PLAZA AND TIVOLI

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 624, 28 March 1929, Page 17

PLAZA AND TIVOLI

NEW PICTURES THIS EVENING An enterprising reporter, a flighty male society editor, a dangerous gang leader, a crooked political boss and the blundering daughter of a big sidvertiser are characters of Bebe Daniels’ newest Paramount comedy-melodrama, “What a Night!” which will open at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres this evening. Neil Hamilton is the reporter; William Austin the society editor; Wheeler Oakman, the gang leader, and Charles Hill Malles, the politician. As a general rule, screen weddings take place between the hero and heroine, or else with one of the principals marrying the “wronj. But this is not the case in the big church marriage, which is one of the high lights of “Outcast." At an elaborate wedding with bridesmaids, flower-girls, pages and guests all dressed in the very latest and smartest day-time wedding- modes in this First National film, which will be the second attraction this evening, the villain and villainess are wed to each other, with the hero and heroine in the church audience as mere spectators! Kathryn Carver, who, by the way, recently became the bride of Adolphe j Menjou in a real wedding in Paris, is the bride in the case. Miss Griffith witnesses the ceremony in the company of her leading man, Edmund Lowe, who several years ago played opposite Elsie Ferguson in the same role on the stage. The legitimate stage success, “Outcast,” upon which the film is based, though modernised, was written as a Ferguson vehicle by Hubert Henry Davies. Miss Ferguson became famous in the role of Miriam, a girl of the streets, a part Miss Griffith has always been most eager to portray on the screen. A few months ago, Walter Morosco, her producer at First National and her husband in private life, surprised Corinne by purchasing this coveted play. The new programme will also include exclusive views of the disastrous floods in Dunedin, the opening of the Mangere speedway, and the Maori regatta at Ngaruawahia.

Blonde, tiny and dynamic, Alice White, who is First National’s newest star, has been signed for a long contract with that company. Her voice is reputed to be especially suited for reproduction, clear and musical, and some unusual stories have been selected for her, including the Saturday "Evening Post” story, “Hott Stuff,” a swiftly moving and exotic tale of modern youth and jazz, sumptuously produced. Janet Gaynor, in the spick and span ginghams and wooden shoes of Holland, is making even hard-boiled property men pause in their work and stare their admiration. The little Fox star is said to be nearest herself in the title role of “Christina,” which is now under production with Charles Morton in the male lead.