ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 132, 7 June 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE REGENT. "THE. VAGABOND KING." Love "is always highly coloured in tho imagination, and colour seems to bo the correct vehicle for convoying to audiences (per medium of the film) so highly imaginative a love as that of the beggar poet Francois Villon for the niece of tho King of France. Wellington has seen tho Villon tradition, with its exotic passion passages, rendered as a play ("If I Were King," with Cuyler 'Hastings) and as a musical play ("The Vagabond King," with James Liddy), but, coloursomo as they were, they lacked the rest of glorious colour with which the dim version abounds. It is, in fact, all colour, and just as tho melody of the Frinil composition put "Tho Vagabond King" ahead of "If I Were King," so tho combined melody and colour of the picture put it ahead .of both of them. The clashing music is also favourable to reproduction, and tho riotous action nas been «o attuned to tho art of the camera as to produce a 'spectacle second to ' none yet showr hero on tl'.o screen. It is not as drama —and certainly not as history—that "The Vagabond King" makes good, but as a spectacular lyrical romance; and a lyrical romance of this type is. entitled to—and needs—a great deal of' that extenuation which is summed up in the phrase poetic licence. Given the poetic angle—and a feast of colour—the audience may lovo as Villon and Katherine loved, and may march in tho march of the vagabonds, oven in that culminating battle scene when the Paris underworld rout 3 the 'besieging Eurgundian army. It was in this spirit, that a crowded audience greeted the first evening screening in. the Resent last nltht. Tho Villon (Dennis King) and the Royal niece Katherine (Jeanette Mac Donald) were in tho best of hands. Better singing artists than these two have not been seen in screened musical plays, and the well-known "Vagabond King" numbers—"Only, a Rose," "Some Day," "Love Me To-night," and "If I Were King"give them full opportunity. Miss Mac Donald also proved to be an excellent actress with a beautiful speaking voice. She seems to fit the radiant scenes in the scented Royal gardens of Louis XI., and it is seldom that high romance is served by so handsomo a pair of lovers. Mr. 0. P. Heggio is so well known on stage and screen that his success as Louis I. will not surprise. His is not the Louis shown by Greenwood in the stage musical play; it is a Louis adapted to screen requirements, and compelled by the scenario-writer to stoop even to that classical and kingly phrase "The game is up." It needs an actor as capable as Heggio to provido a King who can bo so humoursomo and yet retain some dignity. Huquette, the street-girl lover of Villon, and the foil to Katherine, is well played by Lilian Both; Warner Oland is the traitor who is In league with Burgundy against Paris; and Lawford Davidson's fine face seems to be rather too good for the King's parasito Tristan... Add to the magnetic influences of colour tho inspiring, maddening swing of FYiml's martial choruses, and the wild scenes of French Bohemianism, and the result is a riot of movement and melody, eye-fliling. ear-filling, that is worth a couple of hours of anybody's time. Notre Dame of course figures in the spectacle, and the opulence of the period is illustrated by elaborate scenes in court and palace. This notable musical play is preceded by an amusing sound cartoon ("Bananas"), and a Hearst Metrotone news gazette showing a waterside Are in New'- York, big Rugby matches (French-Eng-lish and Welsh-Irish), a child prodigy, etc.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Belonging to no particular typo of film, "The Xove Parade," now showing at the Paramount Theatre, has created a mild sensation in Wellington. It Is a typical Chevalier vehicle, the idol of Paris, who when he first appeared in a talking picture is Wellington fairly captured the hearts of the people. In "The Love Parade" Chevalier excels himself. A fanciful theme, the picture possesses action, dialogue, singing, pathos, laughter, and gorgeous Bettings. Chevalier sings and smiles his way Into the hearts of his audience as well as the of his queen. Jeanette M'Dciald is the Queen Louise to Chevalier's Prince Alfred. Alfred Is just a wild Sylvania ambassador in Paris, annexing wives at a glance and landing in the usual scrapes. Through these scrapes he is commanded to return home and report to his «ueen. The Cabinet of Sylvania have long despaired of the Queen ever marrying any of their humble