ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 290, 2 September 1933, Page 5

ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Programmes to Suit All Tastes REVIEWS OF THE LATEST RELEASES Particularly attractive programmes are being offered this week at the various picture theatres in Wellington, and in addition a worldfambus magician iyill comence a season in a few days’ time. > A high-speed musical extravaganza, brimful of bright tunes and ; spectacular scenes and ballets, is at the Regent. The screen s most bashful comedy duo are to be seen at. the Majestic in their latest and most _ amusing release, and at the St. James is a screen version ,of one of the season’s most sophisticated and subtle stage romances. Heading the All-British bill at the Paramount is a screen adaptation of a play that was presented in Wellington some time ago by Ethel Morrison and a brilliant company. The offering at the De Luxe is a bright musical romance featuring three very popular actors. The adventures of a man who is brought up in the jungle continue to please at the Grand Opera House. “The Dominion’s” reviews of current programmes should prove helpful in the choice of a show.

ST. JAMES THEATRE “The Woman in His House” Although “The Woman in His House ” the brilliant R.K.O. production, which made Its premiere at St. James Theatre yesterday, does not profess, perhaps, to solve the problem of modern marriage, nevertheless it deals exceedingly frankly with the somewhat awkward position which arises when a man finds he has taken to his house a woman who must at least take second place in his affections, The picture is a fascinating one. Though the plot be meagre,,sophisticated and intelligent dialogue is maintained right through. Few words seem to be wasted about describing the obvious, and much of the by-play is as unconventional as indeed the picture and its moral are. Tom Collier, played by Leslie Howard, is the wholly likeable ne’er-do-well of a wealthy father, who finds that after , his marriage with Cecelia Henry (Myrna Loy), that there is more between Daisy Sage (Ann Harding) and himself than he realised during a prior friendship. ; Here the problem arises, and it is left to the picture to solve it in its own particular way, unique, but hardly conventional. “The Woman in Hia House” is skilfully directed and makes capital entertainment. Supports are of high standard, especially the newsreels.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE “The First Mrs. Fraser” Lavishly presented, perfectly produced, and brilliantly acted, "The First Mrs. Fraser," British. Dominions’ version of the well-known play by St. John Irvine, which opened yesterday at the Paramount Theatre, is one of the most entertaining releases that have been screened for many a day. The story tells of the stupid James Fraser, who/gets divorced from a homely, but very sensible wife in order to marry an empty-headed flapper, add of how he returns to his first wife for advice when the second Mrs. Fraser wants a divorce in order ■to marry a young titled man. Henry Ainley shines m the role ,of Mr. Fraser, and Dorothy Dix is seen as the first wife.; She gives a firstrate performance? Joan Barry is ideally cast as the shallow, whining, yet flighty second wife. Harold Huth plays a foreign tango dancer and lover of the second wife. Chief among the. supporting items is a never-to-be-forgotten picture taken in the West Coast .district of the South Island. The other pictures are as varied as they are excellent.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“Her First Mate” One of the best comedies that Wellington audiences have been treated to for a long time is "Her First Mate,” a Universal Film with Slim Summerville (John Martin) and Zasu Pitts (Mary Martin) in the leading roles. The picture commenced screening at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, Mary longs for the day when John can control the ferry service, which is the greatest attraction at Snag Harbour, their home town. -John, descendant of a long line of seafaring men, has his eye on a three-masted schooner which one Nick Socrates has for sale. Unknown to each other, Mary purchases the ferry, and John the schooner. The ferry is subsequently destroyed by fine; a family quarrel ensues, and Mary leaves home. John satisfies his heart’s desire, and embarks on a voyage. After numerous adventures, John is run down by the coastguard, who thinks Socrates, a wanted rum-runner, is still at the helm. John is eventually returned to Snag Harbour, where he finds Mary still faithful, and a new ferry boat, named after himself, waiting for its predecessor’s “peanuts-man";—although he told Mary he was first mate—to assume command. Among the many excellent supports, “The World's Greatest Thrills," a unique screening, showing extreme measures film men have to adopt, to obtain sensational films, stands out supreme. DE LUXE, LOWER HUTT Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts are co-starred in “Out All Night.” the sparkling screen comedy showing at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, this afternoon, to-night, and Monday night. The picture literally bristles with witty dialogue, and the entire story is a constant succession of hilarious situations. Mr. Charles Chauvel's new production, “In the Wake of the Bounty,” which screens next Tuesday night, Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night, depicts the story of the mutiny. “In the Wake of the Bounty” is a novel yet very entertaining feature. "Le Me Explain, Dear,” Gene Gerrard’s latest all-British comedy, screens next Thursday and Friday nights, with Claude Hulbert in the supporting cast. KING GEORGE, LOWER HUTT “The King’s Vacation,” featuring Mr. George Arliss, is at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt. It is a story of a monarch who had to lose his throne before he found out that he loved his consort. Mr. Arliss is supported by his wife, Florence Arliss, and an all-star cast. Commencing on Wednesday will be “20,000 Years in • Sing Sing," a most unusual film.

