PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22452, 24 September 1936, Page 2

PICTURE THEATRES

CHARLIE CHAN THRILLER FAMOUS DETECTIVE AT THE GRAND Followers of the Charlie Chan serit. of detective “ thrillers ” are promisei a thoroughly entertaining performand in Warner Gland’s latest mystery filmCharlie Chan at the Circus ’ —whic. commenced its season at the Grand The atre yesterday. I The story deals with circus life, wit; ■ murder and the threat of further vio : lence as the dominant force. Chau u called in by Kinney—a Simon Legm of the circus—to unravel the mystery of threatening letters he has received. Shortly afterwards Chan discovers Kin ney’s mangled body. Kinney’s friction with'most of the members of the circus troupe causes suspicion to point in many directions. In bis relentless tracking dpwn of clues. Chan narrowly avoids "a stealthy death. Convinced that Kinney was murdered because he knew too " much, Chan decides to watch Marie Norman, a trapeze artist who claipis some knowledge of the murder. Before she can reveal what she knows, she meets with a bad “ accident ” obviously planned by the murderer. Among the suspects is a giant gorilla set free from his cage at the time of the crime. Duplicate keys to the gorilla’s. cage and the loss of one of them complicates the task of solving, the crime, Chan, realising that the murderer will make a second attempt to silence' Marie Norman, decides to use her as a decoy. His deception proves effective, and the true identity of the suspected person is ultimately disclosed. The steps by which Chan, in the face of menacing criminals and threatened by deadly cobras and a savage gorilla, cleverly outwits his adversaries to solve the most baffling crime of his career, makes this film equal to Charlie Chan’s best. Warner Gland, as Chan, is supported by an excellent cast, including Keye Luke (Chan’s son), George and Olive Brasno —the midgets, Francis Ford (John Gaines —Kinney’s partner), Paul Stanton (as the ruthless Kinney), Shia Tung (as Su Toy), and other prominent actors. An entertaining supporting programme includes two delightful comedies entitled 1 Way Down East ’ and * Doggone Babies,’ an interesting film of Hongkong “ highlights,” and newsreels. REGENT Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich in ‘ Desire ’ have laid the foundation of what promises to be an extremely successful screen partnership. ‘ Desire,’ whieh concludes to-night at the Regent, is a light class of film depending for its attraction on clever dialogue and original situations and settings. Miss Dietrich has the part of a jewel thief, one step smarter than any of the police officers on her trail, and Cooper that of a young mechanic with a romantic appearance and disposition. •THE MARRIAGE OF CORRAL.’ An exciting story of the French Revolution recapturing all the colourful spirit of adventure which characterised Rafael Sabatini’s well-known novel from which it was adapted, is presented in the British Empire Films production, ‘ The Marriage of Corbal,’ which commences to-morrow at the Regent. The story concerns de Varennes, the revolutionary, who helps the aristocratic Cleonie to escape from the shadow of the guillotine by pro viding her with male clothes and passing her oft as his nephew. When the girl finds that he expects an impossible' repayment she runs away and takes refuge with Corbal, to whose country the tribunal’s agent has penetrated with his men. Vengefully de Varennes does his best to get the marquis sentenced to death as a traitor, but the faith of the villagers defeats him. Thereafter he tries other means to destroy Corbal and regain possession of the lady. Nils Asther gives an excellent characterisation of the young revolutionary leader, Varennes while Hazel Terry, as the Countess Cleonie, and Hugh Sinclair, as the Marquis of Corbal, both contribute outstanding portrayals. Noah Beery heads the supporting cast. EMPIRE Those who have not yet seen the latest Mae West .film, ‘ Klondyko Annie,’ will have a final chance at the Empire this evening. The setting, for this film is on the Barbary Coast of San Francisco and the Alaskan goldfields. It is a story of the glamorous

