ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 112, 14 May 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

."The Trial of Mary Dugan," now in its second week at tho Regent Theatre, is perhaps the most successful of the murder trial type of play yet screened, adapted as it was from a famous stage play, and with such an actress as Norma Shearer in the leading role. Because of her sweet, clear voice, her beauty, and her talent, Miss Shearer stands in tho front rank of moving picture stars, and her personality alone would make any film worth while. In "The Last of Mrs. Cheney," she proved her capabilities Miss, Shearer Is Mary Dugan, the girl who is being tried for murder. H. B. Warner, as the suave district attorney, lives In the role, and other parts are well played by Lewis Stone and Raymond Hackett. Practically every scene is set In the court, and New Zealanders will find the American procedure novel. The varied Jtypes of witnesses, too, make an interesting group of character studies. A3 in most murder trials, the atmosphere becomes very tense at times, but humour breaks out in unexpected places to relieve it.1 Added to the excellence of the main picture, there is a rare gem for music lovers in lago's Creed from Verdi's opera, "Otello," sung by Titto Euffo. the famous baritone. This singer, in addition to possessing one of the world's most prized voices, is a great dramatic urtist and master of expression, which make 3 his singing even more impressive, and gives an atmosphere that voice alone cannot give, wonderful as his records are. An interesting gazette also goes to make up an entertaining programme.

"It's a Great Life," featuring the Duncan Sisters, is coming to the Regent Theatre on Friday. It is an all-talking, singing, and dancing film directed by Sam Wood, and filmed with outstanding" technicolour sequences. Moviegoers, it is said, have a great thrill in store for them when they see and hear these genuinely great musical comedy stars of the London and New York stage. The new film incorporates a number of skilfully executed .dance routines handled by Sammy Lee, who has received no little distinction as a result of his work in several Broadway musical comedy successes. The Duncan Sisters, as usual, score with their songs. The music was composed by Dave Drcyer, responsible for "Me and My Shadow," "Rainbow 'Bound My Shoulder,'' and other lilts. Ballard Mac Donald wrote the lyrics.

"Trail of the Lonesome Pine" started him off on one of the most successful careers in the field of popular music. A very capable supporting cast is headed by Lawrence Gray and includes' Benny Rubin and Jed Prouty, the former being the Jewish comedian of "Marianne1," and the latter the "stuttering Uncle Bennie" of "The Broadway Melody."

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

"Tho Fall of' Eve ; " noiv at tho Paramount Theatre, is a funny.farce about errant husbands and suspicious wives. It relates in clever and novel fashion the exploits of two married men who steal away from their wives, and get caught in the act. As the comedydrama deals with wealthy people, some fine gowns are- worn by the lady principals, who include Patsy Ruth Miller, Gertrude Astor, and Betty Farrington. The two husbands arc portrayed by Ford Sterling and Jed Prouty. The principal scenes are laid in a fashionable New York cafe, where a very fine jazz orchestra leads the revels. The story shows ■what is likely to happen to a woman who listens to the malicious gossip of her friends about her !own husband. The talking supports include some flue singing by Jules Bledsoe, the famous negro baritone, and a highly-entertain-ing trip through Hollywood.

KING'S THEATRE,

"The Hollywood Revue," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's singing and dancing picture, is being shown at the King's Theatre for a return season. The production Is practically an all-star picture. John Gilbert, Marion Davies, and Norma Shearer are foremost among a strong cast, and In addition, tho stage and screen celebrities include Buster Keaton, Bessie love, Charles King, Anita Page, Joan Crawford, William Haines, Marie Dressier, Polly Moran,; the Bros Sisters, Cliff Edwards (Ukulele Ike), the Albertina Rasche ballet, the Sounders, Natacha Nattova, Gwen Lee, Lionel JSarrynaore, Karl Dane, George K. Arthur, Stan Laurel, Conrad Nagel, Jack Benny, and others. There are excellent supports. Box plans are available at the Bristol.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

