AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22986, 15 September 1936, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS

OCTAGON THEATRE The screen version of the popular musical comedy “Roberta" is the principal attraction on the programme at the Octagon Theatre. The picture is notable for the fact that it provides Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire with an opportunity to demonstrate their skill as entertainers, and there is nothing more admirable in the film than | the clever dances in which they are seen together. Irene Dunne, has to bear the burden of the acting, which makes the story convincing, and her singing of “ Smoke Gets in Your Eyes ” and other numbers ranks high among the attractions which the film has to offer. Romance, comedy, and melody are excellently blended in a film which provides screen entertainment of the brightest type. A further attraction is “ Murder on a Honeymoon,” a comedy in which Edna May Oliver scores a great success and is well supported by James Gleason. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. STRAND THEATRE Two adventure films of widelydifferent types comprise the current programme at the Strand Theatre. They are “ Hell-ship Morgan ” and “ Justice of the Range.” In “ Hellship Morgan,” the background of the story reveals the exploits ,of a unit of a tuna-fishing fleet. This boat is commanded by Captain Morgan (George Bancroft), who has earned his sobriquet by his x'ulhless driving of his men. Beneath his hard exterior he has a kindly heart, and in turn befriends a man and a woman who are down and out. The man becomes his first mate, and the woman becomes his wife. She accepts him, feeling in duty bound to help her helper, but soon discovers that she loves the mate. Their love is discovered during a terrible storm which affords the eventual solution of the problem. Victor Jory and Ann Sothern are the other principal players in the film. Tim M'Coy is the star of “Justice of the Range,” a typical Western vehicle, in which he is supported by Billie Stewart, who has played opposite him in several recent films. The story centres round the efforts of a rascally commission agent to gain possession of a ranch by stirring up a range war by his rustling activities. It is full of interest and action. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. EMPIRE THEATRE Large audiences are at present enjoying the delightful comedy of “ Three Live Ghosts,” which is at present being shown at the Empire Theatre. Undoubtedly this is one of the funniest of all screen plays, and one, furthermore, that has stood the test of time. Thousands of Dunedin people saw the original version of this story, laughed themselves hoarse, and went home chuckling. They will do the same with this new production, for its humour is infectious and hearty, it has moments of thrilling excitement and an added dash of romance to provide a combination which would be hard to better. The story concerns the adventures of three soldiers, who escape from a German prison camp and return to London, only to find that they are officially “ dead.” For varying reasons they decide to stay dead, and their escapades become many and varied. To the two principals, Richard Arlen and Beryl Mercer, must go unstinted praise for the really fine characterisations as Bill Jones and Mrs Gubbins. Richard Arlen is an accomplished young actor, and his record is a fine one. but his performance in “ Three Live Ghosts is his best yet. All that can be said of Beryl Mercer, who is too well known and loved to need any commendation, is that she is at the top of her form in a characteristic role in which she is obviously at home. There is a good supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. “KLONDIKE ANNIE” Mae West gets religion—-tem-porarily. That is the theme of “Klondike Annie,” the picture which will be commenced at the Empire Theatre on Friday, and it is one that will intrigue all admirers of this star. Mae this time has a role that calls for real histrionic ability, but, although there is strong drama in the film, Mae herself—her familiar poses and inimitable wise-cracks—is always the centre of interest. A strong cast supports the blonde star—Victor M‘Laglen as the hard-boiled Bull Brackett, skipper of the tramp steamer Java Maid, Phillip Reed as Jack Forrest, the representative of law and order in the Alaskan gold-rush town of Nome, and Helen Jerome Eddy as Sister