ABSORBING ENTERTAINMENT

Evening Star, Issue 21748, 16 June 1934, Page 20

ABSORBING ENTERTAINMENT

* WASTER OF WEH • AT OCTAGON Realistic reproductions of life subjected to the will of big business have provided effective backgrounds for many excellent film productions. ‘ Master of Men,’ which heads the new bill of fare at the Octagon Theatre, is another such picture, and as a result must enjoy a season of popularity during its screening in Dunedin. In this latest Jack Holt success the steel industry and Wall street, where fortunes are made and lost, form the background. Stirring action dominates the film, which possesses its full quota of drama, thrills, and romance. . In the opening scenes Holt is the brawny worker in the steel works. From that position he worked his way up, until he is in control of the business. He marries Fay Wray, daughter of his former employer, and becomes a Wall street buccaneer. Ruthless and unscrupulous methods help him to become a great man in Wall street, but his position is precarious. His wife begs him to give up his fight for money, but he cannot see that there is anything else worth while. His wife realises that they cannot be happy while Holt has no other interest in life, and she gives information which causes his downfall. Holt leaves her and goes back to the old manufacturing town. Then ho starts again, and so the story moves on to a dramatic climax. Holt again proves himself a real “ he-man.” In previous pictures he has shown himself capable of filling roles requiring convincing virile, personality . This is just such another role, and anyone who liked him ip previous pictures will certainly enjoy this film. Fay Wray has more to do than in her previous pictures, and she shows that she is capable of filling any role well. The supporting cast is small, consisting of Walter Connolly as Holt’s friend, Theodor Von Eltz as his rival, and Berton Churchill Brilliant short subjects support the main attraction. ‘ Curiosities ’ offers an entertaining array of subjects. ‘ Flying Gloves ’ sets out to prove that boxing offers no, more dangers to the participants than any other, sport, and the film contains its full quota of thrills. A Krazy Kat cartoon and a comedy. ‘ Safe in Gaol,’ are other features of the programme.