Round The Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 484, 13 October 1928, Page 14

Round The Shows

“UNCLE TOM’S” CABIN PLAZA, TIVOLI, EVERYBODY’S The old South that was, with its courtly gallants and charming belles, is literally transported to the screen in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” the stupendous Universal masterpiece production that is now being shown at the Plaza, Tivoli and Everybody’s Theatres, One could almost inhale the sweet scent of magnolias and hear the soft voices of the darkies at the close of a long, cotton-picking day. The one word to describe this masterly picture is “epic.” Certainly no other photoplay since the beginning of the industry has achieved the response as to emotions as has this one. The great direction of Harry Pollard is reflected in every foot of the picture. Not only are the players perfectly cast,, but the grouping, composition and lighting are astonishingly effective. The river scenes are marvels of beauty. The proud “La Belle Riviere” puffing around a bend of the Mississippi brings a thrill to all beholders. The roles of Margarita Fischer as Eliza, George Siegmann as Simon Legree, James Lowe as Uncle Tom, Virginia Grey as Little Eva, Arthur Edmund Carew as George Harris, and the other experienced players are portrayed with an amazing realism and fidelity to the characters of the novel. The comedy touches which are paintfed in with deft strokes are capably handled by Mona Ray as Topsy, Lucien Littlefield as Lawyer Marks and Aileen Manning as Aunt Ophelia. The big scenes are splendidly done. The death of Little Eva, Eliza crossing the ice, the classical handling of the auction and river scenes, the marvellous reproductions of Southern life as exemplified in the Shelby, St. Clare and Legree plantations, all are beyond reproach. To no one player falls the responsibility for the success of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” It is obvious that this production in the making was not handled merely as the manufacturing of a motion picture. The earnestness, sincerity and singleness of purpose of the cast demonstrates that its task was a labour of love, indeed. At the Plaza Theatre only, a colourful stage presentation precedes the showing of the film. This is “Plantation Days,” a medley of darkie songs and dances, with chorus and banjo accompaniment. Suitable orchestral selections accompany “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” at the Tivoli and Everybody’s. “DIAMOND HANDCUFFS” AT GRAND The great picture “Diamond Handcuffs,” in which Eleanor Boardman and Conrad Nagel have leading roles, is now being shown at the Grand Theatre. The new picture follows the adventures of a great diamond, from its discovery in Africa, through to theft, intrigue, underworld battles and revenge and other graphic details. Among the dramatic highlights are the grim chase of the African diamond mine thief, a. machine-gun battle between the police and gangsters in a crowded city street, and a sensational scene in a society locale in which the diamond’s sinister fires precipitate a social scandal. The picture is gorgeously staged, one of the spectacular details being a dance by Lena Majena, famous European dancer, in a living shower of glittering rhinestones. BRITANNIA “LOVE ME AND THE WORLD IS MINE” A spirited story with plenty of comedy, a fine cast, and a director who knows the value of laughs, combine to make “No Place To Go,’ which will be shown this evening at the Britannia Theatre, one of the most entertaining that could be desired. Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes head the cast of prominent players. The story, which was adapted from “Isles of Romance,” is a comedy-drama which starts in New York City and travels to the South Sea Islands, where adventures with supposed cannibals are contrasted with experience in the jazz palaces of the city. Young love and romance balance the drama, and plentiful humour is provided. “Love Me and the World Is Mine,” a powerful drama of Vienna, starring Mary Philbin and Norman Kerry is the second attraction. ANOTHER FILM DEAL CINEMA ART FILMS IN WELLINGTON Successful negotiations have now been completed for the Wellington release of Cinema Arts Films, which include their U.F.A. and British productions for 1929. Mr. W. R. Kemball, whose circuit includes the De Luxe, Paramount, King’s and Queen’s Theatres, has signed a contract securing these films. Estelle Brody, John Stuart, and Alf Goddard, the three principals who appeared in “Mademoiselle from Armentieres” will play in “Mademoiselle Parley Vous.” It is said to be a romantic melodrama, even more exciting in character than its predecessor. British Dominions Films announce that they will release throughout New Zealand, “This Marriage Business,” featuring Owen Nares and Estelle Brody as the ultra-modern young married couple w’ho tried to make a business out of marriage. Owen Nares is a great favourite with all classes of picturegoers, and is also referred to as England’s most handsome matinee idol. Estelle Brody’s versatility is proved by her performance in this new film. Marjorie Hume plays the part of Pat, a new kind of screen detective, who although often found in a young woman’s bedroom, emerges without the usual complications which are very convenient for those involved if not so interesting for others.

