Untitled

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 658, 9 May 1929, Page 15

“NAPOLEON” GREAT SUCCESS OF FRENCH FILM The most notable cast and the most ambitious background of any motion Picture ever produced in France were Provided for "Napoleon,” Abel Gance’s ffreat conception of the life of the national hero of France, which will soon be seen here. ork. on the feature was commenced only after a painstaking study of the ife and times which the photoplay interprets. Abel Gance both wrote and irected the film after he had studied U for several years. It was his life’s ambition, and the film which has atcrowds and created unbounded h?oK, af \. m wherever shown, justifies nirtii in the subject as perfect Picture material. , rai ~ po ! eon ” was filmed by the Genbut*r?°K °* Films - and is distri-tSlMetro-Ooldwyn-Mayer. At DienH ead of the all ~star cast is Albert stkiL n ?’ fa mous on the French joi c# a,n<i scr .een, who plays the title

TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY’S “HONEYMOON FLATS” The story of a pair of newly-weds eager to be independent of their "inlaws,” is the basis of the clever comedy, ‘•Honeymoon Flats,” which will open at the Tivoli and Everybody’s Theatres this evening. George Lewis and Dorothy Gulliver play the newly-weds, while the supporting cast includes Bryant Washburn, Jano Winton and Eddie Phillips. When Lila Garland marries Jim Clayton, it is against the wishes of her parents, who prefer the wealthy Anthony Weir. After a brief honeymoon they return home. Jim sees A nth on v blowing kisses toward the apartment window of a neighbour, Mrs. Tom Twitchell, and believes they are meant for Lila. When Tom and Jim return from work Anthonv makes a hasty escape from the Twitchell apartment and meets the men on the stairs. They think Lila is the object of his attentions. Jim is angry when he finds that Mrs. Garland has sent a lot of furniture to his furnished apartment. Next evening at a party at the Garland’s, Mr. Garland announces a trip to Europe, accompanied by the newly-weds, but Jim is strong fpr financial independence and finally wins Lila over. Before the parents sail they give Lila an expensive necklace. Jim angrily throws it out of the window and while he repentantly searches for it Lila goes to the boat, leaving a note. Jim finds the necklace and makes a mad dash to the pier but the boat has just pulled out. He misses Lila., who left the boat, and returns home alone. Here Lila comes to him and both seek forgiveness, vowing to be financially independent henceforth. Harold Lloyd is at work on his latest production for Paramount which will have sound and silent versions under the direction of Malcolm St. Clair. Barbara Kent is playing the leading feminine role.

MAJESTIC “Q SHIP” TOMORROW “Show Life?' will be screened, at the Majestic Theatre for the last time this ovening.. This picture stars Anna May Wong as a little Chinese waif, who is befriended, by a down and out actor, who takes her with him in a knifethrowing turn at small theatres. The supporting programme will also be presented for the last time this evening. The entirely new programme to be screened at the Majestic on Friday will be headed by an unusual film entitled “Q Ships.” *‘Q Ships” is the story of the wonderful .British mystery fleet and the extraordinary work it carried out during the war, and therefore must not be confused with the number of war pictures that have been produced by British Film producers. Not a great deal is known concerning this aspect of the war. Although everyone knew of the existence of the “Q”. ships, their Secret was so well guarded that little was heard of their dangerous work or tlieir victories. Now, for the first time, their secret has been filmed with the co-operation and sanction of the Admiralty. The story of the liavoc caused to Allied shipping by the U-boat menace; of the idea, born of necessity, to combat this .evil with decoy boats which would lure the submarines to their doom; of the recruiting, under oath of secrecy, of volunteers from among fishermen, seamen and dock labourers to form crews for the “Q” ships; of the hardships and hazardous tasks they faced; and finally of the complete overthrow of the German naval morale and subjection of the U-boat peril by the magnificent work of the unknown heroes. That the naval detail of this new British film is correct, is endorsed by the fac: that this New Era production lias been approved by the Admiralty. Tremendous care has been taken in the making of the film, the British naval technicalities of which have been supei-vised by Lieut.-Commander Auten. V.C., R.N.R. (who also takes part in the film), while Kapitan Rohne, late U-boat commander, came to England to supervise the German detail of the film. It must have been unique to see Commander Auten and llGrr Rohne working side by side in a British studio! "True Heaven,” the second feature to-morrow, comes with two of the screen world’s most talented stars, George O’Brien and Lois Moran, playing the leading roles. Based on a story by C. E. Montague, ‘ True Heaven,” while not a war story, is a tense bit of human drama that came out of the great conflict. There are no marching soldiers, no tanks, no machine-guns, nor sordidness. but all the happenings are behind the lines with a young British officer, played by O'Brien and a mysterious and beautiful girl. “Judith” played by Lois Moran. Both are in the service, but with opposing forces. They separate, only to meet again when the young officer is captured within the enemy lines and the girl is forced to decide between love and patriotism. Her decision brings the story to a surprising climax. The supporting picture will include a T7.F.A. gem. and a Majestic Magazine. Mr. White ford Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra will provide the music.

