ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 51, 24 November 1930, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. Two features of unusual merit are being screened at the De Luxe Theatre. One is a comedy full of hearty laughter, the other a society drama brilliantly acted. Thu main film, “Loose Ends,” from Dion Titheridge’s play, contains all the traditions of the stage, enhanced by the possibilities of the talking screen. It is a controversial and original film, full of excellent entertainment and some food for thought Famous figures of the English stage and screen, such as Owen Nares, Edna Best, Adrianne Allen, Miles Mander and Donald Calthorp, form the case. The second production is "Not So Quiet on the Western Front.” It is a burlesque of war-time experiences. The characters are soldiers and French girls, but that is practically all this hilarious comedy has to do with the war. There are some bright songs and dancing. England’s favourite comedian, Leslie Fuller, has the principal role, and he is well supported by a superlative company. A British gazette and Wurlitzer organ selections complete a fine programme. “Inside the Lines.” Following upon the great success of the all-Brltish two-feature programme, “Loose Ends” and “Not So Quiet on the Western Front,” now being presented a} the De Luxe Theatre, the management announces for Wednesday next an entertainment of similar calibre, quite the equal in quality and quantity to that mentioned above. “Inside the Lines” and “Amateur Night in London” are the two forthcoming productions, which are confidently expected to repeat the success of the splendid British bill now being presented. From the first foot to the last fade-out, “Inside the Lines,” Radio Pictures’ all-talking drama featuring Betty Compson, is interesting, thrilling, and entertaining, according to advance reports. It is not a war picture, but a story of espionage at Gibraltar during the World War. Roy Pomeroy, the director, has succeeded in making the intimation of war more powerful, more pathetic, more gripping than the countless noisy and awe-inspiring spectacles could. The story lg of two lovers. Ger-, man spies, who meet unexpectedly in the heart of the British fortifications at Gibraltar. They both hare been charged with the task of blowing up the Gibraltar fleet. Miss Compson is supported by a cast of English stage and screen stars. The story is from the pen of Earl Derr Bigjeers (author of ‘‘Behind that Curtain ). The second feature is the all-British comedy-drama, “Amateur Night in London,” said to be a worthy successor in laughs and thrills to “Not So Quiet on the Western Front.” It has a talented company of British stage and screen stars. Box plans are available at Bristol and Aitken's. REGENT THEATRE. Adapted from "The , Clrc ’®’ 0 play written by Somerset Maugham, “ Strictly Unconventional is ele " gantly neurotic in that playwright s best stvie dealing with a love triangle m Englisl oc etv. and the struggle between convention mid love’s fulfilment Catherine Dale Owen, ’the picturesque English beauty, is in her element as the neglected wife who nines again for the thrill of love, extinguished in her political-minded and thoroughly conventional husband. The wife, who has a sense of humour and a not too blatant but nevertheless strong disregard for convention, finds love calling again to her from a guest at her mansion a strong, silent man from Canada, bhe contemplates leaving with him to be„ln life afresh, but the faded romance of lie. father-in-law and an equally faded Lad, of decree cites her food for thought. In IS woman who Is married to a man whose brilliant promise she has ruined by indiscretion with Catherine’s father- in her dtiys, meets her old a e fter 3 °a U, llpse of’ thirty years. She both dresses and rouges to excess, the sorry spectacle of an unconventional woman st I fighting despairingly “S’ 1111 ’’!,. 111 ?* b 'nd shoulder” of convention. Iler husbanu, bowed under the disapproval of ® broken man. and the Jiving tia, J edj of thes two is an object lesson to (he youn., wire. Included in the cast are Lewis Stone,Ernest Torrence. Paul Cavanagh, and Alison Skip worth. The supports are a talkie q short drama of Scotland Yard, Baoj Foilies ” which is a novel juvenile turn in technicolour. and a N.Z Sporting News talkie of a wrestling match between Kara Pasha and Abie Coleman. KING’S THEATRE. Sunny Spain, with all its glorious romance, is brought to the audible A <ortetone "The Gav Caballero, a I'ox all-talking musical operetta, now screening at the Kings riieahre. Th , storv, which concerns the flirtations of beautiful Mona Maris, is absorbing to a decree Fascinating as she is beautiful, she wins the heart of Don Jose Magica, a dashing caballero, who Proves more than a match for the intrigues ofla/“scally governor, admirably played by that popu lar star, Antonio Moreno. Ihe picture is not without a fair share of action, and the way in which Don Jose forcibly takes his tale from his rivals on one occasion, makes a very dramatic episode. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. A hilarious comedy starring Mane Dressier, Polly Moran and Anita Page, is now screening at the Kilbirnie Kinema. "Caught Short” is the tale of two . I “ otl . l ®f 8 running boarding-houses, plunging into WaU Street Stock? in an to in“k“ some money. Excellent sound featurettes are presented. OUEEN’S THEATRE. Xletro-Goldwyn-Mayer's film transcriltion of “The Trial Q Uugan. ninth tta fo?Tretu'rn season, is an Intensely dramatic and engrossing treatment the ’ thrills and;humorous TWO PLAYS AT RONGOTAI. . The sign "House full.” profcssmnal theatre managers dream of, but see m y too rarelv. greeted latecomers at College Hall on Saturdaly eveuln *” occasion of the presentation of two plays by- the Little Theatre Players, under the auspices of the Rongotai College Old Boys Association. The first of the plays « “The House of the Twisted Windows, Mary Parkington, which had the sombre base of a Soviet prison The characters were:— Lady’ Pointing, Miss I earl Brody , Heather, Miss Joyce Miller; lin c. Miss Nan Cadman; Derex Moore, Mr. Robert Charlton; Charles Clive, Mr. Ldrlc Miller James Roper, Mr. Brittan Chadwick a Stephen, Mr. Robert Connor. Lhe second play was Frederick Lonsdale s On Approval,” the many humorous situations in which kept the house in a ripple of laughter. The cast was: Mrs. Wislack, Miss Enid Sturdy; Duke of Bristol. Mr. Hal Paterson: Richard Hulton. Mr. Roy Sinclair; aud Helen Hoyle, Miss Roma Mee. An orchestral! under the conductorship of Mr. Fred Shaw played several very acceptable numbers. The producer was Mr. A. S. Farquhar, and Mr. K. H. McDonald was stage manager. All concerned have every reason to feci satisfied with the result of the production.