ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 51, 1 March 1930, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

; Those who like many ;-,tara and a brilliant , plotless mixture of siar-boams-a rcvuo of all the Hollywood talents—will find in "The Holly- ■ wood Kevue" one of the biggest things -of tho hind yet atU'iiu.ted. Tlio number and magnitude of tliu stars engaged in this production will leave'no doubt ou that score: and ' tho enthusiasm :of tho largo uudieuce i» the ; Kcgent Theatre last evening/gathered to greet 1 tlio opening iiroJuction, speaks for itself. Hie ' rcvuo is reullv a scrips of-"turns" ,of a very diverse character linked up with some talk . by interlocutors, which helps to keep, the fun going. Conrad Nasei; who Is one of tho inler- ' locutors, introduces Cliarlcs King in the song, I "Your Mother ami Mine." which Mr. King . sings with, tho pride of a vocalist, after which • hc-'»6ints out to Nagel how the singer must ; always have it-over mere-talkers like Conrad. This challenge is. of course, tho cue to let . Nagel show that he has a voice, and he forth- » with .'pipes...UD. lUostTsuccossftilly in the sons ' starred on the- screen by King, "You Wcro ■ Meant for Sic," and Nagel rubs it iv by sln'e- - ing -this sentimental ■ ebullition to the samo Bli-1 (Anita Page) as King salig it to. (Collapse of King I) Cliff Edwards made himself ; felt as an expressive singer In "Nobody But ■ You," ami Comedian William Halnes, in "ihe Cut Vp," made his victim look silly. A song, ! "I -:Never Km* I Could do. a Thins Like • That," with dancing and acrobatics, was put on by Bessie Love and a male team; (hero was • not much in tho song, but the team bounced the little comedian about like a wax doll, and she looked as charming as when she played the > flapper in "The ldlo Well." Another ono-timo "silent" who is finding a voice (though he . has not been heard t« sing yet) is John Gilbert,

and he was cast In good'histrionic company • when he appeared with Korimi Shenrer in the '•Itameo nnd Juliet" balcony scene, done In-col-our. It was really good, reflecting credit on actress and1 actor; but a foil was provided when the couplo were called from the balcony by director Lionel Barrymore and told by him that -owing to iconoclastic orders from New York Shakespeare must bo'rendered into American vernacular. And that sacrilege was duly "perpetrated, cheapening a . good aclress llko Norms- Shearer-, but indicating American Progress with a capital P.. A really clever "turn" was "Slngin" in tho Rain," by Cliff Edwards, with supports; the splashing drops and the waterproofed chorus made v. novel and attractive picture. The "adagio", by Xatacha Nattova ' and her three male assistants made a great hit; it Is, of course, acrobaey as well as dancing, and must bo seen to bo understood. The tableau of jewels was mostly a tableau of the femalo figure, and the foil to it was a burlesque of. the. same thing by Buster Keaton. Quite novel and impressive was the song with chorus, "Lon Chanoy Will Get You', if You Don't Watch Out," by Gits' Edwards, who was assisted by some fearful impersonations of Chancy s ' one-eyed ■ Chinamen - and similar monstrosities. , Marie Dressler's "For I'm tlio Queen' was one • of the best items in the first half of the: pro- <■• gramme. Marion Davies was natty amid her \ big soldier supports. Laurel and Hardy—what . a wonderful thing is LaureVs face I—scored their • usual success. - Among other items too numer- • bus to .mention, Joan Crawford appeared in a t song and dance. Of tho orchestral work, the ■ most notable was the prelude to the second f half of the programme. The Hearst Metrotone ■"• News showed some very fine scenes in soldler- ; pacified Jerusalem and in Morocco,, featuring <a Kaid of Solomonesque quality. And there '« were some wonderful alligators, fearfully vocal.

