ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 144, 14 March 1932, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. The star attraction at the Regent Theatre is “The Beloved Bachelor,” a thoroughly delightful Paramount comedy romance, with Paul Lukas and Dorothy Jordan in the leading roles. “The Beloved Bachelor” is a charming production. It tells of a famous sculptor who, in saving his friend’s orphan child from being taken to a State home, by saying he is the father, loses the girl he loves. Some years pass, and the little girl grows to womanhood under the care of her adopted father and his two friends. Suddenly she realises she loves her guardian, aud must win him from his old love. From then on the plot becomes a series of complications until—but that must be seen, not told. Raul Lukas, more attractive than ever, makes a splendid hero, his fascinating broken English being so pleasing to hear. Dorothy Jordan excels all her previous efforts as the young girl, and Charlie Ruggles carries the main comedy role on his more than capable shoulders. He is really one of the hits of this entertaining show. Other important roles aro' taken by Vivienne Osborne, Leni Stengel. John Breeden, and Marjorie Gatson. The supporting programme includes a “Vagabond Film” and overseas and Australian gazettes of exceptional interest. ST. JAMES THEATRE. ■ Capacity houses at St. James Theatre on Saturday greeted Gene Gerrard in his latest and greatest success, “Out of the Blue.” The versatile Gene in this production proves to his admirers that he is the possessor of a line singing voice as well as his many other accomplishments. In "Out of the Blue” he has lost nothing of hie inimitable comedy ability that won him overnight fame with New Zealand audiences in “My Wife’s Family.” His charming manner cannot help but captivate all who witness this extremely wellproduced comedy romance. Entirely different in theme from its predecessor, "Out of the Blue” is, nevertheless, full of bright gags, clever dialogue,, and excellent team work. The star is supported by a band of brilliant artists recruited from the London legitimate stage. To Kay Hammond is entrusted the role of a modern flapper, Angela Tucker, and she makes it an excellent character sketch. Her brisk “oill set” manner is a good foil to the dreaminess of. Jessie Matthews, who as Tommy Tucker, her Cinderella sister, falls in love with the voice of Gene Gerrard, the radio announcer.. Without any apparent effort on his part, Kenneth Kove’s mere appearance on the screen with his sedate walk aud resignedly serious face, is instantly laughter provoking. "Out of the Blue” is a picture no one should miss—it is a veritable ray of sunshine in these times of world-wide depression. MAJESTIC THEATRE. “Good Sport,” now at the Majestic Theatre, is a smart and sophisticated tale of modern matrimony. John Boles plays opposite Linda Watkins in an interesting portrayal of a woman-shy millionaire. The cast includes Gretta Nissen, Minna Gombell, Hedda Hopper, and Allen Dinehart. “Good Sport” is a 'film in which story, cast and direction are deftly blended into an hour or so of excellent entertainment. ST. PATRICK'S NIGHT CONCERT. An excellent concert has been arranged for St. Patrick’s night, at the Town Hall, next Thursday evening. Miss Teresa McEnroe will make her first reappearance on Thursday evening. Another who will make her reappearance after an absence of two years is Miss Kathleen Jansen. Mrs. Dorothy Cronin will appear for the first time, and comes to Wellington from Auckland with an excellent record. Other vocalists of note are Misses Ella Gamble and Kathleen Ferris. In addition to contributing to the programme, Mr. 0. Pritchard will conduct a community sing of National airs. The dancing items will be given by the pupils of Miss Kathleen O’Brien, and Miss Esme Crow will contribute the , elocutionary items. Concerted music will be given by St. Mary’s Philomel Quartette, and the choral items by choirs from the Marist Brothers’ Schools of Thorndon and Tasman Street, and the noted Guildford Terrace. School. Instrumental items will be given by Mrs. G. Aldridge and Miss ITanify.

DE LUXE THEATRE. "Possessed,” at the De Luxe Theatre, is a beautifully acted Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer drama, in which the honours go to Joan Crawford and Clarke Gable, both of whom give perfect performances. “Possessed” tells of a factory girl who has ambitions and longs for money, jewels, and beautiful clothes. Taking matters into her own hands, she. leaves home, and by watching the wajs of sophisticated people finally attains her object. • Protected by a wealthy lawyer for some years, she realises that marriage was not part of the bargain, and then comes the breath of scandal. Miss Crawford acts magnificently, and her frocks are among the smartest ever worn by any actress. Clarke Gable is excellent as the law T yer lover, and Wallace Ford, Sheets Gallagher and Marjorie White all acquit themselves splendidly. The supporting programme, which includes a Laurel Hardy comedy, is excellent . GRAND OPERA HOUSE. “Local Boy Makes Good” at the Grand Opera House, provokes laughter, loud and high. This is due in the main to the broad outreaching humour of Joe E. Brown, whose sense of the ludicrous is very comically expressed as John Augustus Miller, an assistant in a college bookshop. John has a secret passion in Julia Winters, and writes warm effusions to her without posting them. In one he represents himself as a crack athlete and college leader. By mistake this letter reaches her, and Julia, fired by the language, calls on John, to find him a mild, be-spectacled man with a botanical hobby. An accident on the running track discloses him as a fast sprinter, and .it is Julia (Dorothy Lee) and her friend, Marjorie Blake (Ruth Hall), who inspire John jyith the necessary courage to go out and win under circumstances which cause z shrieks of laughter. The programme also includes a clever little comedy-drama, “Compliments of the Season.” a cartoon, “Bosco’s Holiday,” a jazz band comedy, “Hitting the ■ High Cs, and the Paramount News.'

“Stamboul.” ■ Friday next a British ' production, Stamboul, will be shown at" the Grand Opera House. It js described as a picture of romance and drama, rich with Oriental splendour. Warwick Ward and Rosita Moreno are the stars.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. ‘Trader Horn,” a Metro-Gold wynMayer production, showing at the Paramo nt Theatre, sets a new mark of entertainment. Its drama would make it a powerful thing in itself. Its actual filming and recording of wild animals, savage tribal ceremonies and other details make it the most engrossing adventure film in history. One sees many wonders; a zebra worsting a lion in a death battle, a desperate fight between leopards and a pack of hyenas, the thundering charge of a rhinoceros, hairbreath escapes from crocodiles—and one victory for one of the great reptiles. One sees and hears the death dance of the savage Isorgi. And through all these thrills there runs a gorgeous romance of the boy from Peru and the golden-haired “sun goddess” of the savage tribes. Harry Carey, as Trader Horn, utters the author’s homely philosophies and gives a splendidly dramatic performance in the title role. Edwina Booth, as the girl, is beautiful and a remarkable actress, and Duncan Renaldo plays the romantic Peru.

•KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Acclaimed as the most impressive picture in which Warner Baxter has yet starred, “The Squaw Man,” Cecil B. de Millc’s great screen drama, is now showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Baxter is suported by Lupe Velez and Eleanor Boardman, PIANO RECITAL. Mr. Gordon Bryan; the eminent English pianist, has been enabled to arrange another New Zealand tour bv postponing his Java visit for three months. He will be heard for the last, time at the Bristol Music Salon on Wednesday at 8.15 p.m. Of Mr. Bryan, the “Musical Times,” London, said: “Mr. Bryan has become a household word. We have often marvelled at the apparent ease with which he runs into pianistic adventures beyond the scope of the average recital performer.”