ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 119, 22 May 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE REGENT. Notwithstanding rain, the Resent Theatre was filled last evening with a crowd Anxious to sec tlio new programme starring Ruth Chatterton, and they were by no menus disappointed. "The Laughing Lady" lias subjectmatter that could not be carried at all except on the shoulders or good acting, which is admirably supplied by Miss Chattertou and Clive Brook hand by a cast well worthy of these principals. A lady who laughs on the most iinlaugiiable occasions, as when rescued from drowning, or when charged in the Divorce Court with Immorality, or (later) when reproaching the cross-examining lawyer (her husband's) for blackening her character, or (last of all) when the conquered lawyer proposes marriage to the divorcee whom he had crucified in Court—a lady so altlicted with amusement or hysteria is a very hard subject to make real, and it says nuch for Jliss Chatterton's art that she made that lady live upon the screen—laugh herself into the drama and laugh herself out. Not nearly so real (except in the United States) is the news-and-pi'cture Press that retails scandal, takes flashlight photos of people in compromising positions, and blackens the character of innocent persons. But the more one considers the limitations of the plot In this play of drawingroom Intrigue, of "society," sophistry (American), and of gutter journalism, the more one must lift one's hat to the actresses and actors. It had been said that Miss Chatterton's success in "Madame X" was largely Lionel Barrymorc's, but here she is as clear-cut, as natural, as convincing as ever, under the directorship of Victor Schertzinger. The' diction of Miss Chatterton and Clive Brook (who is, of course, the lawyer-lover) is excellent, and the whole performance shows what the film industry can make of drama (even of second-rate dramatic materials) if the industry will aim high and employ real actresses,and actors. Raymond Walburn capably presents the husband whoso infidelity does not prevent his falsely accusing his wife. Dorothy Hall cleverly plays liis paramour, and Dan Healy makes the newsthief as tolerable as may be. A number of other good artists help to build up "The Laughing Lady's" success. A varied supporting programme was offered, . included in which was • Yvctte Kugel in operatic and also in popular music. Her voice registers in great volume and purity of tone, and her singing is excellent, but her rendering of "Swanee River" is that of •an operatic artist rather than of a negro yearning for the old simple pleasures by the river bank. Comedy acrobatics hits a very high level in "The Plasterers," a unique laugh-maker by O'Donnell and Blair. There is a song cartoon, also the gazette, and sandwiched In among these film shadows is a man of substance, a flesh-and-blood comedian, Alec Began, who told a pleased audience how glad to was to be back in New Zealand, after singing to them several comics and two lyrics ("Tulips" and "Painting the Clouds"). Although (or because) two of his comics were not very elevating in tone, they made a hit. It was like old times to see among the film ghosts a bell-topper comedian of vaudeville cut. The gazette was notable for an excellent closeup of that great personality, Sir Hubert WII--kins, who. In the suave voice and manner of a city business man, tells of the discovery of Stefansson Strait and other geographical features in the grim Grahamland sector of frozen Antarctica. Life in Formosa and Singapore, Old Callfornian /dancing, and Spanish bullfighting are other; interesting features. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "The Home Towners" will be shown finally at the Paramount Theatre to-night. The story tells of the adventures of two middleaged friends, and. of the lady to whom one of them is engaged. Robert M'Wado takes the part of P. H. Bancroft, who hears that his millionaire friend is engaged to be married, and Bancroft assumes that the young lady and her family havo captured his supposedly foolish, friend, and he interviews with the view of saving his friend from his folly. Instead, he makes things decidedly wrong, and it takes much timo' and trouble (all of which keeps the audience amused) to put things right. M'Wado played the part In the original stage presentation. 