ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 99, 21 January 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

State. — “Peck’s Bad Boy.” Plaza.— “ The Gay Divorcee.” Paramount. — “Thank Your Stars.” De Luxe. — “The Case of the Howling Dog.” St. James. —“The Notorious Sophie Lang.” Majestic.— “ Chained.” King's—“A Very Honourable Guy.” Regent.— “ Blossom Time.” Grand Opera House. — “New Faces.” “The Gay Divorcee” Screening at Plaza Theatre Divorce in the gay atmosphere of a lavish musical extravaganza forms a colourful background for “The Gay Divorcee,” uow showing at the Plaza Theatre. 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 musie, 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. Appealing Picture at Regent Theatre Once again Franz Schubert, God-given melodist, is glorified in “Blossom Time,” the very beautiful, artistic, and sentimentally appealing picture now screening at the Regent Theatre. Whatever Schubert’s life experiences were, the gracious touch of John Drinkwater and other clever folk succeeded in what was regarded ns the best musical picture of 1934. All the more •gratifying is it to know that this screen romance, which features Richard Tauber, the German tenor so effectively, is a British National picture, made at Elstrce, in England. “The Notorious Sophie Lang” at St. James Theatre The number of murder stories which have appeared on the screen is legion, but at St. James Theatre patrons are transported from the realms of gangeterdom and the usual “tough” stuff to the refined atmosphere created by the modern, polished jewel thief. Quite the best picture of its type Paramount have issued for a long period, “The 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. The film is no grim record of an implacable crime hunt, but has episodes of a really hilarious nature. Mystery Thriller Screening at De Luxe Theatre 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 is now shewing at the De Luxe Theatre. When Arthur Cartwright hears a dog howling outside his window for two successive nights, lie is driven to attorney Perry Mason in a mood which persuades that individual to call in a psychiatrist. The attorney outwits the police in clearing up the mystery, which includes a dramatic court scone in which the bodies of the Cartwrights arc unearthed just outside the window. The supporting programme includes Miss Iris Mason at the organ. “Thank Your Stars” at the Paramount Theatre A slapstick comedy with a few touches of light drama for relief, “Thank Your Stars,” is now showing at the Paramount Theatre. First and foremost in this Paramount film is Jack Oakie, who plays the part allotted him ■to perfection—that of a down-at-heel leader of a small show doing the not-so-bright spots of New York. Luck is ■against him all the while and he finds himself well and truly “on the rocks.” Jt is then his company walks out, including the girl with whom he is madly in love.

“Peck’s Bad Boy” at the State Theatre 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. ‘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, af- [ faction gradually bro-ken 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. Clever Comedian at the King’s Theatre In “A Very Honourable Guy,” screening at the King’s Theatre, Jo* E. Brown secures another success as a clever comedian. .As “Feet” Samuels, he plays the exacting role of the gambler 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. “Chained” Now Showing at the Majestic Theatre 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. As Diana Laverley. Joan Crawford also gives an admirable performance. Based on an original story by Edgar Selwyn. the narrative of “Cljained” 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 i for the three people concerned is cleverly worked out iu a film in which there is plenty of action and which moves quickly.