ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 183, 1 May 1933, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. . Love, intrigue, and bright comedy in English high life arc the chief constituents of “Wedding Rehearsal,” now being presented at the Regent Theatre. Lbe picture is far off the beaten track m its tone, dressing, and atmosphere, and the smart dialogue of Arthur Wimperis, spoken by cultured English players,, is a rare treat. The show abounds in diverting and witty scenes, and the settings are beautiful. The stars are Roland Young, George Grossmith, Lady Tree, and other noted London actors and actresses. There is a gorgeous scene of the Changing of the guard at St.. Janies Iniace that is particularly thrilling, while the rehearsal scene gives scope for some exquisite frocking on the part of the beautiful twins and their retinue of bridesmaids. The programme also includes the appearance (in the flesli) of the Roland Sextette, five little maidens and a. boy (three violins, two ’cellos, and pianoforte), who play popular waltz melodies charmingly. A "Mickey Mouse cartoon and several reviews of world events constitute a highly diverting programme not to be missed. “No Man of Her Own.” Commencing next Friday at the Regent Theatre is “No Man of Iler Own,” a drma that is both brilliantly acted and perfectly presented. The stars are Paramount’s new stellar combination, Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, and Dorothy Mackaill. The picture has received the most flattering notices wherever it has been screened, and if the enthusiastic reports from other towns can be taken as a crij terion, then AVellington audiences are going to see something out of the ordinary. DE LUXE THEATRE. “Diggers in Blighty,” the all-Austra-lian Efftee film at the De Luxe Theatre, is a fine specimen of the ability of Australian producers to make comedy calculated to produce a laugh from the most pessimistic individual. It holds the audience at the start, but as it develops the humour develops, and iu the last five minutes it is no exaggeration to say that many members of the audience have tears running down their faces through laughing so heartily. Pat Hanna's first independent production scored a bull’s-eye so far as Wellington is concerned, and his three irrepressible Australian diggers arc amazingly funny in the way in which they relate their experiences during ten days in Blighty. Pat Hanna. Joe Valli, George Moon, and Alfred Frith are the stars of this hilarious show. The supports include two news reels, the swearing-in of President Roosevelt George Wallace in a comedy sketch, “Oh, What a Night,” Downey and Henderson in a radio sinking novelty, and Paul Cullen, in several favourite numbers at the Wurlitzer organ. BROWNLEE AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Great interest is being shown in the forthcoming orchestral concert, which will be given in the Town Hall next Thursday evening, for it is many years since New Zealand has had the opportunity of hearing such a great baritone as Mr J° lin Brownlee, whose appearance with lhe Wellington Symphony Orchestra will be an extra special treat. Then, too, there will be the additional attraction of a Concerto played by Mr. Brownlee’s briliinnt pianiste, Raymond Lambert. In securing Mr. Brownlee and Mr. Lambert for the one orchestral concert, the Wellington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leon de Manny, has scored a triumph, for this is the only occasion in the entire Australian and New Zealand tour that Mr. Brownlee and his pianist have both contributed to the samif orchestral programme. On Thursday John Brownlee will sing arias from three of the operas in winch he has starred in Europe. “The Marriage of . Figaro.” “Tannhanser,” and “I Pagliacci.” Mr. Raymond Lambert’s offering will be the Concerto in A Minor (Greig). Tn addition to playing the orchestral accompaniments for Mr. Brownlee. Mr. Lambert and the Wellington Symphony Orchestra will contribute the “Rienzi” overture, Mozart's “Juniter” Symphony. “A Shropshire Lad” (Butterworth), and the Coronation March from “La Prophctc" (Meyerbeer). HARMONIC SOCIETY. A special attraction at the Harmonic Society's concert at. the Town Hall on Saturday evening next will be the first YVellington appearance of Miss Mary Pratt, the popular Dunedin contralto. Miss Pratt was heard in Dunedin by Mr. John Brownlee, when the famous baritone was in that city, and strongly recommended her to train for the Paris Opera House. (Through inadvertence a footnote to Miss Pratt's photograph on Saturday made it. appear that Mr. Brownlee would also be singing at the Harmonic Society's concert. This is not 60.)

