PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22143, 25 September 1935, Page 3

PICTURE THEATRES

GRAND'S SPARKLING COMEDY OPENS Bright and sparkling entertainment is provided in Twickenham’s screen version of \V. J. Locke’s famous stage play, ‘ The Morals of Marcus,’ which was screened for the first time at the Grand this morning. Such praise from overseas critics as; “The most delightful comedy-drama to over reach the screen,” and “ As a comedy romance it stands alone,” is an indication of the reception given this production overseas. A distinguished cast of players has been gathered together for this popular story, head of which is the Mexican-born star, Lupe Velez, who went especially to England to star in the role of Carlotta, lan Hunter (last seen in ‘The Man From Toronto’), Noel Madison (son of Maurice Moscovitch), and Adrianne Allen (of ‘Loose Ends’ fame). Elaborately mounted, with original and striking costumes, brilliantly-acted romance and comedy equally blended, W. J. Locke’s story is one that makes people forget their everyday worries. Briefly, the story concerns the adventures .of an escaped harem girl who is befriended by a staid professor of science, and later is taken to his Mayfair home, where ho begins the difficult task of taming her a little, and educating her a lot. She falls in love with Sir Marcus, but he fails to be attracted until he sees the jealousy displayed by his lady secretary. What exactly happens will give theatregoers a glorious night’s entertainment, the excellent blending of romance and comedy being may be classed as screen fare of the highest merit. STATE ‘My Heart Is Calling,’ a singing romance, with the famous tenor, Jan Kiepura, in the leadnig role, is commanding attention _at the State. Kiepura needs no introduction as a singer in Dunedin. It is sufficient to say that his song numbers, which include ‘My Heart Is Calling You, ‘You, Me, and Love,’ and many excerpts from opera, notable among thorn being selections from ‘ Tosca,’ are boldine audiences spellbound. The story o- ‘ My Heart Is Calling ’ abounds with romance and comedy. Opposite Kicpura in the romantic role plays Marta Eggerth, the delightful blonde Continental star, whose personality is as fascinating as her beauty. Sonnie Hale is also in the cast. A fine list of snorter films is also on the bill.

REGENT Gay, fanciful, and Parisian to the core, ‘ Folies Bergere,’ starring Maurice Chevalier, is being screened at the Regent. This sparkling production, which takes its mood and its settings, as well as its name, from the internationally famous Parisian pleasure resort, marks Chevalier’s first appearance under the Twentieth Century banner, as well as his first dual role. Chevalier is seen both as Charlier, the gay, singing, straw-hatted star, and as an amorous French baron, whom he impersonates in his act. Things begin to happen when Carlier agrees to impersonate the baron in real life as well, particularly when the baron’s beautiful, but. neglected, wife pretends to be unaware of the deception. Merle Oberon makes her Hollywood debut as the baron’s wife. ST. JAMES An interesting problem is dealt with in ‘ Society Doctor,’ which is being shown at the St. James this week. The question is whether a young man should place a comfortable and easy life above the opportunity to devote himself to his profession. Chester Morris plays the part of a keen young doctor in,a large hospital; he is a skilful surgeon, but his outspoken manner causes him to meet with trouble from the authorities, two conservative doctors, whose only interest is to keep on good terms with wealthy patients. Morris, on his own initiative, performs an exceedingly delicate operation, saving a man’s life; but he falls foul of his seniors for taking the case into his own hands. From that stage the picture reaches a dramatic climax. A Laurel and Hardy comedy is also screened, EMPIRE Scenes of the war taken by_ cameramen in the thick of the fighting have been • assembled in ‘ Forgotten Men, which is being shown at the Empire. As they were taken on every European front and from both sides, the film is able to present the most convincing chronicle of the war that has yet been seen on the screen. ‘ Forgotten Men,’ however, is more than an assemblage of material. It has a theme —waste. With the laying waste of Belgium there begins a chronicle of destruction, which increases in force as gas, liquid fire, aeroplanes, and tanks are seen at work. Many of these pictures have not previously been shown to the public. ‘ Forgotten Men ’ shows the war as it was. ft drives home that war means waste, and the commentary is as vivid in its statistics as arc the pictures themselves.

STRAND The story ot ‘A Notorious Gentleman,’ the first picture at the Strand, deals with a 'brilliant lawyer who, possessed of plenty of experience in the art of faking alibis and famous for the ease with which he persuades juries that obvious murderers are as innocent as children, decides to attempt to commit a fopl-proof murder. So successful is his effort that the police are completely baffled, and throughout he remains above suspicion. It is only when fear begins to take hold of him that he makes one slip—a slip that could easily have been avoided had it not been for this groundless doubt. This emotion provides the opportunity for an interesting psychological study on the part of Charles Bickford, who lias the leading role. ‘ The Girl From Tenth Avenue ’ is the other picture. OCTAGDN The comedy screen trials at the Octagon continue to excite general interest, and a very creditable standard of merit is being displayed by the large number of entrants. The tests are lieiug conducted by Dr A. L. Lewis, of Hollywood, for the purpose of finding players for a proposed local film. The film programme is also full of interest. ‘Danny Boy ’ is the-principal, feature, and the other film is ‘ Song at Eventide.’ In the former the appeal of good music and song rendered amid scones of human endeavour in dire poverty and given against the background of a very beautiful if pathetic story, is well exemplified. The title role is in the capable hands of Ronnie Hepworth, who acquits himself with distinct credit, a climax being reached in the final cabaret scene showing him playing old-time favourites on an accordion. MAYFAIR 1 Transatlantic Merry -go - round,’ which is staged aboard a palatial ocean liner, opened at the Mayfair to-day. A great cast of screen and radio stars is headed by Jack Benny, Nancy Carroll, Gene Raymond, Mitzi Green in her first grown-up role, Frank Parker, the Boswell sisters, Patsy Kelly, Jean Sargent, and Jimmy Grier and his. orchestra. Benny’s famous satire, ‘ Grand Hotel,’ is said to be a high point of the programme. The passengers aboard the liner include Sydney Howard, who is known as England’s Chaplin, playing a happy, harmless drunk; Sid Silvers, as _ Raymond’s comic confederate working as a steward; Sidney Blackmer as Lee

Lother, a scoundrelly Broadway racketeer, who is pursuing Sally : Shirley Grey, as a married woman who is infatuated with Lother; Ralph Morgan as her suspicious husband; and William Boyd as an escaped gunman who is stowing away aboard the liner. The mystery develops when Lother is found dead in Sally’s cabin. Suspicion falls on each in turn, and it takes a second murder to solve the first. Four tuneful song hits are introduced in the production. LAURIER, PORT CHALMERS ‘Blood Money,’ featuring George Bancroft, will he shown finally at the Laurier, Port Chalmers, to-day. This picture is responsible for some splendid acting by an excellent cast. Baileyis the boss of the underworld of a great city —a power in politics, who names his own mayors, councilmen, and district leaders. But when this crooked colossus crosses off the woman who started him on his road to success he learns how weak is his power.