ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 100, 22 January 1935, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

State.— “ Peck’s Bad Boy.” Plaza;— “The Gay Divorcee.” Paramount. — “Thank Your Stars.” De Luxe. —“The Case of the Howling U °«-” - e. uSt. James.—" The Notorious Sophie Lang.” Majestic.—“ Chained.” King’s—“A Verv Honourable Guy.” Regent.—" Blossom Time.” Grand Opera House. —“New Faces.” “Blossom Time” at Regent Once again Franz Schubert, God-given melodist, is glorified in “Blossom Time,” the very beautiful, artistic, and sentimentally appealing picture being screened before very large audiences 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 as 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, screened at lillstree, in England. All Wellington will want to see "Blossom Time.” Other pictures on the programme are “The Bravo Tin Soldier,” “The World in Vat> ietv,” and a farce (in natural colour), “’Tis Spring.” Extravaganza at Plaza Divorce i.n thc gay atmosphere of a lavish musical extravaganza a colourful background for “The Gay Divorcee,” at the Plaza Theatre. The producers have 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 unstintingly 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 thc captivating Ginger Rogers. The . supports are excellent. “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. 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 bo acting. There will be few among those who see her who will, fail to be charmed with her naturfil demeanour, her dimpled smile, arnQ subtle sense of humour. Mystery 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,” at the De Luxe Theatre. _ The supporting programme includes Miss Iris Mason at the organ. Friday’s Change. Victor Herbert’s immortal “March of the Toys” and “Castles in Spain,” as well as'the delightful fantasy and story-book figures of childhood, have been brought to the screen in a film that should prove a joy and revelation to children and grown-ups. The picture is “Babes in Toyland,” opening on Friday at the De Luxe. The combination of Laurel ami Hardy’s rollicking comedy with Vic'tor Herbert’s pulsating musie, added, to gorgeously fantastic sets and superb singing is said to make a picture that can be enjoyed by anybody. “The Notorious Sophie Lang” • at St. James The number of murder stories which have appeared on the screen is legion, but at I Bt. James Theatre patrons are transported from the realms of gaugsterdnm ■ and the usual “tough” stuff to the retinal atmosphere created by the modern, polished jewel thief. Quite the best picture ot its type Paramount have issued for a long period, “The Notorious Sophie Lang fully lives up to its promise. Paul Cavanaugh has always suited the suave, polished role, and the film is no grim record of an implacable crime hunt, but lias episodes of a really hilarious nature. “Love Thy Neighbour,” the popular breen Souvenirs, and “Husbands’ Reunion completed an excellent evening s entertainment.

“Chained” at Majestic Theatre In “Chained” the Majestic Theatre Ims a picture that is most enjoyable, with fine dramatic passages lightened b.V * terludes of really good humoun H ose who remember Clark Gable in It Hal pened One Night” will be glad to know that he brings the same nonchalance into the present picture! As Diana naverley, Joau Crawford also gives an admirable performance. Based on au original storv by Edgar Selwyn. the narrative of “Chained” is'concerned with a girl who is married to one man but lovecj 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- wlncn there is plenty of action and which moves quickly.

“A Very Honourable Guy” at

the Kind’s

Joe E. Brown is now appearing at the King’s Theatre in his latest picture, "A Very Honourable Guy.” This comedy bv Damon Bunyan, noted short story author, is one of the most unique and laughable imaginable. Joe Brown has the role of the gambler who is as stupid as he is honest, and Alice White is the gold-digging chorus girl, whose affections vacillate between the gambler and a mad doctor, with their financial ups and down. "A Very Honourable Guy” is said to be a* distinct departure from the comedies in which Joe E. Brown has hitherto been seen. Double Feature Programme on Friday. Commencing at the. King's Theatre on Friday is Binnie Barnes, lan Hunter and Garry Marsh in "The Silver Spoou,” a mystery comedy romance, and Barbara ■Stanwyck, George Brent and Hardie Albright in a vibrant drama, "'rhe Purchase Price.” Slapstick at Paramount A slapstick comedy with a few touches cf light drama for relief. "Thank Your Stars,” at the Paramount Theatre, has first and foremost, 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. After a long period of scraping and scratching, Oakie, by virtue of the sporting spirit of one of his old company, gets on his feet again, and as everyone, hoped marries the only girl in the world., Dorothy Dell, Alison Shipworth. Ben Bernie and Arline Judge are others prominent. in the east. Iris Mason supplies the music at the Wurlitzer after the interesting series of featurettes. "Spitfire” on Friday. Commencing next Friday is Katharine Hepburn in “Spitfire.” from the novel "Trigger,” by Lula Vollmer.