KING'S THEATRE,

' The policy of the King's Theatre in giving :' return seasons of pictures which have proved i outstanding in popularity is one that has been "; amply justified- by results. A largo audience « last night welcomed back "The Last of Sirs. "■Cheney," In which Norma Shearer has gained ."' lirobably the greatest triumph of her career. t On her performance in tills picture Miss Shearer ;. must rank among the leading actresses on tho < talking screen. Her voice production can well :' bd characterised.as faultless, and the standard: £ of her acting is too well known to need further; , reference. Tho .star is supported by a strong (kcast of .English players, who fit their, various » parts convincingly." both the women and the" r racu being all that could be desired. Briefly, (/♦ho slory concerns Mrs. Cheney, a woman who ■i has been compelled to live by her wits, and *t-whoso charming manner..wins her warm frieilds. ." Jtmong English society. That- she may not-.fail- *, r the gang with whom sho has.been working, she ;'./betrays the hospitality of her hostess at a week- ? end party and steals, tho lady's pearl necklace. ■^•Detected by Lord Pilling, a handsome aristp- ■' crat, whn has ofifcTsd. her marriage, she sum- > ,mons thc vhousehold rather than allow-him. to /continue to think that she is not morally, a { good woman when hit.-, has locked himself,:; In iv'her room. Matters are smoothed out with'tab •: assistance of a too-frank letter Unit an iiiJ.fituated but rather simple lord.has written. Mrs. -' Cheney." The picture i:as many dramatic rtoV :; ments, and the dialogue, which ;i 3. always; .'clever, often produces some, refreshing humour. ',« Also on the programme are a Hearst Metrotonc .'.Xcws and some instrumental and vocal sound '* features. • ,

GRAND OPERA HOUSE,

<_■ Lionel'"Barrymore, director of ''Madame X" .* ami "Tho Unholy Night," ' achieves another v' triumph in tho Melro-Goldwyn-Mayer all-talk- ••. -)ng picture, "His Glorious Night," which opened at tho Grand Opera House last evening. John .Gilbert, resplendent in a gay uniform, is.Cap- - lain Kovacs, of-jmncely., appearance but peasant '■? liirth.-". ilt a-Smart .watering resort he. meets J Olympia, a beautiful young widow, who-Is the ji'regal,"princess,,. OrsolinT, The Queen Mother, * '.Eugenic,, fearing ajscandal, urges her daughter ,1 to be morddlscreet^but.it is only when. Olyinpla- - discovers .that her: lover Is a peasant that she [ suffers- deep humiliation arid coldly dismisses j him. To further humble the princess, Kovaes j lias himself arrested as an iniposter. Startled iby fear of exposure, Olympia arranges an * escape for him before the affair becomes public, » but to her consternation, Kovacs refuses to leave until he has a word with her-, alone.' He makes a visit, Don-Juan fashion, and-Olympia ilnds that the peasant means more to her than the prince. Still Kovacs refuses to escape, and in terror Olympia awaits the arrival of the detectives' from Vienna, only to find then that Kovaos is not tho criminal she thought him, tut a military hero, with considerable integrity and means, which fact makes possible.a happy " ending:." .'"Kutlrerlne Dale Owen, a new star, " plays the princess with grace and dignity. The "' dialogue is brisk and at times very humorous, ■> adding to., the general brightness of the Him. » Excellent short-subject features include the " t .Eight Victor Artists in a colerio of songs.' >■' Perle Bart!, the well-known priina donna, and "■■* ve'rV amusing". Christie comedy, entitled % ••Marching to .Georgia." A most interesting ' gazette completes'"a programme of exceptional ■ merit. •-■•-■••

MAJESTIC THEATRE

i'" "Funny Side Up," the Fox all-talking .sue- ■ cess* entered upon its second, week at the '■' Majestic Theatre last evening.. Ihe decision ii'to eitend the season was a wiso move which , ra! fully justified by the splendid audiences '• during the first week,. and everything Poln' s *: *o tho further period being just as successful. -. "Srany Side Up" is a delightful story of an attractive young girl-whose dreams come true. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell are the stars, and thftii•work in several big pictures, includ- • iM: "Seventh Heaven" and "The Street Angel/ " cwsrf ftelr debut in a talkie to bo eagerly ' flnticlMted. Both have excellent speaking Wellington Cup Meeting.

, MIRAMAR SILVER BAND. •rh» Winninr fillver Bund will commence a ' has W,i specially engaged and «l I be as ": *iU»!l. .

