ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 13, 16 January 1930, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

Grim spcctre3, uncanny mystery In (lie <!arknesj of a 'London fog, screams in tho night, and sinister shadows in an old manor house create the .atmosphere In the all-talking picture, "The "Unholy Night," to bo shown finally to-night at the .Regent Theatre. Tho story tells of a body of .British officers pursued by au uncanny, enemy. Roland Young, famous British stage star. Is seen as the whimsical Lord Montague, who jests In Ihe face of death. Claudo Fleming is Mr James ltumsey, of Scotland Yard. Dorothy Sebastian 'is the mysterious and beautiful Turkish' eirl. Lady . Jifra. Ernest Torrence, well-known master of characterisation, appears as Dr. Ballou. Sojin, tho Ch nese identity, appears as -a spiritualistic medium. The production shows another side or tne directorial talents of Barrymore. who, after scoring, one of the dramatic successes of the year, in "Madame X." turns his hand to the supernatural, evolving one of .tho most gripping mystery dramas -yet. screened. An entertalninz supporting orocramme is also screened. An interesting Innovation will be introduced to-night when a •■midnight" gala premiere of too talkie film-"Two Black Crows" will be given at the Regent Theatre The occasion wi 1 be doubly Interesting, as Leo Carrillo, who Is now appearing at tho Grand Opera House in "Lombardl Limited," has consented, to net as master of ceremonies. "The Two Black Crows " Sloran and Mack, will be seen and heard In their first Paramount all-talking picture, Why Brine That Up}" which will commence screening simultaneously at the Kegent Theatre and the Grand Opera House on Friday next. It is a storv-'or stage"-life, with tho "Two Black Crows" sputting over many turns Introducing their faniom -dialogue. Evelyn Brent and Harry Green have featured roles in Iho production. ■ George Moran is searching for his partner, and finds him in a speakeasy busy Betting drunk, and nothing will make him realIso that there- is .an act due to go un that night in a theatre of the town. Moran is down to his last few-dollars, and In the pool room bets with ono of 'U* players on the result of a freak shot. TheySsro to a nearby lunchcou, where Moran's new friend introduces himself as Charles Mack, a vaudeville actor working as a waiter, for the want of a good partner. They start to rehearse, lo bo interrupted by Hie singing of Betty. Moran decides !o tell her off, but ends by sympathising with her. Irvine, a vaudeville artist, listens to Charlie Mack's plans and finds that his life amuilii.n 1o he a theatrical can be attained by railing in with them and gotting the new team a tryout. - He pleads with his manager that lie is too siclf to go, and tells of a now team in their place. Moran and Mack make good from trie'start, and some flvo years after they are preparing to launch a real show on Broadway. To the stage door comes' Betty; who has heard-of the'li- good fortune, and by making a play 'with. Moran,. gets a start in the play.' Trouble starts tho day sho arrives, and Irving, who has become) the team's manager, sees danger ahead. ' However, the show goes on, and three months' after is running to big business. .But the friendship of Mbran and Mack of five years'' standing has been estranged, and now they seldom speak. Mack has been .seriously Injured,,-and Is in hospital, and no <>no is allowed' to' see him: , That night the show is going on without--Mm,-when a .'phono raeslage sends Irving to the stage in a hasty search for Moran. The two" leave tho theatre to run itself while- thtfy mako all ha3te to th» hospital where a faint hope is held out for the" life of Mack. Moran is led to the bedside, and tries to brealt through tho stage of coma with some familiar talk in order that Mack might pull out of unconsciousness. The scheme is successful,.... and the pair uro reunited as a" team.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

