HILARIOUSLY FUNNY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1022, 12 July 1930, Page 14

HILARIOUSLY FUNNY

SPLENDID DOUBLE BILL AT REGENT COMEDY AND DRAMA An uproarious comedy that had not a single dull moment, and a pulsing drama of love, murder and justice, were the two very different types of pictures that made up a splendid double-feature bill at the Regent Theatre last evening. “npilE Girl Said No,” was the comedy, and William Haines was the star. All the world has a soft spot in its heart for a fool, and it is particularly so when the fool shows that he is not always a fool. So it was with Tom Ward. He was introduced to the audience while driving someone else’s car at full speed into a tree, with the fair owner seated beside him. Nonchalantly tearing off the head-lights and a buckled mudguard. he carried on his way and drove straight into the hearts of his enceLater, in the evening of the same day. Tom Ward went to a cabaret. There he found the girl of his choice seated with an old college acquaintance who gave him a more than frigid greeting. With the aid of a sympa- | thetic Italian waiter who poured onion soup over the immaculate young man’s head. Ward was successful in severely discomfiting his rival, i Ward’s next exploit was to enter j Wall Street with the intention of be- ; _ coming a financial

coming a unanciai I magnate. He was | not a success, and ( ho left job after job lat the earnest reE quest of the rnan- [ agers. A disaster at [ home sobered the I cheerful hero con--1 siderably, and he staged a successful come-back to Wall Street, selling shares i to an old spinster who was given the widest berths by

— Widest ueruiis i jy bond salesmen. The girl said “No.” but Ward thought otherwise, and he snatched her from the scene of her wedding to his rival just in time. It was Young Loeliinvar, only he went East instead of West, and his steed was a flivver. There were some particularly hilarious moments in the comedy, but the best of all was the interview between Ward and the forbidding spinster, who became most accommodating under the influence of a bottle of neat alcohol. Mari© Dressier took the part of the spinster and the only complaint of the audience was that they did not see enough of her. Marie Dressier is one of the most popular screen comediennes of the day, and a picture of her own would be assured of

a warm welcome. Polly Moran was helping in the hilarity, and Leila Hyams was the lovely blonde that started all -the trouble. TENSE DRAMA A poignant drama in which the story j called for the greatest histrionic powers was a decided contrast to the other j picture in the double bill. In “Her Private Affair,” Ann Harding gave a great interpretation of a difficult role as Vera Kessler, guilty of murder, and forced to attend the trial of a man arrested for the crime she committed. Her husband was the judge; the family friend was counsel for the wretched defendant, and the terror-stricken woman lived in an atmosphere in which the trial, which was something of a “cause celebre,” was frequently discussed in frost of her It was a thrilling drama with a splendid climax. The final scene was set in a cabaret in Vienna on New Year’s Eve. ST. JAMES “NO, NO, NANETTE” The talking screen version of the popular musical comedy, “No. No. Nanette.” produced on a magnificent scale not possible within the re-* striated limits of the stage, continues to be shown at the St. James Theatre. Miss Bernice Claire, who plays the leading role, is a new screen personality from the stage. Alexander Gray, who appears opposite her. is also a comparative newcomer to the screen. The element of comedy is provided by Louise Fazenda and Lucien Littlefield. Other supporting artists are Lilyan Tashman. Bert Roach. Zasu Pitts and Mildred Harris. Brjght supporting talkie featurettes complete the programme AKARANA YACHT CLUB DANCE The usual Saturday evening dance of the Akarana Yacht Club will be held in the clubhouse. Mechanic's Bay, this evening. The floor is in perfect condition. and good music is provided PRINCE EDWARD The double-feature talkie programme now at the Prince Edward Theatre is headed by “Honkv Tonk.” a gay tale of New York cabaret life, introducing Sophie Tucker, who calls herself “The last of the red-hot mammas.’ Audrey Ferris and Richard Tucker also appear in this story of gaiety and drama. “Skinner Steps Out.” which is also being shown, is one of the best comedies Glenn Tryon has made. In it he appears as a simpleton, who learns salesmanship from a book on psycho!-

BRITANNIA, THREE LAMPS “Rio Rita.” the most colourful, romantic and melodious of musical comedies, has been made into a talkie and is now at the Britannia Theatre. On the screen “Rio Rita” retains the comedy and the glamorous romance which made it so famous, with the added advantage of two outstanding singers in Bebe Daniels and Jchn Boles. Over half of “Rio Rita” is in colour and the chorus and solo >inging is something to remember.