ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 125, 30 May 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Marlon Davies has attained to a position in the talkies greater even than that for which slio was a byword for wholesome comedy in the silent screen. She is infinite in her vivacity and her charm, her wit, and her smile arc most captivating. She never falls to sec the humour in everything, and for that reason she nets as a tonic, to all who witness her performances. Jn "Not So Dumb," which commenced at the Regent Theatre to-da.v, she is a real scream. "Not So Dumb" is an all-talking adaptation of the successful stage comedy, "Dulcy." The George S. Kuufnian-M:irc Connelly farce, which ran n full season in New York, and later was a hit throughout America, is a particularly happy choice as a vehicle Mr Miss Diiyles. The plot concerns « young woman, more beautiful than she is wise, whoso 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 member of the would-be partnership, C. Hogers Forbes. (William Holdcn), together with his wife (Julia Faye), and daughter, Angela (Sally Starr), to a wecl(-end party at her home., Other guests at the party do their unknowing best to infuriate the important Forbes, ;nrid si 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, and tho audience may leave the theatre with a laugh. ■ Ono 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. This scene, which Vldor filmed with intimate detail, attains a high murk in comedy, and will bo particularly intriguing to those who enjoy burlesques of everyday happiness. "Not So Dumb" was filmed almost entirely indoors. « THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Having attracted capacity houses at both sessions daily for the past week, "The Love Parade," gorgeous musical romance, enters into its second week at the Paramount Theatre to-day. A fanciful theme, rich in romantic appeal. "Tho Love Parade", posses action,' dialogue, singing, gorgeous settings, heart thrills, -pathos, and laughter, all of which1 are'endowed with the quality of the unforgettable through the" personality of the bold and irresistible lover and the queen who finds that she Ims only a woman's heart.'Maurice .Chevalier sings, and smiles a way into the heart of his audience as well as that of his queen.- The mythical kingdom Is Sylvania, whose queen lacks only a husband. The Cabinet regards this more as a lack than the queen herself does. Maurice Chevalier is cast as Count Alfred, an attache at tho embassy in Paris, but indiscretions on his part lead to him being sent home to report to the Queen. The operetta is rich in tuneful and catchy music, and there is an undercurrent of humour which frequently breaks to the surface in hilarious bursts. ■■ Maurice Chevalier's work has a distlnctiveness of personality that is most fascinating.' ,He .exudes i good cheer, even in those scenes where he could be forgiven for introducing a. little sadness.. His sinking voice is good, but if is the spirit he introduces to his work that-makes his acting unique and something to be remembered. In "The Love Parade" he is fortunate to have acting with him in Jeanette MacDqnald a beautiful and vivacious actress, who takes her cue from Maurice and gives a living portrayal of the character she takes. 'The story is altogether an unusual one. Box plans are already filling rapidly for this week at both. Bristol and Theatre (latter telephone 21-842).■; .;" THE KING'S THEATRE. Gary Cooper, who as the Canadian Black Watch soldier in' "Seven Days' Leave," appears in his flrst stellar role, has been rapidly coming to the front in the last few years. Cooper is the brawn 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-day (with matinees dally), for a popular return season in Wellington;- The story tells of the leave of a Highlander of the Canadian Black Watch, who plans a desertion while in London. How he fares, and the reason lie returns to the front, form one of the most poignantly'human dramas that have ever found their way to yie screen. It is taken from a stage play by Sir James M. Barrie, called "Tho Old Lady, Shows Her Medals.V Beryl Mercer makes the part of the old lady a wonderful one. "Seven Days' Leave" is an outstanding Paramount all-dialogue production. There is an' excellent selection of sound subjects on this programme. Box plans are available at tho Bristol, popular prices being Is to 2s 9d. THE QUEEN'S THEATRE. "The Shannons of Broadway," James Clcason's rollicking, record-breaking comedy, with new features that