PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22463, 7 October 1936, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

GRAND The main picture which is being presented on the outstanding programme at the Grand to-night is ‘ To Beat the Baud,’ in which Hugh Herbert and Helen Broderick have leading parts. Hugh Herbert is named as the heir to 59,000,000d0l by an eccentric old aunt. She stipulates, however, that her nephew, who is in love with a blonde debutante, Phyllis Brooks, must marry a widow within three days. Roger Pryor, a disillusioned young man. is persuaded to alter ■ his mind at Herbert’s penthouse while bent on suicide. Herbert, who wants both the object of his affections and the fortune, enters into a compact with Pryor. But he overlooks the connivance of h;s woman lawyer, Helen Broderick, Fred Keating, a dance band performer, who is also named in the will, and even iiis loyal, but stupid butler, Eric Blore. A “ cavalcade of minstrelsy ” is an excellent description of the brilliant all-British production, ‘ Kentucky Minstrels of 1935,’ which will be screened in support. This is probably the first opportunity talking picture patrons have had of witnessing an entertainment of this kind. The older generation will delight in the earlier sequences depicting the early days of the famous “ minstrels,” the modern will find the greatest pleasure in the spectacular concluding scenes, in which Debroy Somers’s hand. Nina Mae M'Kinney, Scott and Whaley, and the “ Eight Black Streaks ” are featured, and the children will enjoy to the full the seaside scenes where Mott and Bayfley go “ brisking ” on the sands. Besides the stars mentioned, several other famous English players are featured. REGENT 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. Wells, in the amazing film ‘ Things to Come,’ now showing at the Regent. To the technical marvels of the film are added outstanding photography and very fine acting. The opening scenes show a city enjoying Christmas Eve, in spite of war rumours, and then, with a terrible suddenness breaks in the 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 the 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 Hardwicke. ‘ GIVE US THIS NIGHT.' Very fine singing and acting on the part of the principals, Jan Kiepura and Gladys Swarthout, make the film, ‘Give Us This Night,’ commencing on Friday at tl/e Regent, an outstanding success. The story opens in a little fishing village not far from Naples, where Antonio (Kiepura) is one of the fishers. It so happens that at the same village Maria (Gladys Swarthout) and Forcellini (Allan Mowbray) are rehearsing for an opera under the guidance of Marcello Bouetti. Unfortunately, Forcollini’s voice—exceptionally fine in his own opinion—fails to reach the requisite standard necessary for the part, and Antonio, who is heard singing quite by chance, is invited to take the part opposite Maria. It is while Antonio and Maria are rehearsing that some of the finest singing is heard. Though classical, the songs are exceedingly tuneful and greatly appeal to the audience. The two, as to be expected, fall in love, and everything goes smoothly as the opening night approaches. On practically the eve of the first performance, however, Antonio, believing Maria to he in love with Bonetti, flees to his home. How he is prevailed upon to return to sing with Maria provides excellent entertainment. Allan Mowbray provides many humorous scenes, while Philip Merivale enacts the role of Bonetti with dignity and charm. ST. JAMES ‘ Page Miss Glory,’ the picture which is the main attraction at the St. James this_ week, 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. ‘THE GARDEN MURDER CASE.’ Philo Vance, a screen detective who manages to work mireles in a comparatively understandable manner, will be seen in Dunedin when ‘ The Garden Murder Case ’ opens its season at the St. .lames on Friday. • The Garden Murder Case ’ contains as much thrill, action, drama, and romance as Mr S. S. Van Dine can combine into ono of his celebrated mystery stories. As with his previous stories, there is any amount of characterisation to bo enjoyed, from the unpopular financier, Lowe Hammie, whose murder baffles manv people and frightens many more, to the girl Zalia, heiress to the rich man and accused by many would-be solvers of the crime. It is hard in a film of this type not bo follow the climax with a wearying explanation of the motives and methods of the killer, but such a mistake is totallv avoided in 1 The Garden Murder Case.'’ Edmund Lowo and Virginia Bruce are names in the case which attract attention, and supporting players such as Bonita Hume, Douglas Walton, Nat Pendleton, Gene Lockhart, and H B. Warner arp a further guarantee of the films quality.

