CIVIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 992, 7 June 1930, Page 16

CIVIC

SUCCESS OF “SPLINTERS” Talking, singing and dancing films have, no doubt, vastly improved moving pictures as treats for the eyes, but with the endless succession of back-stage yarns, Broadway romances, “hobbo” actors and actresses who become bloated millionaires within the short space of about six or seven thousand feet, movie patrons are becoming sophisticated with regard to the talkies and they’re beginning to take massive stage ensembles and beautiful settings as a mere matter of course. The prevalent cry of today’s movie fans is “we want something novel.” For this vast army that demand variety in their movie fare the British and Dominions’ Film Company has made “Splinters,” the famous wartime entertainment that gladdened the heart of many a “digger” and many a “Tommy,” and it has proved so successful, that it is now in its second week at the Civic. “Splinters” rather fortunately possesses that essential something which enables one to label a film “refreshingly different.” In 'the first place “Splinters” is a first-class entertainment; and in the second it is unusual . Thirdly, it possesses several catchy tunes, notably “I’ll be Getting Along” and “Encore.” These numbers, to use an American reviewer’s words, tire "sure fire.”

“Splinters” is entertaining, because it provides plenty of humour, through the medium of Nelson Keys and Sydney Howard, and because, as we have already said, it is novel. This is probably the first picture that has been womanless, but don’t get the idea that this all-talking, all-British film lacks Dame Elinor Glyn’s much discussed “It.” Mr. Reg Stone supplies “It” and his clever female impersonation makes a much more femininely attractive star than many of the real, though colourless, girls seen in recent pictures. Altogether “Splinters” is a jolly entertainment and patrons of the Civic Theatre are enjoying it immensely. Bright supporting items are also shown. Among the musical selections on the programme is the overture “The Gondoliers” (Sullivan), by Ted Henkel’s Civic Concert Orchestra and organ solos by Fred Scholl. A film showing scenes from the football match, the British team against Wanganui, will be also shown at the Civic Theatre this evening. A special agreement exists between the Civic Theatre and the Returned Soldiers’ Association, Whereby all tickets sold through the association contribute half of their cost to assisting distressed soldiers.

Olive Borden, popular screen leading lady, has been assigned the feminine menace role in “High Society.” Jack Oakie’s initial starring talkie. Miss Borden will match her charms against those of Alary Brian in the picture.