ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 48, 19 November 1932, Page 5

ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Variety of Picture Programmes — I • THE LATEST SHOWS IN REVIEW Variety is the keynote of the various talking-picture programmes being presented at the Wellington picture theatres. In addition to the pictures, there is a merry pantomime at the Grand Opera House. ' The Regent’s offering is a modern romance which is elaborately mounted and which features two popular stars. The story of an Englishman who makes good through sheer grit and strength of character is being told at the St. James. The film has some beautiful scenery.. At the De Luxe there is a comedy with a laugh, in every foot of film. Three well-known stars are to be seen at the Paramount in a story of war-torn China, and at the Majestic the star attraction is a piquant British musical-comedy. The Dominion’s reviews of current programmes are given below. . ‘ ’ . ' ■ ' '

PARAMOUNT THEATRE “War Correspondent” “War Correspondent,” which heads the new bill at the Paramount Theatre, is China cable news come to life. The film presents a vivid story, the background of which is the Nationalist Go-, verninent's struggle with Fang, a predatory War Lord. In any other setting the theme would be wildly sensational, but recent eve-ts permit of no criticism on that ’score. “War Correspondent” is thrilling—breathlessly so in parts—but it carries the hallmark of probability. The title role, in the hands of nonchalant Ralph Graves, is that of a newspaper man who falls'in love with the mistress of an American soldier of fortune, leader of the Nationalist air force. A bitter feud develops between the two men and comes to a head when the girl is captured by Fang and his bandit horde. The rescue scene is the highlight of the picture, and a battle between ’plane and bandits supplies a “punch” vigorous enough to satisfy , the most hardened thrill seeker. Jack Holt as the dare-devil flyer, General Ching, is in a part that fits him like a glove. Lila Lee, as slim and attractive as ever, makes a welcome reappearance in talkies as the girl who causes all the trouble. “War Correspondent” is excellently supported, the programme as a whole being without a weak link. ' “SUNSHINE SUSIE” A : The Paramount All-British A distinguished gathering will assemble at. the Paramount Theatre on Friday evening next, at 8 o’clock, when the theatre will change over and become Wellington’s first all-British picture house, screening exclusively English films from the British Dominions', Gainsborough, and British Lion studios. His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, with the Lady Bledisloe, and party, will attend, and ohers who have signified their intention of being present will include: Mr. .1. G. Coates and party, Sir Donald and Lady McGavin, Sir James and Lady Parr, Sir Thomas and Lady Sidey, Sir Francis and Lady Bell, Sir Walter and Lady Carncross, Mr. and Mrs. 11. F. Johnston, Hon. R. Masters, Mr. and Mrs. G. Muntz, Mr. and Mrs. P. S. K. Macassey. Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Elliott. Dr. and Mrs. Craig, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Blundell. Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Johnston. Mr. and Mrs. Earle, Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Fraser, Mr. E. Page, 8.M., and Miss A. M. Batham To fittingly mark the importance of the occasion Gainsborough’s greatest success, “Sunshine Susie,” a picture triumph which has filled for weeks past and is still filling the all-British picture theatres now established in every capital city in Australia, will be screened for the first time in Wellington- Its,wonderful records are ■proof positive of “Sunshine Susies’s” outstanding excellence. THE “ARABIAN NIGHTS” Season Commences To-night Clothed in Eastern splendour, the “Arabian Nights” pantomime will commence a short season in the Grand Opera House to-night. A remarkably fine combination of leading New Zealand artists form the cast. The theme of the pantomime will be the story of Aladdin, that role being, taken by Miss Evelyn Wright, bliss Merle Spurdie will appear as the Princess, while attractive parts have been allocated to Eric Lind as Emperor; Leon Victor, the evil magician; Jim Broad, the Grand Vizier; H. J. Melville, the Widow Twankey; Stella Cuthbertson, Cheeki San; Lilian Thompson, Fatima and Abdul; WjHiamini Sturrock, slave of the ring; and Hay Kemp and Will Jameson, P.C.’s Cowen and Casey. Members of the Wellington’ Operatic Society will assist in the chorus work, while several ballets will be arranged by Mr. J. Knowsley’s “Corps de Ballet,” of nearly 50 performers. The full orchestra is under the cohductorship of Mr. Vln Brown. Arrangements have been made’with the members of the Y.M.C.A. Gymnasium, under Mr. J. A. Duffy, to embellish the staging of the pantomime with spectacular massed and group settings. including the Forty Thieves. Arab performers, and Nubian slaves, and the Speedo girls. Tn addition there will be Street boys, flower girts, and brigands. Mr. Liardet will be stage manager. The programme will be a lengthy one of nearly three hours of sparkling comedy, spectacular ballets, and group settings, gorgeous scenery and frockiryr. DE LUXE, LOWER HUTT In “Emma,” which screens this afternoon. to-night and Monday and Tuesday nights, at the De Luxe Theatre. Lower Hutt, Marie Dressier gives to the screen another of those brilliant characterisations which have already won her fame. On Wednesday the attraction will be “Careless Lady.” a most piquant and daring story that features Joan Bennett nnd John Boles. The offering for Thursday and Friday will be “Night Court.’’ a powerful drama telling of intrigue and injustice in American law courts, result-’ jng from political injustice. The leading rales arc taken hr Phillips Holmes. J>wls Stone.. W.aPcr Huston and An’t.a Page. There wil’'l’e •”””) supporting hills. KILBIRNIE KINEMA Commencing at the matinee to-day at the Kilbirnie Kinema, is “His Royal Highness.” the Efftee all-Australinn musical extravaganza, which features the ever-popular George Wallace. The show is brimful with provoking absurdities, catchy melodies, nnd pretty girls. Many members of the cast, including Marshall Crosby. Byrl Walkley. Field Fisher and Dou Vernon, are well-known in Wellington. The Australian supports are excellent. ARTCRAFT - THEATRE “The Sentimental Bloke,” the popular Efftee Films’ version of the celebrated C. J. Dennis poems, is the current attraction at the Artcra.ft Theatre. The stars of this excellent show are Ray Fisher, who plays Doreen, and Cecil Scott, who plays the “Bloke.” In addition, there is an attractive supporting bill of all-Aus-tralian featurettes, including items by Minnie Love and George Wallace. “ALL IN FUN NIGHT” The “movie" world is coining out to X»lay on Wednesday night, and has hit on a most novel idea to raise funds for the “Mayor's Happiness Week.” A special screening of pictures will take place in the Majestic Theatre at 10.30 p.m. After the theatre a cabaret will be held until 2 a.m. The feature of this evening is that the entire managerial staffs of the Wellington picture theatresand exchanges will act as the ushers, and waiters. Burlesque items will be the order of the cabaret.

REGENT THEATRE 1 “Street of Women” First-class acting, clever, dialogue, beautiful settings, and a more than usualI ly strong plot are the chief features of i Warner Brothers’ “Street of Women,” which had its premiere at the Regent Theatre yesterday. Exactly why the film has been called “Street of Women” is apparently a secret between the author and the producers. However, that is by ,the way. The story deals with the theme that there is a woman behind every achievement. In the picture at the Regent the-achievement is the world’s tallest building and the inspiration Natalie, a beautiful dress designer who supplies the man who builds the skyscraper with the love and understanding that his wife lacks. Their love is a beautiful thing, but it leads to unfortunate and almost tragic complications. There is, however, a silver lining, and all .ends happily. The role of Natalie js excellently portrayed by that popular brunette Miss Kay Francis, who is seen at her best. She wears many wonderfully designed frocks during the production. Her lover is played by Alan Dinehart. Roland Young, as the understanding friend, shares the honours with Miss Francis for brilliant acting. This is one of his best pictures. Marjorie Gateson is cold and very haughty as the wife whose one idea is social success. Gloria Stuart and Allan Vincent are also prominently cast as youthful lovers who very nearly suffer through the other love affair. In addition to the star film there are several excellent short subjects, including an Australian and a Universal Gazette, a most amusing comedy, a film depicting the life of the pelican, and one of those extremely 'interesting “Believe It or Not” pictures in which the world’s curiosities are shown. ST. JAMES THEATRE “Mr. Bill, the Conqueror” Breathing of the peaceful Sussex countryside, ' “Mr. Bill—the Conqueror,” a British International Pictures’ release, now screening at St James Theatre, has captured that indefinable something which will appeal to every British subject, whether he has visited the Old Country or not. Some artistic photography of rural farm lands is seen, and the whole setting is typically English. Quaint townships, with their rambling houses and cobbled streets, are depicted convincingly. Highlights of the picture are the scenes of the lanes and farm tracks, fringed on either side by picturesque hedges, which are so dear to the lover of unspoiled nature. All these towns enjoy local scandal, and by notmeans the least interesting parts of the picture show the communication of gossip from corner to corner. The theme of the picture is old, but the story is refreshingly natural, and the acting unaffected. Losing hip money, a nobleman (Henry Kendall), who is frittering away his time in France, finds that his only possession is an old farm in a sad state of disrepair. The farm is situated near the spot where William the Conqueror landed in England, and the nobleman determines to make, good, inspired by the Conqueror, whom he airily describes as “the chap who came over in 