ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 56, 7 March 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Having met with such a reception during the past week, the management of the Regent Theatre has decided to extend "The Hollywood Revue" for a further period.' "Tho Hollywood Uevue" is a Ziegfeld, Earl Carroll and George White show rolled Into one. Sound technique's rapid development, the success of tuneful "Broadway Melody," backed by the resources of a gigantic studio, have wrought this wonder. The cast, an all-star one. Includes Marion Davies, Conrad Nagel, John Gilbert, Normu Shearer, Bessie Love, Anita Page,' William Halnes, Karl Dane, George K. Arthur, Gwen Lee, Joan Crawford, Polly Sloran, Buster Keaton, Marie Dressier, Charles King, Natacha Nattova, "Ukulele Ike" (Cliff Edwards), __the Bros Sisters, Gus Edwards, Jack Benny, the' Albortlna Rascho ballet, and many others, to say nothing of a full dancing chorus and dozens of showgirls. Special songs, special dances, lots of "gags," abundant laughs, tuneful melodies, and crackling dialogue—and', of course, the girls. Reminiscent of her great successes in musical comedy before she joined the films is the striking act presented by Marion Davies, assisted by an all-masculine dancing ensemble, no man under six foot four. John Gilbert as "Romeo" and Norma Shearer as "Juliet" provide a choice titbit. Who before knew that Joan Crawford and Conrad Nagel are excellent singers? Vocal numbers by this pair are hits of the show. Those who heard Charles King sing "You Were Meant For Me" in "The Broadway Melody" are scheduled for a surprise when Conrad Nagel goes King one better with the same song—and the same girl! Bessie Love has a number of appearances in the picture, and appears in several musical comedy numbers with Polly Moran and Marie Dressier. This trio is matched for comedy by a masculine one; Charles King, "Ukulele Ike," and Gus Edwards. Gus Edwards proves himself one of the greatest singing stars of musical comedy, with a chorus interpreting his own original number, "Lon Chaney's Coin' to Get You if You Don't Watch Out." Three sessions will be presented daily, and to avoid disappointment intending patrons are advised to book their seats early. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Consequent on the tremendous success experienced during the first week, which concluded last night, "The Cock-eyed World" commeces its second week at the Paramount Theatre to-day. Based on a story written by Laurence Stallings and Maxwell Anderson, who co-authored , "What Price Glory," Edmund Lowe and Victor M'Laglen are stlil In the marines, though it is peace time, but plenty of fighting in the Tropics—and between themselves. Pals, buddies, brothers, everything is great until one'falls for a "femme." Then each claims priority, and the innocent cause of tho trouble must stand by while they tell each other aplenty. Of their many love affairs, three .figure prominently, one in the Tropics with the gorgeous Lily Damita, another in cold Russia with fascinating Leila Karnelly, and the third at Coney Island with an American girl, Jean Bary. Around these love affairs arc incidents of a most human nature, with pathos, tears, smiles, romance, and thrills. In addition to the five-featured players mentioned, tho supporting cast is one of first rank when one recalls the fame of El Brendel, Swede comic of vaudeville and musical' comedy; Bobby Burns as "Conners"; Ivan Linow, former heavyweight wrestler, known to fame as "The Russian Lion';; and Solidad Jiminez, Spanish character actress of "In Old Arizona." In "The Cock-eyed World" 600 marines aboard the TJ.S.S. Henderson sing a marching song, "So Long," written for this all-talkie by Con Conrad, Sidney Mitchell, and Archie Gottler. Box: plans are available at Tho Bristol and theatre. THE KING'S THEATRE. Another of the outstanding special attractions to be presented at popular prices at the King's Theatre for a return season is the brilliantly successful British all-dialogue production, "Blackmail," which opens to-day. Fleet Street, the greatest newspaper centre in the world, is generally recognised as being immune to all matters of publicity, which is an established fact throughout the world, fling all customs to tho winds when the London "Daily Mail," following a trade screening of the' British International' (all-talkie) crime film, "Blackmail," astounded all England by having posters distributed acclaiming tho picture as the greatest talking film yet made, and