make it bigger and better than the stage production, opens to-night at tho Queen's Theatre as a Universal all-talking and music picture. Gleason and Lucilo Webster Gleason, rated as one of the greatest comedy teams in history, themselves have tho title roles. Tho supoprting cast is very strong. "The Shannons of Broadway" ran for 30 consecutive weeks In.New York, and has been on the road and in stock for more than two years." Three snappy new song hits, "Get Happy." "Someone to Love Me," and "Living tho Life of Riley," were written especially for tho picture. The Gleasons are just as funny on the screen as they are on the stage. The supporting featurettcs are said to be highly entertaining. DE LUXE THEATRE. Two of Broadway's greatest musical stage favourites, J. Harold Murray aiKlNorma Terrls, who made their picture bow here recently in "Married In Hollywood," are co-starred in "Cameo Kirby,"' Fox {Movietone romantic musical drama/ \vhlch opeiis.'at the Do Luxe to-day. Murray, as 'tho' gallant and aristocratic river boat gambler, sings gorgeously. Others featured in the all-star cast include Stepin Fetchit, Myrna Loy, Douglas Gllmlre. Robert Edesou, Charles Morton,, Mme. Daumery, and John Hyams. Romance, beauty, songs, comedy, aud drama—"Cameo Kirby," which is said to be one of the most astounding of Tox Movietone musical romances, has them all, and all are welded Into a harmonious whole. Irving Cummlngs, who revealed his directorial cenlua in "Behind that Curtain," far surpassed this outstanding production with "Cameo Kirby." The two stars, J. Harold Murray and Norma Terris, sing beautifully, act intelligently, and embue their roles With a charm that holds all audiences in, its spell. Douglas Gilmire, as tho villain; Myrna Loy, as a Creole girl, Stepin Fetchit, as a negro butler, Robert Edeson, as Miss Terris's father, Charles Morton, John Hyams, and Mme. Daumery, all turned in excellent, well-rounded performances, affording the stars perfect support. The songs include "Romance," "After a Million Dreams," "Home is Heaven," "Tankard and Bowl," and "I'm a Peaceful1 Man." Cummings revealed his genius for beautiful backgrounds, and tho photographyis superb. A Fox Movietone News reel. Paramount Sound News, arid some highly diverting dialogue and singing featurettes complete a first-class programme. Box plans are available at Bristol and Aitken's. 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 outwits a gunman and, most important of all, scores the biggest "scoop" of the year for his pnper. Thero are exciting scenes, especially when the gunman traps the reporter and another pressman in a motor-car at night and says he is going to take them for a ride. Bombings and shootings a la Chicago give some idea of Hie'in that city. "Kit Carson," the other attraction, Is a tale of Arizona. There, arc 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 tho 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 duo time becomes the wife of the man most proficient In the ;use of his blade. There arc good supports. ■■ ■■ BRITANNIA THEATRE. The principal all-talkie'at the Britannia The' atre, "Tlie Sky Hawk," starring Johu Garrlck. Helen Chandler, and Gilbert Emery, is • a story ,of the Great War. Jack Bardell, on the! eve of his departure for France, disobeys orders and takes a training 'piano out In order to see his fiancee, Joan Allen. Ho crashes on his return, and is branded as a coward.1 Although his legs arc paralysed, he secretly secures a condemned machine and puts It into working order, hoping one day to prove his courage in tho air. Ills opportunity comes when a Zeppelin raid occurs, and he takes the air and brings the giant airship down in flames. The scenes of tho. battle ;above London and those -op the Zeppelin are most convincing. The supports include a Pathe co ( medy and several Fox Movietone .items KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "When the cat's away the mice will play" is tho themo of "Why Leave Home?" a talkie musical comedy, which is playing at the Kilbirnie Theatre to-night and to-morrow night only. Its flood of hilarious situations is caused by the efforts of three indignant wives to teac.U their husbands a. lesson when the latter "step out." ■ College boys and chorus girls are drawn into the various complications, with side-splitting results,, and a number of snappy song hits-add to the-film's entertainment qualities. Walter Catlett, Sue Carol, and Nick .Stuart handle the leading roles, and David Rollins, Dixie Lee, Richard Keene, and Jean Bary head the supporting cast. Raymond Cannon directed this Fox Movietone a.ll singing, dancing, production. Excellent short sound features will also be presented. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery, telephone 11-202, and Bristol Piano Co. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. "The Three Godfathers" is the chief attraction to be shown at Our Thoatre to-night. The picture is based on Peter B. Kyne's famous story of the same name. Its plot deals with the reactions of three western bad men when they find themselves with a new-born baby on their hands- in tho midst of the desert. The second feature, "King of the Rodeo,' 'starring Hoot Gibson, Is a story based on the Chicago Rodeo. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. Now showing at (bo New Quality Theatre is tho all-talking farce-comedy, "The Fall of Eve." with Patsy Ruth Miller. Ford Sterling, Gertrude Astor, 'ajid. Arthtir ; R»nkiiy.of "Broadway Melody" fame, -in ;thc leading- roles. - Tho story deals with au errant husband.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Talkies offer tremendous oportunltles for comedy. For instance, dialect has long been an Important phase of comedy on the stage. There vere many famous players and teams whose fun-making abilities depended almost entirely on their ability to turn the English language to humorous ends. For example, one of tho amusing sequences in "The Cohens and Kellys in Scotland," which commences today at the Majestic, consists of George Sidney's efforts to say "it's a Draw bricht moonlicht nlcht." This is only one. of many ways in which the scope of screen comedy lias been broadened through the coming of sound. George Sidney, Charlie Murray, Vera Cordon, and Kate Trice are together again In this latest uproarious "Cohen and Kelly" farce. All are seasoned actors of stage and screen, singularly , gifted for comedy portrayals, and doubly cf-.j fectivc in talkies on account or their anility j to take advantage of Hie comedy field of dialect. Concerning the story, it is enough to say that the Cohens and Kelly, unknown to each other, start out for Scotland with the idea of making a fortune off the natives. They find that they were exceedingly over-optlmtstic In their intentions. In so tough a spot do they find themselves that they even attempt suicide (after arguing as to who shall go first), only to melt under the distressing circumstances and become partners again. The picture is studded with hilarious bits of business and clever dialogue, and the treatment of both makes for unforgettable comedy. The ineffectual attempts of Cohen and Kelly to play golf, their antics when they bet on the races, and Cohen trying to talk Scotch, are all extremely funny. It ■is■ no exasperation to say there is not a dull moment in the entire picture. The laughs blend Into one another so quickly that tho mirth may fairly be said to be continuous. There is the usual Friday late shoppers' session to-day at 5 p.m., and tho box plans are at the Bristol and in the theatre main foyer. ST. JAMES THEATRE. For the attraction which succeeded "Gold Diggers of Broadway" and opened at the morning session to-day at the St. James Theatre, Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller secured "Disraeli," the Warner Bros, and Vltaphone production, which for pure drama, for romautic Interest, magnificent acting, and clarity of dialogue must rank as one of the greatest achievements of the talking film. The picture tells more than just a mere story; it tells of an episode In Britain's history in which, but for the foresight of one man, Britain might have been left behind in.the race for colonial possessions and hare- lost India. Disraeli was the only political figure who foresaw the wonderful opportunity control of tho Suez Canal offered to Britain, and lie pushed steadily forward to achieve this end, despite the antagonism of his opponents in Parliament, the treachery of his friends, and the machinations of spies who continually surrounded him. He plotted and planned until at last It seemed that victory was in sight,, when with a sudden turn of the wheel of chance ,he faced complete failure and oblivion. The staunchest of his supporters and the man who finally risked his life in a dangerous mission to help Disraeli and also win tho hand of the Lady Clarissa was Charles Deeford, and. through his assistance Disraeli's schemes bore fruit, and ho achieved his greatest ambition,, that of crowning Queen Victoria Empress of India. Joan Bennett, Anthony