Described as one of the most unusual alltalking pictures ever made, "Seven Faces," a Fox-Movietone, . is being screened at the Queen's Theatre. This Fox Movietone is a powerful dramatic story, and Paul Muni, America's premier character actor, iS; called upon to play seven entirely different r^les in the same production, under the direction of Berthold Viertel. Muni's chief role Is that of Papa Chibou, caretaker of a Parisian waxworks, and the other six, which includes Napoleon, Schubert, Don Juan, Diablero the Great, Joe Garis, andd Willie Smith, are waxworks statues which come to life. Marguerite Churchill Is co-featured witii Muni and Lester Lonergan. There is an excellent supporting programme.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"Paris," now being shown at the J)c Liixe_ Theatre, is pure comedy. Tho star is Irene Bordoni, without whom the picture would lose much of its charm. The leading man is Jack Buchanan, formerly a well-known and popular figure on the London stage. He also can sing attractively, and he can dance the most difficult eccentric steps with apparent ease. Others in the cast are Jason Robards, Zazu Pitts, and Louise Closser Hale. The last named is the leader of an American' purity league, and her, son goes-to Paris to study architecture. He becomes engaged to Vivienne Holland, star of the Revue de Paris, and Ills mother comes across to prove that the marriage is out ot the question. The sea voyage is too much for her, and she faints,. to be revived by tho liberal use of brandy. Then she goes gay, and the night life of Paris knows her as one of its most ardent devotees. Her son becomes ashamed of her, and when she decides to marry Vivienne's leading man, he tells her that such a marriage is out of the question. And so It goes on to a happy climax, with the audlenco at times convulsed with laughter at tho piiniant situations. The supporting items include a Paramount newsreel and a most acceptable offering by Albert Spalding, the, famous violinist. Mr. Paul T. Cullen\-i)so plays selections from Ihe Arcadians" 'on the Wurlitzer.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"Abie's Irish Rose" is being screened at the Artcraft Theatre., Charles ("Buddy") Rogers lakes the part of Abie Levy. and Nancy Carroll is Rosemary Murphy. A love romance with its beginnings in Franc? in war time leads to marriage, but certain religious differences now crop up. yet even these would not be sufficient to upset the equanimity of tha parties, -were it not for the intolerance of irate ■ parents. The young couple are left alone for a time, but are eventually befriended by old friends of the Levy family. A Christmas Eve surprise . party Btarts in bitter argument, but ends in peace when Abio and Rosemary present their twins to the grand parents with names suitably designed to'meet everyone's, religious and national scruples. The children are forgiven for their marriage, and another victory Is achieved for the causa of tolerance. There will be good supports. ,

-; SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Wheel of Chance," at Shortt's Theatre, gtars Richard ' Barlhelmess, Margaret Livingstone playsl "the other woman" in the story, which relates- the dramatic adventures of twin brothers, separated in childhood by a - trick of fate, and meeting again twenty years later in one of the most dramatically conceived scenes In the history of the motion picture. The scenes are set In Russia and New York. Barthelmess. plays the dual role, portraying both twin 3. One is redheaded and one black. One Is denied the guidance of his parents, the! other Is more fortunate. In the climax of the story, staged in a Courtroom where one brother prosecutes the other for murder without being aware of-the relationship, Barthelmess rises to dramatic heights seldom witnessed on the screen. The second feature is "Oh, Kay," starring Colleen Moore."

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"M'Fadden's Flats," a First National special, Will bo screened 'at the Empire Theatre tonight. The story tells of the struggles of an Irishman who, coming to America, has ambitions to get out of the ranks of bricklayers and become a builder of a flat building that bears his own name. Ha meets a tight-fisted Scotchman, who becomes his fast friend in spito of their nvlde differences intaste. The big cast is headed by Charlie Murray, Chester Conklln, Edna Murphy, and Larry Kent. An excellent supporting programme will also be screened.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

George Bancroft, who maCj such a success of his first all-talking picture, "The Wolf of Wall Street;" appears in a new nil-talking drama, "Thunderbolt," at tho Kllbirnie Theatre to-night.. Bancroft's voice is deep, resonant, and capable of expressing a wide range of emotions. Richard Arlen, co-featured with Fay Wray in "Thunderbolt," has already made a name for himself in talking pictures in

