AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20829, 12 April 1933, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE.

" LOVE ON WHEELS."

"Love on Wheels" is the merriest and most irresponsible musical comedy ever turned out from British studios. Audiences at the Civic Theatre expect something good in the way of sparkling humour, and it is plain that they are not disappointed. Jack Hulbert, everybody's favourite, is seen as a sprightly shop assistant, whose job it is to be sacked at all hours of the day. The love of a girl, a fellow passenger in a bus, makes him aspire to greater things, and he finally ends up as manager of his firm, but not before he passes through many hilarious misunderstandings. All through the show he sings and dances in his own inimitable manner, and his burlesque classical dance in the various departments of the store makes the most amusing sequence ever filmed. Hulbert is partnered by another clever and popular comedian, Gordon Harker, who is seen as a Cockney bus conductor with a penchant for "matchmaking. The scene where the two pa': visit all tne night-clubs in search of charming and vivacious Leonora Corbett, makes audiences, laugh so much that at times the dialogue cannot be heard. Leonora Corbett, who sings, acts, and dances charmingly, is heard with Jack. Hulbert in "Hungry for You" and Shall We Wear Pyjamas?" the hit of the show. For sheer mirth and entertainment "Love on Wheels" should be seen by one and all. All-British featurettes of exceptional merit precede the main feature. Box plans open at the Civic from 10 a.m., and to avoid disappointment patrons are advised to make early reservations. Regent Theatre—"The Son-Daugh-ter," 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Plaza Theatre —"The Devil is Driving," 11 a.m., 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Crystal Palace —"Siege of the South," 12, 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Theatre Royal—"So Big," 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Majestic Theatre—"Miss Pinkerton, 32, 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Everybody's Theatre "King of Kings," 12, 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Liberty Theatre~"The Face in the Sky" and "The Utah Kid," 2.15 p.m. and 7.45 p m. JOHtf BROWNLEE. CHRISTCHURCH CONCERTS. Next Saturday night at the Radiant Hall music-lovers in Christchurch will welcome one of the great singers of the present day, John Brownlee, who, at the early age of 32, has already made a big name for himself in three continents. Judging by the amazingly fine press critiques in the north and in Dunedin, New Zealand has already taken John Brownlee to its heart, for although the singer has given only 18 concerts to date in the Dominion he is already being inundated * J ith requests for return seasons. The Auckland "Herald" critic wrote in the course of a glowing notice: With the effortlessness of his mastery of technique, he was able to crystallise emotion into jewels of rare artistry, and the Auckland "Star" said: The gifted baritone roused the audience to such an intense degree of enthusiasm that he had to return again and again to bow his acknowledgements." All the critics refer to the charming youthfulness of the three artists—Mr Brownlee, Miss Rita Miller (who is the very charming soprano of the party), and the brilliant pianist, Mr Raymond Lambert, of whom the Auckland "Herald" said: "His sympathetic accompaniments and brilliant piano solos were a revelation to the audience." Among the offerings on Saturday's programme is a group of lieder, and, commenting on this same group of items, the "Dominion" wrote: "As a singer of German lieder, Mr Brownlee is outstanding. He gave a wealth of tender expression to such numbers as Richard Strauss's 'Devotion' and Schumann's 'Thou'rt Like a Lovely Flower' and 'I Will Not Grieve,' the last being a particularly fine effort." The "Evening Post" said of the same numbers: "The singer's conception of the two lovely Schumann songs was something to revel in." Other items on Saturday's programme will be:— "The Erl King" (Schubert), the lovely aria, "Vision Fugitive," from "Herodiade"; "Silent Worship" (Handel), and "Phyllis Has Such Charming Graces" (Young). Mr Brownlee will also be heard in association with Miss Rita Miller in .several duets, including those from "Rigoletto" and "Don Giovanni." Mr Raymond Lambert, a particularly brilliant pianist, who has been creating a remarkably fine impression throughout New Zealand, will be heard in the Bach'-Tausig Toccata and Fugue, and also in Ravers "Jeux D'eaux" and de Boeck's "Scherzo in E Flat Major." Miss Rita Miller will sing The Bell Song from "Lakme" and also a group of old world English songs, including "The Lass With the Delicate Air," "Knotting Song,!' and "A Pastoral.'" Special attention is directed to the announcement in the advertising columns regarding box plans and day sales for Saturday and Monday. " MRS MOONLIGHT»> SEASON CONCLUDES. The brief season at the Radiant Hall of "Mrs Moonlight," the play by Benn Levy, produced by the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society, concluded last evening, another large audience expressing keen appreciation of the production. Presentations were made to the producer, Miss Kiore King, and the principals.