AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 416, 24 April 1937, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

Plaza Theatre. “The Devil Is a Sissy.” Three of the best boy actors in Hollywood, Freddie Bartholomew, Jackie Cooper anti Mickey Rooney, play the leading roles in “The Devil is a Sissy,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture which opens a season at the Plaza. Th er Are . t''>--nis?lT. The film directed by W. S. Van Dyke, who made such outstanding film successes as “The Thin Man,” “Naughty Marietta” end “San Francisco,” recounts the efforts of an English boy to become friendly with the “hard case” pupils at the East-side school, New York, to which this democraticallyminded father has sent him. At first the American youngsters are suspicious of the neatly-dressed, refined English boy, but when he accepts their harsh treatment with a smile, and even organises a burglary so that one of his new friends can get money for a tombstone for his elec- - trocuted father, he is made one of the “gang.” The story has been vividly told against realistic backgrounds that capture the atmosphere of New york life. Freddie Bartholomew is as atraetive as ever in the part of the English lad who eventually wins the esteem of his fellows, but his performance is rivalled by that of Mickey Rooney, whose sensitive, restrained actin# reveals him as one of the most intelligent and capable of juvenile screen players. Jackie Cooper, too, has a part to which is well suited. Of the older members of the cast, Tan Hunter, is outstanding as the English lad’s father. Other good performances come from Jonathan Hale, as a sympathetic Children’s Court Judge, and Gene Lockhart. Return of “Show Boat.” The screening of “Show Boat” which commences a return season at the Plaza Theatre next Tuesday has been eagerly awaited by all who have previously seen it and by those who were compelled to miss it during its first run. The romance of the Southern States of America makes a splendid background for music which has seldom been approached in talking films. One of the most memorable scenes is that in which Paul Robeson, the celebrated negro baritone, gives his rendering of “Old Man River,” while of almost equal standard are other negro melodies in which he is heard. But the success of the film from a musical point of view is not due to Robeson alone. The principals are heard in the Vartous well-known songs of the original composers. A chorus of 200 voices also plays a notable part. The leading role is a triumph for Irene Dunne in every respect, her singing and acting being beyond reproach. As the romantic young daughter of a showboat captain, who becomes an outstanding success, marries, finds disillusionment and poverty, and later reaches the top of her .profession, she gives the greatest performance of her career. The dashing young actor who wins her heart with his handsome appearance and appealing voice, is admirably portrayed by Allan Jones. One of the most entertaining performances is that given by Charles Winninger, who is cast as the whim-

sical captain of the show-boat. Helen Westley gives a splendid portrayal as his hard-bitten wife. The lesser parts are filled by an exceptionally capable cast. Helen Morgan sings several delightful songs,... and among other well-known players are Donald Clook, J. Farrell MacDonald and Queensie Smith. A new twist has been added by the addition of the story of the daughter of the two principals, and this gives an opportunity for introducing modern settings. In spite of its exceptional lengths, for it lasts practically two hours, the film never drags, and credit is due to the director, James Whale. The supporting programme includes a film showing the thrills of big-game fishing, and novelty. King’s Theatre. “Double Feature Entertainment.” Although mounted on a modern setting, the romance and spectacular conflict of the frontier West flares again on the screen in the RKO Radio's thrilling all-star adventure film, “The Last Outlaw,” which forms the first half of an excellent double feature programme to commence at the King’ s Theatre, to-night. Such noted Western stars as Harry Carey, Hoot Gibson, Henry B. Walthall and Tom Tyler once again bring the realistic flavour of hard riding, straight shooting and forthright living to lovers of the lore of the old West. Supplying a refreshing modern 1

note in this colourful Western drama is the lovely Margaret Callahan ,who plays the romantic lead. The fast-paced story concerns the release from prison of an old-time outlaw, who served twenty-five years for bank robbery, and his efforts to adapt himself to an entirely strange and modern world. The interesting contrast between the old-time law-breaker and the modern gangster is one of the highlights. Harry Carey is admirably cast in the role of the frontier law-breaker and is ably supported by Walthall, as an old-time sheriff, and Gibson, as a youthful ranch owner. On the same programme and as the feature attraction is “Sweet Surrender” a delightful musical romance which introduces to the screen Tamora, a slant eyed Russian beauty and world renowned for her brilliant stage performane. “Sweet Surrender” abounds with delightful choruses and musical numbers and boasts a particularly strong cast including the exWorld Champion Pugilist Jack Dempsey. Together with the supporting feature “Sweet Surrender” will give to the theatregoers of Stratford a double-feature programme which will undoubtedly satisfy.