Magnificent desert scenes, with camel caravans, and desert dwellers, lifting up their voices in prayer arc but a few. of tho high lights of the all-talking drama of mystery and love "Behind That Curtain," .now showing at the Paramount Theatre. Warner Baxter. Lois Moran, and Gilbert Emory head a splendid cast, and the voices come through excellently. There is tense drama in the play, particularly when the wife or Eric Durand, murderer and philanderer, discovers tho perfidy of her spouse and flees for protection to Colonel Beetham, the explorer, her friend, and is pursued in a 'plane by Captain Durand and Sir Frederick "Sruce, of Scotland Yard. Tho acting is emoiional in a desert" setting, and there is a final denouement that, pleases everybody. There is a good supporting" programme. The screen presentation of "Tho Desert Song," one of the most successful light musical works of recent years, as a talking and singing motion picture, will commence at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, 24th January. Herelofore when the story of a musical comedy appealed to a producer he acquired the rights to transfer It to the screen just as he acquired the rights of any stage work. In tho finished picture of a muslcat work, however, all that remained was the title and the theme song. In securing the rights to "Tho Desert Song" the Warners obtained the entire musical score and the libretto as well. In other words, they hought all the rights just as if they were to produce the musical work on tho legitimate ntago. All of its original numbers have been retained. Tho score is played by tho Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra of 100 musicians. All the desert scenes can be taken out in (he open. The cast includes John Boles, Carlotta King. Myrna Loy, Louise Fazenda, Johnny Arthur, and a chorus of 100 voices. The box plans open next Friday at Bristol and theatre.

KING'S THEATRE.

A beautiful number in a beautiful 6ottinß Is created by Foi Movietone in "Shadows," In "Words and Music," the all-singing, dancing, talking musical revue, which will bo shown finally to-night at the King's Theatre. This feature is built about tho haunting lova-song,

"Shadows of-Love." David Percy, the leading man, sings tho theme song as shadows of his romantic past flit across his huge studio window in silhouette. There are many lovely maidens, but his one true love had been a Birl of unusual beauty, and she always remains in his dreams. Bailet and adagio dancers ;ind others participate in the number. The orchestra is under the direction of Arthur Kay. Lois Moran has the leading role. An entertaining suppor^ng programme is also screened. '■'' >

Another excellent return season attraction at popular prices is "Charming Sinners," the all-dialogue success! which commences to-mor-row at the King's Theatre, with matinees dally at 2.30. Ruth Chatterton, CUve Brook, William Powell, and Mary Nolan carry the leads in this clever picture, The story of "Charming Sinners" has to do with a. new,treatment for philandering husbVnds. Ituth' 'Chai.terton, as the wife, applies her unique 'remedy In a smart way that leaves a smile all around, even with the defeated.'.husbands: Clive Brook lias a rare role, and he handles it in delightful fashion. William Powell, as the "other" man, and Mary,Nolan'in the role, of tho infringer, are strorig supporters of the two wellknown leads. Laura Hope Crews, Florence Eldridge, of "The" Studio Murder Mystery" cast, and Montagu Love, :ire in the group of players, Tho situations .overrun- with amusing incidents and pantomime, especially that of Clive Brook, will bring many a hearty laugh. ......

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

A little chorus girl behind the footlights of a bIE Broadway musical comedy bit Is the part played by Evelyn Brent iff "A Broadway Lady," to be shown finally to-night at (lie Queen's Theatre. "A Broadway Lady" is a gripping story of the stage, portraying the failures, the triumphs, and ambitions of those who proTide the big show. It tells of how a pretty chorus Eirl succeeds in getting Into Now York society and what happens when she gets there. The second picture, "The Wright Idea." shows popular Johnny Bines at his host, good and all as his previous characterisations have been. As an inventor of blotterless and luminous Ink. he not only provides unlimited laughs but many thrills. ■ In support of Johnny Bines are Edmund Breese, Louise Lorraine (who plays the leading feminine role), aad many other wellknown players.