'Xho sound featurettes are excellent,. and box plans .are available at the Bristol and the theatre. * It is a new Maurice Chevalier that this latest aim production,- "The Love Parade," reveals as its star. It is a Maurice Chevalier of a sly wink, a knowing look, and an unsuspected versatility In a new direction. In this production he discloses a superior senso, of the development o£ sophisticated comedy that is said to bo thoroughly diverting and delightfully amusing in its character portrayal. The Love Parade" has brought musical numbers to the screen story without tho backstage situations. Ernst Lubitsch appears-in a new ; role. Miss Jeanette Mac Donald makes a captivating queen. Her voice registers nicely both in song and in spoken line. "The Love Parade is a.triumph for Jeanctto Mac Donald, Ernst Lubitsch, and Maurice Chevalier. He will make another appearance on the audible screen to-morrow at the Paramount Theatre in the ■ lavishly-pro-duced musical extravaganza, '-The Love Parade." It is really an operetta. It is a romance, comedy, song, and dance, photographed against a background allowing the camera to function with full freedom. It is buoyant, unfettered, always original. The songs featured ifnd sung either by Chevalier or Miss Mac Donald aa solos or ducts include 'My Love Parade," "Anytliiiiß to Please the <!uecn," 'Nobody's Using It Nuw," ".My Dream Lover, "Paris, Stay the Same," There is also "March of the Grenadiers," featured by a largo chorus, and "Let's Be Common," a comedy number sung'by the two supporting comedians, Lupmo Lano and Lilian Both. Tho music, all of it particularly tuneful, was composed by Victor Sehertzinger, who wrote "Marcheta. Iho lyrics were written by Clifford Grey, and the screen play by the well-known Guy Bolton. Box plans are available at Bristol and the theatre, telephone 21-542. KING'S THEATRE. "Salute" will -be screened finally to-night at the King's Theatre. It concerns two brothers, one of whom, George, goes to West Point Military College, and the other, a slight, self-conscious boy, to Annapolis, a naval college. A piquant love interest is 'added, with .an Army v. Navy football match a3 a climax, bringing a happy ending. George O'Brieu and Helen Chandler are the principals. The supporting, programme includes a good comedy. . . It is many years since Conan Doyle wrote tho famous stories of Sherlock Holmes. After many years of popularity the detective comes •to the screen through t\\o Paramount picture, "The Return of Sherlock Holmes." In this Holmes, at the request of his.friend, Dr. Watsou, comes to. the aid of* his. daughter, and in his last exploit is able to silence the activities of that arch criminal Moriarly. The character «f Sherlock Holmes Is brought to life alter years of inactivity by (.live Drool;, the distinguished English actor, who is supported by an excellent cast, under the ablp direction of Basil Dean. One should not miss seeing Holmes solve the ■ mystery at the King's Theatre, starting to-morrow. There arc dally matinees at 2.30. . ' . ' '.•';'. : QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Women They Talk About" will be shown finally at tho Queen's Theatre to-night. The daughter of a wealthy young widow (Irene Rich) is in love with the son of her opponent in a contest for the Mayoralty. The daughter is stolen by a confederate of tho Mayor in order to hurt the lady's chances, and then the real action, and plenty of it, commences. There is a fight between a thug and the young lover and the Mayor is accidentally shot, although not fatally. In support of "Women They Talk About" are somo eutortaining dialogue, singing, and sound featurettes. Lonore Ulric, gifted Belasco star, displays her charm at the Queen's Theatre to-morrow, in "South Sea Rose," her latest all-talking, all singing and dancing starring feature for Fox Movietone. "South Sea Rose" is a tensely romantic story tracing the tempestuous exploits of a madcap French maiden confined to a convent in the South Sea islands. She is rescued by the captain of a trading vessel who tricks her into a sea marriage in order to obtain a fortune which awaits the girl in France. Tho action is speedy at all times, and the story unfolds with tense interest. Miss "Ulric is ably supported by Charles Bickford. Others include Kenneth MacKenna, Tom Patricola, Elizabeth Patterson, Farrell Macdonald, George MacFarlane. Daphne Pollard, Roscoe Ates, Ilka Chase, Ben Hall, and Charlotte Walker. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Paris" will be shown finally to-night at the Do Luxe Theatre. Miss Bordoni Is famous for her French characterisations, for her quaint Parisian accent, and her catchy songs. The talking screen has "caught" all these details, and the French star will both talk and sing in "Paris," which was adapted for tho screen from her latest and greatest stage success. "Paris" Is a story of the "city of light," and concerns a French stage star . and an English musical comedy favourite. Tho latter is portrayed by Jack Buchanan, Idol of the London stage. There are, in addition, huge ballets and singlnc ensembles, whllo tho exquisite colouring by the new five-colour process nialiea "Paris" a (remarkably outstanding production. Box plans are at both the Bristol and Aitkcn's. Until Fifi Dorsay, vivacious French comedienne, singer, and dancer, came to Hollywood, and to the Fox Studios, she had never faced a camera.' A Fox executive visualised Miss Dorsay as "just tho type" to play opposite Will Rogers in "They Had to Sco Paris," and tho sensation this young French girl caused ■Hi that production is a tribute to her talent. Before coming to tho talking screen. Fin Dorsay had lent her dancing and Jier chic singing to musical comedy and to big time vaudeville. In the Fox Movietone production, "Hot for Paris," she is a singer and dancer in a cafe, and meets Victor M'Laglen, first mate of a sailing vessel, under strange circumstances. • Tho picture, based on an original story by Walsh, centres around the efforts of M'Lagleu, who has won the grand,-prize In a sweepstakes, to escape from thoso who are pursuing him to hand him a million dollars which he won. The chase brings a gale of laughter, but In the end M'Laglen and his buddy. El Brendel, are rounded up, the money is handed the sailor, and then he gets "Hot for Paris." Several song numbers and dance ensembles are introduced logically. "Sweet Nothing of Love" is Miss Dorsay's chief contribution, and M'Laglen sings "I'm the Duke of Kakiyak." The cast includes such well known players as Anita Murray, Charles Judels, Lennox Pawle, August Tollaire, and George Fawcett. "Hot. for Paris" will be seen and heard at the De Luxe Theatre to-morrow. Box plans arc atißrlstol and Altken's. BRITANNIA • THEATRE. The Britannia, Theatre will be closed until to-morrow, when it will re-open as a "talkie" house.

MAJESTIC THEATRE, "Her Private Life" is being flown -at the Majestic Theatre. -Beautiful Billlo Dov-o plays tlio femlnino lead as Lady Helen Hayuon, last of a lino which Goes back to tho lime of the Norman conquerors. Her husband, a retired porJi butcher, is Illsuited to the dignified setting to which ha marriage brings him, and It Is his jealousy or the attentions paid to Lady Helen by an Araeriean, Thayre. which causes tho trouble In iho arst place. He accuses Tliayro of. cheating at cards, and although Lady Helen forces him to apologise, she later sees evidence that her husband was right. There's sister shows Sir Bruce a letter written by Lady lie en to Thayrc, and a dramatic scene betore the distinguished guests Is followed by a <"J ot<:eLady Helen goes to America, where she « rapidly becoming penniless and is tempted to marry Solomon, a financier, who has befriended her. The motto of her house. Death Is short, dishonour long," stays her, however, and there are tense scenes before tho happy climax. There are good supports. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "The Gold Digger's of Broadway" Is now in its fifth week at St. James Theatre Tho stage scenes of me "Diggers" are truly marvellous and Introduce dancing and ensembles of an order not likely to be seeu in this country for MW « lonir day. "Tip Toe Thru' the Tulips, and 'Tainting the Clouds with Sunshine" are two of the haunting theme songs running through tho piece, which also specialises in snappy dialogue and pretty t'irls in ravishing clothes. The whole glittering spectacle must bo seen to ue appreciated. Harrison.Ford is the star of a supporting playet, "Tho Flattering Word, a short film of more than usual, merit, and other proInterval pictures aro supplied by Vernon 'Richards, and tho Black Diamond Four, who "is time choose a mine at the background for their singing; two songs by tho tenor, Charles HacKett, and the Earl Burtnett Orchestra, a bright company of talented "debutants." Thcro are no dull moments in tho evening's entertainment. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "Nary Blues" will be shown finally at tho Grand Opera House to-morrow. Jor efficiency and good' conduct Kelly s ship is given an invitation to a grand ball by tne Ladies' Uplift Society. There, is just one nice girl amongst all the frumps, and Kelly grabs her by turning his number upside down and thus giving the big Swede the ugliest girl in the room. Anita Pago; as Alice, tho nice girl, makes as great a hit with everybody as ehe does with Kelly, and when ho has seen her home twice her mother (Bdythe Chapman) gives a fino characterisation of the maternal dragon. There is a scene, and Alice loses her temper and leaves with Kelly, who does not know what to do with her, and has to pawn her fur for lodgings. He slips away to his boat to find it off for a long voyage, and when he returns to Alice's home she has not come back. He finds her od the verge of catastrophe In a cabaret. "The Flying Fool," in which William Boyd has the lead, is a series of stirring stunts aloft, with love-making In between. There are excellent supports. Two outstanding talkie productions, J-he Bishop Murder Case" and, "Burning Up, are coming to tho Grand Opera House to-morrow. The former is described as being the greatest mystery murder ever screened —greater than "Tho Unholy Night." The cast includes Basil liathbone. Leila Hyams, George Marion, and Roland Young. The story concerns Phil* Vance, the scientific detective who is called in when Joseph Coehrano Itobln is fouud dead with- an arrow in his heart, and with a note couched in nursery rhyme stuck in the post box of Professor Dillard, signed "Tho Bishop." A second murder occurs shortly. Johnny Sprigg is murdered en route to keep an appointment with Belle, whom he has written that he has an important clue. A black bishop from a chess set is laid in his hands. At about the same time a black bishop is dropped as a warning before the door of Mrs. Drukker, whose sick room overlooked the archery range where Robin was murdered. Later Drukker is killed in the park, and Mrs. Drukker dies in her room from heart failure. Arnesson had a 'perfect alibi for murder number one, but suspicion began to fasten on him; also upon Pardee. One night, however, Pardee is found dead- over his chess table, with a black bishop perched on a fautastic house of cards. Just when the chase seems hopeless Philo Vance suddenly makes a hurried trip back to the Dillard house. In a series of sequences leading to the denouement tho onlooker Is carried forward to tho final dramatic uifvelling of the murderer. The second picture, "Burning Up," stars Richard Arlen, who, as Lou Larrigan, is ambitious to drive in real automobile races. • His employer (Gentry) goes broke, and ho and M'Ghan (a disqualified driver) accept an offer from "Windy" Wallace, a crooked promoter, to frame a race. Larrigan •meets Kuth Morgan, daughter of the town banker, and they soon fall in love. The night before the race, Larrigan confronts tho crooked promoters and tells them he is out to win the race. The race is a thriller. M'Ghan deliberately runs his car, at Larrigau's. But Larrigan, with superior skill, escapes, and In a thrilling finish wins the race. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Tho Case of Lena Smith," at tho Arteraft TheatreI,'slurring1,'slurring Esther Rnlston. is a story of the -war from the Hungarian side. A girl meets an Austrian officer with whom she falls in love. Four years later she is employed as a servant at tho homo of tlie officer's father, who finds a photograph of Ills sou In her room. Tho girl is seen in the ]>urk with a baby. She is discharged, and Iho, polico lake, the baby. She is'subsequently sent to gaol for contempt of Court, escapes finds tho baby, and flees to another man for safety. "The Desert Bride" deals with tho vicissitudes of a French officer and his lady love while in 'tho clutches of au Arab sheik. • ■ . ■ . KILBIRNIE KINEMA. In the Vox Movietone production "Tho Girl from Havana." now showing at the Kilblrnie. Thealro, the .beautiful and talented Lola Lane, who is co-featured with Paul Page, on board a steamship hound for Havana, is a clever, female detective in the employ of an international association of jewellers, and her real mission on that boat is to solve a mysterious theft of jewels. How she does it and entangles' herself in a romance with one of the crooks forms the basis of a mighty intriguing and interesting plot. Excellent short sound features will bo screened. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery ('phono 14-202) and Bristol Piano Co. ' OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "The Drake Case." starring Gladys Brockwell, is tho chief attraction to be shown at Our Theatre to-night. The story concerns a woman accused or murder who refuses to say a word in her own defence, although she flatly denies having committed Hie crime. Tho second feature, "The Michigan Kid," starring Conrad Kagel and Itcmee Adoree, is a story of Alaska in gold rush days. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Shortt's Thentro now possesses a full orchestra composed '* of leading musicians. The musical director i 3 Mr. Res. Brown. Apart from the musical side, there is an attractive programme, tho two pictures screened being "Eileen" and "The Good-bye Kiss." The former is an English picture, a romance, many of the scenes of which ore In London and tho charming English countryside. The second feature, "Tho Good-bye Kiss," is a Mack Sennett comedy which keeps the house in merriment from start to finish. Taken all round, the entertainment is thoroughly enjoyable. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Caught in<thc For," one of the swiftest, funniest crook chases ever filmed, will bo screened to-night at Iho Capitol. The stor.y centres around the activities of a gang of jewel thieves who attempt to carry out their plans under cover of the impenetrable fog which shrouds tho bay. May M'Avoy is seen as a charming amateur at thieving, and Conrad Nagel is tho owner of tho yacht upon which all tho excitement occurs. Mack Swain and Hugh Herbert, the funniest detectives on earth, solve tho puzzling mystery. ■ REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Hot Heels" comes to the Regal Theatre tonight. The story concerns Glenn, a small-town hotel owner, who is talked into buying a bankrupt road show, by the crooked owner. He falls in love with Patsy, the leading'woman. whose contract he now owns. Answering a/ fake telegram offering them an' engagement in Havana, Cuba, he takes the troupe there. On the boat ho tries to tell Patsy of his love hue she will not listen. In Havana, the fake theatre owner tells them the theatre is burned down. Glenn learns that the man is a notorious confidence man. Glenn suspects I Patsyof being in. on the deal. An exciting climax gives a really' fine ending. ' ' EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. An excellent programme will be screened at tho Empire Theatre to-night. The main attraction is "Ned M'Coli's Daughter," starring Irene Rich, Robert Armstrong, and Theodoro Roberts. The story concerns an unhappy young wife, who keeps a restaurant on the coast of Maine. Her husband steals some money from a transportation company, and when the .robbery is discovered, she obtains money from a bootlegger to prevent her husband's arrest. The bootlegger makes her home tho base of his' nnu-ruiining operations, and Uils leads to a series of thrilling events, which mako the picture quilo worth while as screen entertainment. An excellent supporting programme will also be screened. ' NEW QUALITY THEATRE. Screening for the last time to-night, the Warner Bros.' talking comedy picture, "Beware of Bachelors," will be shown at the New Quality Theatre. The story deals with a young married couple who have been promised a million dollars by a grandfather if they are still together after a year of married life, and" of a flapper who tries to break their home up. Commencing to-morrow night, the all-talking oomedy picture, "The Idle Rich." with Conrad Nagel, and Leila Hyams will be shown. This picture Is supported by an a 11-talking comedy and Quality sound featurettes. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. The popularity of skating is continuing to grow, and crowded sessions take place dally at tlie Olympia Skating Rlnlc, Winter Show Buildings. Tho hours of opening aro from 10 till 12 in tho morning, 2 till 4 in the.afternoon, learners' session from 5 till 15.30. and evening session 7 till 10. Next Wednesday evening a special "Hard Up" skating night will take place, and eight good prizes will be awarded the best and most original costumes. Competitors are advised to reserve their skatesno later than Tuesday, 27th May. Charges for idmisslon and skating will bo as usual. J