REGENT THEATRE

“42nd Street” A new style in musical comedy is set in “42nd Street," Warner Bros.’ gorgeous extravaganza of drama, melody, and. mirth, which was introduced to the Wellington public at the Regent Theatre yesterday. A complete Broadway musical comedy is presented, to an accompaniment of love, laughter, melody, and dancing feet. The last word in stage mechanism springs surprise after surprise, and a crowded house last night was charmed with the gorgeous ballets which followed each other in rapid succession. Modern miracles are wrought upon the screen in almost bewildering array, and there te not a dull moment in the riot of mirth. A feature of the production is the unusual number of catchy songs, such as “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “You’re Getting to be a Habit with Me,” “I’m Young and Healthy,” and “42nd Street?’ The play is splendidly acted by such well-known stars as Bebe Daniels, Ruby Keeler, George Brent, Warner Baxter, Una Merkel, and Guy Kibbee. More brilliant dancing has never been seen here than is displayed throughout the production, and in this Ruby Keeler stands out prominently. The supporting programme was nicely varied, and included “iHghlights of the World’s News,” which gave a close up of the English and American professional golfers in the Ryder Cup contest in England, and the presentation of the cup to the English captain by the Prince of Wales. Other highly diverting films were “Sports Thrills with Ted Busing." "Africa Speaks English,” and “Sea Devils," tl.“-last-named giving a thrilling glimpse at, shark fishing. DE LUXE THEATRE “Arizona to Broadway” “Arizona to Broadway,” which scampered across the silver screen at the De Luxe Theatre last evening, is! a rapidfire comedy of .innocence as the shuttlecock of “con." men and gangsters. In- • noeence is Lynn (Joan Bennett), whose brother has been fleeced of some 20,000 dollars by some quick wits. Lynn intrigues the fancy of Smiley (James Diinn), a clever “con.” man, who, with ' his confederates, Kingfish (Herbert Mundin) and Morris (Sammy Cohen), lay a trap for the thieves, and by sheer imagination and bluff recover part of the money. In the meantime Lynn has located another of the gang in New York, a'play producer, and there again Kingfish, of the weeping moustache, poses as a wealthy jam-maker and is roped in as the “angel.” When discovered, however, there are ructions, and the show is wrecked by a set of rival gangsters, who have been set on to do it by the wlley Smiley. In the midst of the melee Smiley and Lynn, with the rest of their friends, get away safely with the money. The drama is all worked out in a comedy vein, and is continuously entertaining. The programme includes New Zealand, Fox, and Gaumont Gazettes, a very fine travelogue of Siam and Indo-Ohina, a cartoon, "Thf Tale of n Shirt,” and some Wurlitzer solos by Miss Iris Mason. “Cavalcade” Coming It is with pride and pleasure that the management of the De Luxe Theatre has announced the coming of the “most stupendous production of all time,” “Cavalcade,” which will open its grand gala premiere at Wellington on Thursday evening, September 14? Unquestionably the greatest production in motion picture history is Noel Coward’s epic of the British Empire, “Cavalcade,” which was presented by Royal Command to their Majesties tho King and Queen at Windsor Castle on May 2 of this year. It is portrayed on the greatest style ever attempted. "Cavalcade” is a photoplay achievement with an international appeal, its impos■ing sequences of record-breaking attendances being by no means confined to the United Kingdom or British possessions. Strangely enough, and significantly, although essentially and wholly British in theme and sentiment, enormous audiences in America, as a striking case in. point, have stood and wildly applauded at the close of the performance. GRAND OPERA HOUSE “King of the Jungle,” which is continuing at the Grand Opera House, can be thoroughly recommended for it is one of the best films of its type ever sent out from Hollywood. The film is outstanding in many respects. Firstly, it has for its star Buster Crabbe, the Olympic swimming champion. Buster Crabbe is seen in the role of a man brought up from early childhood in a lion’s lair in Africa, his parents having been killed while exploring. Later he is captured and taken to America as star turn, of a circus. Romance enters into bis life, and he is finally tamed. The star Is assisted by Frances Dee and a cast of well-known actors. There is a first-rate supporting bin. KILBIRNIE KINEMA “The Cohens and the Kellys in Trouble” is the new feature at the Kilbirnie Kinema. This newest film dealing with the adventures of the famous screen family is easily their best effort. Charles Murray, George Sidney and Maureen O’Sullivan are starred. Matinee extras include an episode of “The Jungle Mystery,” cartoons and a comedy. There are also excellent supports at night ARTCRAFT THEATRE The one and only Tom Walls is to be seen at the Artcraft Theatre m ’Leap Year.” one of the best and most amusing farces on record. Like all the Walls pictures, it is a story of love and complications. The plot deals with a gay bachelor who made the mistake of proposing to more than one woman in'Leap Year. PICTURES FOR CHILDREN Ten o’clock this morning will be a happy hour for the children of Wellington relief \workers. At that hour will commence special children’s film sessions at three city theatres, the King s, Queen s, and De Luxe. Relief workers’ children only will be admitted, and the programme to be screened will be the same at each theatre. MAJESTIC CABARET Special attractions are offered for the cabaret sessions at the Majestic Lounge and Cabaret to-night, when, in addition to the presentation of new numbers by Tommy Stratton’s popular singing bund, there will be a novelty act by the Harmony Girls.” This number is by the special request of a number of patrons who witnessed the previous appearance of these talented artists. An announcement has been made to the effect that the cabaret is now under the exclusive direction ot Mrs. Lilian Brooks. DANTE, THE MAGICIAN “There’s absolutely no doubt about Dante being a master of magic, wrote a Sydney critic recently, who went on to add that Dante was a master showman as well, the superb ease, and deft finesse marking his tricks being astounding. “One feels that he has experienced all the wonders that the realm of bewildering illusions has to offer. And what a pleasant experience. Dante gives his nerformance in the glare, of bright spotlights. and this in itself is an intriguing feature of his tricks.” “Dante to-day has, the biggest magic show in the world, and I he has earned a reputation which ranks I him the greatest magician in the world, : said another reviewer of the famous Danish entertainer. “Everything that Dajite does is stamped with his own remarkable individuality, which is comnounded of personality and a brilliant Imagination, stimulated by a marvellous wealth of experience. Most of Dante s finest illusions are of his own invention. | With him is his own company of some | 20 assistants, who contribute to the col- | ourful spectacular effects which enrich I the entertainment. The Wellington sea- | son opens at the Grand Opera House on | .Wednesday next' "