PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22458, 1 October 1936, Page 16

PICTURE THEATRES

COMEDY AND MYSTERY THEMES GRAND PRESENTS TWO EXCELLENT FEATURES I The extent of the popularity of the policy of the Grand Theatre management in screening two first-class pictures each week is reflected in the strong public following they invariably receive. The new programme that was shown yesterday is certainly no exception, the theatre being packed at last night’s session with an audience that thoroughly approved of the bill—‘ Two in the Dark ’ (a cleverly-conceived murder mystery) and .‘Here Comes Tiouble’ (a comedy-drama of high merit). ‘ Two in the Dark ’ is a really pulsating drama, based on an original story by Gelett Burgess. Not only is there the mystery of the crime, but a shroud surrounds the identity of a strange man, who has lost his memory (played by Walter Abel), who is suspected of haying committed the murder. Trying to aid the victim of amnesia is a destitute show girl (Margot Grahame), who, while seeing him drawn slowly into the mystifying vortex of clues, feels herself being engulfed by an apparently hopeless love. She begs him to flee. He refuses, although pitifully handicapped by his loss of memory. Each clue he follows brings him closer to the murder. He finally learns his identity, but in so learning it he also discovers that he has a motive for the crime. Miss Grahame and Abel head a first-rate cast. Abel docs a splendid job of portraying the mentally sick victim, who is justifiably suspected of a heinous crime, while Miss Grahame gives a highly commendable performance as the frightened show girl, who sees the man she loves become entangled in' a net of dangling circumstances. Alan Hale stands out in his role of police inspector; and Wallace Ford, who, as a newspaper reporter, tries to aid Hale in solving the crime, registers a convincing performance. Gail Patrick and Erin O’Brien-Moore are alluring women of mystery. Eric Blore turns in an arresting performance as an harassed and frightened butler, who is suspected of having killed his employer; and Erik Rhodes furnishes comedy relief as a hysterical foreign violinist. Leslie Fenton has an important role. A luxury liner on the bounding main is the scene, and its cargo of passengers and crew are the actors in the delightful comedy-drama, ‘ Here Comes

Trouble,’ with Paul Kelly and Arline Judge heading its cast of Fox stars. Anything can, and does, happen, out beyond the 12-mile limit on this liner that has bungling burglars in the passenger list and cavorting “ roughnecks ” in the crow. On the trip down to Havana two pairs of jewel crooks are angling to get the precious ruby that Gregory Ratoff expects to pick up in the Cuban port. Mona Barrio and Halliwell Hobbes, posing as father and daughter are the smooth pair, while Andrew Tombcs and Edward Brophy are just ordinary safobreakers. In Havana port Paul Kelly, third engineer, goes ashore after promising his manicuring “ sweetie,” Arline Judge, that ho will stay out of trouble. But when the ship sails back Kelly has been demoted to the stoke hole for his part in a riot. Ratoff’s jewel is stolon from the ship safe, and all the hubbub and investigation fails to turn it up. Miss Barrie, trapped in a boiler room explosion, is rescued by Kelly. When they reach New York she graciously invites liim to visit her borne, and he accepts, not suspecting that the jewel has been planted on him. The climax of the picture is racy and melodramatic. When Kelly reaches the lady’s home and finds a gang of strong arm men waiting for him, a wild free-for-all results. And, just when the decision is going against him, Arline Judge. Sammy Cohen, and a whole platoon of policemen dash in to bring the picture to a happy close. ‘ Here Comes Trouble ’ was produced under the supervision of John Stone. REGENT Rafael Sabatini, whose tales of romance and adventure have proved in the past to be ideal for screen purposes, has written another such story in ‘ The Marriage of Corbal,’ concluding a season at the Regent this evening. The setting is France during tho time of the Revolution and concerns two young aristocrats over-shadowed by the grim persecution of their class. Nils Asther, Hugh Sinclair, Hazel Terry’, and Victoria Nelson arc among the players. ‘THINGS TO COME.’ Adapted from the powerful book, ‘ The Shape of Things to Come,’ by H. G. Wells, ‘ Things to Come,’ which commences at the Regent to-morrow, offers something more than ordinary entertainment. In j the earlier part of the film the action that take place before the turn of the century seems, at the present day, only too likely, and the suggested conditions of 203 G are not impossible. Great credit is due to the technical staff for tho amazing effects. Tho panic in the streets of Everytown as bombs suddenly fall, anti-aircraft guns rattle, and sirens scream; the stream-lined tanks; the sky made dark by a great air fleet; Everytown in ruins during the pestilence; the gigantic planes of the Mediterranean airmen; the huge machines remaking the cities; and the loading and firing of the space-gun and all stirring scenes, made impressive by their technical perfection. Raymond Massey is tho outstanding personality Every moment he is on the screen he dominates the other characters. Another impressive portrayal is that of The Chief ” by Ralph Richardson. Sir Cedric Hardwicke’s appearance is brief, yet he makes it important and moving. Margaretta Scott and Pearl Arsyle, in the main feminine roles, both give fine performances. It is a film that will not easily be forgotten. EMPIRE An entertaining story of a wealthy American business man, whoso wife is perturbed at the attentions paid him by his attractive secretary, is presented in tho Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, ‘ Wife Versus Secretary,’ which heads the programme concluding this evening at the Empire. Clark Gable takes the part of the business man, while Myrna Loy and Jean Harlow are seen as the wife and the secretary respectively. An interesting selection of shorter films also is being shown. ‘THE BOHEMIAN GIRL.’ To-morrow the latest Laurel and Hardy comedy, ‘ Tho Bohemian Girl,’ is coming to the Empire-. This is a most unusual production, for the reason that the inevitable comedy of the famous pair is superimposed on tho story and music of Balfe’s delightful opera. The story is burlesqued to a certain extent, but in outline it is the plot of the opera. Antonio Moreno, Jacqueline Wells. Mae Busch, James Finlayson, William P. Carleton, and, lastly, but far from least, four-year-old Darla Hood ; who essays tho rolo of Princess Arline as a child, interpret their respective roles in a convincing and entertaining manner. Stan and . “ Ollie ” are happy-go-lucky members of a gipsy baud. Tho latter’s wife, Mae Busch, is enamoured of Antonio Moreno, a dashing and romantic nomad. But so is the Gipsy Queen", and right hero is where the complications start. To prove her love for “ Devilshoof,” Mao. as Mrs Hardy, kidnaps tho baby daughter of Count Aruheim. when lie flogs Moreno for skulking about the grounds of his palace. Leaving the baby with her hen-peeked husband, sho induces “Devilshoof” to elope with her. There will be an outstanding associate programme with the ‘ Bohemian Girl,’ including ‘ The Hit-and-Run Driver.’ STRAND Comprising * My Song Goes Round the World,’ a fine musical film, and ‘ Don’t Get Personal,’ an excellent modern comedy, the bill which will have its finale at the Strand this evening is entertainment of the best typo. Introducing Joseph Schmidt to New Zealand audiences, the first film has a largo and talented supporting cast. Pinky Tomlin, James Dunn, and Sally Ellers are the stars in the other feature. TWO EXCELLENT FEATURES. In the field of radio, motion picture producers have found a wonderful sourco of talent, and this is strikingly borne out in 1 Stars Over Broadway,’ which will be shown at the Strand tomorrow. In this film there are artists whoso names are well known, but who would not be brought before the outside world if it were not for the medium of tho talking screen. ‘ Stars Over Broadway ’ presents snob artists as James Melton and Jane Fronian. The story centres round Pat O’Brien, who, as a theatrical agent with very little to do, suddenly “ discovers ” a voice with wonderful possibilities. Its possessor is James Melton, a porter at the hotel where O’Brien is staying. This artist is making his first appearance in films, and if his initial performance is any criterion, it should not he hs last. ‘ The Mine With the Iron Door,’ in support, is taken from tho story by Harold Bell Wright, and it loses nothing in the translation to the screen So well has the production been carried out that the talking picture on this occasion is even more graphic than the printed page. The tale is au entrancing one of quest for buried treasure, and of human passions and joah

