ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 125, 29 May 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

HEGENT THEATRE. "The .Laughing Ijady" will, be screened finally at the Regent Theatre to-night. Ruth Chatterton's lead is- splendidly balanced by the performance or Cllve Brook, who Is made to order as a doctor or a lawyer. In this case the latter. The other parts were, also capably filled. The supporting programme comprises a Hearst Metrotorie News, two popular songs given by fascinating Lillian Roth, threo renderings of higher order by Yvetto Rugel, a song cartoon, and a comedy. In addition Alec Regan, a comedian well known to Welllnctonlans, appears on the stage and sings some amusing and catchy songs, which Include "Tip-Toe Through the Tulips" and "Paintlne the Clouds «vith Sunshine." ■ Not without reason has beautiful Marlon Davles been called "the screen's greatest, comedienne." In "Not So Dumb," which comes to the Regent Theatre to-morrow with three sessions, she Is said to excel herself. The plot concerns a young "woman, more beautiful than she is wise, whose every good Intention results In a blunder. In an effort to assist her fiance, Gordon (Elliott Nugent), in a jewellery merger, the eager-Dulcy-Invites the other members of the would-be partnership, C. Rogers Forbes (William Holden), together with his wife (Julia .Faye) and daughter, Angela (Sally Starr), to a week-end party at her home. Other guests at tne party do their unknowing best to infuriate the'important Forbes, and a climax ensues In which the jewellery magnate accuses one man of making love to his wife, and another of doing the same to his daughter. It looks like certain doom for the merger, to say nothing of Dulcy's romance. However, all is ironed out in a surprising conclusion. One of the most hilarious scenes in the comedy is that In. which the guests play bridge. In this episode,. Miss Davies sounds a warning note to women bridge-partners who try to out-bid, out-trump, and out-talk everyone else. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "The Love Parade," at the Paramount Theatre, is an • attractive screen operetta, with a feast of bright music, gorgeous scenes of a royal court, military displays, and the love story of a beautiful young Queen of a mythical kingdom—Sylvanla. - Maurice Chevalier, the . popular screen star, has the part, of Count Alfred, an attache of the embassy in Paris, whose indiscretions lead to his recall to Sylvania to report to the queen, who has come to- the throno unmarried. The Government and court havo been much concerned about the future of the klngJom, as there is no heir-apparent, and the selection or a consort of the queen engages, earnest attention. The sovereign treats this State question lightly until the return of Count Alfred, when love at first sight and a romantic wooing ends In a royal wedding. Miss,Jeanette Mac Donald takes the part of the queen with wonderful success! The chief humorous element -is supplied by Luplno Lane (Alfred's valet) and Miss Lilian Roth (the queen's personal maid). Reserves for "The Love Parade" may be secured at The Bristol and at the theatre. KING'S THEATRE. "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" will be screened finally to-night at the King's Theatre. The plot has. been excellently transformed to suit tho film version, and It forms a typical Conan Doyle detective story. The craftiness of the murder and the kidnapping, the transatlantic, cable-tapping apparatus, all go to make a problem which seems impossible of solution. But Sherlock ■ Holmes rises to the occasion. The German musician In the ship's orchestra becoming a conjurer and in public obtaining tho document from Moran, tearing It to bits, and handing a dummy pack in its place is a masterly stroke. Holmes's acting, as also that of the others in tho cast, was all that could be desired. Tho character of Sherlock Holmes Is brought to llfo after years of inactivity by CUve Brook, the distinguished English actor, who is supported by, an excellent cast, under the able direction of Basil' Dean.. The film of the Britain v.. Wanganul match Is also on the programme. The supports are, excellent sound featurettes, and the box plans are at The Bristol. Gary Cooper, who as the Canadian Black Watch soldier, in "Seven Days' Leave," appears in his first stellar role, has been rapidly coming to the front in the last few years. Cooper is the brawny Scotsman, who finds in London an old lady who wants to be his mother. The poignantly