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. At the Grand Opera House good pictures share the programme with the Humphrey Bishop Costume Comedy Company, witli entirely satisfactory results. "A Dangerous Paradise” is a Joseph Conrad melodrama, with love, hate, murder, and robbery making lively play is a South Sea Island retreat which the author dares to eall Sourabaya (w’hich is quite a respectable Javan city). There Alma, a little bit of female jetsam, who plays the violin in a low’-down cabaret, is pestered with the attentions of a rascally mob, including the dago conductor of the band, and the oily proprietor of the go-down. The Humphrey Bishop Company, which consists of dancers, singers, comedians, and musicians, who give a delightfully’ snappy entertainment, in which never a moment is wasted. Comic relief is provided by Maurice Barling, a versatile clown, who makes a laughing hit in a burlesque of Al Jolson singing "Sonny Boy,” and is also very’ musing as the. drill sergeant in the military finale, w’hich takes the musical form of the march song from “The Love Parade.” Another excellent character actor, singer, and dancer is Arthur Helmsley, who sings some silly verses in Lancashire dialect very’ cleverly, and is exceedingly good as the coster in the sketch with Thelma Trott. The company possesses a sterling baritone in Walter Kingsley, who (in costume) sings “The Cobbler’s Song,” from "Chu Chin Chow,” and that fine ballad "Salaam,” w’ith Fred Webmer (tenor), and Maurice Barling, Mr. Kingsley indulges in some trio trivialities. Thelma. Trott Is a serviceable soprano, Elaine Maye a smart comedienne. Of special quality is the throw-about dance of Desiree and Montigue, which commences with a leap from a rock, by the first-named. Desiree’s aerial arabesques are distinctly graceful and bewitching. Mention should also be made of the violin playing of Margaret Blackburn. MAJ ESTIC. THEATRE. “Strictly Modern,” the current all-talk-ing attraction which was exhibited before .large audiences on Saturday at the Majestic Theatre, is notable for the cheerful and entertaining airiness with which the plot unfolds itself. The story inspires a vast amount of quiet amusement and laughter, and in it Dorothy Mackalll achieves success in every way. Legitimate stage actor, Sydney Blackmer, made his talking picture debut here in this film, and playing opposite Miss Mackalll, he does some fine work. One of the bestplayed parts in a piece that is well acted by every player in the cast, is the Judge Parlett Of Warner Richmond, which creates much hearty laughter. Patrons will leave “Strictly Modern” feeling that they have been well satisfied, entertained, and amused. The play is ingeniously constructed, and is replete in situations that are pleasantly surprising. Preceding the main feature is a first part of short featurettes of diversified character all of which are pleasing, and one in particular, “Dave Dreyer,” at the piano, is excellent indeed. Box plans are at ;the Bristol and also at the theatre. The star feature of next Friday’s change of programme will be John Barrymore In Sir Charles Hawtrey’s London comedy success “The Man From Blankleys.” PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “The Cuckoos,” now in its second week at the Paramount Theatre, is a story of colourful Mexico, plotting barons, ferocious bandits, and a tangle of love and plotting, all wrapped up in a whirlwind of dancing, intriguing songs and choruses, and a dazzling display of frocks. There are any number of new effects in the massed numbers. but while “The Cuckoos” is expensively produced, it does not drag through allowing that to dominate the production. The big effects are skilfully interwoven with fun aud frolic, song and diversion. The two comedians mentioned introduce many new gags, and in their efforts to ingratiate themselves in the favour of a woman well endowed with this world's goods, as well as an endeavour to rescue a charming young woman from the toils of the villains of the piece, introduce a high-power comedy element. There are few serious moments in “The Cuckoos,” which is mostlj’ a mafi adventure of nonsense that should appeal to all. The love story is slight, but pleasing, and Is bound up with several catchy songs that fit in with the scheme of things. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Show Girl in Hollywood,” a feature from First National Vitaphone studios, was particularly well received on Saturday by large audiences at the various session's. Previous pictures connected with Hollywood have dealt with the lighter side of things as they prevail in studioland, but in the present instance the author has written and the producer has presented in admirable fashion a strong human story relating to the troubles that beset a stage actress who secures a contract to appear in Hollywood. Jack Mulhall, the leading man, plays with a freedom and naturalness that carries conviction. while his sweetheart is well acted liy Alice White. Blanche Sweet is seen in an excellent portrayal of the part of “Dollie Harris," a faded star of olden times, and she sings the theme song of the play “There's a Tear for Every Smile” quite eectively. For Sterling’s work as a much-worried director is excellent, and it would be hard to select a better “villain" than John Miljan proves himself to be in this drama. The final scene in technicolour, representing a human rainbow, is most spectacular. The supporting subjects, five in number, are all of a pleasing character. Box plans are at the Bristol, and after 6 p.m. at the theatre.