ST. JAMES THEATRE ‘ME AND MY GIRL” The popular comedian, George Wallace, and his bright revue company, is still drawing a large audience to the St. James Theatre. With his clever humour and mirth-provoking situations, his productions are always pleasing. Jack Scott and Maida Jones sing "Oh Doris.” and. with the aid of the dancing girls, infuse plenty of dash into their items. The two Dudleys run through their amusing crosstalk in a splendid way. and Marshall Crosby sings ’Hats Off to the Stoker” with vigour. An hilarious sketch entitled "Peaceful Dreams” is always well received by the audience. Marie Nyman sings the latest songs, and takes a prominent part all through the production. A big programme of bright band music is supplied by the stage band, with George Wallace as leader. Other items include a trombone solo by Miff Myers.. The second part of the evening is given to a revue entitled “Me and My GirL” The setting is a college for boys and girls where discipline is lax. George, as cook in the college, has some very amusing and exciting adventures.

PLAZA “THE SINGING FOOL” Crowded houses three times a day is the record at the Plaza Theatre, where “The Singing Fool,” A 1 Jolson’s amazing talking and singing production, is being presented. The box plans resemble puzzles with blue crosses indicating Auckland’s preferences fpr forthcoming screenings. “The Singing Foot” is undoubtedly the greatest “talkie” success heard in Auckland. Jolson is the most famous and popular entertainer in America and, judging by his remarkable work in this production, very deservedly so. A black-face comedian, a heartbroken father, singing to his little ailing son. his unforgettable ballad “Sonny Boy,” Jolson plays upon the heart strings of his audience w'ith his fine personality and splendid voice. Little Davy Lee, a child discovery if ever there was one, gives a breathtaking performance as “Sonny Boy” and provides a splendid partner to Jolson. "The Singing Fool” has well been described as “the greatest talkie ever made,” as it combines a splendid film with the songs of the famous singer. Chief among the items on the really outstanding supporting programme is the solo from the popular opera, “II Pagliacci,” sung by Giovanni Martinelli, the leading dramatic tenor of the Metropolitan Opera Company, and the number of well-known songs by popular artists including “In a Monastery Cell,” “My Rosary” and “ Drinking.” A comedy and singing number of the sidewalk as they emerge from the opera, “Between the Acts of the Opera,” will present the famous Howard Brothers, who give imitations of the opera artists they have just seen. Another great attraction is the appearance of Mischa Elman, the famous violinist, who is heard in “Humoresque” and the Gossec “Gavotte.” The overture, “Tannhauser,” is played by the New Y r ork Philharmonic Orchestra of 80 players. For this "talkie” season the walls of the Plaza Theatre have been specially draped to obtain correct acoustic properties, and the reproduction of the voices is wonderful. LAUNCESTON DISASTER CAMERAMAN FILMS FLOODS Exclusive pictures of the recent flood disaster in Launceston, which has rendered many hundreds of people homeless, and caused over £1,000,000 damage to property, have been filmed for the Paramount News by Cameraman Nettfele, of Launceston. The film will be issued in a special edition of the Paramount Gazette throughout New Zealand and Australia. Mr. Neagle obtained some remarkable “shots,” many of which were taken at great personal risk. The water is seen pouring across the broken dam, the collapse of which caused the disaster. The havoc which the flood wrought over the countryside is also graphically pictured.

