ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 139, 16 June 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE REGENT. "If I Were King?" Francois Villon, tavern poet, drinker, and 'swordsman, had his chance. King for a week, he leads (ho rabblo or Paris, who' are on the verge of revolt against their weak king, Louis XL, and scatters the Bureundian army, camped outside the city gates. On the seventh day Villon, after tiio battle, returns to be hanged, but the crafty King Louis, fearing the loss of his throne were his threat carried out, ultimately, spares the poet, and ho Is fres to marry the princess Kathcrinc nicco of Louis. Briefly that is the story of Iho Vagabond King," the talking and singing screen version of which has unmistakably mailo good at the Regent . Tuoatre. Klch colouring that stirs the sense of appreciation, colouring. of the typo the imagination pictures for romantic scenes. Next'there is the nielody, the story, and the riotous action It provides. "Tho Vagabond King" numbers— "Only a Rose Some Bay," "Lovo Me To-night," "If I Were King, and the "Sous of tho Vagabonds"—aro now well known, and full justice is done these melodies by Francois Villon (Dennis King) and Kathertne (Jeanette Mac Donald). "The Vagabond king, a very satisfying entertainment, is supported by a Metrotouc Sound News and . a .musical novelty cartoon, "Tcs, Wo Have Ko Bananas.' PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Splinters," being shown nt - the Paramount Theatre, is tho talking picture version of. the famous -war-time Tevtie, which was first produced in Franco/and later in England. There is mirth and merit in every foot of this film. One. of tlio chief joys is Sydnoy 'Howard. Although rich in comedy, a very great part of tho virtue of this picture is tho singing of tlio men Jn chorus. - The men of "Splinters" are soldiers and not actors in costume. !The spirit of "Splinters" is that of the men who created the': First Army Concert Party, ana; that of the" men, from tho trenches, who made'tho finest audiences that ever sat in n theatre. In the production of "Splinters" there are both romance and reality. In the cast are' Hal Jones, the original Splinter Number One, Keg;v Stone, who. -was a member of the concert party in France,' and Lew Lake, to whose greatness- of heart as well as excellence of judgment "Splinters" owes is continuous existence ■'■in England..' Musically, the' best episode Is; the "Gretna Green" lyric sung by •Wilfred Temple. His good looks, his toe figure, and his magnificent voice make him tho xomantic talking picture discovery of the year. Then Kelson Keys makes 'a marvellous corn; panion in comedy to Sydney Howard. Finally, great credit is -due to Jack Raymond for his exceptionally sympathetic direction,, and to A«&«S. E. h^U StVffi microphone is/clearly heard. DE LUXE THEATRE. Sn?fuS« *St- singing and dancing PJ°™> which is.being, shown at the De Luxe Theatre. • The ■ picture is a Rwiftly-mov-ing vehicle, and in its progress one is given- an Insight to the various modes of living and working in the heart of New York. There is a fast-moving background of cafes, niEht clubs, flve-and-ten cent, stores, drap Sartmonts, and ultra modern establishments Interwoven throughout are catchy tunes and sood. clean humour. The story centres around the life of a slangy but pretty shop girl and he? window trimming boy friend. Dixie Lee enacts the role of Kitty, a jazz singer m one of New Tort's mediocre stores. She Is discharged from the shop for rudeness to a man who presses his attentions upon her. At a ■ small informal party Kitty meets Jack. Hunter a window trimmer. The inevitable happens. Thpy .fall to lovo with one another Kitty obtains another position in a modistes establishment, but is discharged for wearing a customer's dress. She is re-engaged, however, by Wetherby, a financial backer of tlio shop A party Is held in an apartment house, and after a hectic evening Wetherby remains after the others have left and makes suggestions to Kitty to' which she takes strong exception Startling complications follow which all go to make a picture of unusual interest. Ihero is an exceptionally fine supporting programme which Includes Fox Movietone's sound film of the tremendous reception accorded Miss Amy Johnson on her arrival in Sydney. Miss Johnson's voice Is clearly heard as. she replies to addresses of welcome. i '•''■; KING'S THEATRE. The adventures of the Cohens and the Kellys In. Scotland form the principal attraction at the King's Theatre. Charles Murray and George Sidney, probably tho two most popular comedians on the screen at the present time, arc together again, but.this time they are business rivals. ; There are many laughs in the picture, and those who have followed tho adventures of the precious pair In New York, Paris, and London, will find fresh enjoyment in their latest escapades In the land of tlio heather and the-kilt. .Sidney's efforts to master the Scottish language i'and Murray's ridiculous attempts to play golf are some of tho incidents which mako the picture quite as funny as, if not funncr than, its predecessors. Vera Gordon and Kate Price-lend good .'support, to the principals. There are good' supports. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Will Ro^er.s's first all-talking picture-, "'They \ Had to See Paris," is being .featured on thu programme at the Queen's Theatre. Tho story tells of tho sudden rise to wealth of an Oklahoma' Tamil; and their desire to sec the world, and Paris in particular.'