candidates, but when they realise that their Queen Is more than passingly interested In the naughty Alfred, they begin to think tilings. Alfred is made' a prince, and the pair are married. The dull business of watching the Queen attend to matters of State, with himself In the background, prompts Prince Alfred to some desperate action. With threats of departure to Paris, he finally wins the Queen's respect, and is permitted to have a finger in the Cabinet pie. The operatta is rich in tuneful and catchy music, and running throughout the picture is an undercurrent of humour. The principal funmakers are Lupino Lane and Miss Lilian Both, Alfred's valet and the Queen's personal maid. Jeanette M'Donald Is an attractive :. actress, and her singing is a joy throughout. . - "' ;

•'■ To-day England finds tiiat she possesses the greatest'"talkie voices," the Lest authors, and, consequently, the very best material for the production of the newly—and universallyaccepted form of entertainment—tho tallilii" flhn. British Dominions Films have realised England s new position In tho film world, for have made what is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, and most unusually cutertaming Alms that has ever been made. This all-talking film is "Splinters," adapted from the famous wartime concert of that name. A big point of Interest about the film is tho fact that it Is the. first picture produced by British Dominions in conjunction with His Master's Voice Gramophone Co. "Splinters," which will be released throughout Australasia by Greater Australasian Films,, stars the original players, Hal Jones and Keg Stone, besides Nelson Keys, Lew Lake, and Sydney Howard. The pl'turo was produced for British Dominions by Mr. Herbert Wilcox and directed by Jack flajmond. The .story simply shows how the original wartime concert party, under the direction of Sergeant E'al Jones, first started behind the lines In Franco during tho Great War, and the film, as an insight Into tho real Cockney, character, is a gem. It Btarts next Friday at the Paramount Theatre. Bos plans are available at Bristol and theatre.

DE LUXE THEATRE. Variety, brightness, humour—these are some 4>F the features that .go-to make "Happy Davs," which was shown at the De Luxe Theatre last aight, one of the most attractive and entertaining "talkies" that has been seen iu Wellington. Probably no other picture has been 4bla to boaßt of such a. largo and capable fjast, for "Happy Days" has included in its sjmnpany practically every star who has appeared under the Fox banner. To mention |u6t a few,- those who appear during the bourse of the production include Janet fiaynor, Charles Farroll, Warner Baxter, Edmund Lowe, "factor M'Laglen, El Brendel, J. Harold Mur*hy. Will Sogers, George Jessel, Jack Smith, David Rollins, Nick Stuart, Paul Page, Sharon lynn, Walter Caslett, J. Farrell M'Donald, William Collier, Ann Pennington, Marjorie White, Tom Patrieola, Dlxlo Lee, Frank Albertson, and Gilbert. Emery. With such a galaxy of stars it is not surprising that the picture achieved e. great success last night, and it seems certain to have a successful run in Wellington. No money and no effort has been spared by the producers, and technically the production is as near perfect as one could possibly expect. Tuneful songs, attractive dancing ensembles, and amusing skits all have their place In "Happy Days," and some of the numbers are of the "catchy" type, notably "Snake Hips," "Crazy Feet," and "We'll Build a Little World of Our Own." "Happy Days" is supported by a strong programme of minor pictures, including a thrilling sound record of Miss Amy Johnson's arrival at Brisbane after her epochmaking flight from England. The programme Will be repeated to-night and all next week. KING'S THEATRE. "Bio Eita," the colourful musical comedy, fchlch has repeated on the talking screen tho sticcess It gained on the legitimate stage, is iiow being screened at the King's Theatre. The story 1 is interesting, and has an unexpected climax. Eita (Bebe Daniels) is tho beauty of a Mexican town, and is loved by a grandee Af her own blood. Complications result when ffie captain of a detachment of rangers sent .(iown to arrest a notorious bandit also falls tinder Bita's spell. Tho story, however, is a Winor consideration. There are scenes -drainage and burlesque, dialogue clever and hum<irous, and action of every description. Catchy longs and choruses and perfectly executed ballet dances are also included in a truly exceptional picture. John Boles lias tho male lead. jT/be second half of the picture is shown in fcchnicolour.

