ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 33, 2 November 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. In “The Working Man,” now at the Regent Theatre, George .Arliss plays the role of John Reeves, one of the biggest shoe manufacturers in the United States. Hartland is another. They both loved the same girl, and Hartland won her. In business they are friendly enemies—until Hartland dies. It robs Reeves of some of the zest, and he becomes actually perturbed when he sees the Hartland business beginning to fail. The. Reeves business flourishes the more on that account, of course. Reeves takes a holiday, happens to meet Hartland’s son and daughter on their own yacht, and with fine chivalry he sets about getting the Hartland business back on the rails. “The Lord of the Manor.” A magnificent cast was assembled for “The Lord of the Manor,” the Paramount release which will be presented at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. It is the screen version of John Hastings Turner’s famous play, f which-ran for a lengthy season at the Apollo Theatre, London, and was described as probably the most sparkling comedy dealing with English life ever written. It provides the ideal vehicle, for Fred Kerr, whose last film ifr was. Mr. Kerr’s renderings of the deaf and peppery “gentry” type always were appreciated by audiences, and in this film he reached the peak of his acting powers. The story centres around Stagbovey Manor, which has been in the hands of the Bovey family since 1576, and does not-seem to have changed since that time. Norj have the Bovey’s themselves and' Sir Henry Bovey is the latest example of the long line of conservative, hot tempered, not over intelligent Lords of the Manor. Staying at the Manor is Barbara Fleeter, daughter of General Sir George Fleeter (Betty Steenfeld), and it is the wish of both families that she should mary Robert Bovey, the heir to the Manor, who, however, is rather given to youthful indiscretions. On top of this complication, the. machinery of government breaks down and a Workmen’s Council is established. From then on the fun is said to be fast and furious. Betty Stockfeld is an Australian girl, who is rapidly climbing the laddder of fame as a result of her performances in a number of English pictures. She was born in Epping, -N.S.W. An added attraction will be a stage novelty presented by Miss Ruth Hay and Girls—“l934 Figure Moulding”—a fascinating exposition of modern physical culture. ST. JAMES THEATRE. In “To-morrow at Seven,” which is now screening at the St. James Theatre, the ace of ' spades, considered so propitious by the card player, becomes the sinister calling card of death. It is used by a - murderer to warn his victims beforehand, and he never fails in a threat —until final retribution arrives in the closing scene. Good supports are also screened. "Double Hamesss.” Ann Harding’s charm and finesse, and William Powell's polish, distinguish their excellent characterisations in a highly-interesting comedy-drama study of courtship and marriage in "Double Harness,” which commences at the St. James Theatre to-morrow, featuring Henry Stephenson, Lucile Browne, George Meeker, and Lilian Bond. Taken

from Edward Poor Montgomery’s London stage hit, “Double Harness” neatly fits the talent of Ann Harding and Powell. Miss Harding and Powell equally show versatility in their performances. It is the first time they have been starred together, and they are said to prove a perfect, screen pair. Culbertson Demonstrates Bridge, The names Bridge and Culbertson are synonymous to all players of the game that is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. As a master of Contract, Ely Culbertson has no equal. His book on the subject has run into millions of copies. He writes newspaper articles for syndicates throughout the world. He is, in short, unique in his sphere. The management of St. James Theatre has secured for presentation a series of featurettes, in which Mr. Culbertson demonstrates his'methods of calling and play. But not only bridge players will find these novel entertainment, for each one is made in the form of a little story which, while not detracting in any way from the demonstration of the game, makes them acceptable to one and all as bright, original entertainment. The first of the series will be shown to-morrow. MAJESTIC THEATRE. “Ladies Must Love,” now at the Majestic Theatre, is very modern, the gay carryings-on of the young ladies are not what one would expect from one s daughters, However, that is the fun. of the story, which is in no way offensive, but tip-top entertainment. Several snappy song numbers are as blight, as the picture itself. A vivacious feminine cast is headed by June Knight. Sally O Neil. Dorothy Burgess, and Mary Carlisle, and the popular and handsome Neil Hamilton fills the male role. The story concerns three dyed-in-the-wool gold-diggers, ioving men and leaving them when they run out of money, but the more charitable one of the quartet, who shares their luxurious flat,- shows traces of conscience, inn then the fun really begins. “The Stranger’s Return.” Coming to the Majestic Theatre to-mor-row is “The Stranger’s Return, starring Lionel Barrymore, Miriam Hopkins and Franchot Tone. It is a Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer production and embodies human appeal, simplicity, wholesome romance, and perfect acting. A supporting programme comprised of good quality features will also be screened. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The British musical comedy romance, “Tell Me To-night,” which is now at the Paramount Theatre, is repeating in Wellington the great success which has attended it overseas. It has been acclaimed bv critics as “the finest musical film yet made.” A brilliant young Polish tenor. Jan Kiepura, is outstanding in the leading role, his singing of excerpts from "Rigoletto.” “La Boheme.” and “La Traviata" being particularly fine. Other noted players who appear include Edmund Gwenn. who gives a remarkable comic characterisation of “The Mayor, aided by clever Athene Seyler, as the “Mayoress.” and Sonnie Hale, an irresistible English comedian and singer, whose duet. “Not for Myself Alone,” is one of the hits of the delightful play. “Onr Fighting Navy,” a very fine film, is also on the programme.

DE LUXE THEATRE. Vilma Banky is the star of “The Rebel,” which will be screened for the last time at the De Luxe Theatre to-night. The story is one involving the invasion of Tyrol by the French curing Napoleonic times. Miss Iris Mason plays on the Wurlitzer organ. ? “Doctor Bull.” Starring in what is said to be the biggest story of his career to date, the famous popular entertainer, Will Rogers, will appear at the De Luxe Theatre to-morrow in the latest Fox sensational comedy, “Doctor Bull,’’ adapted from James Gould Cozzen’s famous etory, “The Last Adam.” It is said that in this film Will Rogers 'surpasses all his previous success, and that it provides hilarious laughter from start to finish. Rogers is a man in a million, with a rich sense of humour—and a mellow fatalism. He has seen almost every human foible, is no longer surprised at anything that happens, but is indulgent to all. There is a brilliant cast, including Louise Dresser, Vera Allen, Marion Nixon. Ralph Morgan, Howard Lally. Rochelle Hudson, and Barton Churchill. The supports include the latest Fox' news reels, a “Magic Carpet,” and a cartoon. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. “Sunset Pass,” the latest Zane Grey story to be filmed, is now screening at the Grand Opera House. A large all-star cast, headed by Randolph Scott, Tom Keene, and Kathleen Burke, is featured. “Sunset Pass” is the story of a cattlemen’s association deputy who is assigned to run down a gang of cattle-rustlers. In a saloon, the deputy aids a young ranchman in subduing a couple of self-styled “bad-men,” and accepts his offer of a job. Soon, too. he is in love with his employer's attractive sister. Also in the programme is "Song of the Engle.”