BushcU, Florence Arllss, and David Torrenco are promlneut figures in the support of George Arllss, whose portrayal of the enigmatical statesman, Disraeli, is said to be a consummate characterisation. Box plans for "Dioracll" are now open at tho Bristol. ... GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Ruth Chatterton and Cllvo'Brook are two of the greatest names in the drama of the talkies. The former achieved a world-wide fame by her characterisations In "Madame X," "Charming Sinners," and "Tho Doctor's Secret." Now, in "Tho Laughing Lady," which comes to the Grand Opera House to-day, she adds to he. fame. Marjorie' Lee (Ruth Chatterton) is the wife •of a' banker, Hector Lee (Raymond Walburh),'who' loves his Wall street better than his wife and. their five-year-old child, Barbara (Betty' Hartley).' On the day that Marjorie is drowning and is saved by James Duigan (Nat Pendleton), a life guard at fashionable Southampton' Beach, Lee is being made president by a big merger of several of New York's largest-banks." His friend, Daniel Farr (Clive Brook), a lawyer, is a member of (lie board of the big new bank "syndicate. That night Dulgan, intoxicated, breaks into Marjories suite. A housemaid reports the scene as a scandal Al Brown (Dan Healy), reporter, spreads the "scandal." The result is a divorce case, with Daniel Farr as Leo's lawyer, winning the trial by picturing Marjorio. as a woman unfit to have custody of . Barbara. Marjorie plans a' revenge on Farr,, whpru she decides has been the chief conspirator in the plot. At a house party at the fashionable home of Hamilton Playgate and Mrs. Playgate, Marjorie makes a play for Farr, and presently has him infatuated. The following . week . Lee comes to Farr and asks his advice .on a suit for. breach of promise with which he is being threatened by Flo (Dorothy Hall). Farr. In a Cash realises that Lee Is a hypocrite. Marjorie invites Farr to her. apartment, after arranging with r.rown- to be outside tjie. ,door with a photographer. Marjorie puts on a scene, and Varr tries to calm her, and the picture is taken. Brown and his photographer rush out of the building to their p'Kper, 'wlth'thc "big'scoop." Marjurie breaks down. She tells Farr. .that slio has made him the victim, of a scandal, and that she regrets it very much. He tells her that ho can avert the scandal,..and'does so in a. way that brings about .a . surprising climax. There are excellent support?. Booking at Bristol, Berkley, and OperA House. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. John Gilbert and Greta' Garbo will be seen In their greatest, film at the CaWtol to-morrow night. Adapted from' a modern story by Michael Arlen, "A Woman of Affairs" is a swift-moving and gripping picture from'start to finish. : Suspense and love interest are packed closely together, with brilliant acting performances constituting an1 effective welding together of plot and players. Lewis Stone, .loiin Mack llroivn, Ilobart Bosworth, Douglas Fairbanks, Jnr., and DorothJ- Sebastian complete a powerful cast. ' "CARMEN." "Carmen" is to bo performed in the Town Hall to-morrow evening by the Koyal Wellington Choral Union wltlt Mr. Alfred Walmsley ac principal teno. Mr. Walmsley took the part of Don Jose with the Carl Rosa Opera Com- I pany during 1928-29 and arrived In the Do- | minion about six weeks ago. The other soloists will be Misses Mina Caldow, Naomi Whally, Alma Clegg, Myra Sawyer, Messrs, Ernest Short, Ray Hill, Egerton Pegg, and Thos.. Wood with a chorus and orchestra1 under the baton of Mr. Jolm Bishop. These' should be capable of. giving a memorable performance. The final rehearsal, will take ■ place in the Town Hall to-night at 7.30. The management have decided to sell at the Bristol 300 two shilling tickets. These will be available this evening and till noon to-morrow. • Holders of reserved seats will assist the committee by coming to the Town Hall as early a-s possible to-morrow evening. The. performance1 will -commence punctually at 8 and conclude about 10.20 p.m. OLYMPIA SKATING. RINK. For rold winter evenings, for fun and thrills, roller skating Is hard to beat, and healthy and pleasurable exercise Is derived. Four sessions arc held dally, mornings from 10 till 12, afternoons (more especially -for ladies) from 2 till 4, learners from 5 till 6.30, and evenings from 7 till 10. On Saturday afternoon a special "Monte Carlo" for children will be held and a good prize will be awarded the winning boy and girl. On Monday night onlookers will be admitted free. '