"The Upland Rider," the story of a horse, with all the ingredients of a fast moving and hard riding melodrama, is Ken Maynard's latest western feature, which heads an entertaining programme which commences to-mor-row night at the Queen's Theatre. Marlon Douglas has the leading feminine role, while the balance of the cast comprises a competent list of players. The second feature is "The Mississippi Gambler,'.' a- colourful. drama of the adventurous river- days of tho last centiiry. Joseph Schlldkraut and Joan Bennett head a well performed cast of players.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE,

To-night will be tho last opportunity for Wellington theatre goers to sco Mr. Leo Carrillo in

"Lombardl, Ltd." Tho two performances yesterday were both well patronised and the audience thoroughly enjoyed tho fun. Tito Lombard! (Leo Carrillo) Is the exclusive cos-, tumler in New York. His constant cheerfulness makes him beloved of all, but he resists the cbarm3 of thei gentler. Sox until he meets the beautiful Phyllis Manning, whose love, as subsequent events 'proved, was merely skin deep. Her principal attraction for Tito appeared to be for the many expensive- gowns ■which he constantly bestowed upon her. However, the "other man" appears on tho scene, to whom Phyllis transfers her affections, and with him she runs off to California. Tito Is heartbroken by this unexpected jilt, but soon resognises a gem in tho person of Noraii Blake, his chief fitter. In the.jneamvhile the financial affairs of tho business have become'in rather :i serious position, mainly through Tito's utter disregard for money matters, but things arc ultimately straightened up through the actlou of Daisy, one of tho mannequins, In catching the fancy of Robert Tarrant, a "Vermicelli King," who comes to tho assistance with an unlimited bank account. Mr. Carrillo again demonstrated that he is oub of tho greatest personalities of tho stage to-day, and tho humour of {ho production was also largely duo to the antics of Barbara Luddy (tho very sophisticated mannequin). .... The supporting players are good and tho whole performance is presented without a'flaw.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

Ramon Novarro Is now to bo seen at the Artcraft Theatre in "The Pagan." As a halfcaste islander, trying to hold to llirj trailitiona of his Islands against ilio influx of a foreign civilisation, he stagea a desperate, yet romantic, struggle for the girl ho loves, ".rho Paean was filmed In its entirety In the South Seas. Renee Adoreo is in th<s. jcast.. Tho successful romedy, "Tnilo's Punctured Romance," featuring W. C. Fields, Chegter. .CwWin, ..aad.Louiso fizenda. Is'lfie second picture.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

The talking-screen version of "Bulkier Drummoud" will, be shown finally to-night at the Majestic Theatre. Hugh Drummond, demobilised British Armj officer, known as "Bulldoc Drunimond" because of his vigour and tenacity, is bored by peacetime quiet. Stimulated by uls friend Algy Lonswurth, n< advertises In the "Times," the "Old Thunderer,' for "excitement—danger no objection. Out of several thousands of replies he chooses one signed by Phyllis Benton. Drunimond keeps Iho appointment, and thrills follow thick and fast. Phyllis Benton's millionaire1 uncle has fallen Into the hands of a gang of crooks, and Is being fiendishly tortured to compel him to disgorge his wealth. Bulldog Druminond rescues her uncle, only to fail Into the hands of the gang himself; escapes as by a miracle, falls In love with Phyllis, and wins her love In return. The cast Is a strong ono, and Ronald Coleman In the titlo role, Joan Bennett as the heroine, and Claudo Allister (the "Lord Leicester" of "Three Live Ghosts") make the very most of their fine parts. Thero are eood supports.

"Sweetio" Is the name of tho all-talking, singing, and dancing college life musical comedy commencing a season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Nancy Carroll, the star of "Close Harmony" and "The Dance of Life," again iias the honours In this featuro as a chorus girl who Inherits a boys' college. In support there are such bright and breezy artists as Jack Oakle, Helen Kane (who will be known to many for her baby-voiced gramophone songs), William Austin, and Stanley Smithi a handsome Juvenile lead. The outstanding quality of "Sweetie" is Its music. There are altogether ten numbers in it. though only five are given special prominence. The most noteworthy is "Sweeter Than Sweet." Other songs are "Alma Mammy," a clever satire on tho well-known American mammy type of song. Helen Kane sings three numbers, these'being "He's So Unusual,' "The Prep Step," and "I Think You'll Like It." Humour also predominates, and 13 supplied, of course, by the irrepressible Jack Oakle and by William Austin and by another newcomer called Stuart Krwin, who portrays a befuddled, stupid, and slow-thinking college student, only stirred to action by the perfect aim of his sweetheart's air-gun. There Is a prcat thrill to be had in a desperate game of football at the end, a game on which depends tho whole financial state of the college.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