CAPITOL AND EDENDALE COMEDY AND DRAMA A fascinating drama entitled “A Night of Mystery” heads the programme to be shown at both the Capitol and Edendale Theatres this evening. Adolphe Menjou is the star o.f this Paramount picture and presents a line characterisation as the dashing Captain Ferreol, of the French-African Chasseurs, the idol of w’omen, but an admirer of only one. The story makes good screen material and it is drama from the start. Tense moments are to be seen throughout, and the plot is particularly gripping. The tale centres about the love of Captain Ferreol for the beautiful Therese D’Egremont, and the admiration of Gilberte Boismartel, a married woman, for Ferreol. Ferreol spurns the latter’s attentions, but one night, while visiting her in her boudoir, he sees a man murdered. The slayer has seen the love tryst and threatens to tell all he knows if Ferreol accuses him. An enjoyable Laura La Plante comedy, “Finders Keepers,” is the second attraction. / “THE WIZARD” AT ROYAL The Wizard,” Fox Films screen version of the big French stage hit, “Balaoo,” by Gaston Leroux, with Edmund Lowe in the featured role is now showing at the Royal Theatre, Kmgsland. This is a fascinating mystery drama, with many thrilling and suspense-holding episodes and many scenes that brought peals of laughter from the audience. The story is a fantastic one, in which a scientist trains a huge ape to wreak his fancied vengeance on his master's enemies. Edmund Lowe as the reporter who solves the mystery of many strange doing by the ape, gives a splendid performance, perhaps the best since his role as Sergeant Quirt in “What Price Glory.” ‘“Ladies Must Dress,” a comedy starring Virginia Valli, is also being shown.

AN UNUSUAL PICTURE

“STRANGE CASE OF CAPTAIN RAMPER” First National Pictures is to release the striking German production, “The Strange Case of Captain Hamper," which goes into the Roxy Theatre, New York, in a few weeks’ time. Featuring Paul Wegener, acclaimed as the finest actor'in Germany, a tremendous performance is the result, one which in realism and drama has probably never been surpassed. The peculiar theme of this film strikes two notes of world-wide interest at the present moment —one, the crash of a trans-Polar plane in the wild wastes of the Arctic, which is featured in one of the sequences. The development of the plot, which could never be merely outlined, deals with the descent of human nature to the abysmal depths of the brute, and it is here that Wegener’s performance furnisher the film with its power and thrills*. There is a tremendous scene where the animal-man Rampera, after years of hair-raising solitude and experiences, is approached and caressed by a modern girl. “The Strange Case of Captain Ramper” has all the power of a plot developed from an unusual foreign angle, more concerned with fundamentals than artificialities. Humberston Wright, whom picturegoers will remember as the dissolute peer in “The Garden of Allah” screened a short time ago. is one of the most popular and brilliant. character actors in England to-day. Mr. Wright has a leading role in “Roses of Picardy” and gives a remarkable performance as the Belgium refugee. “Roses of Picardy” is another British* production to be released shortly.

TUDOR, REMUERA “LADY RAFFLES” There are many surprises in the picture, “Lady Raffles,” featuring Estelle Taylor, which is now at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera. The plot revolves around a skilful young woman, who has won the title which gives the picture its name. The awakening of love suddenly terminates her career, but not until the girl, through strategy and skill brings a dangerous pair of jewel thieves to justice. The story invokes many unexpected situations which hold the interest and create an element of breathless suspense. In the strong cast with Miss Taylor are such names as Roland Drew, Lilyan Tashman, Ernest Hilliard and Winifred Landis. “The News Parade” is the title of the second feature. This is an unusual type of picture, as it deals with the adventurous lives of the cameramen whose work it is to secure pictures for the film gazettes. Nick Stuart is seen as the young cameraman. PRINCE EDWARD “ACROSS TO SINGAPORE” A merry comedy-drama, “If I Were Single.” will be shown this evening at the Prince Edward Theatre, with May McAvoy and Conrad Nagel in the principal roles. The stars are seen as May and Ted Howard, and groom of a year and at a "stage where “billing and cooing” have lost a bit of their kick. Hence, when Myrna Loy in the role of the thrill-seeking Joan happens on the scene, the somewhat jaded Ted starts a flirtation that soon brings about a critical condition in the Howard household. To reciprocate for imagined and real wrongs May flirts with her piano instructor, and for a time it looks as though a hurried divorce will follow. “Across to Singapore,” a fine sea drama starring Ramon Novarro. will be the second attraction this evening.

MUNICIPAL BAND AT ZOO

The Municipal Band will play at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon at 3 o’clock. Among the items included in a fine programme are: Selection, “The Last "Waltz”; overture, “Plymouth Hoe”; a Southern rhapsody, “Virginia”; cornet duo, “Ida and Dot,” by Messrs. Bowes and Morgan, piccolo solo, “The Lark’s Festival,” by Mr. Hal C. McLennan, triumphal march, “Cleopatra,” and other tuneful numbers. “THE LUCK OF THE NAVY” Known as Princess Mary’s favourite melodrama, “The Luck of the Navy,” starring Evelyn Laye and Henry Victor, will be released shortly by British Dominions Films. The part played by Percy Hutchinson in the stage version recently in New Zealand is portrayed by the handsome, virile English actor, Henry Victor. The heroine is played by Evelyn Laye, who will be remembered for her portrayal of “Madam Pompadour” in the stage play of that name in London. She is a beautiful English actress and gives a brilliant performance of this role. The highest praise has been given First Uational’s “The Barker,” the story of carnival life, from the famous stage play of that name, at several previews held in Los Angeles theatres. “The Barker” co-stars Milton Sills and Dorothy Mackaill, and is a George Fitzmaurice production. Joe Levigard, who has been steadily advancing to a full directorship at Universal City* by way of short one and two-reel films, is to handle the megaphone on his first feature- It is “The Midnight Mystery.” In the cast will be found Bill Cody and Duane Thompson, featured, and Wilbour Mack, Monte Montague, Arthur Morrison and Charles King.

