ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 57, 8 March 1930, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

v v;,. ; ■ REGENT THEATRE.. '"l;lip.''!Hollywood*:Beviib" was sncli -a success at the:/Hcgent ■"Theatre during, the past week thab. "the ■ management have decided to extend the sessl6n':fu'r another"week,-'commencing last night. Tho- cast, an' all-star one,- includes Marion "Dnvlcs, Conrad, Kagcll John ' . Gilbert, Norma Shearer, Bessio Love, Anita Page, William Haines, Karl Dane,, George K. Arthur, Gwen Lee. Joan Crawford, Polly Jloran, Buster Kcaton. Jlarie Dressier, Charles Kins, Natacha Nattova, "Ukulele Ike" (Cliff Edwards), the Bros Sisters, Gus Edwards, Jack Itenny, the Albcrtlna Itnsehc. ballet, and many others, to say nothing of a full daucing 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 (he films is thestriking act presented ,- by! Marlon Davlcs, assisted ,by an all masculine; dancing ensemble, no man under six foot four. I John Gilbert as "Homeo" and Norma Shearer | as "Juliet" provide a choice tit-bit. Who before, knew that Joan Crawford and Conrad Tv'figel are" excellent singers? Bessie Love has a number of-appearances in tho picture, and appears in several musical comedy numbers with I'olly 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 oivn 'original number, > "lon Ch.tncy'3 Cioin' to Get You If You Don't j Watch, Out. 11.,, ;.-. .. fe&^FtAMOIJNmHEAfRE.: Siiicc packed houses have been the order of ihe day at the Paramount Theatre,- it is only natural that.the. management should see' .ht 'to extend the season of "The Cock-Eyed World," tho Fox Movietone comedy-drama ,which has:.broken all records wherever it has ■been screened. The fact that Victor M'Laglcu ;is in the-cast, is alone sufficient to ensure the ■popularity-of the film. Also in-," the. cast is :Edmimd Lowe, .Captain FlagE and- Captain 3Tlirt always vio.for first place in. the.heart,of. "the same lady. They clash badly in Russia, •and in New York, and they clash even worse :pn a tropical-island, where they find Mariana, <a maiden of many smiles.\ Their Jovo" affairs twould fill a volume, but even though-they are. •always, rivals, there is really a great friendship, both the men. They go.through many in their pursuit of the fair/Mariana. 'On' being recalled, they arc relieved to hear ."that Mariana is not going to tell'their general "of all their doings, and that with-the money Jshc has collected from them is going to buy ■presents for her wedding with her new lover. iLlly Damita is as beautiful as she is vivacious, ■and she lias "100 per cent." vivacity. ' Others .in the excellent cast are El Brendcl, 'Bobby Burns, and Joe Browm There are some tuneful and catchy theme songs running through "the film. There is a splendid sound gazette, 'and an Australian news film containing an ad--1 dress, by Kingsford Smith. . ;.. KING'S THEATRE. '■I "Blackmail," a picture dealing with tlie 'criminal side' of London life, is the: main 'attraction in the change'of programme at the Theatre. "Blackmail" is a British ; talkie produced at Elstree, London, and in voice production as well as from a photographic point of view, it leaves little to be desired. The story concerns a young girl, Alice ' White, who meets an artist and accompanies him to his studio one evening. As a result of ''what happens in the st.udio, tho artist is killed,, and the only persons who know tho identity of the murderer are Frank, Alice's fiance, who. is a.detective from New Scotland Yard, and a man ■with a criminal record who accidentally comes, ■into possession of the information. Wise ;enough to appreciate its value, the criminal keeps his tonguo quiet, and then approaches the detective and the girl from .iwliom ho receives money for the price- of. his sileuce. -On the night of the crime"..tho blackmailer was seen Jn the vicinity of the-artist's-lodgings,-and'mat-ters take a different turn, ; when. the blackmailer finds hlmself'hunted by the police: Jn the meantime, the girl resolves to1 surrender to Scotland Yard, but-before her confession, can be taken the blackmailer, whom the police suspect as the murderer, is killed. There is a strong cas£, which includes Army Ondra, John Xongden, Donald Calthrop, Cyril Ititchard, and Sara Allgood. In addition to the.main picture, there is a programme of good supporting items. QUEEN'S THEATRE "TALKIES." Tragedy, romance, and comedy are all comhined ..in "The !. Virginian," the striking "talkie" motlon-picturejversioji of Owen ,Wister's famous\novel and' stage play of the same name, the production of which before a large and most appreciative audience last night in-* augurated the newest "talkie" policy in Wellington—that of the Queen's Theatre. The aim of the Queen's Theatre management is to present all /the latest attractions for return seasons at popular prices—the Queen's being tho only picture theatre to present all-"talkie" programmes at "pre-"talkie" prices.. "The Vir-ginian"-is. the first outdoors classic in sound and, dialogue; and, as dirceted by Victor Fleming and played by a^'talented cast, it. is a refreshing and vigorously entertaining picture, full of adventure and romance, while at the same time