In Keeping with Ihc two previous productions—only some say it is belter—ls "Mercenary Mary;" the delightful musical' romedy :it present being played l>y the i'reddie Forbes Company at His Majesty's Theatre. Vivacious Catherine Stewart is Mary, and Mr. t'orbes is her amusing husband, Christopher Skinner. They arc parts to the liking of Miss Stewart and Mr. Forbes, and they extract all they can out of them, with a very entertaining result. The story concerns a young wife who wishes to bo compromised so that her husband can divorce her and so inherit a fortune which otherwise ha would not get. Everything works out very happily in the end, but before this result is achieved some very complicated and amusing situations arise. Thoro Is some sprightly dancing In "Mercenary Mary" by Miss Verna Bain and the pretty chorus, and also some very tuneful musical numbers, with tho Big Four, harmonisors, again featured.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Colourful and artistic, with just sufficient romance to make It appealing, adequately doscribes "The Mississippi Gambler," the attraction to be shown finally to-night at the Do Luxe Theatre. There is splendid acting by Joseph •Sehildkraut and Joan Bennett. One is Introduced to tho Gambler, a fascinating personality, who makes Ills way aboard the paddle steamers on the Mississippi River, living by his wits. On a certain trip up the river there came aboard tho boat an old planter who had been given money to invest for others. Although he looked after It ['carefully he was beguiled by tho gambler Into a game of poker, with the Inevitable result— he lost. Despairing at the loss he was on the point of taking his own life, when his daughter came upon the scene and resolved to retrieve the money. Although she bad fallen in love with the gambler, her love turned to hate, and when he refused to give her father's money back sho played poker for it. On the result depended her father's honour and her own. There is a good supporting programme. The music of the orchestra, under the direction of Mr. L. D. Austin, is excellent, and Includes a delightful rendering of "Turkey in the Straw" (Lake), and "Egyptian Ballet" (Lulgini)

Another, all-talking production, "Frozen Justice," opens to-morrow at the De Luxe Theatre. . It presents one of Broadway's most famous legitimate stage artists, Leonoro IJllrlc, in her talking picture debut. Miss Ullrlc portrays the character of a half-caste Alaskan belle, an unfaithful wife. Directed by Allan Dwan, "Frozen Justice" is a skillfully contrived melodrama which has its most important action amid the cafes and dance halls of tho Yukon when the gold rush was in full swing. Dwan makes the most of his material. As "Talu," "Little Star of the North," as she Is dubbed by tho cafe proprietor, Miss Ullrie brings not only a wealth of dramatic talent to tho screen, but proves herself to possess a charming singing voice. Louis Wolheim gives an excellent portrayal of a hard-boiled bruiser with the proverbial heart of gold; and TJllrich Haupt Is a real villain. The story is one of betrayal and revenge and the study of the conflicting desires and impulses In a woman of mixed blood heritage. The Nome sequences of "Frozen Justice" are studded with comedy and pathos and delightful "old-time songs" which sweep the action into a climax of intensity. A host of celebrated players have "bit" parts hero; they include El Brendel, Tom Patrlcola, the Meyers Sisters, Alice Lake, Gertrude Astor, Warren Hymer, and George MacFarlane, the baritone. >

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE.