Annie Alden, one of a band of missionaries who are fighting a losing battle in the godless goldfields. GRAND THEATRE Karloff and Lugosi are co-starred in “The Invisible Ray,” a picture which combines mystery and startling adventure with a depiction of scientific marvels not yet actually accomplished by experimenters. Karloff, as a “ lone wolf” scientist working entirely by himself, brings down from the heavens an actual reproduction of the battle of the suns and stars millions of years ago, and the great glass dome of his laboratory is filled with blinding light as prehistoric events in a starry nebula are relived. Later he discovers a substance 1000 times more powerful than radium, and looses it on his enemies before an accident finally makes him a victim of his own ruthlessness. The cast appearing in support of Karloff and Lugosi includes Frank Lawton, Frances Drake, Walter Kingsford, Beulah Bondi and Violet Kemble Cooper. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. “A MESSAGE TO GARCIA” Wallace Beery—Barbara Stanwyck— John Boles. These three great stars, together for the first time, enact their greatest roles in “A Message to Garcia,”'the picture which will be commenced at the Grand Theatre to-mor-row. Inspired by Elbert Hubbard s immortal essay, the picture has a plot written about one of history s most fascinating exploits. Boles is the man who carried the message to Garcia in the jungle interior, a message that will change the destinies of three nations. For a companion, he takes Wallace Beery, an amusing rogue who is halt traitor, half hero. When they discover that the man who was to guide them to Garcia has been killed they take his daughter, Barbara Stanwyck to show them the way. Hardship, peril, adventure, faced together in the treacherous jungle, draw Boles and Miss Stanwyck to each other. But, when she is wounded Boles carries on bravely with his mission, leaving her behind in the care of Beery. The taut and nervescraping climax of the picture approaches when Beery reappears and leads Boles into what he mistakenly thinks is Garcia’s camp, actually the stronghold of Boles’s enemies. A heroic charge led by Beery frees Boles from the clutches of his captors, makes possible the rejoining of the lovers and brings the picture to a hannv close. Appearing prominently in the supporting cast are Alan Hale. Mona Barrie and Herbert Mundin. STATE THEATRE Such is the appeal of the talented juvenile star Shirley Temple that although “Captain January, in which she has the leading role, is now in the second week of its Dunedin season, it continues to attract crowded houses to the State Theatre. Shirley plays the part of the orphaned daughter of an opera singer, lost in a wreck off the rocky Maine coast, where Shirley, who was washed ashore when a baby, is given a home by Guy Kibbee, a light-house-keeper. As a merry, light-hearted child of six, she is the old man s sole , light and joy in his old age. Slim Summerville, as the captain’s companion, aids in the upbringing of the child. “Star,” as she is known. The dramatic episodes surround the efforts of a truant officer (a tvpical Sarah Haden part) to take “Star” away from Kibbee and place her in the school, and the subsequent loss by Kib-

bee of his job as a lighthouse tender. The book “ Captain January ” was a favourite some years ago, and is an ideal vehicle for Shirley, as it has been adapted to the little star’s talents and yet loses none of its original charm. Buddy Ebson, of “Broadway Melody” fame, shares some tap-dances with " Star,” who sings and dances her way in and out of the odd corners of the lighthouse, down the wharves and quays of the township where she goes to get supplies for the lighthouse, and, incidentally, she dances into the hearts of all the people she comes into contact with —with the exception of the truant officer. A strong supporting programme is shown. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. , “FOLLOW THE FLEET” Instead of the eternal triangle, it is the romantic pentagonal in “Follow the Fleet,” RKO Radio’s lavish musical co-starring Fred Astaire and Gin- | ger Rogers, which will be commenced ; at the State Theatre on Friday. Two men and three beautiful girls are involved in the love plot of the gay and tuneful production. Astaire and Randolph Scott are the masculine entrants in the romantic derby. Miss Rogers, Harriet Hilliard and Astrid Allwyn the feminine. Blonde Miss Allwyn, in the role of n man-conscious siren, is the only deliberate mischief maker of the quintet; but, as Eve proved in the beginning, one woman can do plenty of damage. “Follow the Fleet,” directed by Mark Sandrich, features a complete musical score by Irving Berlin. REGENT THEATRE Staged with"a meticulous attention to detail and played by a first-class cast, “ The Amateur Gentleman,” a film version of Jeffery Farnol’s popular novel of the samq name, is at present enjoying a successful season at the Regent Theatre. Of necessity, the producers have had to take some liberties with the original narrative, but, in the main, Farnol’s story has been followed fairly closely, anoL through its transference to the serpen actually loses little. The fine spirit of the book has been admirably caught, and iFarnol’s thrilling story of an innkeeper’s son who uses his wits and his fists to break into the gilded society of Regency days in order to secure the evidence necessary to save his unjustly accused father from the gallows is told on the screen with breeziness and comedy. Young Douglas Fairbanks, jun.. is perfectly cast as Barnabas Barty, the hero of varied escapades and escapes. He is exactly “The Amateur Gentleman” as all readers of Farnol’s book will have imagined him, for he has a virile and dynamic air, a dash of chivalry and natural ease of bearing and speech. Opposite Fairbanks plays Elissa Landi, who has a splendid opportunity in the part of the beautiful Lady Cleone. Elissa Landi has a dignified charm that lends itself perfectly to the role. A notable feature of this production is the care which has been taken in reproducing the scenes, manners and atmosphere of Regency days. The film is not only a thrilling drama, but also a vivid pageant of London, Bath and the English countryside in a colourful period. An unusually entertaining programme of short subjects includes a delightful Disney cartoon in technicolour, entitled “Cock o’ the Walk." The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. “ DESIRE ” In announcing the Dunedin premiere of the Paramount production “ Desire,” which will take place at the Regent Theatre on Friday next, the management would like to say something in explanation of the title, which might probably convey a wrong impression of the film. Originally the picture was named "The Pearl Necklace.” The heroine “desired” clothes, beautiful jewels, beautiful surroundings. Hence the title. Gary Cooper’s name in the leading male role is a guarantee that there are no scenes of purple passion in “Desire.” In fact, “ Desire ” is said to be refreshingly different and exhilarating. Gary Cooper has been adding steadily to his reputation ever since his popular “Bengal Lancer,” and he has made of his role in “ Desire ” one of the most entertaining screen performances ever seen. When you hear him sing his holiday song about his “ Bronson Eight ” you will join with him in the holiday spirit. When the Customs officials find his hidden cigarettes you will realise how you would feel under similar circumstances, and your sympathy will go out to him. When he finds that falling in love is what he thought was indigestion you will remember the feeling well. You know he will marry the heroine somehow, somewhere, and he makes it all so real that you forget it is a film. Men will like “ Desire ” gs much as women. They will see in themselves the doctor and the pearl merchant, each of whom thinks the other is crazy, and many of them will remember having fallen in love, just as Gary Cooper does. .Marlene Dietrich is the featured feminine player. ST. JAMES THEATRE That appealing, beautiful actress, Jean Harlow, who has steadily risen to screen prominence in a list of excellent films, is the leading feminine player of “Riff Raff,” in which Spencer Tracy plays opposite her. In the role of a girl employed in a fish canning factory, Miss Harlow reveals dramatic and vivacious acting. Straight-forwardness and quiet strength are the characteristics of Tracy’s work, and as Dutch Miller, a bombastic, egotistical waterfront tough, he gives a first-class piece of acting. The girl is in love with Tracy, who refuses to recognise her devotion for him until she had gone to prison for stealing money to help him out of his difficulties. The independent Hattie is at length reconciled to her somewhat boastful lover, and the film ends on a distinctly cheerful note. Spencer Tracy gives a virile performance in the part of" the young