there-is throughout a continuous flow of dry. cowbof humour. Gary Cooper—lean, lithe, and six feet two in his stocking feet—is cast in the title role, his first full-dialogue part; Walter Huston appears as Trampas, the villainous cattle rustler and lady-killer"; Richard Arlen plays finely the somewhat thankless part of Steve, "the Virginian's" wayard pal, who joins forces with Trampas to his own undoing, and the "Virginian's" great and lasting sorrow; while the charming Mary Brien is very sweet and winsome as Molly Wood, tho eastern-born school ma'am. The supporting films comprised a topical Universal News reel, "The Harmony Boys," Val and Ernie Stanton; solos by the .well-known tenor Scipa; and "After the Ball," an.all-singing, all-music cartoon film, in which this popular song of forty years ago, is sung and played by its composer—and his dog. The "talkie" apparatus used at the Queen's Theatre !s of tho latest and most efficient type, and has been subjected to exhaustive tests to ensure its excellence in every direction. ' DE LUXE THEATRE. • Unusually well done as regards its acting imd presentation is "The Battle of-Paris," an all-dialogue ■ and singing picture, 'which was shown for the first timoat tho' De Luxe Theatre yesterday, with Gertrude Lawrence, English musical comedy star, and Charles Buggies in the leading roles. The picture is presented in a 1 new comedy style, and the plot Is. not in the least hackneyed. Most of the men who went to the war know, what the battle of Paris was. It was the battle for gaiety iind excitement that took place -during leave in that city of bright lights. The story isthat of a young street music seller, who in the rush and scurry of a police raid steals the ■wallet of a. young American artist. She suffers remorse, and the following morning returns the wallet to the artist, who, when he sees her, asks her to stay and model for him. The inevitable happens. They fall in lore with each other. Then, as Fate decreed, the drums of war sounded. The young couple both enlisted, the man to the trenches and the girl to the hospital. Whilst there she becomes the friend of three strange soldiers very much devoted to one another. When - her lover on Jeave fails to put in an appearance on account of an entanglement with another girl, the three friends decide to put on a party to help her forget. The party takes place in a crowded restaurant in Paris, a place where it is known that the man and his new found girl friend From then on the actors pass through a whirlwind series, of episodes, and it is not until -the heroine is kidnapped that her lover conies to, his senses and joins the three friends in thejr search for her. Charles Buggies is the comedian, throughout the piece, and his inimitable style of humour is highly entertaining. Gertrude. Lawrence sings a number of martial airs and tunes that wore popular, during the war, as well as:a number of songs written especially for this picture. There is .an excellent supporting programme; which Includes a Paramount Soiipd News,1 Fox Movietone News, Pathe Re'vicw, Sound CartoTin feature, and the famous. operatic tenor, Giovanni Martinelli. . , - <:■. A highly imaginative story based on' scientific fact from the pen of Crlttenden Marriott, and a startling. First Nationai-Vitapliono film adapted from the story, have resulted in the first exploration - of . the Sargasso Sea. The story of the "Isle of Lost Ships," a thrilling, dramatic film coming to the Do. Luxe Theatre next Friday, takes for granted ,that the Sarfiasso Sea is Inhabited.: Apart'from thrilling air views of this sea 'of ■ the ..dead the film abounds on close-ups of an area scarcely penetrated by man and feared :by mariners. Virginia ValH, Jason Robar.4s,rNoah; Beery, and an all-star supporting cast appear in the film, which Irvine Willct directed., . . . . SHORTT'S. PICTURES. '* In "A Man's Man,'.' at . Shorlt's.: Pictures, William Haines resorts to boxing and cives . rather a good' account' of •' himself. "A Man's Man" is a very clever satire ou Hollywood—a comedy-drama' that reveals William Haines' dramatic gifts as he 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 feature is "The Overland Telegraph," starring Tim M'Coy and. Dorothy Janis, ad It takes for its theme one of the 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 completion to get in touch with the Western states, is vividly shown, together with the work of Confederate Influences inciting the Indians to battle the onward march of progress. Thero are good supports. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Skinner Steps Out," starring Glenn Tryon find Merna Kennedy, is the chief attraction to be screened at Our Theatre to-night. It is a farce comedy depicting a young couple's efforts to get on in tho 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 tho South Seas, where stately palms stand nut invitingly against a heavenly blue sky and fxotic flowers grow in riotous profusion, Metro? Ooklwyn-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 voyage through the South Sea Islands. Tho underwater scenes are excellent. Thero will be three all-talkio supports. A matinee will be ktid, to-morrow. ■..

