AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 358, 12 February 1937, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

Plaza Theatre.

“Accused.”

I “Accused,” the second production of the recently-formed Criterion Films I Company, which heads the programme |to be presented at the Plaza i Theatre finally to-night is a worthy successor to the company’s first screen presentation, “The Amateur Gentleman,” which was shown with marked success in Stratford several weeks ago. The story reaches dramatic heights in its thrilling account of a theatre murder and the trial of an innocent dancer to whom circumstantial evidence points as the criminal. Dolores Del Rio and Douglas Fairbanks, junr., have the leading roles, and their characterisations of two dancers who are offered a contract to appear in a revue opening at the Alhambra Theatre, Paris, and who later become the central figures in one of the most stirring court-room dramas to be seen on the screen in recent years, call for the highest praise. The opening scenes of the film are devoted to a spectacular musical revue, but once the murder has been committed in the dressing-room of the leading actress, the story moves with dramatic swiftness and the suspense is skilfully maintained throughout. Supporting roles are well filled by Florence Desmond and Basil Sydney.

“Our Relations.”

When two Laurels and two Hardys appear at the Plaza Theatre to-mor-row and Monday, in “Our Relations,” the stage should be set for, if possible, double the laughs audiences are accustomed to reap from the antics of the oddly-assorted pair. One lean, sad-faced Laurel, and one pompous, jovial Hardy, have been inseparable and irrepressible in the entertainment world for ten years, but in this production they each acquire a twin brother, portraying dual roles for the first time in a feature-length comedy. It‘s double-trouble and double-laughs in the most ingeniously funny situations ever to confront this team of stellar comedians. Even their wives (Daphne Pollard and Betty Healy) did not know or believe they had twin brothers in the new laugh hit, based on W. W. Jacobs’ story, “The Money Box.” And when they come sailing in on an old tramp steamer as their own twin sailor brothers, the way is paved for a riot of buffoonery and new Laurel and Hardy pantomime and fantasies. Thrills and excitement are added when gangsters, menacingly played by Ralf Harolde and Noel Madison, enter in quest of a fabulous-ly-valuabte pearl ring entrusted in the care of the sailor twins by their ship’s captain, Sidney Toler. The sequence on the picturesque dock wharf for the finish is said to rank as the most original and spectacular of the clever Laurel and Hardy gags.

King’s Theatre.

“Heart of the West.” To those who enjoy first-clast' action entertainment packed with all the thrills, hard-riding, gun-fighting, and romance which have made Western novels one of the most populai - forms of fiction, “Heart of the West,” the

Paramount Pictures version of yet another of Clarence E. Mulford’s stirring ttories which shows finally at the King’s Theatre to-night will have a definite appeal. Once more William Boyd gives an excellent characterisation of Mulford’s popular hero, Hopalong Cassidy, and his performance reveals that previous experience in the same role has stood him in good stead in the present picture. Jimmy Ellison repeats his previous success in the part of Cassidy’s firm friend, while another good performance is given by Fred Kohler. Light entertainment of a very cheering nature is presented in the second attraction, “Early to Bed,” a highly diverting comedy in which the two well-known players Charlie Ruggles and Mary Boland have the principal roles.

“Early To Bed.”

Enthusiastic applause may safely be considered a recommendation for screen entertainment. That the King’s Theatre will continually resound to the acclamation of a particularly large audience to-night will be sufficient testimony in itself as to the high quality of the programme. Not only are the pictures exciting and amusing, but they also provide a striking contrast. “Early To Bed,” with Mary Boland and Charlie Ruggles in the leading roles, is both" ingenious and hilarious from beginning to end. The theme is a novel one and concerns the amusing adventures of Mr. Ruggles, who, with an incurable habit of sleep-walking, becomes seriously involved in a murder investigation. The manner in which his trouble finally clears him of all suspicion and greatly assists in revealing the real criminal, must l rank as one o.f the best film climaxes of the year. Mary Boland . gives one of the best characterisations ‘ of her career, and her inimitable per- • sonality proves to be an admirable foil to that of Mr. Ruggles.

‘The Girl On the Front Page.’

The methods of blackmail rings that have been revealed in newspaper i headlines of the past were rarely ! more ingenious than the plans deveV oped by the “Thursday Club" in Universal’s offering. “The Girl On the Front Page,” which shows at the King’s Theatre to-morrow and Monday. The blackmailers succeed in entering the employ of the most prominent wealthy families in the city as butlers, personal maids and household I servants! They snoop for scandal and ! improvise it where it does not previ- i on sly exist. The latest in household j help! Working in several homes sim-1 ultaneously, they meet on Thursdays I to compare notes and advance their | schemes. When some person is ripe I for plucking, they send a represents-I tive to demand hush money. After j collecting, the exclusive help goes on to another victim. This bright little scheme is finally squashed by the managing editor of the city’s leading newspaper. The editor’s role is portrayed by Edmund Lowe. Gloria Stu- i art is seen as “The Girl On the Front Page.” She portrays an heiress who inherits the newspaper and who engages in love quarrels with the managing editor. The blackmailing butler is played by Reginald Owen.