aUEEN'S THEATRE. ] "The Mounted Stranger," featuring that old (favourite Hoot Gibson, is at tbo bead of a iwo-star programme at the Queen's Theatre <ftiis week. It is a story of the bard-hitting and hard-fighting West with Gibson in the rolo Of a daro-devll cowpuncher who single-handed Set 3 out to avenge tho death of his father at the hands of a gang of bad men. Tho thrills are there In plenty while in the words of the publicity man thcro is also strong love interest. That wonderfully realistic all-dialogue picture of tho air, "Flight," is tho second feature on an entertaining programme. "Flight" has been screened here before, and a second view confirms the good impression first formed. The stars, are Jack Holt, Llla Lee, and Ralph Graves. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. , Hevolutlon-torn China gorms the background of the melodrama, "Shanghai Bound," starring Richard Dix, at tho Artcraft Theatre. All China Is in ferment. Its hunger-road millions surge everywhere in blind, frantic movements. At Shanghai, men and ships of all nations wait restlessly for cries of help from their countrymen. Chow Luen. a town up the river from Shanghai, is too near the devastated area for Bafety, and too far from Shanghai for help. An old freighter pulb into the town and a row occurs in a restaurant. There is a flght on the river, but at tho sight of a destroyer the bandits flee, and later tho hero becomes an officer on a battleship after winning his bride. The second picture, "The Crowd," Is a colourful story of life on Coney Island. There are stirring incidents in tho Btory, which is romantic to a degree, and Is built around tho vivid romance of Joan Weilman, a roller, coaster ticket girl and her Btrugjrt-ng young employer, Tammany Burke, trho is fighting against terrific odds and a one man combine for his very existence in tho world's gay and modem Bagdad. The reincarnations of a young disciple of jazz and a tevue star are moulded by the slender whito bands of Joan Wellman (Lois Wilson). There Sro good supports.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Roadhouso Nights" which opened at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, 18 a_storj e or tno adventures of Willie Bindbuge 1 <ClJ»«cs glos). a newspaper man. who in ta « course business visits a town where Sam Horner and his assistants direct in' dcttanc of tlio American anti-liquor law. Lola *aßJ.n, it ilncer of local popularity, who 13 adniuca leading parts. V W-S-dS. there are some thrilling steuea. "" ; ». m . supporting "to *oj. of th Jam_

ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Disraeli," the notable production in which George Arlss is scan as Britain's famous Pr '-ll? also pro rays how Disraeli was r^irSgtirtbT^u^e^; So'Xlster's rills and triumphs, and gives an Tpslght to the character oMhe great sta s-m-iii The manner m which uisraen un■<-" trough his Plans, how he had to threaten to smash tie Bank of England In order to get the monev he so badly needed, is shown in a realisticT way. As Disraeli, George Arliss gives \ C merb characterisation of the man who fights a master game of intrigue and romance, ?,f *ich ihcro are thrills, brilliant dialogue and tenso drama. Three screenings aro given dally, at 11 a.m., 2.15 p.m., and 8 p.m.

SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Tho Last of Mrs. Cheyney," with Norma Shearer, Basil Kathbone, and George Barraud in tho leading parts, heads the programme at Shortt's Theatre. It .is the story of a lady adventurer who manoeuvres her way Into titled English society. Her retinue-of perfect servants are, in reality, a gang of thieves. Their chance of successful looting depends entirely on the charm, beauty, and ability of their talented leader. Played with a rapid, airy tempo, tho production is one of sheer entertainment. Miss Shearer makes "Mrs. Cheyney a delightful, amusing, and locable character. Basil Kathbone, recruited from tho London and New York st»;e, where lie has reigned as Popular matinee idol for many seasons, plays Lord pilling. "Rookies." the second star picture, is a comedy of high merit, featuring Karl Dane, George K Arthur, and Marcellne Day. The story tells of the doings at an American military training camp, and centres round the adventures of a raw trainee and a very tough sergeant, who tread on each otiief's corns at every possible moment In their endeavours to "get square" with each others It is crammed full of screamingly funny Incidents, a particularly good thrill being provided by a balloon ascent wherein the raw rookie proves that the heroes are sometimes wrapped up in small and funny parcels. There are good supports. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Tho Black Watch" is the star picture at the Britannia Theatre, with Victor. Jl'Laglen and Myrna Loy in the leading roles. "The Black Watch" is a tale of love and adventure and intrigue and passion. All of these elements are carefully balanced • and gracefully embellish the conflict between a man and a woman, political enemies yet in love, playing with empires as stakes. , From one situation to another the story moves, the duel constantly mounting in intensity to a breathtaking climax. An ineresting sidelight on the production is tho music. An excellent bagpipe band entertains in one sequence, while in others there aro old folks tunes' and a Moslem prayer's song. Joseph Dlskay, the Hungarian baritone, and David Percy, tenor, are the singers, and very effective, too. Tho strong supporting cast includes such capable players as- Roy D'Arcy, David Rollins, Lumsden Hare, Mitchell Lewis, Cyril Chadwick, and Walter Long. Hundreds of minor players- appear In various scenes. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Tho chief attraction to be shown at Our Theatre to-night is "The Virginian. "ka romance of Western cattle days. Gary Cooper plays the title role of the Virginian and Mary Brian is the little Eastern school teacher with whom lie falls in love. The second feature, "Tho Man in Hobbles," starring Li!a Lee, is a comedy on marriage.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Three Live Ghosts," United Artists' sensational comedy, commences a three-day season at the Capitol to-night. A perfect blending of laughs; romance, pathos, and thrills, this riotous story of three soldiers ;who return to London to- find, themselves officially dead, supplies many hilarious moments. Beryl Mercer, Claude" Allisler. Charles M'Naughton, and Shayle Gardner, the well-known Auckland actor, head a-cast ..composed of British players.' NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Sins of the Fathers'" Is the principal picture at the New Princess Theatre, and .Emil Jannings takes the star part. The second attraction is "The Shannons of Broadway," starring the Gleasons. Supporting the two main pictures are a good gazette, an Interesting serial, and a humorous comedy. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Janet Gaynor and Charle3 Farrell, fllmdom's favourite sweethearts, make. their Fox Movietone musical comedy debut on tho Kllbirnie Theatre screen in "Sunny Side Up." Farrell reveals a pleasing baritone voicu in 'several song numbers. Miss Gaynor, in addition to singing, dances and plays the zither. A Fox News, including some very interesting New Zealand topics. Is .also presented. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. In "The Singing Fool," now showing at the New Quality Theatre, Al Jolson plays the part of a singing waiter who fall 3 In love with a fair entertainer at the night club—gets her a chance to introduce a song he has written for her and sold to a great producer, with that proviso. He afterwards marries her, only to bo deserted several years later, returning when their child is dying. The story is moving and beautiful. Reserves may be had at the theatre, or by ringing 21-337 till 6.30 p.m. There will be no half-price at night sessions of this picture. Patrons are advised to bookearly.