1066.” Many difficulties arise, but he is supported by a neighbouring farmer’s daughter, who falls in love with him, and together they put their hands to the plough—and conquer. There are good supports. » MAJESTIC THEATRE “Indiscretions of Eve” “Indiscretions of Eve,” a British International Pictures’ production, opened at the Majestic Theatre last night, and proved a bright, though somewhat fantastic musical comedy. The theme of the story revolves round the outcome of a New Year’s Eve celebration at a London night elub, where a young man. Lord Peter Marten (Fred Conyngham) becomes infatuated with a beautiful ,girl. (Steffi Dona), knowing nothing of her identity other than that her name is Eve. Through a series of bright and extravagant scenes the lovers seek one another, one of the high lights being the scene in a waxworks, where Lord Peter and Eve’s fiance come to grips, the battle culminating in a victory for the hero. Some of the settings, particularly those of the cabaret scenes!, are excellent, and the musical numbers are bright, being given by Teddy Brown, Manus B. Winter, and Peggy Cochrane. The supporting cast includes Lester Matthews, Muriel Aked, Arthur Chesney, Clifford Heatherly, and Hal Gordon. Altogether the presentation is a pleasant musical extravaganza, and moves at a fast pace throughout. “The Strangler.” an exciting murder mystery is the chief of the supports, and an interesting Pathetone news is also shown. “MILESTONES” TO BE PLAYED Next Repertory Production “Milestones ” the next Repertory production, which is to be presented at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of next week, bids fair to eclipse all previous successes. The play itself is by Arnold Bennett and Edward Knoblock, two famous dramatists, working in collaboration and is without doubt a truly great play. It is full of drama, comedy, and genuine sentimept. It is being interpreted by one of the ’ strongest casts of players - ever assembled in an amateur production in Wellington. The leading roles are being taken by/ Misses G. Helen Gard’ner, Mary Cooley, Dorothy Molenarr, and Mr. W. S. Wauchop. Others playing prominent parts are: Mrs. E. 8. Baldwin. Misses Elsie Lloyd and Vivienne Tait, and Messrs. L. H. Herd. Gibson Stott, H. A. Painter, Ulric Williams. Carl Watson. P. Keesing, and G. H. A. Swan. No expense is being spared in making this forthcoming season of “Milestones” an outstanding success. The costumes are elaborate, true to period in design, and very beautiful. An interesting point is that there will be a large number of lowpriced seats available at each performance. KING GEORGE. LOWER HUTT “Girl Crazy,” the merriest farce ever made by those popular comedians, Wheeler and Woolsey, is the current attraction at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt. The comedians arc supported by Dorothy Lee and Kitty Kelly. The latter sings some catchy songs, including “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “Sam and Delilah.” On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next, I Charles Kogers will be seen in “The Reckt less Age.”

DE LUXE THEATRE “The Tenderfoot” A laughable comedy in which Joe E. Brown, the wide-mouthed comedian, is in the star role, is the leading feature at the De Luxe Theatre this week. In “The Tenderfoot” he plays the part of a Texan rancher who visits New York with the idea of making money in order that he can lift the mortgage on his ranch. He falls into the hands of some dud play producers, and is induced to part with his dollars for an interest in a show which is a failure. Circumstances, which include falling in love with a girl, cause him to take the whole show on his hands, and by a lucky stroke he turns the failure into a success in amazing fashion. The supports include news films in which the American tennis champions are seen in action in Auckland, a drama, “The Crane Poison Case,” a fine Arctic picture, another of the Ripley series, “Believe It or Not,” and a comedy. GRAND, PETONE “Amateur Daddy/’ a romantic drama now at the Grand Theatre, Petoiie, is adapted from the novel “Scotch Valley,” by Mildred Crann, with Warner Baxter and Marian Nixon in the leading roles. It tells the delightful story of a confirmed bachelor, who upon the death of his best friend in an accident he is partly responsible fox, takes it upon himself to care for his family. PALACE, PETONE Screening at the Palace Theatre, Petone, is “Emma,” the greatest of all films which have featured that brilliant character actress, Marie Dressier. "Emma” is one of the most human stories ever written. Supporting Miss Dressier are Myrna Loy, Barbara Kent. Jean Hersholt, and Richard Cromwell. “Emma” is a picture of laughter and tears, and will appeal to every picturegoer whether young or old. PRINCE EDWARD, WOBURN “Symphony of Six Million,” one of the screen’s most amazing productions, is at the Prince Edward Theatre. Ricardo Cortez and Irene Dunne have the leads in this great romance, which in the silent days was called “Humoresque.” On Tuesday Elissa Land! and an all-star cast will be seen in “The Devil’s Lottery,” and “The Sentimental Bloke” will be screened on Thursday.