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Fascinating in' Its setting and photography, the Majestic's new talkie, "Romance of the. Wo Grande,"'nis a wo.lcbmo departuro from the sound- pictures which:." feature revu ,!or the eternal .triangle problems.- It is a Fox .Movietone adapted-from the novel "Conqulsdator," : and deals with Mexican life. The story centres found the inheritance of a, wealthy Mexican ranch. A nephew .of the, old;owner .Intends ; tliq ranch,to ibe his. but:a .grandson turns up In* an - .unexpected' and 'thoroughly dramatic manner,; and complications, both in inheritance and love,"ensuo. Nephew and grandson set out on a long ride together, from which only the grandson returns after his life has been attempted by his rival. But the villain : later makes his. appearance, and, aided by the Intrigues of his mistress, very nearly succeeds In outdoing his rival. But he.gets what ho deserves in the -shape of a bullet, and the course of true love thereafter runs smoothly. It is a virile picture 'with • plenty of excitement; which includes 'brigands;'-shootings at sight,- and thrilling chases on horseback. But iivliat- makes--.the picture so attractive is tho 1 beautiful photography and the capture by sight laud sound of. the Mexican atmosphere, whether I it bo the sun-baked . arid ■ land, tile spacious homesteads..1, or the picturesque native life and customs. ! Haunting, too, are the native melodies, and superb is the acting. Fortunately for Majestic aiidlences, ■ brigands and all talk I "American"'.or English, so they can beireadily i understood.'-but the charm of the broken accent greatly adds to the success of tho.picI ture. It-is.a picture, for young and old alike, {.thoroughly;, clean ah(7 *,wholesome.. The, supI ports are varied, and "include a laughable comi edy about ;a: would-be salesman who gets rid of a 2000 dollar car for 1000 dollars, with tho result that the door. behind .him.shuts with a bnng.}sAiiQUiel:f;J^->^j-i.<iVali|it>'yvpani;o'vofisvtho Skeletons;'.';.; wlidv-issu'e' from ■-. their' ■'graves- at midnight and-.perform absurd gyrations to an orchestral accompaniment until the . crowing or.the- cock sends them in post-haste back to where they .belong. The programme will bo screened--at-, three sessions daily during the ensuing "week. -.■ ; HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. - A.favourite "comedy of the: racecourse, which •lias been .produced.'.both on the stage and on the silerit'.screen'and. is now presented as a talking picture,.is which Jias commenced the. second;week of its season at His Majesty's-Theatre." ' The picture is a Warner Bros.' production, and stars Edward Everett Hprton, who possesses a dry drollery that is all his own. His success on the stage ex-' tends' over a . number of years, and a voice peculiarly suited to the talking screen has enabled him to'winsfresh' triumphs in filmland.1 His part In the '"Hottentot" is not new ■to him, as ho played ■it In; stage version of .the story. It is the impersonation of Sam Harrington, a horse -Hater, who is mistaken for a famous steeplechase rider, and is forced to ride the almost iintameable'horse Hottentot in order to retain. the affections of his lady love. He provides the greatest part of the wealth of humour that pervades the piece, and is well supported by! Miss Patsy Ruth Miller as Peggy Fairfax, the heroine. The supporting sound items. Include Earl Burtnell, the collegiate jazz artist, and his orchestra!, - Will Oakland, a popular tenor, and a variety of musical pieces by the .Mayfair quintet of three, harpists, a violinist, arid a vocalist. There is also an exciting insight to Chicago's underworld, one possble difference in this case being that the criminals are eventually brought to book. ■•-.,..■" . .'.'.. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The programme at the Empire Theatre tonight will be headed by "Tenth Avenue," starring Phyllis Haver. Tho story; concerns two men who both love 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 emergency, 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 excelr lent feature film, "Black Gold," \ ~ .;.; . v ; ;artcraft theatre. ■ ■•;■; "The ■ -'Awakening," : will. be/, 'ihosm at tlie 'Artcraff Theatre^ -to-night.'- 'It portrays' Miss, Banky, whose previous films have shown her in a succession of romances of the' past, in the role of a -simple Alsatian peasant girl meeting her first love In the days -just preceding '.'and Immediately after the outbreak of tho World War. The conflict. of emo-tions-between this lovely peasant and the dashing-; German" officer, who, having been attracted toher as a passing fancy,-only to discover that ho,is deeply.in love with her, makes "The Awakening" a. tremendously, moving:.picture. "Five and Ten? Cent Annle" s is" the; ■ other feature; starring Louise Fazerida,' considered one of the cleverest of screen comediennes. There will be good supports. ' REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. > Never has charming Norma Shearer had a role like that which she has in "Tho Last of Mrs. Cheyney," coming to the Regal Theatre to-night, The story is built around the adventure of a; beautiful London society "Raffles and a member of the nobility who loves her, even when she robs his home. Basil Rathbone was chosen for this-role and-proves to have been, a Very worthy choice. A good supporting programme will be shown.. .