WELLINGTON GIRLS' COLLEGE CONCERT. Those who read the list of artists who were to perform at the. Girls' College Concert on Thursday last would at once recognise that a musical treat of exceptional quality might be expected, and the audience was -not disappointed. It is difficult to pick out items of outstanding merit in the programme when each was of such high quality In its own type. Sir. Trevor Fisher opened the concert with "Sonatina" (Bela Bartok), and accompanied throughout. Miss Bennie's song, "Whisper and I Shall Hear," with violin obbligato, was an especially line performance, and the encore, "Blackbirds," was equally appreciated. Mls3 Ferris gave,."l Heard You Singing," but was if anything more charming in "I Love You," from "Rose Marie." Mrs. Downer rendered "Only tho Elver Sunning By" and "Happy Song"; Mr. Matthews gave "The Luto Player" and "I Got Shoes," all of which were much enjoyed. Of tho elocutionists. Miss Zena Jupp was happy in her choice of "Lady of Provenco," which suited her fine voice, and Mr. Mountjoy delighted the younger members of the audience with "Ethelred," aud gave an artistic rendering of "The Listeners." Miss Joan Maunder gave two pleasing monologues which showed that this young artist is developing into a very fine elocutionist. The items of instrumental music included two 'cello solos by Miss Violet Wood, and several trios by Miss Wood

f'cello),- Miss Maunder (piano), and Mr. Maunder (violin). These were by no means the least appreciated items of the programme and those who did so were glad to have tho opportunity of hearing them. Tho Parents' Association are much indebted to Mrs. Mauuder, who organised tho concert, and regretted that the audience was not larger. It was, howevor, thoroughly appreciative. PORT NICHOLSON BAND. The Port Nicholson Band has won its way to a high place in ilie esteem of citizens who like well-played music. Tho SuifSay nlgiit rocltals have been warmly appreciated during many seasons, and careful preparations have been made to maintain the band's reputation at tho recital to bo given in the Grand Opera House to-morrow night. Supporting the band are some of the leading artists in the Dominion, Including the brilliant young soprano, Mis 3 Kathleen Ferris, who will sing "I' Heard You Singing." Mrs. Marion Anderson, Scottish contralto, >/I!l sing "A Summer Night." Mr.. Claudo Tanner, Wellington's lcadm;; 'cellist will be heard in the bracketed Items, (a) Memolre. (b) Paplllon. Eodeni, tenor, a recent arrival in this city, will bo heard in items from his extensive repertoire. Mr. Mono Dent, Wellington's new baritone, will be heard in tho popular song "One- Alone (from the "Desert Song"). Mr. Jack E. Maybury will entertain with a new kind pf entitled "The Blind Man's Talkie." .Mr. -Frank B. Crowther will be at the piano. Tho band items have been carefully selected, and Include hymn, "Nearer, My God";. march, "Honest Toil ; overture, "Lustsplel"; medley, Medley of Medleys," arranged by Mr. J. J. Drew; selection "lolantho," and the stirring, march, "Ravcnswood." A gramophone recital will be given beforo tho concert for the beneut of patrons who come early. The full programme appears in this issue. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. To-night's programme will bo tho last silent one to be screened at the Empire Theatre. An excellent programme is headed by univorsai's special attraction, "Undertow," starring Mary Nolan. It is the story of a girl who married for love, and who spent five year 3 of her life on a lonely lighthouse with the man she loved. But she loved pleasure aud gaiety, too; crowds and music and dancing and the bright lights she could dimly see far away ashore. It is superb In its compelling interest, and in the racism of its portrayal. Tho supporting cast Is headed by John Mack Brown, Robert Ellis, and Audrey Ferris, and tho other items include three comedies, a cartoon, and a new3reel. The management wish to announce that the theatre will be closed all next week during which time the ■ latest talkie plant will be Installed.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. The double-feature programme which was presented for the change at the Grand Opera House last evening ranks with the best alltalking film entertainments. "Seven Keys to Baldpate," basod on the highly popular stage mvstery play, is listed a3 the big feature, but "The Woman Backet," a real thriller of night club and American police intrigues and coun-ter-moves, runs it very close. Both pictures nre splendidly produced, and their plots move along at a great rate. "Seven Keys to Baldpate" certainly loses nothing in the screen presentation. As a mystery .it stands high: the ending is by way of an anti-climax regarded from one point of view, but it is the only possible ending to so tangled a mystery as was thought out by the clever playwright. Those who have seen the play will know the ending to the weird tale of seven callers at the isolated summer inn, desolate and empty In howling winter weather, all arriving on mysterious and daugcrous business from about midnight onwards; but the tale is so well pictured and spoken that It comes as something new again. To those who do not know the story it would be unkind to unravel the tangle for them, beyond that a uve-thousand-dollar wager is won under Impossible circumstance? by a novelist, a ghost is laid, a bribo Is made, taken, lost, and the money vanishes, a murder is committed and the corpse recovers, in twenty-four hours by the story and au hour by the clock. The picture is very well worth seeing. "The Woman Racket" has to do with a yotmg woman, a singer at what the films depict as a typical American night club. A polico raid is made, but Julio, the singer, escapes court action and marries the constable who made that possible. A Tery slight salary leads to discontent and a return to the club; it is a bad bargain, for she is drawn into dangerous Intrigues, the solving of which falls to her husband. The story ends rightly, for the twists are straightened out after fast and violent action. Richard Dlx plays the lead in "Seven Keys," and Tom Moore and Blanche Sweet in the second feature film.