ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 101, 23 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.” “Thank Your Stars” at Paramount A slapstick comedy with a few touches of 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. Iris Mason supplies the music at the Wuf- ’ litzer after the interesting series of featurettes. “Spitfire’s” Novel Plot. Not only does Katharine Hepburn’s latest starring vehicle, “Spitfire,” commencing on Friday at the Paramount Theatre, offer something new in characterisations, it is said, but also in its love theme, which plays a dominant part in the unfolding of the story, has novelty As Trigger Hicks, semi-wild girl of the Carolina mountains, Miss Hepburn is loved and desired by two men, engineers on a nearby dam construction project, and although this situation is in itself as old as the hills in which the. story is laid, its development and denouement is said to be entirely unique in the annals of the screen. “The Notorious Sophie Lang” at St. James At St. James Theatre patrons are transported from the realms of gangsterdom and the usual “tough” stuff of murder stories 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 lives up to promises. Paul Cavanaugh has always suited the suave, polished role, and the film is no grim reeord of an implacable crime hunt, but has episodes of a really hilarious nature, “Love Thy Neighbour,” the popular Sreen Souvenirs, and “Husbands’ Reunion” completed an excellent evening’s entertainment. “Now and Forever” on Friday. The change of programme on Friday will bring to the St. James Theatre “Now and Forever,” starring Gary Coo- I per, Shirley Temple, and Carole Lom- I bard.

“Peck’s Bad Boy” at the State Theatre

The two famous juvenile stars, Jackie Cooper and Shirley Temple, are now to be seen 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 tiie original story. Thomas Meighan gives an excellent portrayal of the father, Mr. Peck, while Dorothy Peterson as tiie 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 lie few among those who sec her who will fail to he charmed with her natural demeanour, her dimpled smile, and subtle sense of humour. “My Old Dutch” on Friday.

“My Old Du tell,’’ the story of humour and pathos which was told to the world by a silent film, is to be presented by the more modern method at the State Theatre, commencing on Friday. Betty Balfour and Gordon Harker are the stars. The film is based on Albert Chevalier’s famous song, and the well known ballads “My Old Dutch” and "Down at the Old Bull and Bush” are introduced into the film.

“Chained” at Majestic Theatre

“Chained,” at the Majestic Theatre, has fine dramatic passages lightened by interludes of really good humour. Clark Gable and Joan Crawford give admirable performances. Based on an original story by Edgar Selwyn, the narrative <>f “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. ‘-Man of Two Worlds” Next Change. On Friday Elissa Landi and Francis Lederer will be seen at the Majestic Theatre in “Man of Two Worlds." “NEW FACES” REVUE A crowd of lia.ppy pepple, sorry that the show was over, left the Opera House last night after attending Frank Neil’s “New Faces” revue. Variety is the keynote of this bright and snappy entertainment, and the personality of the players delighted the audience. The print dipal comedian is Joey Porter, whose . clever mimicries and facial-innuendoes are irresistible. His apt and artistic collaborators are Leslie Ross, Nat Hope, Doreen Ray and Cora Whittwell. Tapdancing specialties and personality songs with comedy patter were produced by these artists. Another responsible for a large share of the laughter was Alec Halls. Miss Cora ’Whittwell appears with a well-drilled ballet in bright numbers, and several brief comedy sketches complete 'the entertainment. The dressing and mounting are all that could be desired and the jn’cdiestra under Mr. Harry Lazarus contributed its quota to the delightful merrymaking. “New Faces” will be repeated to-day at 2.15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Musical Show at Plaza “The Gay Divorcee,” at the Plaza Theatre is an extravaganza with a lavish musical background, and tells a story of divorce. 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 the captivating Ginger Rogers. 'The supports are excellent. “Blossom Time” at Regent Once again Franz Schubert, God-given melodist, is glorified in “Blossom Time,” the very beautiful, artistic, pud sentimentally appealing picture being screened before very large audiences at the Regent Theatre. Whatever Schubert’s life experiences were, the gracious touch I 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 ELstree, in England. All Wellington will want to see "Blossom Time.” Other pictures on the programme are "The Brave Tin Soldier,” “The World in Variety,” and a farce (in natural colour), "’Tis Spring.” 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. , “Babes in Toyland.” When Laurel and Hardy, as apprentice toymakers, attempt to take care ot the mortgage of Widow Peep, who lived in “The Shoe,” in the Hal Roaeh-M-G-M extravaganza, ‘‘Babes in Toylaud,” to be shown at the De Luxe Theatre eonimeneing on Friday, their efforts result in a group of madly hilarious events that are said to make the film an outstanding laugh success as well as a beautiful musical presentation. The beautiful rendition of Victor Herbert’s stirring musical and vocal numbers is a decided highlight of this film, to say nothing of the really gorgeous settings. Charlotte Henry appears as 80-Peep.

“A Very Honourable Guy” at the King’s

Joe E. Brown is now appearing at the King’s Theatre in his latest picture, “A Very Honourable Guy.” This comedy by Damon Runyan, noted short story author, is one of the most unique and laughable imaginable. Double Feature Programme oat Friday.

Commencing at the King's Theatre on Friday is Binnie Barnes, lan Hunter and Garry Marsh in "Tito Silver Spoon.” a mystery comedy romance, and Barbara ■Stanwyck, George Brent and Hardie Albright in a vibrant drama, “The Purchase Price.”