nineties. Victor M'Laglen has the opjosite starring role in this brilliant acion drama. ‘ WIFE VERSES SECRETARY,’ The “ perfect triangle ” has been found at last. It is made up of Clark Gable, the husband; Myrna Loy, the wife; and Jean Harlow, the “ otaer woman.” Apparently Metro-Goldwyn-ilayer spared no expense to bring these hreo great stars together to form the " perfect triangle ” in its brilliant Tmisation of Faith Baldwin’s best-sel-sr novel, ‘ Wife Versus Secretary,’ ■ommencing to-morrow at the Empire, lawless in story, flawless in performince, masterful in direction, dazzlingly leautiful in setting, and smart in diaague, the new picture is the latest artistic triumph for the producers of such all-star hits as ‘ Mutiny on the .lounty,’ ‘ China Seas,’ and ‘ A Tale if Two Cities.’ Gable has never been better than in his perfect role as Van Sanford, millionaire publisher. _ Jean Harlow is the secretary who indirectly starts, but ultimately _ prevents, _ a serious rift in the publisher’s family; and Myrna Loy is lovelier than ever as Gable’s misunderstanding wife. The theme is ultra-modern and the settings designed by Cedric Gibbons give the action its proper background. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE A considerable measure of success has been attained by the producer of * A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ a screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s delightful play, concluding to-night at His Majesty’s Theatre. The obvious difficulties to be overcome, such as the creation of the fairy characters with which the play abounds, have been solved through the adaptability of the screen and the latest methods of photography. The romantic spirit which Shakespeare infused into the film has been caught to a degree, and his touches of humour have been ideally transferred to the film. ‘NAUGHTY MARIETTA.’ Although it is having a return season, ‘ Naughty Marietta,’ which will be the principal attraction at His Majesty’s to-morrow, continues to prove a popular attraction for picturegoers. This adaptation of tho delightful stage success by Victor Herbert features Jeanette MacDonald, who has already proved her talent for light opera in ‘ The Merry Widow.’ Cast opposite this popular artist is Nelson Eddy, a comparative newcomer to the screen, but one who through his fascinating voice, great acting ability, and attractive personality has created a very favourable impression abroad. Others in the cast are Frank Morgan, who will be remembered for his fine characterisation in. the main comedy role of ‘ The Affairs of Cellini,’ Elsa Lanchester, and Joseph Cawthorn. A notable feature of the film is the fact that it is produced mainly along stage lines, relying for its effect rathereupon a good and original story with a wealth of delightful song than upon dazzling and complicated spectacle. Tho story is set in the eighteenth century, and concerns a wilful princess, distantly related to Louis XV., who runs away to New Orleans, where, in order to escape her pursuers, she plays in a marionette theatre, Ijps offers opportunity for many beautiful outdoor settings, the effect of which is enhanced by excellent photography. _____ ST. JAMES An English play which has twice been made into a successful film, ‘ Three Live Ghosts,’ heads the programme concludm** this evening at the St. James, This film contains a fund of English humour which should appeal immensely to Dunedin audiences, and the performances of the principal characters. Beryl Mercer. Richard Arlen, Gus M'Naughton, and Claude Allister. are outstand--1112. ‘THE ’FRISCO KID.’ One of the most dynamic and colourful dramas of the year, ‘ The ’Frisco Kid,’ with James Cagney heading tho all-star cast, will be commenced tomorrow at the St. James. Set on the Barbary Coast of old San Francisco in the early ’fifties, it is a story of the tumultuous gold rush days, when adventurers from the world over congregated on ’Frisco’s waterfront. In this seething hole of gathered criminals dwelt cut-throats, murderers, gamblers, women of the underworld, and every type of human shark who lived by preying on his neighbour. There a band of crimps would make a very profitable living by shanghai-ing sailors, but they made a mistake when they got hold of James Cagney. Cast as a crude, ignorant, but dominating character with a driving force and magnetism that not only wins his battles with the underworld, but eventually the love of a beautiful and talented women of the upper class. Cagney eclipses even his performance in ‘ A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Margaret Lindsay, as the girl, gives a fine and artistic portrayal. Ricardo Cortez is outstanding in his characterisation of a famous underworld gambler who rises to power by throwing in his lot with Cagney. Others whoso performances are worth mentioning include Dili Damita, Donald Woods, Marton Mac Lane, and Joseph King.