ST. JAMES THEATRE. A veritable triumph for Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer’s renowned star, homa Shearer, in "Smiling Through, the glorious romance which is charming Audiences at the St. James Theatre, Radiant in her portrayal ol Moouyecn, the intended bride ot feu John Cartaret, and happy and tragic by turn as his ward, Kathleen Sheridan, Miss Shearer brought to her dual part all the wealth of emotion and the grace of a line artist. In the story of her love for Kenneth Wayne, son of the murderer of Moouyecn on her wedding day, she is given opportunities for dramatic effects which she has never had before, and of which she takes advantage to the lul est. “Smilin’ Through,” the tale of love that lives through years and tears does not need its plot repeated here. It need only be said that this new presentation enhances and adds value to its simplicity, and the poignant sweetness of its romance. It is Miss Shearers triumph. And sharing the honours with her, are Fredric March, excellent as Kenuetu Wayne, Leslie (Howard, who is admirable in the difficult role of Sir John, and 0. I. Heggie as Dr. Owen. As director of Miss Shearer’s production, Sidney Franklin repeats the success he achieved with Norma Talmadge in the silent days. The supporting films are all good, but outstanding among them is that of the worldfamous aerial trapeze artists, the I’iying Cadonas, whose feats of skill and daring are breath-taking in lhe extreme. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Maisie Gay, the celebrated London star, is a character comedienne who i stands head and shoulders above all ' others, a fact which she is proving at i the Paramount Theatre by her delight- | fully diverting characterisation of "Mrs. I ’Arris,” in Edgar Wallace’s thrilling play, “The Old Man.” Maisie Gay is the life of the picture. Her work is delicious. English film directors need never worry about comedy work while Maisie Gay is available. The play itself is capital. The action is quick, and the story sustains the interest to the very end. It was popular in book form under the title “Coat of Arms.” and its success ns a stage play at Wyndham’s Theatre, London, as “Lady Arranway’s Secret,” is widely known. Players of distinction who do capital work in support of Miss Gay arc clever Anne Grey. Cecil Humphreys, as the mysterious "Old Man,” and D. Clarke-Smith. The excellent supporting subjects include a featurette showing Neville Stiles, an entertainer of the firstgrade. “.Marry Me.” An announcement that will be hailed with delight by many filmgoers is that which states that coming to the Paramount Theatre, next Friday, is “Marry Me,” which stars the screen's new sweetheart, Renate Muller, “the ‘Sunshine Susie’ girl.” ‘‘Marry Me” is Miss Muller’s latest and greatest musical comedy success, and bristles with catchy melodies sung as only Renate Muller can sing them. Associated with the star are England’s famous comedian, George Robey, and the clever dialect comedian, Harry Green. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The entertaining story, of a niair who knew nil about speed-boats, but who was utterly out of his element where love ■ was concerned, is told in “Fast Life,” the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy romance which is screening at the Majestic Theatre. The picture is based on E. J.. Rath's novel, “Let’s Go," dealing with the adventures of two motorboat mechanics who are determined to enter their boat in international competition. The leading roles are portrayed by the ever-smiling William Haines, beautiful Madge Evans, Conrad Nagel, and Cliff Edwards. The show is full of action from start to finish. In addition there is an excellent supporting bill, including a gazette, a cartoon, and n comedy. FAREWELL CONCERT. A children’s farewell concert to Miss Joan Laird (Aunt Joan), arranged by the 2Z\V Radio Club, was given in the Blue Triangle Hall on Saturday afterm -i to a crowded audience. The programme. which was given by pupils of Miss Peggy Welch and Miss Zena JMipp. was greatly appreciated, and consisted of songs, ‘dances, recitations, musical monologues, and character sketches. SPIVAKOVSKY-KURTZ RECITALS. A private cablegram received from Sydney last evening states that the Spivakovsky-Kurtz recitals are meeting with great success at the Sydney Town Hall. Four concerts have already been given, mid the season will probably extend to four more. The trio will arrive in Wellli'gton on Tuesday. May 9. Ihe Wellington season will comprise three concerts to be given in the Town Halt an Mav 11, 13, and 15. A reception to the distinguished artists is being arranged by the local music societies.