human story is one that will tug at the heart-strings., Beryl Mercer, well-known English- stage actress, is the "mother" of Cooper in this picture, which comes to the King's Theatre to-morrow (with matinees daily) for a popular return season in Wellington. The story tells of the leave of a Highlander -of tho Canadian Black Watch, who plans a desertion while in London. How he fares, and the reason he returns to tho front, is said' to form one of the most poignantly human dramas that have ever found their way to the screen. It is taken from a stage play by Sir James M. Barrie,' called "The Old Lady Shows Her Medals." Beryl Mercer makes the -part of the old lady a wonderful one. • QUEEN'S THEATRE. . Lenore Ulrie, the gifted Beiasco star, heads the cast in "South Sea. Rose," which will bo screened finally at the Queen's Theatre. to-night. A rascally captain of a trading vessel rescues her and tricks her into a sea marriage.so that he may share the fortune which awaits his charming captive in France s i,d^»rlcs. Bickford and Kenneth.-Mackenna supprir'trMis's Ulrlo in fine style,- and there is plenty of quick action and development to keep the .audience interested. Sound features of high standard are the additional films. . 1 .."'■'..■' , "The Shannons of. Broadway," James Gleason's rollicking, record-breaking comedy, with new features that make it bigger and better than the stage production, opens to-morrow night at: the: Queen'si Theatre-a»- a Universal all-talking, and . music . picture. • Qleason and Lucllo Webster Gleason,-rated-as .one of the greatest :comedy teams in history, themselves have the title roles in tue picture with a remarkably strong supporting cast. "The Shannons, of Broadway"-smashed all records at tuo Martin Beck Theatre, New York, when it ran for 39 consecutive weeks. Three ■ snappy new song hits, "Get Happy," "Sonfcone to Love Me," and "Living the Life of Rlley," were written- especially for the picture. The Gloasons- are just as "funny on the screen as they arc on the stage. ' . , . DE LUXE THEATRE. 'In "Hot for Paris," to be screened finally at the De Luxe to-night, Victor M'Laglen, a3 mate of a windjammer making port at Havre, accompanied by El Brendel 'as Axel Olsen, a f'csle. hand, supply most of the fun. in a general way, but good as these are the stage is almost completely the property of Pifl Dorsay. . The adventures into which she leads her sailor, and his ludicrous dismay when she finds out that he Is known to every girl in the port, culminate at a wedding to which they are * invited. M'Laglen sings, but it Is chiefly with his face, whereas Fifl's songs, "Sweet Nothings of Love" and "If You Want to See Gay Pa'ree," are worth while. Scenes from the Wanganul -Rugby match are also shown, and there are Good supports. ■ ■ "Cameo , Klrby," , Fox Movietone romantic musical- drama, is predicted to rank as one of the greatest audible screen productions of the year. It opens to-morrow at the De Luxe Theatre. TM3 great play of the Old South in It 3 musical setting Is said to easily surpass • the :beßt in this form. of entertainment" previously seen here. . J. Harold. Murray, and Norma Terrls, the co-stars, are described as being simply great. Murray's voice, perfectly reproduced, reveals the delightful qualities; which' made him such a great Broad-way,-star. "Romance," as sung by this great screen lover, has all the allure and glamour of a great love song, which it Is. The work of ' both these * players In the dramatic sense, also is very effective, and is a great tribute to the directorial genius of Irving Cummings, who staged this production. Stephln Fetch.it, as the negro butler, is outstanding, and sings "I'm a Peaceful • Man." Effective performances also are contributed by Robert Edesqn, Myrna Loy, Bouglas ■ Gllmore, Charles Morton, John Hyames, and Eugene Jackson, in supporting roles. At least three of the seven original song numbers, namely, "Romance, Alter a Million Dreams," and "Tankard and Bowl, are potential song-hits. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "The Night Ride," starring Joseph Schildkraut, is the feature film at the Artcraft- Theatre. This is a thrilling story of how a newspaper man out-, wits a" gunman and, • most Important 01 all, scores the biggest "scoop" of the year for Ins paper. There are exciting scenes, especially when the gunman traps: the reporter and another pressman in a motor-car at night ana says he is going to take them for a ride. Bombings and shootings a la Chicago give, some idea of life-in that city. "Kit Carson, the other attraction, Is.a talo .of Arizona. There are scenes of canyons and of fights with Red Indians, and. through all there runs a love theme which has its consummation after the hero and the villain fight out their feud to the death with knives. The heroine in the meantime has plunged over a cliff, but she turns up safe before the knife-duel Is fought and-in. due time becomes the wife of the man most proficient In the use of hia blade. There are. good .supports. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. In "Big Time," opening at the Kilblrnlo Theatre to-night, Leo Tracy, of "Broadway" fame, enacts the role of the conceited hoofer who, after marrying Lily Clark and after sho becomes tho mother of a. boy, leaves her to team up with another girl. He and the girt are booked on the "Big Time" circuit; they flop and Eddie' finds himself out of a Job. Seven years intervene before Eddie finds his wife and son In a motion, picture studio in Hollywood. Tho big moment of the play comes when Eddie discovers a seven-year-old boy doing his old dance and recognises him as hi 3 son. A dramatic meeting with his wlfo follows this, and the hungry, abject, and much-humbled Eddie is forgiven. Excellent sound featuiettes will also be screened. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery, telephone 14-202,. and Bristol Piano Co. MIRAMAR ATHLETIC CONCERT. Tho Miramar Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club will be holding a picture entertainment In the Capitol Theatre, Miramar; to-morrow, at 8 p.m. Mr. E. O'Brien will present the trophies won during the season. Miramar Club has only been formed this season, but the membership is such that the club can claim to have the largest active membership. The presentation of the trophies will take place about 9 a.m., and .it Is to be hoped that the sporting public will roll up and give Miramar Club the assistance. necessary to make ■ this i'unctioa an absolute success.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. In "Young Nowheres," at the MajjaUq Theatre, Bichnrd Barthelmess »nd "aF, l f ° t n Nixon play opposite each other as a yount miboy and his sweetheart, a dainty chambermaid Hard as thoy try they can never find comfort or ease, nor even a corner for a little love making. Underfed, Annie succumbs 'X n P <, ?Sl monia, and It is then that Binky conceives the Idea of giving her one evening in U""/* J*o takes the girl to the magnificent rooms or his employer, the hotel proprietor, who is away on a trlpno California, but that gentleman s unexpected return mars the stolen moments, and incidentally lands tho couple at.the ponce station But Binky is not yet at the end of his resources, and he makes so eloquent a plea to the Judge that the chargo against the lovers is withdrawn and they are allowed to leave together.' There are good supports. "The Cohens and Kellys in Scotland will bo the next change at the Majestic Iheatre. at three sessions dally, morning, afternoon, and evening. The Cohens will appear complete with kilts, glengarrys, and bawbees. Add to the usual comedy situations associated with the appearance of these two loving enemies an Irish brogue, Jewish accent, and bcottlsli idiom for some of tho wittiest dialogue spoken on tho screen, and one may get some idea or the entertainment in store. "DISRAELI" AT ST. JAMES. To-night, is the final night of "Gold Diggers of Broadway" at St. James Theatre, and on Friday at 11 a.m., the all-talking drama, "Disraeli," Warner Bros.' and Vltaphones screen translation of Louis N. Parker's succesful play, will commence. This absorb ing story is acted by one of the finest all-English casts that has yet appeared on the talking screen, and English of the best kind is spoken by every character. The work of George Arllss in the title role will, it is said, lingor in the memory for years to come. Assisting George Ariiss in this wonderful production are such splendid players as Joan Bennett, llorence Arliss, Ivan Simpson, David Torrence, Doris Lloyd, and Anthony Bushell.. The plot of the picture revolves around Disraeli s acquisition of the Suez Canal by buying the shares of the improvident Khedive of Egypt at a time when Russia was attempting to acquire them. The B^nk of England refused to lend Disraeli's Government the money Jo buy a ditch," but in a dramatic scene Disraeli forces them to accede to his wishes. The crowning achievement of Disraeli, that of making Queen Victoria Empress of India, forms the conclusion of this gripping drama. Joan Bennett and Anthony Bushell have the important and romantic parts of Clarissa, whom Disraeli loved as a daughter, and Charles Deeford, who only wins his lady's favour when he undertakes a dangerous mission to help Disraeli in his schemes. The box plans for "Disraeli" opened yesterday at the Bristol and already they are filling rapidly. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "Burning Up" will be serened finally at the Grand Opera House to-night. Richard Arlen is seen in love with Mary Brian, and trying to ' save a big bet made by Mary's sporty father, who naa backed Arlen to beat another motor speed fiend (a crook splendidly played by Francis M'Donald). The Arlen-M'Donald race is a "frame-up" in that Arlen is to lose, but when he learns at the eleventh hour of his sweetheart's father's wager Arlen decides to ride to win, and warns his confederates, who thereupon league to kill him. A sweet love story runs as a foil to tho grimmer scenes. In "The lilshop Murder Case" Basil Kathbone makes a handsome crime expert, and > carries his masterful part well. There are four murders, some clever anatomical deductions are made, and there Is a police sergeant, who Is Quite humanly stupid. Supporting items include boxing, fashion parade ing, child studies, and sailors at drill. Owing to the success of "The Laughing Lady" at the Regent, this picture will be transferred to the Grand Opera House to-mor-row. By her acting in "Madame X" and "Charming Sinners," both of which carried difficult roles, Ruth Chatterton established herself on a high plane as a talking picture actress, but sho has achieved an.even greater triumph in "The Laughing Lady." As Marjorie Lee, the woman who laughed, uncontrollably, when she was rescued from drowning, when damning evidence was given against her in a divorce-' case, and on similar inappropriate occasions, she portrays convincingly the part of a society lady who, divorced from a worthless "husband by cleverly-woven circumstantial evidence, regains her place In tho world by persuading even the lawyer who conducted the case against her that she Is lovable and true-hearted. Ruth Chatterton's lead is splendidly balanced by the performance of Clivo Brook, who Is made to order as a doctor or a lawyer, In this case the latter. The other parts are also capably filled. SHORTT'S THEATRE. A splendid orchestra, with Mr. Reg. Brown as musical director, 19 now playing at tho evening sessions at Shortt's Theatre. In "Zero," the plot centres round an author who is supposed to be killed in a Continental train-smash, but who, although severely injured, escapes—in time, ho recovers, but his memory is seriously impaired and a most dramatic play is woven around this theme. Two of England's foremost artists, Stewart Kome and Fay Compton, aro in tho leading roles. Tho second feature is a fine comedy-drama, "Naughty But Nice," described as' a veritable "scream" from start to finish, featuring that popular favourite. Colleen Moore. Tho supporting items are of highclass order. BRITANNIA THEATRE. , The principal all-talkie at the Britannia Theatre "The Sky Hawk," starring John Garrick, Helen Chandler, ' and Gilbert Emery, is a story of the Great War. Jack Bardell, on the evo of his departuro for France, disobeys ordera and takes a training 'plane out In order to sen his flancee, Joan Allen. Ho crashes on his return, and is branded as a coward. Although his legs are paralysed, he secretly secures a condemned macmno and puts it into working order, hoping one day to prove his/courage in the air. His opportunity comes when a Zeppelin raid occurs, ana he takes the air and brings the giant airship down in flames. The scenes .of the battle abovo London and those on the Zeppelin are most convincing. The supports includei a Pathe comedy and several Fox Movietone items. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Said to bo a picture full of suspense. Intrigue, mystery, and thrills, "The Lone \\oUa Daughter," a Columbia talking picture, will be shown at the Capitol to-night. Bert Lytell has become indelibly associated with the charter of Louis Joseph Vance's famous society cracksman, and in this picture he,, aS'\ ln., a3i; sumes the role of the "Lone Wolf." Mystery is presented in a unique manner against ft romantic and colourful background, In tho greatest and most amazing exploits in the career of the "Lone i Wolf." EMPIRE THEATRE; ISLAND BAY. An excellent comedy-drama, "The Man in Hobbles," will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. The picture takes its name from the shackling Influence that a woman's family has upon her husband, of the manner in which they have interfered, not only in domestic affairs, but in business, till in desperation the man Ja driven from his home and seeks to start life anew elsewhere. The years bring success, and the success attracts the family back aga n. Again they meddle and ruin lurks ahead again. The cast is headed by John Harron, Lila Lee, Eddie Nugent, and Luclen Llttlefleld. An excellent supporting programme will be screened. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "The Michigan Kid," starring-Conrad. Nagel and Renee Adoree, constitutes the main feature at the Regal Theatre to-night. The plot is an all-absorbing drama, the main figure being a notorious gambler in the Alaska gold rush. Good supports are also featured, including a comedy and a gazette. "CARMEN." Tho booking at the Bristol up to this morning for "Carmen" is said to have been encouragingly heavy. The work is to be performed in the Town Hall on Saturday evening by the Royal Choral Union, under the conductorship of Mr. John Bishop. • The soloists selected are as follows: Misses Naomi Whalley. Mina Caldow, Myra Sawyer, Alma Clegg, Messrs. Alfred Walmsley, Ernest Short, Koy Hill, Thomas C. Wood, and Egerton Pegg. There are two factors which have contributed in no small degree to the undoubted success achieved by Bizet with this opera, viz., the conciseness of the plot, and the rapid succession of Incidents and contrasts rivetting the attention of tho audience, and the masterly manner in which the composer has grasped the .spirit of the story, and worked out the strongest possible dramatic situations, the orchestral portions harmonising throughout with exigencies of the scene. The box plan can be inspected at the-Bristol, where 2s tickets will be on sale to-morrow (Friday) evening, and Saturday morning. The final rehearsal will, take place at the Town Hall tomorrow evening at 7.30. "THE ROSE OF PERSIA." The Orpheus Musical Society is to be congratulated upon its choice of Sullivan's "Hose of Persia" for Its first concert of tho 1930 season. Sullivan had a strong penchant for subtle and humorous touches in jhls music, and he has excelled himself in this respect in "The Roso of Persia." Two outstanding Instances are to be found in the quintet with chorus "It's a Busy, Busy, Busy, Busy Day for Thee," where tho preparations for a wedding and a beheading are being discussed, and in the quartet "We'll Tell the Truth Diluted." Probably tho, best known number is the famous drinking song "For Tho' tho Cup be Earthen Bowl," and this is sure to be a popular item on the programme. The libretto by Basil' nood is exceptionally clever, and he has made vory effective uso of a play on words in many of the numbers. The final rehearsal was held on Monday evening, and showed groat care in the preparation of trje opera, both by principals and chorus. Patrons can rest assured that the high standard of efficient and artistic performance achieved by the Orpheus Musical Society in past productions will be well maintained in "The, Rose of Persia." The concert will be held in the Y.W.C.A. Hall, Boulcott street to-night, at 8 o'clock. Tho accompanists will be Miss Hazel Rose, L.A.8., L.T.C.L., and Mr. H. E. Brusey. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. A successful "hard-up". skating night was held at the Olynipia Skating Rink,, in tho Winter Show Buildings, last evening. There was a large attendance of skaters and onlookers. Some very -fine costumes were worn, the prize-winners being especially good. The rink is open daily from 10 till 12, 2 till 4, 0 till' 6.30, and 7 till 10.

NEW QUALITY THEATRE. The all-talking murder mystery, "On Trial," starring Pauline Frederick, Bert Lytell, and Lois Wilson, will be screened for the last time at tho New Quality Theatre to-night. The story is clever and the acting good. The picture deals with the murder of Gerald Trask and of tho victims on whom the finger of the law descends. Commencing to-morrow night, the all-talking comedy-drama, "fall oj Eve," will be shown. . ' OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. In "Tho Mysterious Lady," which is the chief attraction to be screened at Our Theatre to-night, Greta Garbo plays the part of a Russian spy who falls in love- with, an enemy officer whose downfall sho had plotted. The second feature, "Our Modern Maidens," starring Joan Crawford, is a drama of modern youth.