STRAND Reported as introducing a new idea in screen musical comedies, as well as two new film stars, Warner Bros.’ latest musical, ‘ Stars Over Broadway,’ is at the Strand this week. Besides being the film debut of the popular radio stars, James Melton and Jane Froman, the picture has an all-star cast, which includes Pat O’Brien, Jean Muir, Frank M'Hugh, and Frank Fay. The story, by Mildred Cram, reveals the private lives ami loves, tho struggles and tribulations of successful radio stars. There is an unusual mixture of musical numbers, which vary from classical selections taken from the compositions of Verdi, Schubert, and von Flotow, to new compositions of Harry Warren and A 1 Dubin, famous song writers. ‘ The Mine with the Iron Door ’ is in support. The guiding theme of the film is a treasure hunt, and the interest is sustained until the last scene. Richard Arlen and Cecilia Parker are the principals, and they both give first-class performances. TWO EXCELLENT FEATURES. One of the most colourful and spectacular musical films to be seen in Dunedin for some time, ‘ The Singing Kid,’ a Warner Brothers’ production, _ will commence at the Strand on Friday. Al Jolson, the popular singing player who played a prominent part in ushering in that pioneer of talking pictures, ‘ Tho Singing Fool,’ is at his best in the leading role, -and he is capably supported by a talented cast including the Yacht Boys, Sybil Jason, and Claire Dodd. The musical numbers contributed by Cab Calloway and his hand are particularly outstanding, while the humour of the film is in the capable hands of the inimitable comedian, Edward Everett Horton, and Allen Jenkins. Elcanore Whitney and Tom Keene head the cast of players in ‘ Timothy’s Quest,’ Paramount’s adaptation of Kate Douglas Wiggin’s novel, which will be shown in support. Dickie Moore, Virginia Weidler, Sally Martin, and Bennie Bartlett comprise the quartet of children who stir up excitement and trouble. Tho “ plain folk ” whose lives are changed by the arrival of the waif Timothy are played by Elizabeth Patterson. Samuel S. Hinds. Esther Dale, Jack Clifford, John Kelly, Raymond Hatton, and Ralph Remley. EMPIRE Tuneful voices, colourful costumes, pleasing music, and buffoonery such as only Laurel and Hardy can provide, are the ingredients of ‘ The Bohemian Girl,’ the main feature at the Empire. The film concerns the adventures of a gipsy band of which the two comedians are happy-go-lucky members. Mrs Hardy, played by Mae Busch, is enamoured of Devilshoof, a romantic vagabond. Devilshoof is flogged when he is caught skulking within the castle grounds of Count Arnheim, and in revenge Mrs Hardy ‘ kidnaps the baby daughter of the count.’ Then Devilshoof and Mrs Hardy elope, leaving Oliver with the baby on his hands. He and his good friend, Laurel, raise the girl as a gipsy, and it is not until she has reached womanhood that she is returned to her rightful plaqe in the world. In the meantime, however, many exciting and strange situations arise. In the first part of the programme is a. very interestng educational film, ‘ The Hit-and-run Driver.’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 week. Astaire 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 high-light of the picture. Astaire and Miss Rogers are supported by a brilliant cast, including the lovely Harriet Hilliard ami 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.’ , \ ‘ JACK OF ALL TRADES.’ ‘ Jack of All Trades,’ which will commence on Friday at tho State, brings back one of the most popular of English comedians, Jack Hulbert. Also in the cast aro Robertson Hare and Gina Malo. ‘ Jack of All Trades ’ is a worthy successor to ‘ Bulldog Jack ’ and ‘ The Camels are Coming.’ It is the first time that Hulbert and Robertson Hare have appeared together in a film, and the electric vitality of the former forms a delightful contrast to the stolid pessimism of tho latter. Gina Malo will be remembered for her delightful work in ‘ Lily of Killarncy ’ and other British films. She brings charm and whimsical comedy to her role in ‘ Jack of All Trades.’ The theme, which concerns Jack’s adventures as he bluffs his way through meetings of bank directors or rescues his lady-love from a burning factory, is undoubtedly the medium to show this fun-maker at his happiest. His adventures begin when ho goes to a grand house as an extra waiter and is mistaken for a guest. Here we see the real Jack Hulbert of the twinkling feet and the jolly voice. Among his many song numbers are throe with particularly attractive lilts: ‘You’re Sweeter Than I Thought You Were,’ ‘ Whore There’s You There’s Me,’ and ‘ Tap Your Tootsies.’ OCTAGON Heading an excellent double-feature programme at the Octagon, 1 Star of Midnight,’ featuring a popular team in William Powell and Ginger Rogers, provides enjoyable entertainment. The story tells of a brilliant attorney who is called upon to solve a difficult mystery, and of a society girl who sets her heart on winning the love of the lawyer. Before these two things aie brought about there are plenty of opportunities for gay comedy ami clever dialogue. The lending players give brilliant performances, and they are aMy supported by Ralph Morgan, Gene Lockhart, Leslie Fenton, and Pan! Kelly. The supporting picture, ‘ Hooray for Love,’ is a bright film of theatrical life in which all the ingredients of gay entertainment are attractively blended. The cast is In-aded by the talented Ann Sothern and Gene Raymond. DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. Although Charlie Ruggles, Paramount comedian, has a featured role in ‘ Ruggles of Red Gap,’ coming on Friday to the Octagon, ho does not play the title part. In other words, Ruggles is not “ Ruggles! ” Charles Laughton, noted English actor, heads the cast as “ Ruggles,” the droll butler of the Harry Loon Wilson novel, who leaves London to create a sensation in Red Gap, a small Western town in the United States. Mary Boland, Roland Young, Zasu Pitts, and Leila Hyams are featured. James Flood, director of

Paramount’s ‘ Wings in the Dark, the second film, left school at the age of 17 for his first “ movie ” job. It was a position as assistant director at the old Biograph Studios in New York. In ‘ Wings in the Dark ’ Flood directs Myrna Loy arid Cary Grant, who are co-starred. The story deals with a young girl flyer who risks her life to help her lover when fate prevents him from caring for himself. MAYFAIR ‘ Red Salute,’ starring Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Young, will commence a season at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. ‘ Red Salute ’ gives Miss Stanwyck her first opportunity to doff the familiar garments of tragedy as a pretty, modern “ co-ed,” blessed with a quick tongue ,a venturesome spirit, and a rollicking sense of fun. From the moment when this headstrong maiden, Drue Van Allen, is tricked by her army father into flying across the Mexican border to save her from harmful publicity arising from her association with a voung college man reported to be of “ lied ” leanings, the story moves swiftly from one thrilling and laughprovoking adventure to another, in her efforts to get back she involves not only a witty young soldier on furlough, in the person of Mr Young, but a henpecked husband (Cliff Edwards) and his pux-suing wife (Ruth Donnelly), the Border Patrol, and even the Federal authorities. The actress proves herself an admirable comedienne, and Robert Young is satisfactory as the private who gets himself into the most unexpected corners because he is such an obliging soul. The ukulele strumming Edwards and Ruth Donnelly make a grand new comedy team, and Hardie Albright as the agitator, Gordon Jones, and Paul Stanton also lend admirable support. LAURIER, PORT CHALMERS

‘ Grand Exit,’ a dramatic production of fire investigators, starring Edmund Lowe and the beautiful Ann Sothern, is the current attraction at the Laurier, Port Chalmers. Lowe portrays the role of Tom Fletcher, a happy-go-lucky ladies’ man, albeit one of the most intrepid of insurance company private fire detectives. Investigating a series of mysterious blazes of incendiary origin, Lowe finds his suspicions unwillingly directed at lovely Miss Sothern, whose presence has always been noted at the scene of the blazes. His heart having been won by the fair Miss Sothern, Lowe risks everything on a strategic ruse to trap the real criminal. How Lowe discovers the “fire bug’s ” identity, the manner in which he operates, and the motives for his cranes, provides the basis for the thrills and drama, which, despite its underlying theme of death and destruction, contains a light and flippant romantic comedy vein. The balance of the large cast includes Onslow Stevens, Robert Middlemass, and Wyrley Birch.