"The Man I Love." "Thunderbolt," directed by Josef yon Sternborg, maker of "Underworld," is a gripping picture of life and love outside the law. Excellent sound subjects complete this fine programme. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery, Telephone 14-202, and Bristol Piano Co.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

"The Docks of New York," starring George Bancroft, Betty Compson, and Baclanova, will be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Ly.ill Bay, to-night. It is a powerful drama of the waterfront. A tramp steamer docks at New York: Two stokers come ashore, and one of. them rescues a woman, who, tired of life, has jumped into tho water. Shortly afterwards ho goes through a form of marriage with her, but intends to desert Her when his ship sails. As the ship pulls away from the wharf, he realises he loves her and jumps overboard and swims ashore. A comedy, gazette, and cartoon Will also be jcreened.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN;

*A big double-feature programme is to be presented to Our Theatre patrons to-night. The first feature, "Margnis Preferred," starring Adolphe Menjou, is'the story of a bankrupt .Trench nobleman who for purposes of advertisement was financed by his tailor. The second feature, "The Drag Net," starring George Bancroft, is an exciting picture of the underworld.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Half-way to Heaven," starring , Charles ("Buddy") Rogers, at the Majestic Theatre, is a story of circus life. Nick (Paul Lukas). the "swing" man In a flying-trapeze troupe Is In love with Greta Nelsoa (Jean Arthur), the girl In the act. Tony (Freddy Anderson), the "flyer" in the troupe, incurs Nick's enmity because Greta seems to favour him, and, while the show Is In progress, Nick "falls" to each Tony • The "flyer" drops from the high trapeze and la killed. To fill the vacancy, the manager wires Ned Leo (Charles (Buddy) Rogers), a novice who has applied for a job, to report for the next fair engagement. On the train Greta discovers that Nick purposely dropped Tony. Frightened by his attentions, she runs away from the show. She leaves the train In Lee's town, and is directed to his homo for lodging. A day's acquaintanceship and Greta and Ned are In love. Ned. however, leaves to Join the carnival unaware that Greta is the girl in the troupe. When Greta learns that Ned is Joining the show In Tony's place, she hurries back, hoping to, prevent another tragedy Ned does well In rehearsals. Then Nick discovers that he and Greta have met before. Fearing Nick's sinister Jealousy. Greta Insults Ned, and he, thinking the pair are Jealous of his acrobatic prowess. Is hurt. Greta explains the situation. Ned refuses to leave, telling Greta he loves'her. Mck sees their embrace and Interrupts It with a menacing smile. The whole troupe senses the enmity and danger to Ned. At the opening performance of the State Fair engagement. Ned works without a net under him. Ho. too, Is aware of his danger, but he goes through with the act as rehearsed, even Insisting on being blindfolded for the big climax. Nick's obvious plan to drop him and then claim it was an accident is foiled cleverly by his enemy. After ho show Nick gives Ned an hour to leave the show. Ned refuses, a. terrific fight ensues, and Nick Is forced to 'cave and the lovers nro united. The supporting programme is of a nign order. ' '. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "The Gold Diggers of Broadway" is now in its fourth week at the St. James Theatre. Ihe picture deals mainly with the gorgeous productions of the modern Broadway revues and in this respect the producers have gained n triumph. Many of the scenes must be seen to be appreciated. With three sessions dailj tic picture is having a record-breaking run. The colour is one attraction, and, a big one, but there is more.- Catchy choruses, with the popular numbers, "Tip-toe Through the T"«PS and "Painting the Clouds with Sunshine more particularly in evidence, are interspersed « tlv witty dialogue and snappy dancing, lhesupporting programme includes a splend d^ r'aj-et, Four, who sing in •an underground setting. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. A double-featured programme is being offered if the Onera House. In "Side Street, the American producer has at last had the courage of his convictions and In the course .of an extremely interesting Pif 1"" be has always tried to keep to the probabilities more or less and there is no greater example of this than the. killing off of the most likeable character in the picture at the end. Most of the^ action of the picture takes place In the home of a retired policeman (Irislr,.of course). He nas three sons, one of whom follows his father s late calling, another is a police surgeon, and, the third is the head of a powerful gang of bootleggers. With members of one ,family In such diverse callings as this it is not to be wondered at that their ways converge and the result is a thrilling and gripping story. The acting of the brothers Moore, Mat, Owen, Tom is of a uniformly high standard, and, if possible, this all-dialogue picture increases their high reputation. Again back-stage life has been chosen as the basis for the plot of a talking picture William Powell is the star in "Behind the Make-up," the second feature on the programme. The picture tends to show the shaky life.vaudeville artists live, and proves how close around the corner the big success lies. Conversely It shows how near to ruin a hie time artist Is, for public opinion is a most fickle thing. Powell, by dint of hard work, climbs to the top, and then through a mistake of his own he falls, but unlike Lucifer ho rises again. It is an interesting picture. A highly interesting Patbe Gazette completes "'co'mmencTnT'on Friday afternoon there will be screened at the Grand Opera House the all-talkie pictures "Navy Blues" and "Flying Fool," thus constituting a double feature programme. "Navy Blues" has in the cast William Haines, Anita Page, Karl Dane, J. C. Nugent, Edythe Chapman, and Wade Bote er. The story is of Kelly, a tough man aboard a destroyer, who is off with others on. shore leave. A petty- officer orders the group to attend a local V.M.C.A. social, much to their disgust. Kelly is comforted, lipweven when he meets Alice, a pretty girl.'A courtship starts. Alice's mother hates sailors, and when Kelly takes Alice home, she orders, him from the house. Alice leaves also. In tho morning Kelly reports to his ship, to find that a long cruise has been ordered. He rushes back to find Alice, but she, thinking lie. has deserted her, has disappeared. The cruise follows, Kelly disconsolate. Then they return to port, and Kelly locates Alice working in a tough cabaret. He calls on "Sven" to aid him, and after a vivid battle they rescue the girl from the place. The dramatic, denouement of the story sees them happy again and forgiven. "Flying Fools" is a thrilling aviation story, featuring William Boyd and Anita Page. It is the story of a stunt flyer whose weakness is ■ women. "Weakness" is probably a misnomer, beca'iise women are really his strong point. He believes, however, in finding them, fooling them, and forgetting .them. Then ho meets a cabaret singer who "crabs his style:" Boyd plays the aerial daredevil and it is a role in which he scores a tremendous hit. Marie is the cabaret girl. Others in the cast are Tom O'Brien^ Russell Gleason, Dan Wolheim, Kate Bruce, and Dorothy Ward. The picture was directed by Tay Garnett from an original story by Elliott Clawson and the director.