also devoting their front page to a description of the film. The leading roles in "Blackmail," which Cinema Art Films are releasing, are played by John Longden, Donald Calthrop, Army Ondra, Cyril Ritchard, and dozens more well-known players. The dialogue is excellent, the English language as it should be spoken, but even this does not interfere with tho rest of the plcturo, for as a silent film, it does not lose one iota of its entertainment value. There is an excellent programme of supporting sound subjects. QUEEN'S THEATRE "TALKfES." The newest "talkie" policy formulated in Wellington is that of tho Queen's Theatre, which opens to-night at 8 o'clock with sound programmes. The aim is to present all tho biggest special attractions for return seasons at popular prices—namely, Is to 2s. The apparatus to be used-is' of the latest and most efficient type, exhaustive tests having amply proved its excellence in every direction. Ilie Queen's Theatre is, incidentally, the only picture house to present sound entertainments, at pre-"talkie" prices. The initial "talkie" production is the Paramount all-diagogue feature, "The Virginian." Ono of, the most beloved characters ever delineated by Uio pen of' an American novelist—that of Tho \ lrglnian* hero. of .Owen Wister.'s classic novel, lias fallen to the lot of Gary Cooper, handsome young Paramount star, who will be seen and heard in tho part at the Queen's aheatre. "The Virginian" is an admlrablo story tor all-talking .production. An outdoors theme with all tile glamour of tho open range pioneer days, it seems to be mado to order for the new technique of the movies, namely, recording what the' eye can see and what tne ear can hear. - Walter Huston, famous Broadway stago star, and more recently a sensation in the talking' films; "Gentlemen of the Press" and "The Lady Lies," is seen and heard 'in the role of "Trampas,' the doubledealing rustler who provides the menace in the play. Richard Arlen and Mary Brien arc also co-featured with Cooper in the roles of Steven, the wayward buddy, and Molly, the, winsome "school-marm." The supporting sound featurettes selected for "The Virginian' programme are excellent and well varied.. DE LUXE THEATRE. A new and brilliantly entertaining sound programme opens at the De Luxe Theatre today with matinee dally at 2.30. It is headed by the Paramount all-dialogue and singing special attraction, "The Battle ot Paris, which stars the famous English musical comedy star, Gertrude lawrence, supported by an outstanding cast of British celebrities. Gertrude Lawrence' was star of the Broadway successes "Oh. Kay," "Treasure Girl, known for her ability to sing, act, and dance. Ine principal masculine role is enacted by Charles Ruggles, musical comedy star, who iias brought a new type of comedy to the screen, both In "Gentlemen of the Press" and "The Lady Lies." "The Battle of Paris" pictures the lighter side of the war, and depicts the soldiers of all the Allied armies in search of relaxation from the grim business of lighting The story is that of a young street song seller who lifts a young artist's walle,t and when she in a mood of remorse returns it to htm he b«gs h«r to stay and model for him. She does and they fall in love. Along comes the war, and the lover leaves for the front. She turns to nursing in the.hospitals, and becomes the friend of three strange soldiers who call themselves the three musketeers. Her lover returns and becomes entangled with another girl. The three musketeers come to her aid with but little success. Then when she Is kidnapped her lover comes to his senses ana a whirlwind finish follows. The supporting programme is extensive and well varied IncludInE Fox Movietone News, Paramount Sound News, Sound Cartoon novelty, Pathe Review, and the famous operatic tenor, Giovanni Martinelli. Box plans are available at The Bristol and Aitken's. SHORTT'S PICTURES. There is a change of programme at Shortt's Pictures to-day. In "A Man's Man, William Halnes resorts to tho sport of sports, boxing, and gives rather a good account of himself. "A Mail's Man" is a very clever satire on Hollywood—a comedy-drama that reveals William Halnes' dramatic gifts as lie has seldom revealed them before, with Josephine Dunn interpreting the feminine element to perfection, and James Cruze knitting the entire production with the hand of a master story-teller who knows how to appeal to motion picture crowds. The other featuro is "Tho Overland Telegraph," starring Tim M'Coy and Dorothy Janls, ad it takes for Its