NEW REGENT “WHITE SHADOWS” As the beachcomber, Dr. Lloyd, of the South Seas, Monte Blue does the best work of his successful screen career in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s "White Shadows in the South Seas,” the sound synchronised picture now at the New Regent Theatre. The story is admirable for a man of Blue’s qualifications. It is understood that in his early youth he roamed nearly the whole world, working his way in one capacity or another. If the story is true—and it is well vouched for —it explains why Blue has developed an instinctive understanding; and love for the under dog which he puts into his character in the picture and makes his beachcomber a human, natural person, who in spite of the handicap of a love of drink which has brought him to destruction, looks upward to the light of high ideals and brotherly love for the simple native. In the scenes where Blue has found untold wealth on tire undiscovered island and is torn between the instinctive desire for the power which it would bring him in a civilised community, and his fear of what would happen to the girl he loves and her tribe were he to betray the secret of their home to his fellow whites, Blue rises to heights of dramatic acting which are not often shown on the screen. He has, of course, the advantage of a highly-skilled director, W. S. Van Dyke, a perfect screen story, the whole being heightened by the sound synchronisation. He has even more than that, a leading lady, Raquel Torres, whose native ability and high beauty would bring the breath of novelty to any screen production. Ho has in addition the perfect camera work of Clyde De Vinna and the virgin beauty of the mysterious and fascinating South Sea islands, but in addition to all these helps, the actor gives a screen performance that will be noteworthy long after audiences have forgotten the title of “White Shadows in th© South Seas” —and that will be a long time. All in all, “White Shadows in the South Seas” is a film not to be missed. It has pictorial beauty, an absorbing story, magnificent direction and accompaniment and is superbly acted. Also very interesting are the short “talkie.” features. There are speeches by Dr. Nansen, the famous Arctic explorer, and by Mr. Herbert Hoover, President of the United States. Songs are sung by Marion Harris, the notable Columbia artist, and there is a short all-talking drama, directed by Lionel Barrymore, entitled “Confessions.” Finally there are Paramount and Pathe Sound Gazettes. Clara Bow has completed her starring role in '“The Wild Party,” which is both a Paramount silent and a Paramount all-dialogue picture. Nancy Carroll, who plays the role of Hosemary in Paramount’s sound picture, “Abie’s Irish Rose,” appeared successfully in musical comedy before entering pictures. She sings “Rosemary” and “My Little Irish Rose” in this production.