STRAND Two features with popular appeal for young and old alike comprise the programme which concludes this evening at the Strand. The first film is ‘ Laughter in the Air,' starring one of the most popular radio teams in America—Myrt ami Marge. The main attraction is ‘ Drift Fence,’ one of Zane Grey’s most popular stories, which stars “ Buster ” Crabbe and Katherine De Mille. TWO EXCELLENT FEATURES. . Romance, comedy, and adventure are all combined in ‘ Don’t Got Personal,’ which will ho commenced at the Strand to-morrow. James Dunn and Sally Filers are the featured players. The story opens with Dunn and Pinky Tomlin in precarious circumstances, possessing no assets except two college degrees and a battered car. While trying to sell their services from the auction block, they meet Sally fillers. Then the fun breaks loose when they start a crosscountry tour to return Sally to her family in Ohio. The spirit of youth, flippantly amusing as Jimmy Dunn and Sally Filers portray the characters, is the keynote of ‘ Don’t Get Personal.’ Sally Filers and James Dunn, who won the Motion Picture Academy award for their stellar performances in ‘ Bad Girl,’ have a brilliant reunion in this new Universal offering. Adventure and misadventure on the high road, thrilling encounters and a mutual hate that turns to love, almost too late, are the principal ingredients of this amusing romantic comedy. “ Pinky ” Tomlin, the songster, heads the supporting cast, which includes Spencer Charters, Doris Lloyd, George Cleveland, Lillian Har mor, and Charles Coleman. His voice adored by thousands—his vocal lame encircles the globe—Joseph Schmidt golden-voiced tenor, who has thrilled you on record and radio, now comes to delight you in his first film. ‘ My Song Goes Round the World,’ a chanrt-fillcd musical romance set in the gay city of Venice. ‘ My Song C'-rw I?on”d the World’ will he 1 lie associate feature in this programme.

STATE The amazing popularity of 1 Follow tho Fleet ’ made it necessary for the management of the State to make arrangements for a further extension of the season, and the film is now being screened for another week. It may be said that ‘ Follow the Fleet,’ with that splendid combination of stars, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, rises to the top standard in screen musical comedy. The story illustrates the old saying. “ The course of true love never runs smooth,” but innumerable complexities arise from the fact that both the men whose love stories are followed (Fred Astaire and Randolph Scott) are sailors. Full opportunity is therefore taken for witty repartee, for which Astaire is famous, and several dances are introduced in appropriate places. 80TAG0N ‘One New York Night’ and ‘After Office Hours ’ are the principal films on the excellent programme which will \ have its finale this evening at the Oc- ! tagon. The first film stars Clark Gable ' and Constance Bennett in a society ■ murder mystery against a background > of modern newspaper life. Una Merkel , and Franchot Tone are the principals in the other feature, a stirring drama . with a fine romantic blend. j DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. J Padm enthusiasts w" 1 have the op- ! portunity to see two of their favourites j . . I DC commenced at tho Octagon to-morrow. -ory o. s«.-i opera star’s 1 life and loves, the picture stars Nino , Martini, with Genevieve Tobin and Anita Louise in the romantic roles, ; In the supporting cast is Maria Gam- 1 bnrelli, famous as a member of Roxy’s 1 Gang, one of radio’s most celebrated ( aggregations. The romantic plot of ] ‘ Hero’s to Romance ’ serves as a background for some of the most entrancing dancing and songs that tho screen has been privileged to present. A series of popular opera favourites, as well as J two new songs by Con Conrad and J Herb Magidson, are sung by Martini. i And Miss Gamburclli and * Vincente t

Esoudero are featured in specialty dances. ‘ First a Girl,’ the associate feature,, is musical comedy at its best and brightest. It is a sprightly story of a girl’s masquerade as a female impersonator, and the subsequent complications. A scintillating performance by Jessie Matthews embraces piquant romance, saucy innuendo, and merry masquerade, in addition to a rich feast of song, dance, and spectacle, in which she, the central figure, is finely supported by Sonnic Hale in light-hearted quip and zest ending in riotous impersonation of impersonator in an unabashed laughter climax. MAYFAIR Recognised as one of the oustanding films of ‘ Captain Blood ’ is at present being screened at tho Mayfair. Unflagging action is the keynote of the picture. Beginning in tho England of James 11., with angry rebellion breaking out against his rule, the story carries one through the court of Judge Jeffreys with all its ruthlossness to tho slave plantations of Jamaica and from there to the wide seas of the Spanish Main and its cut-throat adventurers. The hero of it all is Hr Peter Blood, the Irish physician whose fearless tongue draws on him the merciless anger of tho “ hanging judge ” and a death sentence which is commuted to slavery for life. A thrilling escape, carried out with reckless daring, and he becomes tho scourge of the Spanish Main, Captain Blood, scuttling richlyladen vessels and fighting fierce sea battles. But with another king on the throne of England he accepts a commission in tho navy and saves Port Royal from an attack by the French. For this part a new actor to the screen has been chosen—Krrol Flynn—who gives a masterly characterisation. Olivia de Havilland makes a charming heroine, and all the minor parts are capably filled.