ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 222, 15 June 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

RALPH LYNN IN “MISCHIEF.” Travers Farce at Regent To-day. British Dominions Films gave us “Rookery Nook,” "Plunder,” "Chance of a Night Time,” “Ou Approval,” and ‘Canaries Sometimes Sing”—all of them record-breaking successes—and now they have released "Mischief,” which, like “Rookery Nook” and "Chance of a Night lime,” is a comedy from the pen of that . brilliant humorist, Ben Travers. “Mischief,” which is the most piquant and tile most hilarious comedy ever written, opens at the Regent Theatre to-day, and, according to the reports of all who have seen pre-views of this mirth-provoker, it should run at this theatre for many days to come. "Mischief” is a show that starts with the audience chuckling and ends with them holding their sides and roaring with laughter. It is useless for anyone to attempt to be serious during the _ screening of _ “Mischief,” for the spirit of .hilarity is too predominant all through it. and, besides, who could be serious when watching a Ben Travers show, not to mention Ralph Lynn, the star of the production. Ralph Lynn is letter than ever. There is something about his idiotic antics and brilliant repartee, and even his buck teeth, which idace him in a class by himself. He is one of those actors who cannot be imitated. Therefore, every time he appears we see him as someone unique. l He radiates good humour, and even when in the most extraordinary situations, always manages to retain that good humour —and his monocle. The heroine of the piece is Winifred Shotter, who looks more bewitching and acts more alluringly than ever. “Mischief” is as near the perfect production as it is possible to be. Cast, author, story, direction, photography. and atmosphere are all that can be desired. Like all the Ben Travers stories, it sails very close to the wind in places—in fact, there are times when one might say it gets caught in the breeze. The plot is gloriously complicated. A semi-erring wife, her lover, a demure young miss, several interfering in-laws, an irate husband, a mischief-making charwoman and au irresponsible “silly ass” (who, of course, is Ralph Lynn), all get mixed up in a series of the most amazing adventures and compromising situations, all of which are cleared up in a manner which could be attempted only by such a master of comedy as Ben Travers. The, rejnl honours of the show go to Ralph Lynn, whose antics keep the audience in shrieks of laughter every time he is on the screen. The most ordinary conversation can be made delightfully piquant or hilariously funny just as this artist wills it. His love scenes are among the highlights of the show. Every member of the cast is a star, and one would imagine that each part has been specially created for the character that plays it. PARAMOUNT THEATRE, i “Behind the Mask,” Columbia’s thrilling story of the activities of a notorious gang of dope smugglers, headed by the mysterious Mr. X, is screening at the Paramount Theatre. The cast which enacts Jhis mystery thriller has been specially selected, and includes Boris Karloff, as Mr. X., and Jack Holt as a Secret Service man. There are good supports. 8.1. P. Programme. On Friday 1 ' there will be screened- at the Paramount Theatre two British International Pictures, Ltd.’s, productions of more than outstanding merit. They will be “Glamour” and “The Mystery of Marriage.” “Glamour” tells the-story of ail actor-manager’s love for a beautiful young woman, and of the sacrifice he has to make when confronted with an episode of his past. The star of the show is Seymour Hicks, who is supported by the Elstree discovery, Margot Grahame, by Ellaline Terriss, his charming wife, Betty Hicks, his daughter, and by -Beverley Nichols, the well-known journalist and novelist, whose books are always so widely discussed. Naomi Jacobs, the popular novelist, Basil Gill, Clifford Ileatherley, Charles Paton, also play important parts. Contrasts and parallels between the methods of courtship of the animal world and those of human beings are features of the novel film “The Mystery of Marriage.” Directed and conceived by Miss Mary Field, whose clever nature-study films, particularly those which have been filmed in the London Zoo, . have delighted picturegoers in the past. “The Mystery -of Marriage” is quite the most unusual production of the year. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The merriest, most hilarious, and most entertaining farce ever turned out by the ever-popular Wheeler and Woolsey is “Peach o’ Reno,” which has been delighting audiences for the past week at the Majestic Theatre. In “Peach o’ Reno” the two comedians romp their way through the best-part of 7000 feet of the raciest film in which they have yet appeared. “Peach o’ Reno” is broad farce. No one must attempt to take it seriously, and the best thing that any audience can do is to park its cares at the ticket box and then sit down- and laugh from stai-t to finish of the show. The whole show is a burlesque on divorce proceedings at Reno, America’s famous divorce city. 8.1. P. Programme. Mirth runs riot and laughter holds supreme sway during To-night’s the Night.” the ludicrous British International Pictures, Ltd.’s farce, which will be screened at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. The star of this super-hilarious production is that rubber-faced comedian, Leslie Fuller, and the story is a burlesque on life in a prison. Fuller has never been seen to better advantage, and his antics, especially at the prison concert and in the prison workshops, set a new standard in comA acting. It is doubtful whether the scene in which he appears as a woman has ever been rivalled. Toward the end the picture develops into a good old rough-and-tumble show of the type that delighted us when “Pimple” “Foolshead,” and later the Mack Sennett comedians, careered madly through streets, upsetting everything that came their way. In “To-night’s the Night.” fruit-stalls, fences, gates, and even doors are smashed in a wild dash between a large and a baby motor-car through the streets of numerous villages. “To-uight’s the Night” should have a record run in 'Wellington, for it is a comedy that will stand seeing time and time again. The 8.1. P. Corporation will also supply the specially selected supporting bill. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Charles Dickens's immortal novel. “Dombey aud Son,” iu the inspiration behind the great feature film, "Rich Man’s Ally,” which is screening at the Kilbirnie Kinema. The supporting films include Phar Lap winning the Agua Caliente Handicap.