■'•'• ; SEASIDE PICTURES. LYALL BAY.; "The Shopworn Angel," starring Nancy Car-: roll and Gary Cooper, will be shown at the Seaside Pictures to-night. It is a, story of. a. chorus girl'whose life is closely intertwined with that of. a wealthy theatregoer. She meets a boy. Their love is mutual, but she finds that ridding herself of her past is a difficult job. "Hangman's House," the other feature, starring Victor M'Laglen, is adapted from Donri Byrne's great racing novel of Old Ireland. The story is full of action, centring around the affairs of Connaught O'Brien, the daughter of Ireland's Chief _ Justice. A great steeplechase and the burning of a huge castle are exciting features -of the picture. 'Chapter 8 of "The Pirato of Panama" will also be screened. -Seats may be reserved by telephone or at- the theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. All the romanced humour, and charm of Erin will bo in evidence at the Capitol Theatre tonight, when ''Smiling Irish Eye's," starring Colleen Moore, will be shown. Hilarious in part,, but not without-pathos. It is a'story embracing /song, fiddles, and pigs.; Rory.O'More, who is iv love with Kathleen O'Connor, has been composing songs for her on his fiddle, his latest being "DarlinV My Darlih'." It is this song which holds a most Interesting story, together from Erin to tlte stage in New York. Full Vitaphone supports will be Roger Wolf Kahn and his orchestra, "Night Court," a big comedy hit, and Elsie Janis in her army, truck at the front. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Taking a melodramatic premise and turning it into humour is np, new trick for Harold Lloyd. Yet never before has h.e done it with.the finesse he exhibits in his latest Paramount release, "Welcome Danger," at the Kilblrnie Theatre for three nights only, starting to-night, his.first picture in a year: and a half. "Welcome .Danger" relates a story, that with but a few twists, could have been .developed Into a thriller of the first water. Lloyd retains the thrill elements, the mystery, and the romance of the drama, but adds, laugh, after laugh to the story by little twists of his own. ."Welcome- Danger", relates the experiences of a boy whose avocation is botany, and who suddenly finds himself a detective in underground Chinatown trying to outwit wily Chinamen who have baffled the police of San Francisco. Lloyd portrays the son of a famous Golden1 Gate police officer, who passes on, assuming he has left the world a legacy in the form of a great law-enforcing son. Harold prefers toying .with flowers to chasing law breakers, but when his father's old friends call.on him for assistance, he readily assents, with results that are- highly humorous for the audience. In addition an excellent all-talking comedy and a' farcical sound cartoon will be screened.- Seats.m^y be reserved at the theatre confectionery, telephone lt-202. .. ; . . "go U ONG, LETTY." Air those who, take their .theatre-going lightly, and love the . lure of gurgling melody that catches; the ear and will not let it go, and who flud pleasure in pretty girls la dainty costumes, spicy (dialogue, and charming scenery should remember that theso elements are to be found predominant in. "So ,Long, Letty,", the jolly and melodious musical ;comedy, which is to. bo ' presented By tho ' Wellington Amateur Operatic- Company-Vat. the Grand Opera House to-night.' ■ The,,•comedy, is ■ dellciously flimsy in argument.'. ■ .It's";: plot" involves a con-" test- between : beauty and utility in wives. Letty Robhins- 'the beautiful has a friend jn Grace' Miller,'" a . 'most- admirable cook, and, as the result of .conferences with their irresponsible r husbands,;.theyy agree that, an allround cha^gfe; wouJdVmake; life a little more endurable,''but 'the;experiment doC3 not prove as' satisfactory, as?.anticipated. Robbins, who is described by his, tetiißorary, spouse as a man with '-'a Rollsißoyce' body and a Ford' brain," finds that; Grace's cooking does not compensatq. him for the' loss of his precious-Betty, whilst" Miller'■ finds' that'Letty .Is a poor |sub-. stltute for. Grace's solid comforts. It Is all very funny, arid is' Illuminated by a very melodious score., The comedy Is adequately cast, and an ? orchestra under Mr. J. If. Woodward will add to the .general excellence of the prer sentatton. , ■■■; .)■;■■■:-. .' ~. -" . ■:."•■;.» STAR THEATRE.^ "Lady Owner/ an all-British film, with British actors staged on • a British racecourse, will be shown; at-;, the; Star to-night. It is a Nat Gould StOry',of'the racecourse, with a stirring climax,at the winning post, starring Violet Hopson. ' The other feature is "Daring Dauger," a Western-drama,-in which Pete'Morrison plays the-lead; With his hands tied, ho rolls over cliffs, and has a drop of 60. feet into a roaring torrent..-. For fast action "Daring Danger" is supreme. There will be good supports.