NEW QUALITY THEATRE.

Is any price too big to pay for a career when happiness hangs in the balance? Her beautiy alone stood between her husband's success and her dismal failure. Should sec use her beauty to, sway his destiny? This was tlie position in which Billie Dove stood when she joined her husband (Antonio Moreno) at the smal French colony town in CochlnChina. ' Now showing at the New Quality Theatre is "Careers," Billie Dove's greatest characterisation. Seven screen favourites are in the supporting cast. It is a Vitaphone- ailtalking picture.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

M.G.M/s all-talking comedy, "Wise Girls," is the attraction at the Capitol. Theatre tonight. The famous ■ play "Kempy" comes to tho ' screen, with J. C. Nugent and Elliott Nugent in the rolos they made famous. Roland Young, who scored a remarkable success in "Tho Unholy Night," is also east in the picture. The story, is human and nth with laughter and uproarious situations.

OLYMPIA SKATING RINK.

The first hockey on skates match takes pla<;e at 10 o'clock to-night at the Olympia Skating, Rink Winter Show Buildings, the teams being Olympia versus. Colliseum.- For speed and thrills it is hard to -beat hockey on skates, and as the two teams have been practising hard, a eood even game' should be. seen. In order to introduce the game to the Wellington publi onlookers will be admitted for half-price his evening The rink. Is open four sessions daily, mornmg 10 till 12, afternoon 2 till 4, learners 5 till 6.30, and evening 7 till 10.