PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22144, 26 September 1935, Page 8

PICTURE THEATRES

GRAND'S CLASSIC COMEDY • MORALS OF MARCUS ' A MASTERPIECE When aa English film studio decides to turn a good play into a film, and secures a capable cast of actors, the result is entertainment of the first order. ‘ The Morals of Marcus,’ which was shown before highly awarded audiences at the Grand yesterday, is an excellent picture, based on a brilliant play by W. J. Locke, and brilliantly acted by a group of English players and Miss Lupe Velez, whose importation from America has been more than justified by this picture., In her American films she achieved considerable popularity through her amusing and thoroughly charming personality, but in this, hexfirst English uicture to reach New Zealand, she achieves a new distinction through her ability to act, an ability which seems to be best fostered by English directors. The story of the film is a rather complicated one, but outstandingly novel and entertaining. Lupe Velez is the ward of an Egyptian potentate. She escapes from an unwelcome marriage by stowing herself away with the archselogical treasures of an English scientist, a prosaic but completely likeable xnan, whose guardianship the heroine claims and maintains with some very amusing results. There is also a very entertaining South American gentleman in the story, whose intrigues provide an amusing sida-play to the film. This brief indication of what the film is about is no real indication of its real merit. Actually, it is as good entertainment as could be wished for k and the xiovel method of treating the story will provide interest for even the most sophisticated filmgoer. Even if the incidents have a somewhat daring character at times, the treatment is skilful enough to justify them. The general production and the ability of the actors _ are in every way worthy of the original play, and any audience can relyon being completely entertained. There is not a dull moment from start to finish. A word of praise must be given to the photography of this film, which does especial justice to the facial expression of the actors. There are one or two shots which are quite unique in portraying the emotions of the actors, and which open up some new possibilities in the use of close-up photography. Altogether the picture is an excellent one, amusing, but not lacking in dramatic qualities. It has an unusual appeal ill that it combines the brilliant dialogue of a play with the unlimited pictorial technique of the screen.

The supporting programme is very good entertainment indeed, and contains several gazettes of the type which switch amusingly from one subject to another. Altogether, the fare is of a nature that should certainly appeal to most theatre enthusiasts. ST. JAMES Excellent, drama is provided by ‘Society Doctor,’ which closes at the St. James to-night. The picture is original in them© and original in treatment, and it is distinguished by some notable acting on the part of its chief characters. The starred players are Chester Morris and Virginia Brace. STATE Jan Kiepura and Sonnie Hale, two players who were largely responsible for the success of ‘ Tell Me To-night,’ give excellent performances in ‘My Heart is Calling,’ which concludes at the State to-night. An amusingly conceived story, it has a refreshing briskness and makek light entertainment of the finest type. REGENT The amazing versatility of Maurice Chevalier has never been better demonstrated than in this popular actor’s latest film, ‘ Folies Bergere,’ concluding to-night at the Regent. He sings with all his accustomed gaiety and, charm, and in a triple acting role displays great powers of character drawing in creating three distinct personalities. EMPIRE The remarkable war film, ‘ Forgotten Men ’ closes to-night at the Empire. Compiled from actual war films preserved in the State archives of the principal nations of Europe, the picture contains a wealth of stark antiwar propaganda, which bears the stamp of authenticity. Considering that most of the scenes were taken over 20 years ago, the photography is remarkable. STRAND ‘ A Notorious Gentleman,’ a line p:ece of work, concludes to-night at tbs Strand with ‘The Girl from Tenth Avenue.’ It is strongly original in conception, and is manned by a cast including Charles Bickford as a clever lawyer, versed in the creation of false alibis and famous for his ability to secure acquittals for undoubtedly guilty murderers. OCTAGON The main film on the Octagon’s bill, concluding to-night, is ‘Danny Boy, an attractive Irish story, that features Ronnie Hcpworth, a 12-year-old boy, as Dannv. ‘ Song at Eventide ’ is the second picture. It -is a musical romance featuring Fay Compton, the celebrated actress and singer, and is delightful screen fare. MAYFAIR Drama, comedy, music, and mystery —all these pleasant ingredients of entertainment are found in good measure in ‘ Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round, which is at present being shown at-the Mayfair. The scene of the entire production is a palatial ocean liner, and the' cast includes an unusually long list of celebrity players, 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. The plot is an involved one, as is necessary m a film of this type, and there are two murders before the mystery is solved. The passengers on the liner include some doubtful characters, so that it is not immediately apparent who is really responsible for the murder of a scoundrelly Broadway racketeer, whose body is found in the heroine’s cabin. Sydney Howard as a perpetually drunken passenger, is responsible for much of the comedy, and Mitzi Green gives some admirable impersonations. The supporting programme includes a cartoon, ‘ Peculiar Penguins.’