OK6AN RECITAL,

~-to-morrow (Sunday) even ng, ami- «"- »r0 "! TrescobahH ' M Musette, by Dandrleu; First Z orchestra ct.Choeurs, by Cesar rranck.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Madame X," the famous talkie,-with. Ruth Cbatterton and.Lewls Stone to bo showp it the Capitol Theatre to-night, is the life story of a lovely young woman, Jacqueline, who became known-in tho far places of the- world only as "Madadme X.': '.'.- Even when she was ■on trial for her life, her love for her son remained her one ami only thought. It n a piece of magnificent acting on he par.ofKuth Cbatterton. The talkie supports include Laurel and Hardy In "Berthmnrks" and Guy Edward.,s international revue with dances .and song in tcchnlcolour. - .

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

The devotion and love -of -the dog- is worldwide Known.'bill.to-seri a. dog while acting portray all the emotions, joy, sorrow. ] surprise, hate, and fear, is something out of Ihe ordln-"-V It. is no wonder that "Strongheart" is -included amongst tho Quest of canine actors. Ir, -North Star," coming to llio Iteeal Hieatro to-night.' "Strongheart" has a fine role, bplsotle One of "iarzan the Mifhty" will also be featured. ' ' . ■ •, x " ' ....

DE LUXE THEATRE,

"The Liverpool of the Far East" is one designation of Shanghai, and with less regard for the truth, "A sink uf inanity" is another. As a matter of-fad, it is no better and no worse than any, other .great city and port'with a polyglot'pop/latiou and a stupendous traffic In ships 'and merchandise. But it was not as "the Liverpool of the Far East" that Shaughai was .depicted to a crowded audience at!the V)o Luxe Theatre last night, but it might have. been tho Shanghai of popular Imagination. The play opened with what was called the "tea house" of a Chinese harridan named I'olly Yon Francis, mistress of a troop of girls pf various nationalities, French and Ame-rican-predominating. The place was crowded with foreigners and Chinese; all dancing and drinking together, "for the good of the house," and worked into a frenzy of excitement by champagne "and Chinese music. There catered a portly, dignified, grave, elderly Chinese gentleman, a person of high importance, speaking ■deliberate but -excellent- English, and making known his object—to_aveuge a grievous wrong dono to him by a Eurasian of no account. Cassld Cook,; one of Polly Voo's : "100 per cent. American'1 white .'slaves, burst In and shielded herself behind tlie elderly Chinese gentleman. The crowd fell back and Cassie was saved, but was-turned out into the streets by Polly Voo. In tho.same house was another American citizen, "Bad Lands M'Kinney," a convict escaped from, a Chinese gaol and without the protection of- Ictraterritoriallty. Ho is pursued by the\bau Eurasian, who also desired to' possess Cossic. "Bad1 Lands" foiled his pursuer, but did not get off cot-free. However, lie was befriliided by Chinese girls; and was bound for Hankow, where Cassie unintentionally . joined .him on the train, which was hold up by bandits. Together the pair escape, each pretending (to he. what they were not, and returned to,! Shanghai, only to fail into the clutches of■ the vile Eurasian. They had fallen In love, however, but cadi dreaded to tell the other of. the past, pretending to be well connected;'TheJ elderly Chinese gentleman settled all/difficulties for them by the benevolent assassination ■':! of the evil Eurasian, and tho course of true lpve ran smooth for Cassie and her hero.f There wove highly dramatic movements, in "Shanghai Lady." relieved by flashes of : comedy,■ and. the pathetic parts were not overdone; -'The-acting was convincing, and the speech came through strong and clear. Preceding ".Shanghai Lady" was a bright comedy, the doping of a pony used In a collego ski-joring event, in which an umbrella was instrumental in winning the race and defeating trickery. There was a generous supply of. pictorial news, with vocal descriptions and comments, the events being mainly American, as interesting us they are educative. A clever comic cartoon evoked shrieks of laughter. The music came through as nearly like that of a great orchestra in being as could bo expected. "In a Chinese Garden" was played by Mrs. P. Cullen on the grand organ. "Shanghai Lady" will be repeated this evening. '

"SO LONG. LETTY."