fisherman who causes Hattie so much anxiety, while other roles are capably portrayed by Una Merkel, Joseph Calleia, Mickey Rooney, and J. Farrell MacDonald. The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, and the D.I.C. “PAGE MISS GLORY” A film that has gained a reputation of offering screen entertainment in a novel and thoroughly amusing manner is “Page Miss Glory,” which will be commenced at the St. James Theatre on Friday. The star is Marion Davies, and supporting her are Dick Powell, Pat O’Brien, Mary Astor, Frank M'Hugh, Lyle Talbot, Palsy Kelly, Barton Mac Lane, Allen Jenkins, Hobart Cavanaugh, and many others. “Page Miss Glory” was a big hit on the Broadway stage. A new song, bearing the same title as that of the film, written by Warren and Dubin, Hollywood’s leading team of “ hit" writers, and sung by Dick Powell and Marion Davies, is a feature of the production. The story of the film is as funny as it is unique. Miss Davies in the role of a country girl, neither pretty nor bright, obtains a job as a chambermaid in a big New York hotel, in which reside a promoter, portrayed by Pat O’Brien, who has nothing to promote, and Frank M’Hugh, a jobless newspaper reporter. HOw these two combine to make Miss Davies the talk of the nation provides comedy of an unusual and very entertaining nature. MAYFAIR THEATRE The full programme which is being screened at the Mayfair Theatre offers well varied entertainment with comedy predominating. “Peck’s Bad Boy” is one of the chief attractions. It tells a human story in which there are situations both amusing and pathetic, and the principal role is ably filled by Jackie Cooper. He portrays with a keen understanding of the requirements of the part a misunderstood boy whose lively spirits get into all kinds of mischief, but who is at heart a fine manly youngster liked by everyone. William Powell is seen with Ginger Rogers in “Star of Midnight,” a mystery drama telling of the disappearance of a beautiful woman. Romance and subtle comedy are combined with the mvstery clement to make the film specially altraclivc. A third picture. “Pardon My Pups,” features the extraordinary Shirley Temple. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.

“CALL OF THE WILD" “Call of the Wild” is no misnomer for Twentieth Century’s fllmisation of Jack London’s famous classic of the Klondike gold rush of 1897. which will be commenced at the Mayfair Theatre to-morrow, with Clark Gable, Loretta Young and Jack Oakie in its leading z-oles. A story of unbridled romance which recognises only Nature’s laws, it is a literal interpretation of “the call of the wild,” and Darryl Zanuck, who produced the stirring saga of the last of our great frontiers, has invested the original text with a dramatic love story. Gable swashbuckles through the gold camps, a picturesque prospector ready to stake his fortune 01* the flip of a coin. His code is the code of the frontier—a rough but honest variation of the “golden rule.” "Buck,” the huge St. Bernard, has a prominent part in the picture. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE When Warner Bros., who gave talking pictures to the world, announced that they had persuaded Professor Max Reinhardt to produce Shakespeare's greatest comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” they declared that the resultant picture wduld be the finest ever filmed. “A Midsummer NighFs Dream ” will be commenced at His Majesty’s Theatre to-morrow evening. The film is a revelation of the possibilities of motion pictures. Here is art in its finest sense. Here is the sheer beauty of fantasy, where imagination has its fullest play. Yet here, too. is entertainment—for all the down-to-earth. side-splitting humour of the , “ Dream ’’ has been retained, and spec - tators pause for a moment in their laughter to thrill at the drama or marvel at the beauty of spectacles. Through it all is heard the glorious music of Mendelssohn, especially -arranged by the famous Viennese composer, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and played by a fine symphony orchestra. The immense cast includes:—lan Hunter, Veree Teasdale, Hobart Cavanaugh, Dick Powell, Ross Alexander, Joan Muir, Olivia de Havilland, Grant Mitchell, James Cagney, Joe E. Brown, Hugh Herbert, Frank M’Hugh, Dewey Robinson, Otis Harlan. Arthur Treacher, Mickey Rooney, Anita Louise, Victor Jory, Nini Theilade Katherine Frey, Helen Westcott, Freil Sale, Billy Barty. • ,