onsics, which engender the most gripping situations. The cast is headed by Richard Arleu, Cecilia Parker, and Henry B. Walthall. ST. JAMES James Cagney is at his best in a characterisation role in ‘ Frisco Kid,’ which is the attraction concluding tonight at the St James. _ Cagney’s last him, ‘ A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ proved him to he a superb artist. But cinema goers still associate him with the the type of part commonly known as “ tough,” and for all Cagney fans ‘ Frisco Kid will be splendid entertainment. ‘ PAGE MISS GLORY.’ The Cosmopolitan comedy, ‘ Page Miss Glory,’ with Marion Davies in the stellar rolo and a supporting cast composed of more than a score of Hollywood stars and featured players, will be presented by Warner Bros, at the St. James to-morrow Based on the sensational Broadway stage hit by Joseph Schrank and Philip Dunning, with the screen version written hy Delmer Daves and Robert Lord, ‘Pago Miss Glory’ was assigned to Warner Bros.’ ace director, Mervyu Lc Roy, who selected such stars as Dick Powell. Pat O’Brien, Maty Astor, Frank M'Hugh, Lyle Talbot, Patsy Kelly, Barton Mac Lane, Allen Jenkins, and Hobart Cavanaugh for the leading roles. Miss Davies and Dick Powell sing a duet specially written for the production by Hollywood’s leading song hit producers, Warren and Duhin. ‘ Page Miss Glory | is said to be the finest of Miss Davies’s stellar vehicles, and the charming star herself is declared to have risen to even greater heights in her portrayal of the naive country hotel chambermaid who became “ Dawn Glory,” America’s outstanding beauty. The plot is described as being hilariously funny, but a charming romance runs through the humour. Miss Davies introduces many new style creations designed for her by On'y-Ivelly. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE •As an illustration of the popularity of ‘ Naughty Marietta,’ which will be screened for three further days 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, whoso 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 wondsconts, 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. STATE * Follow the Fleet,’ concluding tonight at the State, is the latest and best of the Ginger Rogers-Fred Astaire musical productions. It shows a marked improvement on previous films of its type, the dancing and singing scenes being particular good. Irving Beilin has supplied the music, and his tunes are gay. The story, full of romantic nonsense, with Astaire as the pressing suitor and Miss Rogers as the coy maiden, is set to a nautical background. OCTAGON Twp excellent features conclude at the Octagon this evening in ‘ Here’s to Romance ’ and ‘ First a Girl.’ The former stars Nino Martini, nationally famous operatic singer, with Anita Louise and Genevieve Tobin in the feminine roles, in a brilliant musical romance. Jessie Matthews is the principal of ‘ First a Girl,’ a feast of music and dance numbers, with Sonnie Hale in the male lead. DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. William Powell encounters the most baffling mystery of bis career in ‘ Star of Midnight,’ a romance with a modern New York setting, to be commenced at the Octagon to-morrow. As compensation for the difficulty of the case he has Titian-tressed Ginger Rogers as his assistant in clue tracing. Based on a magazine story by the late Arthur Somers Roche, the sophisticated mystery drama unites Powell and Miss Rogers on the screen for the first time. The plot centres about the weird disappearance of a beautiful woman, and the mysterious murder of a newspaper columnist which ensues. Supporting Powell and Miss Rogers is a strong oast, including Ralph Morgan. Leslie Fenton, Gene Lockhart, Russell Hopton, and J. Farrell MacDonald. ‘ Hooray for Love,’ the accompanying attraction, brings an entirely new and entertaining treatment of the theatrical story to the screen. The show within a show- includes specialties hy Bill Robinson and Jeni Le Gon, dusky dancers, Mqria Gambarelli, and “ Pats ” Waller. The cast, headed by Ann Sothern and Gene Raymond, includes Pert Kelton, Thurston Hall, Georgia Caine, Lionel Stander, and others. MAYFAIR ‘ The Dark Angel,’ an intensely moving and sincere picture, heads the current programme at the Mayfair. The story tells of the hesitation of a warblinded man to saddle his helplessness on the girl be loves; bis pretence of death, and bis eventual reunion with the girl. The plot is not now, and depends for its success entirely on how far the players make their parts live, and how far they succeed in enlisting the sympathy of the audience. It is acted with such naturalness that it becomes one of the most moving of recent screen plays. Skill and genius have been devoted to establishing charming and suitable atmosphere for the story and to making the characters veritably real. Though made in Hollywood. the production has a fidelity to British sot tines and sentiment that is completelv satisfying. Acting honours are shared by three famous players— Merle Obcinn. Fredric March, and Herbert Marshall. In ‘ The Dark Annrel ’ M’°s O’-eron has an animaUon which a ,l ds greatly to her c-Karm. Fredric M-vc’i gives a fine study of the war lic>-o, w’-ile Herbert Marshall fills a difficult role with assured restraint T'm story lias been brilliantly handled by Sidney Franklin, whoso insnired direction alwavs prevents the film from descending into maudlin sentimentality There is an entertaining supporting programme.