theme one of tho greatest events in American history—the building of the first transcontinental telegraph. How this was constructed by linesmen working under army guard, while at Washington Lincoln awaited its complotlon to get in touch with the-Western states, is vividly shown, together with the work of Confederate influences inciting tho Indians to battle the onward march of progress. Thoro arc good supports. "SO LONG, LETTY." All those who take their theatre-going lightly, and love the lure of gurgling melody that catches the car and will not let it go, and who find pleasure in pretty girls in dainty costumes, spicy dialogue, and charming scenery should remember that these elements are to be found predominant in "So Long, Lctty," the jolly and melodious musical comedy, which is to be presented by the Wellington Amateur Operatic Company at the Grand Opera llouse to-morrow afternoon and evening. The comedy Is deliciously flimsy in argument. Its plot involves a contest between beauty and utility in wives. Lotty Robblns tho beautiful has a friend In Grace Miller, a most admirable cook, and as tho result of conferences with their irresponsible husbands, they agree that an allround change -would make lifo a littlo more endurable, but the experiment docs not prove as satisfactory as anticipated. Robbins, who is described by his temporary spouse as a man with "a Rolls-Royce body and a Ford brain," finds that Grace's cooking does not compensate him for the loss of his precious Letty, whilst Miller finds that Letty is a poor subslitnto for Grace's solid comforts. It Is all very funny, and is illuminated by a very melodious score. The ■ comedy is adequately cast, and an orchestra under Mr. J. E. Woodward will add to the general excellence of the presentation. ' ,

MAJESTIC THEATRE. With the exception of scenes taken in the Spanish hacienda, the entire locale for "Romance of Itio Grande," an all-talking lox Movietone picture, scheduled for a season at the Majestic Theatre to commence to-night, is laid in the wild regions of the historical southwest, below the Rio Grande. The story concerns two cousins, one a half-American .and his Mexican cousin. They aro jealous about a vast estate, the property of their grandfather, and particularly over Mary Duncan. This intriguing beauty, in the role of Carlotta, is too much for any man to resist. Warner Baxter as the half-caste cousin, wins the affections ot a number of charmers. Antonio Moreno, playing his first "heavy" role, as Juan, Is passionately fond of Carlotta, and proves a brilliant foil for Baxter. The story, it is stated, moves at a brisk pace without a pause from the first to the last scene. Baxter, as Pablo, is wounded by the attacking bandits. Ho slumps over Ills. horse, which dashes away, insuring his safety from capture. In his saddle bags |is the very money which the bandits were i after. Chance leads the horse to be overtaken by Manulita, a sparkling interpretation in the hands of Mona Marls.. She aids him in reaching his grandfather's estate. This aged gentleman, Don Fernando, played by none other than that eminent trouper, Robert Edeson, realises that the wounded man is the son of Ilia daughter whom once he drove from his home because she loved an American. Immediately, the other grandson grows jealous. He feels that his claim to the vast estate is uncertain. Also, Carlotta casts sweet glances and soft sighs in the newcomer's direction. The cousins soon quarrel. On one occasion they have a terrific battle. The newcomer wins and wounds Ills opponent. This leads to even more bitter feeling between them. And when Juan discovers that Carlotta is unfaithful to him, he kills her. Then comes a terrific struggle between the cousins. Manuelita warns the newcomer. But td be appreciated the final scenes must be witnessed. A heavy rush is anticipated, and early booking is advisable. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "The Hottentot" is now being shown at His Majesty's Theatre. A more ludicrous figure could no.' fca than Edward Everett Horton as S. Jay Harrington, the lovelorn tenderfoot, who lias been edged into the favour of Betty Fairfax of old Virginia, by false tales told by a matchmaker to the effect that he is an experienced horseman. Patsy Ruth Miller is charming as the enthusiastic horse fancier who believes him to be a real hero of the turf. S. Jay Harrington, presented in a wrong light, finds himself brought nearer and nearer to the nerve-racking test of riding Hottentot, the untamable, In the steeplechase which is to be won for Betty. His tremors when he sees the- fiery prancings of Hottentot, his increasing horror as the day of the steeplechase nears, his awkward desperation as ho mounts thel snorting beast, to bo hustled down the track, is a mixture of laughter and thrills that has seldom, been screened. In Its original setting as a legitimate comedy, "The Hottentot" ran successfully on Broadway for three years, and became recognised as one of the greatest hits of the time. And now, as a talking picture, both the comedy and the thrills have been intensified. The box plans are at the Bristol. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Take Me Homo," starring Bebo Daniels in a role of super comedy, is the main attraction at this theatre this evening. Her portrayal of the various episodes which confront her in this picture give unbounded scope for her talent. A good supporting programme will back up the main feature. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. To those who have not seen him It is hard to express the power of the. dynamic personality of Maurice Chevalier, the French stage star who is now appearing In • Paramount pictures. With his first picture ho has been an instant success in both America and England, rivalling only his popularity on the French stage, which earned for him the name of the idol of Paris. Chevalier's first picture, commencing to-night at the Kineraa, Is "Innocents of Paris," a tale, as the title Indicates, of Paris. Chevalier is a second-hand dealer who falls In love with a beautiful girl. Louise. Her father does not think him good enough, and tries to break the romance. But Chevalier becomes a famous stage star,- and wins out in lovo as well. In support of Chevalier are Sylvia Beecher, George Fawcett, Margaret Livingston, and John Mil Jan. A Universal nowsreel and two excellent all-talking short features comprise the first half of this entertaining programme. Reserves may bo made at the Theatre Confectioners. Telephone 14-202. The management have booked Harold Lloyd's first all-talking farce "Welcome Danger," which will screen at the Kinema for three nights only, and the Saturday matinee to-mor-row. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The programme at the Empire Theatre tonight will be headed by "Tenth Avenue," starring Phyllis Haver. The story concerns two men who both lovo a girl. One, a card expert, becomes a playing card salesman; the other, a gangster, mends his ways and drives a taxi. In an endeavour to help her in an emergenay, each resorts to his crooked ways, and one of them commits a murder. On this circumstance is built a dramatic picture. The supporting programme is headed by an excellent feature film, "Black Gold." ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "The Awakening," with Louis Wolhclru ami Walter Byron -in the leading roles, will be shown at tho Artcraft Theatre to-night. It portrays Miss Banky, whose previous films have shown her in a succession of romances of the past, in the rolo of a simple Alsatian peasant girl meeting her first lovo in the days just preceding and immediately after the outbreak of the World War. The conflict of emotions between this lovely peasant and tho dashing German officer, who, having been attracted to her as a passing fancy, only to discover that he is deeply in love with her, makes "The Awakening" a tremendously moving picture.. "Five and Ten Cent Annie" is the other feature, starring Louise Fazenda, considered one of tho cleverest'of screen comediennes, lhero will bo good supports. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Skinner, Steps Out," starring Glenn Tryon and Merna Kennedy, is the chief attraction to be screened at Our Theatre to-night. It is a farce comedy depicting a young couples efforts to get on in the world. Tho second feature, "Home, James," starring Laura La Plante, is a sparkling comedy of love in a department store. . NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. In the South Seas, where stately palms stand out invitingly against a heavenly blue sky and exotic flowers grow in riotous-profusion, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer filmed "White Shadows in the South Seas," the synchronised sound Production screening at New Quality Theatre, Island Bay to-night. This picture presents a rare opportunity to take a motion picture voyago through the South Sea Islands. Ihe »nderwater scenes are excellent. There - will be three all-talkie supports. A matinee will be held to-morrow.