LYRIC “WHEN FLEET MEETS FLEET” A vivid presentation of naval life, with a background of the battle of Jutland, marks the picture "When Fleet Meets Fleet.” which was shown at the Lyric Theatre for the first time last evening. Picturesquely enough, both German and English players take part in this production, including Agnes Easterhazy, who in reality is a German Countess; Mery Stuart, an Englishman; Bernard Goetzke and Nils Asther, who portray their parts very satisfactorily. This romance, which has as its central climax a depiction of the Battle of J utland, was made with the assistance of Graham Hewart, D.S.C., who was in H.M.S. “Vindictive” at Zeebrugge. Many of the scenes are actual topical shots, including the sinking of the cruiser. Admiral Jellicoe has expressed his approval as to the fair way in which the battle scenes have been shown. The story is of a German Commander, married to an English girl, who neglects her for his guns. A young German lieutenant makes love with her, who is also a close friend of her husband. "On the outbreak of war the wife has threatened to elope with the young lieutenant, but hostilities put a stop to a duel between the two men. Then comes the Battle of Jutland, in which the German commander is killed and the Englishman wounded and taken to Kiel. The wife nurses him back to life and .finally, on the declaration of the Ar*iistice, he takes her back to England as his wife. The young lieutenant dies herioically in blowing up his submarine to save it from capture. The enjoyable comedy “Partners in' Crime,” with those two inimitable comedians Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton was also shown. RIALTO, AND REGENT, EPSOM “THE FOUR-FLUSHER” The indefinable charm of youth thoroughly permeates “The Four flusher,” the comedy which is now at the Rialto and Regent (Epsom) Theatres, with Marian Nixon and George Lewis. The two make an admirablyvmatched young couple and carry through their roles with a verve and sweep which would do credit to the old time stars who have been in pictures and on the stage for many years. Miss Nixon is beautiful and appealing, while Lewis is handsome and winning—both are capable at acting. The supporting cast is talented, with Eddie Phillips playing the suave young heavy and Churchill Ross playing a comedy role which is even funnier than the one he had in “The Collegians.” “The Wreck of the Hesperus,” a powerful drama of the sea, will also be shown. . SCREEN REALISM HOT WORK IN A STOKEHOLD It is the peculiar privilege of the screen to present its stories in settings that come straight from life. Producers and actors will go to almost unbelievable lengths to secure the correct “atmosphere,” and the filming of certain scenes in “The Docks of New York,” the picture starring George Bancroft, provide an interesting example. The stokehold of a coal-burning ocean tramp is one of the things difficult to reproduce in an adequate manner on a studio set, so Paramount leased for three days one of the few remaining coal-burners in the Pacific trade. - The outside temperature was close on 90 when the filming commenced, but in the stokehold it was over 120 degrees. Bancroft and actors found that they were able to work for only a few minutes at a stretch, and thus they continued .off and on for the whole day. So hot was it that the film magazines on the cameras had to be packed with ice. As a result the dramatic scenes in the stokehold were not acted, they were lived. “THE TEMPEST” PLAY BY DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOL The pupils of the Diocesan High School will present the play, “The Tempefet,” in the Scots Hall next Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The proceeds will be devoted to the School Playing Fields Funds. “THE SILENT HOUSE” This production is adapted from the thrilling stage play of the same uane, which was recently played throughout New Zealand by Maurice Moscovitch and Company. Walter Forde is directing the production, ana has chosen a location in Middlesex, whore his construction staff has built a complete Chinese village consisting of a huge wharf. bungalows, huts and stores. The delightful little British film star, Mabel Poulton, plays the lead, and is supported by an exceptionally fine cast of British players. The film will be released throughout New Zealand by British Dominions Film Ltd. Jack Oakie and William Austin. Paramount featured players, have been cast in “Just Twenty-one,” Charles Rogers’s second starring picture for Paramount. Mary Brian will play the lead opposite Rogers, and Frank Tuttls* will direct. Ernest Johnson, the studio propertv boy who won an important role in the Emil Jannings’s Paramount production, “The Street of Sin.” has been cast in a second Paramount picture. This time he will play the part of “Freddie the Bellhop,” in the current production of “Interference.” Evelyn Brent, Doris Kenyon, Clive Brook and William Powell have the principal parts. Lother Mendes is directing.

CLICK CLACK CABARET The Click Clack Cabaret, Newmarket, will bold a grand long night this evening, with dancing from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.