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. A beautiful Viennese operetta, featuring Lance Fairfax, the popular New Zealand star, is “The Beggar Student,” tile main attraction at the Grand Opera House. Shirley Dale, noted English operatic star, plays the part of the heroine. Both stars act and sing magnificently. Also on the bill is “I Like Your Nerve,” a breezy comedy romance. The stars are Douglas Fairbanks, junr., and Loretta Young. Two Big Features. Mad adventure, masked men, modern Robin Hoods, danger, romance and high adventure are the outstanding points of interest in Radio Pictures’ ; - The Public Defender,” the new Richard Dis starring vehicle which will open on Friday at the. Grand Opera House. 'What Dix wants is excitement, the thrill of conflict, with fighting men, and a necessarily virile drama of Intense action results. “The Public Defender” tells a story of a man who battles alone against the enemies of society and emerges victorious. Shirley Grey supplies the feminine interest. Also on the bill will be “The Royal Bed,” the story of which concerns a king who hoped that revolutionists would overthrow his kingdom so that he could -play checkers with his butler, his daughter might marry the man she loved, and his wife would hive nothing to “queen over.” Lowell Sherman plays the king, and he is ably assisted by that famous actress, Nance O’Neil, and by Mary Astor and a host of talented players. The programme is one of special merit. DE LUXE THEATRE. Ever since-the time he appeared with' Edna Purviance in “A Woman of Paris,” Adolphe Menjou has been known as one of the screen’s most noted lovers, and now he appears at the De Luxe Theatre in “The Great Lover,” a show that might have been written specially for him. In this romance Menjou offers a superb portrayal of a baritone who is as famous for his love affairs as for his voice. As the central figure of the principal love affair, Isene Dunne is splendid. There is a good supporting bill. 8.1. P. Programme. Mirth, romance, excitement, a thrilling motor-race, and a host of incidents are compressed into “The Love Race,” the British International Pictures, Ltd.’s comedy attraction which will open at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday. “The Love Race” has as its star the ever-popular comedian, Stanley Lupino, who made such a hit in “Love Lies.” It is a riot of laughter from start to finish. From the opening back-chat between Reggie Powley—played by Stanley Lupino—and his stern father (Frank Perfitt) to the last uproarious scene in court, where the judge and jury alike sway to the rhythm of Lupino’s catchy song, “Just Dance,” there is not a dull moment. The story concerns the Mostyns and Powleys, two rival types of car, and favourites for a race at Brooklands. The son of the Powleys is in love with the daughter of the Mostyns, but Powley pere has forbidden him. to marry her, for he cannot forgive the family who threatens his chances on the track. However, love goes on, and so does the race. The climax is as unexpected as it is clever. Assisting the star are Jack Hobbs, Wallace Arthur, Dorothy Boyd. Dorothy Bartlam, and Florence Y’ie A feature of the programme ■will be the short subject. ST. JAMES THEATRE. To-day- and to-morrow will be tha final opportunities of witnessing that breeziest of farce comedies, -‘Private Lives,” at St. James Theatre. The stars, Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery, have not been seen to greater advantage than in this snappy comedy that fairly crackles with the Noel Coward satire and witty, brilliant dialogue. Lending able support to Miss Shearer and Montgomery are Reginald Denny and Una Merkel, who give splendid performances. The entire programme is one that should not be missed by lovers of good bright entertainment. 8.1. P. Programme.

“Many Waters” and “Bill and Coo” are the main British International Pictures, Ltd.’s attractions at the St. James Theatre for Friday next. “Many Waters” may truly be described as a drama of lifl\ and is the screen version of a famous play. The wonderfully sincere rendering of the story of the lives of two ordinary, every-day people, doubles of whom may be found in any audience, and the perfect direction and handling of the story will appeal to every type of intellect. ’ The picture of the faithful couple who weather the storms of their married life, not least of its tragedies being the death of their only child, and yet remain lovable and loving, will remain long, in the memory of all who see it. Lilian Hall Davis and Arthur Margetson are admirably cast for the parts of Jim and Mabel Barcaldine, as is Elizabeth Allen for their daughter. “Bill and Coo.', a most delightful musical comedy, which will introduce to Wellington Mr. Billy Merson, the popular London comedian, and a host of talented stars, contains a lilting theme song, splendid comedy, and novel dancing and scenic effects.. It is a picture that is as novel as it is entertaining, and is one that should be seen more than once, for it contains such a wealth of everything that stands for ideal entertainment. ’ PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. Music lovers of Wellington - should welcome the announcement that Benno Moiseiwitsch, the renowned pianist, who has recently bad such a phenomenally successful season in Wellington, returns to give another performance in Wellington before leaving New Zealand. Arrangements have been made with Messrs. J. and N. Tait for this world-renowned artist to co-operate with the Wellington Philharmonic Orchestra in a brilliant programme of popular orchestral and solo items which should have a wide appeal. It is not necessary to sing the praises of this wonderful pianist. as his name is a household word with 'those who have’ even the. slightest appreciation of music, but it is definite that the performance on June 25 will be positively the last appearance in Wellington of M. Moiseiwitsch. It is of interest also that arrangements are being made to have the Town Hall comfortably heated for this concert. Details of the programme, which will include two great concertos, will be announced later. SUNDAY CONCERT. From the appreciation expressed by music lovers at the inaugural concert of the Orchestriua it is evident that music lovers welcome this new type of Sydney evening entertainment. It has 1 been decided to continue the series at fortnightly intervals, and .for next Sun- . day evening the De Luxe Theatre has been reserved. The orchestral programme will be supported by vocal and instrumental solos aud trios with orchestral accompaniment.