The Wellington Operatic and Theatrical Society's production of "So Long, Letty," now in preparation for presentation on Saturday, Bth March, promises to - eclipse any of tho society's previous performances. The production is in the capable hands of Mr. Lester Brown! and the cast Includes such wellknown and talented amateurs as Mrs. Amy Woodward, Miss Pauline Shotlander, Mrs. Edna Mears, and Messrs. Ted Pope and Doug. Stark. Delightful ' music. Including several new numbers, will be a feature of the production, and will be played by an augmented orchestra .under the baton of Mr. Johu P. Woodward. The ensembles and chorus work are a feature, the chorus being in greater strength than in any previous production, whilst the sprightly ballet, which was such an asset to

"Our .Mlss Gibbs," last year's production, is again in the hands of Eileen Wilson, who has arranged a series of solo dances and ballets. The comedy is well mounted,, special scenery having boen designed, built; and' painted by members of the society, the gentlemen responsible being Ted Edwards, scenic artist, Dudly .Alexander; construction, and Will M'Kcon, de-. ..signer.' .■;.;.' ' ■

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

L'ractically the-entire cast of tho racing comedy hit "The Hottentot," which opened to-day at Ills Majesty's Theatre, have appeared on the legitimate stage during some part of their extensive careers. Edward' Everett Morton, who takes the honours in the leading role, plays the same rolo as lie essayed on the stage, while Patsy Ruth Miller and Edmund Breese wcro'both appearing in legitimate productions when Warner Brothers secured their services for. "The Hottentot." The major portion of the comedy Centres round Horton's attempt to ride., the terrific Hottentot, uncontrollable, racehorse, fearing that he will win or loso in the race of love, according to tho results of the Steepler chase.. ! "The Hottentot" is a laugh from beginning jto end, and is as fast-moving as the race1 which focnis its climax.; Box plans are at the Bristol.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

"Submarine," which is vow being shown at Sliortt'si Theatre, is an unusual picture. Apart from the'dramatic theme, there are some wonderful scenes showing the -worts of salvaging a sunken submarine and the saving of those aboard. Dorothy Kevier has the role of a flapper who marries one man and unwittingly becomes i involved", in an affair with her husband's friend in. the navy. JacU Holt has the role of ..-a diver who salvages the ship. Ralph Graves is seen as one of the petty officers Imprisoned in the sunken craft. The . second, feature is "Warned Off," a drama of the turf. A comedy and a gazette complete the fine programme.; ' ;_ • .

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

"The Black Watch," a spectacular Fox Movietone, will be tho Kllblrnie Kinema's initial talking picture, commencing to-day. The officers of a Highland regiment are dining together on the evo of their departure for France. The toast is "The King." One of their number. Captain King, Is detailed for special duty in India. His mission is to defeat a plot hatched among the hill tribes above the Khyber Pass to Invade India. He is sworn to secrecy, and part of his task Is to leave his regiment on tho eve of active service under suspicion of cowardice. From the officers' 'mess qf the 42nd Highlanders, and from WhitehairancTWaterloo Station,.where the hero sees ;his regiment entrain, the story flashes to a border town in India, near the Khyber Pass— the dreaded back door of India. From there the tale takes one through a series of amazing thrilling twists, and finally finishes with a most realistic and breath-catching climax. Victor M'Laglen is In the leading role and plays to perfection the part of a bard-workjng, conscientious Britisli officer, concerned only in doing his job. Miss Myrna Loy is the seductive Tasmanl, and these two sterling players are supported; by an immense ■ cast of important stars, all;.of which speak; only perfect English. An interesting and amusing set or short features .will be enjoyed as added attractions. Box plans are now on view at the Theatre Confectionery.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"The Last of Mrs. Cheney" will be screened at the Empire Theatro to-night. It is a 3tory of a' lady adventurer who poses as a wealthy Australian widow and manoeuvres her way into the upper crust of English society. Her retinue of polished servants are, in' reality, a gang of thieves. One night at a party Mr. Webley's expensive pearls disappear and the situations that arise are both dramatic and humorous. The leading roles are played by Norma Shearer, Basil Rathbone, and Cyril Chedwick. The sup porting programme includes an excellent Hal RoaCh Comedy and the latest Newsreel.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

