.” KING GEORGE, LOWER HUTT “Tlie Battle,” with Charles Boyle and Merle Oberon, a dramatic naval film, will begin to-day at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt. The next change will be “Stand Up and Cheer.” MAJESTIC, UPPER HUTT Will Rogers in “Handy Andy” is the main part of the bill beginning to-day at ■the Majestic Theatre, Upper Hutt. "We Are Rich Again” follows on Tuesday.