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. Two attractions will be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night. "The Skyscraper," starring William Boyd, Alan Hale, and Sue Carol, is a comedy-drama of two steel workers who earn their bread and butter among the swinging girders of a huge skyscraper. They both fall In love with the same girl, and the complications which arise aro amusing and entertaining. "A Man's Past," starring Conrad Veldt, concerns a noted surgeon, who is sentenced to prison for puttig to death one. of his patients who is suffering from an incurable disease. He escapes and is well on the road to rehabilitate himself when ho is recognised by a former officer of the prison. The climax is both original and thrilling. Seats may be reserved by telephone or at tho theatre. STAR THEATRE. "Hard-boiled Haggerty," Milton Sills's latest star film, will be shown at tho Star Theatre to-night. Milton Sills has the role of an aviator who is accustomed to rushing off to Paris, after .each victory with an enemy pilot, and becoming mixed up In various adventures. His part is that of a hard-boiled adventurer who takes what he wants with a grin, calculating good humour, lotting the consequences take care of themselves. "West of Broadway," with I'risciila Dean in the' lead, is tho other picture, which shows a topsy-turvy West, where the wild riders of the range chew gum, work only eight hours, and play golf the rest. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Tho Celestial City," a stirring drama of the frozen north, will be the main attraction at. this theatre to-night. A specially selected cast was chosen for this picture, and some exceptionally fine acting is portrayed. Tho management announce that arrangements for Installing a talkie plant are complete, and the Initial screening of talkies will take place at an early date. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) -will givo his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow evening, and the programme has been arranged as under: Sonato in D Minor (for harpsichord), Scarlatti-Page; Concerto In D Minor (No. 10), by Handel; Three Preludes, Op. 11, Nos. 4, 2, and 5, by Scriablne; Introduction and Allegro Moderato, by Ropartz: (a) Medltation-Prlero (Op. 90),^ No. 40 (b), Canzona (Op. 90), No. 35, by Gmlmant; Third Movement from "Scheherazade (Suite Symphonlque for Orchestra), Op. 20, by Blmsky-Korsakoff.

MIRAMAR SILVER BAND RECITAL. The Miramar Silver Band recital will take place at the Capitol Theatre, Miramar, to-mor-row evening at 8.15 o'clock. The talent selected is of a high standard, and should appeal to all. The band numbers havo been carefully selected, and the excollent standard of the band music will be maintained. Mr. Len. Bough, who will make u!3 first appearance at this recital, is master of the saxophone. Corporal IJ H. Newton will, play a cornet, solo. Mr. Re" Nash, a baritone, will be appearing tor the" first time. Mrs. Miller (soprano), with a sweot voice. Miss Jean Marshall (elocutionist) will also.appear. Miss Vera Boesley.will be at the piano. The band will be-under tho conductorship of Mr. K. A. Sutherland. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. For push, fun, and thrills roller skating is hard to beat, whether one is a beginner or an expert, and as the floor at the Olympia Skating Kink is one of the largest In Ausr,.i,„M there is no fear of overcrowding or Sdents the Winter Show BuUdlngs, John street, the Olympia Skating _Kink s within easy reach of all points of Wellington and as popular charges are made largo c?Swds are patronising this enthralling pastime The sessions are conducted daily, mornings 10 till 12, afternoons 2 till i, and evenings 1 till 10. -v COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' CHOIR. Attention Is drawn to an apnearlne "in this Issue of the concert to be given by tiie Commercial Travellers' Choir next Saturday evening. The programme_to be preqontedl will be of a different type from prevlnus ones in that one-half of the programme il Tf'taken up with *V£ » T„Twin Maunder's cantata', "Tho Martyrs. .This wm bo the first occasion that *e <*olr has„lven a work of this description, and as It will also iui tim first appearance of Mr. Jonn jiiauuy as the chotrt conductor the whole perform- ™™ should provo very attractive., Excellent soloists win be appearing, particular* of which will be notified later.