Tho story of a young man who makes a fortune by spreading a rumour that a hrtel he has bought Is the site of a burled treasure Is told In "Barnum Was Right," in which Glen Tryon and Myrna Kennedy are the stars. The film is being shown at the New Princess Theatre. A story of the Alaskan gold fields, "Burning Daylight." featuring Milton Sills. Is also b?ing shown.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

Joan Crawford makes a second appearance as a star in 'Tour Walls," In which she appears with John Gilbert. The story centres around the life of. an underworld gangster and his fight to go straight against many bad influences, including that of his "girl." It Is one of the most dramatic stories ever brought to tho screen, and is signalised with fine actIng and most realistic direction. "Four Walls" Is at present showing at Shortt's Theatre. The second attraction 1.3 "Beau Broadway," featuring Lew Cody and Alleen Pringle. It Is a delightful comedy.

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

Betty Balfour has an ideal role In "The Vagabond Queen," which Is now being shown at the Britannia Theatre. The second big" film is "The Yellow Lily," an unusual story In which Billy Dove has the leading part. There is a good supporting programme.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

. "Kinging the" Changes" is the main feature at the Empire Theatre to-night. The plot tells of the adventures of a newly-rich family when they adjourn to the country to live at Bemerton Castle, which they have leased from the young impoverished Lord Bemerton. There are very laughable situations and thrilling Incidents. The cast includes nenry Edwards,' Jeff Barlow, and Rex Maurice. There Is a good supporting programme.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Rod La Rocque portrays a princo in "Tho One Woman Idea," to be shown to-night at the Kinema. In this gripping drama in a Persian Betting La Kocquo appears as Princo Ahmed. This ruler is faithful to the traditions of his country until he gives up his harem for the love of one woman. Jlarcellne Day, featured with La Rocque, enacts a dual role in the picture, Alicia, wife of Lord Douglas, and Alizar, a half-caste dancing girl in tho prince's harem. Tho second feature, "Riding for Fame," starring Hoot Gibson and Ethlyno Claire, is the best action-filled romance that tills popular Western star lias ever made, tho story centring around wild-horse breaking, horse thieves, and a pretty heroine.

NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

An enthusiastic audience witnessed the production, "The Wedding March," which was shown In this theatre last night and will be repeated again to-night and to-morrow even-? ing. Erich yon Stroheim is, without doubt, admirably suited to tho role which ho plays, that of Prince Niki, an impoverished Austrian prince who falls in love with Mitzl, a harpist in a wine garden on tho outskirts of Vienna. The story tells of Prince Nilsl's family opposition to such a match, maintaining that he should marry a -wealthy, heiress and thus retrieve the family fortunes. A maze of Intrigue follows, the princo striving to gain his end In spite of family opposition. A dramatic climax holds the audience in suspense until the final fade-out. With excellent supports to help tho maio picture, the programme is one of real Interest.

REGAL THEATBE, KARORI

One of the most spectacular films ever producod, "The Tragic Hour," comes to this theatre to-night.. Maria Jacoblnl heads the cast of stago and screen celebrities who were assembled for the making of this picture. The performance which Miss Jacobini gives In the role of Beatrice Cencl, tho daughter of Count Cencl who Is a member of tho royal court of Rome, Is polished.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIfSAMAR.

"Manhattan Cocktail," with Nancy Carroll and Itlchard Arlcn in tho principal roles, is the main attraction at tlic Capitol this evening. Tho story is based on the night lifo of New York, wherein one, Baba, together with her former classmate, Bob, has a longing to get on tho New York Binge. Fred, also another classmate, tries to dissuade Babs from taking such a course, but she is adamant and deter-, mines to go on with her resolution. At a later date Fred goes on a visit to New York and meets Mrs. Renov, the wife of the producer In whoso show Bans has a part, and ltcnov, becoming jealous of his wlfo's attentions to Fred, has tho latter imprisoned on a trumped up (■liarco. ' When Fred if) released lie finds Bob has deserted Hubs while lie was In prison, and a. dramatic climax Is the result. Good supports will also be feiituml, including a ■ cmiicdy and liazcttc.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

"Man of tho Moment" is the attraction' at Our Theatre. Tho cast is headed by Biliio Dove, and Kod La Rocque. It is a story of high llfo and romance. Colleen Moore appears ■ill "Why. be Good?"