• Jack ""Sullivan,- a fight manager, Insulted by the world's heavyweight champion, goes with his daughter Mary to look up Elliot Beresford. the son of the former champion, Young Evans. He finds Elliot, a sissy and a dancing teacher, who knows nothing of tho profession his father had followed. How he is shamed into getting auothcr job; how he knocks out Sullivan's new protege, and how he is finally, matched with tho champion are shown in "On. Tour Toes," a silent picture featuring Reginald Denny coming io' the Capitol Theatre to-night. A good supporting programnie also will bo shown.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

Two big features will be screened at the Seaside' Pictures, Ly'all Bay, to-night. "The Grip of ,the -.Yukon" is a thrilling drama of love and hatred in the gold fields of Alaska. iVeil Hamilton, Francis X. Bushman, and June Marlowe appear In the leading roles. "Beau Sabrcur" is based on the novel by I*. C. Wren and 'is'the" sequel to "Beau Gcstc." After taking a vow never to look nt. a woman and to 'dcvblo his llfo to military missions for Vrancc, he met nnd fell In love with a beautiful woman while .performing those missions, and forms tlie basis of this stur.v. Gary Cooper,' Evelyn Brent, Xoah Beery, and William Powell, play the principal roles. Chapter Seven of "Tho Pirate of I'anama" will also be screened. Seats may lie reserved by telephone. ,"'

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS.

The Westminster Glee Singers attracted another largo audience to the Concert Chamber last evening, and marked appreciation was shown of the varied and delightful programme. It Is"well known that it is difficult with a. purely vocal entertainment to hold the interest of the audience, but the company contrives with changes "of grouping and stage effects to" present, over two hours of ■ first-class entertainment." " To-night the final performance will be given. ..'..-

ARTCRAFT THEATfiE.

Olio'fnan wanted her as the last and linest addition'- to his collection of beautiful tilings. The otiier man wauted her as his companion, his/helpmate, and his: wife. The first man offered her a name, jewels, flno clothes, and servants. Tho second man "had only love to offer.-"'Florence Vidor, as Mary Vlner, faces this situation and,makes her choice in "Doomsday," which is now being shown at the Artcraft .Theatre. '■■• Gary Cooper takes the part of Captain Arnold Furze, the man who had only love to offer to a work weary girl. Lawrence Grant, has tho part of Fereival Frcam, the wealthy:- elderly man who has riches but not loveto give. : 'The Long Long Trail," featuring Hoot Gibson, is a virile picture of ranch life.

NEW QUALITY THEATRE,

OUR THEATRE, .NEWTOWN

••To-night at Twelve," starring Madge jj c |. lamy and George Lewis, is the chief attraction to be shown at Our>Thcatro to-night. The story deals with hushamls and wives who cheat a little too much for. safety. The second feature, "Clearing Tho Trail," starring Hoot .Gibson; 13 the story of a cowboy's fight to save the ranch ojE Ills younger brother.

In. "The Bachelor Girl," ;i beautiful ami successful youiiK business girl falls In love with a shiftless but handsome young man. It is a talkie, and. will be shown at the New Quality Theatre to-night. This is the first release of this picture in Wellington, and Ims Jacqueline Logaii and William Collier. Jnr., in the leads. Good "talkie" supports include a comedy and a car.elte.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Kipling has told us that "single men in barracks don't grow Into plaster saints," and this, quoted as the first.title; no doubt is the inspiration of "Tho Cock-Eyed World," a hilarious burlesque of the need of the soldier, famous the world ovcrj for femalo companionship, generally of the sophisticated order. The frank acceptttuco of.such v sordid fact as the basis of an entertainment for not only young men and women, but children, may be questioned as v matter of taste, and certainly the spectator must be very young not to perceive the suggestions-which pervade, the Him. "specially on the talkie side, of delights not obtainable in your home town, but. which are commonplaces hi.the world-wide travels, of the United States Marines. The amorous or Fla"g and, Quirt, as they vie tor tho favours of the. same-girls in different billets, are howevrr cleanly burlesqued, and moralists will sns? £"=£,»■ s? s *iS mmm mmm Flagg has been «'"" "^ r Yor ,i who gives joko.in themselves. ™£° a" ° and „ little comedies, there is enough t"^ 7 lrc the guerrilla he * B --"rSFSc^resT^i^