PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22457, 30 September 1936, Page 2

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE A clever mid amusing comedy of modern city life is depicted in ‘ Wile Versus Secretary,’ the new M.G.M. attraction screening at the Empire this week. Clark Gable plays tho part of a millionaire executive with a happy home and an attractive wife (Myrna Loy). Unfortunately ho also possesses an attractive and clever young secretary (Jean Harlow), whom he relics on to a large extent for the safe conduct of his business. Although she tries hard not to bo suspicious of the movements of her husband and his secretary, the young wife finally becomes jealous, and matters reach a climax when the millionaire goes on a trip to Havana, there to be joined by his secretary while the wife remains in New York. Clark Gable gives an excellent portrayal of the young mau-abont-town who so unwittingly arouses suspicion in his wife’s mind, and Jean Harlow and Myrna Loy, as usual, play their parts splendidly. ‘THE BOHEMIAN GIRL.' Two of the funniest players appearing in screen comedies to-day, Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy, are at their best in 1 Tho Bohemian Girl,’ the Metro-Goldwyn-Maycr film based on Balfo’s immortal opera, which is to commence a season at the Empire on Friday. Perhaps the most entertaining picture in which the comedians have yet appeared was ‘ Fra Diavolo,’ an entertaining costume film which met with immediate success wherever it was shown. ‘ The Bohemian Girl ’ presents another delightfully amusing combination of tuneful songs, colourful costumes, and buffoonery, and Laurel and Hardy have seldom given better performances than as members of a band of gipsies charged with the upbringing of a little girl kidnapped from her parents’ home. All the music of the original operetta has been retained in solo numbers as well as in the accompaniment which forms the background of the entire film, and in addition one new number, ‘ Heart of a Gipsy,’ has been introduced. Jacqueline Wells and Antonio Moreno bead the large supporting cast. An entertaining selection of shorter films will also be screened. GRAND Adding a new wrinkle to a mystery drama, in that the main character is a victim of amnesia, and practically helpless to extricate himself from a set of damaging clues, Gelett Burgess has provided 0 movie audiences with one of the most fantastic and entertaining stones ever screened in RKO Radio’s ‘ Two in the Dark,’ which commenced at the Grand to-day. Amnesia is an ailment well known to physicians and police departments. A victim of the ma.aclv sometimes suffers a complete loss of memory. Walter Abel, popular stage actor, who takes the part of the amnesia victim, finds himself m a strange city, recovering from a blow on the head. Ho meets a destitute show girl —Margot Grahnme—who, when helping him to orient himself, discovers that he is apparently involved in a brutal murder. Abel and Miss Grahame are supported hv a talced cast, including Wallace Ford, Gail Patrick, Alan Hale, Tc r :o ni orPi U-' - h’Prien-Moorc, and Erik Rhodes. With burglars on the bridge, hoodlums in the hold and smugrlers in the scuppers, ‘ Here Comes Trouble,’ the Fox picture which is the supporting feature, takes a boatload of stars out to sea and brings thrills, drama, cometlv, and romance to the -creen. The entire story revolves about the romance of Paul Kelly, who acts the role of third engineer on a Havana liner, and his manicuring “ sweetie, Arline Judge. RECENT The stirring days of tho French Revolution have been drawn upon as a background for many stories, for few periods in European history are so rich in adventure, colourful pageantry, and romance. Moreover, few writers have been so successful with historical themes as Rafael Sabatini, and his latest work to he translated to the screen, ‘ The Marriage of Corhal,’, which is the feature at” the Regent this week. Hazel Terry, the latest recruit from a distin-guished-English theatrical family, shows distinct promise in the difficult leading feminine role, imbuing it with naturalness and charm, ably carrying on the great traditions of her family. Nils Asther gives one of his best performances as the vindictive revolutionary, who was also young and susceptible, and, in assisting the lovely young countess to escape from prison and accompany him to Burgundy disguised as a drummer boy, risked his own life. A splendid contrast is provided by the imperturbable Hugh Sinclair, as the Marquis of Corhal, who opposes him. Strong in tho supporting programme is the fourth of the series of ‘ The March of Time.’ ‘ THINGS TO COME,' It is not often that the public of Dunedin has the opportunity of seeing such a magnificent production as that of Alexander Korda, working with H. G. Wel.s, in the amazing film ‘ Things to Come,’ commencing on Friday at the Regent. To the technical marvels of the film are added outstanding phography and very fine acting. Tho opening scenes show a city enjoying Christmas Eve, in spite of war rumours, and then, with a terrible suddenness breaks in tho air raid that opens hostilities. Several decades of barbaric war follow, until finally the world is ruled by ruthless “ pocket ” dictators, an excellent burlesque on some well-known modern leaders. Then comes the arrival of monster aeroplanes, a band of airmen and scientists bent on reconstructing the world. The final act of the drama is cast in a huge underground city amid tho turmoil that accompanies the first firing of the “ space gun.” The huge cast is headed by Raymond Massey, Ralph Richardson, Margaretta Scott, and Sir Cedric Hardwicko. Based on a scenario specially written for the screen by H. G. Wells, the film depicts tho progress of civilisation during the next 100 years. So realistically have the various scenes of war pestilence, and industry been produced that at i|mes the picture is almost frightening in its vivid conception of tho future. STRA'iD Romance, comedy, and adventure are all combined in ‘ Don’t Get Personal,’ which is the principal feature on the current programme at the Strand. The spirit of youth, flippantly amusing as Jimmy Dunn and Sally Ellers portray the characters, is the keynote of ‘ Don’t Get Personal.’ Sally Eiicrs and James Dunn, who won the Motion Picture Academy award tor their stellar performances in ‘ Rad 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. Dons Lloyd, George Cleveland, Lilian Manner, and Charles Cole-

man. His voice adored by thousands —his vocal fame 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 charm-filled musical romance set in the gay city of Venice. ‘My Song Goes Round the World’ will be the associate feature in this programme

‘ STARS ABOVE BROADWAY.’ Produced by the company which has been responsible for some of the best musical films seen in New Zealand, including the memorable ‘ Broadway Melody ’ and ‘ Gold Diggers of Broadway,’ the Warner Brothers’ picture ‘ Stars Above Broadway,’ which will head the entertaining double-feature programme at the Strand on Friday, admirably maintains the high standard set by their previous productions. There are many spectacular dance numbers, and the songs have the same tuneful quality which has been a notable feature in previous films of the same type. Pat O’Brien heads a talented cast, which includes two radio celebrities, James Melton and Jane Froman, while Frank M'Hugh is responsible for much of the humour. The songs include ‘ You Let Mo Down,’ a torch number; ‘Where Am 1?’ a ballad; and a character novelty, ‘ At Your Service, Madame.’ Jane Fromau, who recently was named the most popular singer of modern songs in. a poll conducted by radio editors of the United States and Canada, will introduce ‘ You Let Me Down.’ In productions staged by Bobby Connolly, brilliant dance director, she will sing ‘ At Your Service, Madame,’ with James Melton, the famous radio singer, who makes his screen debut in this film, ST. JAKES * The ’Frisco Kid,’ Warner Brothers’ dramatic picturisation of the thrilling days of old San Francisco when the Barbary Coast seethed with activity and life and within its borders was the wildest adventures, is the attraction at the St. James. An all-star cast is headed by James Cagney, who is supported by Margaret Lindsay, Ricardo Cortez, and Lili Damita. There are more than 40 persons, in the principal roles and thousands in the gigantic mob scenes. Barbary Coast at the time swarmed with every sort of adventurer, including miners going or returning from the gold fields, ticket-of-leave and fugitive criminals from the penal colonies of Australia, gamblers, dive-keep-ers, and women of the underworld from every part of the country. It was under these conditions that the famed vigilantes were organised to hang murderous miscreants and bum dives that got out of hand. How they succeeded in their object,in the face of stern resistance makes excellent entertainment. 'PAGE MISS GLORY.* ‘ Page Miss Glory,’ the picture which will be commenced at the St. James on Friday, is said to ■ introduce comedy situations which are definitely new. Not only is the picture new in idea, but it has that freshness about it that precludes any jumping to conclusions on the part of the audience. The story of ‘ Page Miss Glory ’ is as funny as it is unique. In the role of a country girl who secures work in a large New York hotel, Marion Davies has set a high standard in acting. Also residing in the hotel are Pat O’Brien, a promoter, and Frank M’Hugh, a photographer, both out of work. M'Hugh, learning that an advertiser is offering a big _ cash reward for a photograph of America’s prettiest girl, makes a composite picture blending the features of famous stage and society beauties, and submits it under the name of ‘ Dawn Glory.' He wins the prize, and trouble starts. A ‘Dawn Glory’.craze sweeps the country, and even Miss Davies falls for it with startling results. Properly attired and “ made-up,” she becomes the reincarnation of Dawn Glory, but all she wants is to be the sweetheart of Dick Powell. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE As an illustration of the popularity of ‘ Naughty Marietta,’ which is in a further return season at His Majesty’s Theatre this week, it is interesting to note that ■ this is the fourth occasion on which this film has been screened in Dunedin. Rich in bright acting, attractive settings, and charming music, this picture is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable of its kind in recent years. Jeanette MacDonald, whose golden voice is heard in several delightful numbers, is the charming princess who, tired of the dominance of her uncle, successfully masquerades as Marietta, her servant girl, and so escapes to America. Adventure, romance, and happiness are suitably intermingled when handsome Captain Warrington (Nelson Eddy), leader of the invincible woodscouts, becomes her ardent suitor. Nelson Eddy is also possessed of a splendid voice, and one of the highlights of the film is witnessed when both players combine to render a beautiful duet. There is an excellent supporting programme. OCTA6QN Radio enthus.asts have the opportunity to see two of their favourites in ‘ Here’s to Romance,’ which is the main attraction at the Octagon. A delightful story of an opera star’s life and loves, the picture stars Nino Martini with Genevieve Tobin and Anita Louise in the romantic roles. In the supporting cast is Maria Gambarelli, famous as a member of Roxy’s Gang, one of radio’s most celebrated aggregations. The Romantic plot of ‘ Here’s to Romance ’ serves as a background for some of the most entrancing dancing and songs that the screen has been privileged to present. ‘ 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 Sonnie Hale in light-hearted quip and zest ending in riotous impersonation of impersonator in an unabashed laughter climax, MAYFAIR Fredr'c March, Merle Oberon, and Herbert Marshall play the three lovers tossed helplessly about by the relentless tides of life in ‘ 'lho Dark Angel,’ the picture • which commenced at the Mayfair to-day. Set in a lovely quiet coiner of rural England, the story, which Lillian Heilman and Mordaunt Sharp adapted to the screen from a play by Guy Bolton, reflects the conflicts and triumphs in the life of Kitty Vane, a beautiful English girl who, since childhood, had been loved by one boy, Gerald Shannon (Marshall), while she loves his cousin, Alan Trent (March). Months in the trenches bring to Alan the realisation of his love Cor Kitty. Homo on leave, lie confesses Ills love, and they arrange to marry on flic morrow. An order cancelling all leave shatters their dream, how-

ever, and they spend their last hours together trying to forget that they may never see each other again. The story proceeds from this point to a powerful emotional climax, and, after many vicissitudes, the lovers are reunited to face the future together. The supporting cast is headed by Jane Beecher, John Halliday, Henrietta Crosraan, Freda Inescort, Claude Allister, Georgia Breakson, and Cora Sue Collins. STATE Music and dance, and the charm of gay and laughing girls, predominate in ‘Follow the Fleet,’_ R.K.0.-Radio’s musical comedy, starring Fred Astaire with Ginger Rogers. The picture is the main attraction at the State this weekAstaire sings four new Irving Berlin melodies, one with Ginger Rogers, and dances four times, three times with Miss Rogers and one solo dance, along with engaging comedy performances. For his solo Astaire does a sensational seven-minute tap routine to ‘ I’d Rather Lead a Band.’ Twenty-four sailors accompany him in this novelty drill dance, which is the rhythmic highlight of the picture. Astaire and Miss Regers are supported by a brilliant cast, including the lovely Harriet Hilliard and Randolph Scott in featured roles, The largest indoor battleship ever created in Hollywood serves as a setting for much of the mirth and melody of ‘ Follow the Fleet.’ The ship is the “ key setting ” as was the “Lido” set in ‘Top Hat’ and the “Continental” setting for ‘The Gay Divorcee.’ LAURIER, PORT CHALMERS ' Anything Goes,’ which is screening at the Laurier, is a jolly, tuneful, entertaining picture. Bing Crosby ,s the featured player in this song-starred presentation of the popular musical comedy which broke records daring its New York run. He is assisted by such favourites as Ethel Merman, Charlie Ruggles. Ida Lupino, and Grace Bradley. All the famous Cole Porter songs which were universally popular are hear A in this mirthful picture, and the bright danrs routines deserve mention, as 'does the fast-paccd direction. The audience is carried headlong from amusing escapades to diverting songs, and from spectacular night chib scenes to madcap comedy. Bing Crosby is a knight errant aboard a transatlantic lineV. His borrowed passport gets him into trouble, for it belongs to a “ public enemy.” That passport forces him to tumble in and out of sundry disguises with hilarious consequences. The whole ship becomes a madhouse of fun 1 Anything Goes ’ is amusing entertainment through and through. It is heartily recommended to one and all.