STRAND “IN OLD ARIZONA” TOMORROW This evening will see the final presentation of the current programme at the Strand Theatre. This includes “Street Angel,” a sound synchronised picture, starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, also a number of short “talkio” features, particularly the speeches by H.M. the King and George Bernard Shaw. The triumphant result of more than three years of experimenting in talking pictures on the part of William Fox and his vast organisation will be seen and heard at the Strand Theatre tomorrow afternoon and evening when in "Old Arizona,” the first feature length Fox Movietone drama makes its premiere locally. Based on a thrilling and romantic story of the old south-west in the late 90’s, its main incidents centre about the escapades and pursuit of a notorious bandit, “Cisco Kid,” his love affair with a fiery half-caste girl, and her affair with a young Irish ‘cavalry sergeant sent to capture him. “Cisco Kid” was- handsome, daring, and vain, as all eminent and successful assassins are. His habitat was anywhere between ’Frisco and the Rio Grande. He killed for the love of it, because he was quick-tempered, to avoid arrest, for his own amusement, or for any other reason that happened to come to his mind. He escaped arrest because he could shoot five-sixths of a second faster than any sheriff, ranger, or soldiers who came across him. He was “muy caballera” where the women were concerned, though he loved but one, "Tonia Maria,” a half-caste girl with the face of a Madonna, the passion of a Carmen, and the soul of a humming-bird. Thrilling and interesting though they be, they are secondary to the refreshing novelty for patrons of hearing their favourite players speak their lines. That means more than a score of them, for the principals, Edmund Lowe, Dorothy Burgess and Warner Baxter, are supported by the most brilliant cast that ever had appeared on a local screen, headed by Farrell McDonald, Ivan Li now, Joe Brown, Frank Campeau, Tom Santschi, Roy Stewart and James Marcus. Those who see “In Old Arizona” will acclaim it the prime achievement of the Fox studios, notable for its many successes. The direction is the joint work of Raoul Walsh and Irving Cummings. Tomorrow’s entertainment will be supported by an dll-talking programme of Fox Movietone celebrities, including Beatrice Lillie (Lady Robert Peel), the famous English stage comedienne, Ben Bernie, the king of jazz, with his band of 16 soloists, and the Royal Hawaiian Singers in a selection of Honolulu melodies. Finally there is a Fox Movietone Gazette with prominent events of the day in sight and sound. It is said that Janet Gaynor comes nearest to playing her real self in her latest picture for Fox Films, “Christina,” a story of Holland. Tristram Tupper, who wrote the story especially for her, made a careful study of the little star’s personality before deciding she would make an ideal Dutch girl with, a background of wiifdmills and canals.

RIALTO, AND REGENT, EPSOM “DON’T MARRY” In “Don't Marry,” now at the Rialto and Regent (Epsom) Theatre, Lois Moran is cast as Priscilla Bowen, a young girl of the modern generation, who harbours modern ideals despite her puritanical ancestors and her Auntie Bowie. Priscilla, in desperation, goes to her friend, old General Willoughby, to find some means to make her life her own. When she arrives at the general's office she is greeted by his good-looking son, Henry (Neil Hamilton). Priscilla casually tells Henry that she is willing to do anything to get rid of the old fogeys at home. Henry, unlike his father, still believes in the old-fashioned girl, and is horrified at Priscilla’s boldness, telling her so in bitter words. This enrages Priscilla, and. with «...e general, she plans to pose in the oldfashioned, and make Henry fall in love with her. The deception works, but Priscilla finds she really wants to marry Henry. “Eileen of the Trees.” the second feature, is a romantic story of English country house life, starring Anny Ondra and William Freshman.. A British masterpiece in motion picture production that is causing quite a stir in film circles in England, France and Germany, is “The Silent House.” which reproduces the engrossing story of the popular novel of that title. The London “Daily Mail” writes of it as a “picture that challenges the stage.” Whatever the original play may have done to bewilder and provide shudders, it cannot have surpassed this latest and greatest of screen thrillers.

GRAND AND LYRIC NEW PICTURES TOMORROW The double-feature programme now at both the Grand and Lyric Theatres will be screened for the last time this evening. This is headed by “Revenge, a tale of a fiery gipsy girl, starring the famous screen actress, Dolores Del Rio. Then there is “Blue Skies,” a romantic story, with a background of a children's orphanage. An entirely new programme wiil be screened at l>oth theatres tomorrow. The first picture will be “Steamboat Bill. Junior.” an uproarious comedy, starring Buster Keaton as a deckhand on a Mississippi river boat. Ernest Torrance is seen as Keaton s father, a rough steamship captain. “Show Life,” which will aiso be shown tomorrow, is a strongly dramatic story | of a Chinese girl, who is an assistant in a vaudeville knife-throwing act. Anna May Wong has the leading role. “Madame X’* has gone into production under the direction of Lional 1 Barrymore. Ruth Chatterton. famous stage star, plays the title role, while Raymond Hackett. Lewis Stone, Eugenie Besserer. Richard Carle, Sidney Toller and Ulric Haupt are in- - eluded in the cast. “Madame X” is an fall-talking screen version of the fam--1 ous stage play.