.Once established in the French capital, the mother determines to marry her daughter, by hook or by crook, to a title. She plunges into the society whirl, and the enusing incidents are sufficient to beep the audience thoroughly amused until the end. Will Rogers plays the part-of the homely family man who becomes a millionaire overnight. Irene Rich is tho wife, and others in the cast are Owen Davis, Marguerite Churchill,' Fill Dorsay. and Rex Bell. The supports are varied and Interesting. i; ■ .'■ ! ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Danger Street" is the.star (Urn at the.Art- . craft' Theatre. Warner Baxter, as the star jof the .production, is sceh in the rolo-of."Roily. | Sigsby," a gentleman of wealth. Disillusioned and disgusted with.life, ho seeks the atmosphere of the underworld,-feeling that though he way be the target for a gangster's bullets, It would bo better to drift into eternity than to continue as he has. This is Baxter's first part in an underworld picture, and his performance is ' ■a revelation. Martha Sleeper, whose exhilarating beauty and charm have won countless admirers. Is seen in the leading feminine rolo. : "Dames Ahoy," with Glenn Tryon heading , the cast, is the principal supporting picture. The greater part of the action of the picture is laid at a beach resort. Tho.story concerns the efforts of three "gobs" to save one of their number from a designing blonde who has got her clutches on half of his pay. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. In "Rio Rita," showing .at the Kilbirnie Kinema, several of the same players who wore prominent in tho original stage production are seen and heard In the screen version. Outstanding among these are Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, and Helen Kaiser. John Boles, who plays Captain Jim Stewart, chief of Texas Rangers, sing 3as a past-master of the operatic art, yet Bebe Daniels, who makes her debut as a songbird in "Rio Rita," is a worthy partner, both in vocal and acting ability. Dorothy Lee lends a sprltcly air to tho picture,, and sings several effective numbers ' with Bert Wheeler. Reserves may bo mado at Theatre Confectionery, tcl. 14-202. and- at tho Bristol Piano Co. ■■'■ . SHORTT'S THEATRE. "London After Midnight," starring Lon Chancy, is the principal picture at Shortt's Theatre. The story revolves around the supposed suicide of Roger Balfour, whose daughter, Lucille, is then adopted by Balfonr's executor. Sir James Hamlin. Burke, a Scotland Yard man, investigates tho case, but reports suicide. Five years later .Burko gets a staggering, dramatic clue, and decides to reopen the,case, employing hypnotism in elucidating the mysterious crime. The development of the story introduces "ghosts" and many weird denizens of worlds unknown, and the tracking down of the criminal is eventually accomplished in the most dramatic, awe-inspir-ing circumstances. "Riders of the Dark," the other feature, centres around the activities of a gang of law-breakers in a small border town in" the 'eighties. "Pass tho Gravy," featuring Max Davidson, the Jewish comedian, is a good comic. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The opening "talkie" programmel at the Empire Theatre on Saturday night was a huge success. ; A large audience were very liberal with their praise of tha reproduction. Tho same programme, headed by "Tho Lone Star Banger," will be screened again to-night. The story deals with the daring adventures of the famous Texas Rangers in tlio days when might, was right. A delightful love story 'threads its way through the unfolding of the plot, and the climax is immense. A big cast is headed, by George O'Brien and Sue Carol. I'our excellent dancing, singing, and dialogue featurettes will also bo screened. To-morrow niplifc Fox Movietone's special production, "The. Sky Hawk" will be screened. The cast includes John Garrlck auri Helen Chandler. The story is a thrilling gift to an air-minded 'age. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. The Regal Theatre. Karori, is showing the ; all-talking picture, "Sky Hawk." Fashion- ' able London in action—a cafe glittering I with uniforms and brilliant gowns—the sinister > wall of the maroon, the nir raid wnrning i siren—out to the streets—crowds rushing in terror through the darkness —the wavering pen- ' ells of searchlights feeling through the clouds : —the distant crack of shrapnel and the onconi- ! ing road of Zeppelin bombs and crashing . buildings—such is the beginning of one of the ; many spectacular scenes in "Tho Sky. Hawk." j PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. < Next Saturday, at the Town Hall, tho Phil- ' harmonic Orchestra will give -Jtu second coii- ' cert. The programme opens with the overture ; to "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This Is followed by Tschaikowsky's Palhetiquo Sym- 1 phony/ The second part of the cmicort con- ' slsts of the Prelude to Act 3 "Lohengrin," the ' CJrieg Concerto in A Minor, wllh Mr. Krnest Jcnner as soloist, Moussorgsky's Gopak, Stint- ' ncrt'a "Marcha MMit.-.irn," .and :i, vocal number, seen* ami ail,"., "Ah, Perfldlo," hy illss.Alma ' riegp, .sonrano; 3.3 scats may l«i reserved at ' the Bristol. " i

j MAJESTIC THEATRE. In "Slightly Scarlet," at the Majestic Theatre, Evelyn Breiit lias the rolo of a croolc, but ono • fastidiously moral in certain directions. She has carried out gruud'coups lor the master mind of her Rang with success, lnit longs for the time when she shall bo her own mistress again. Sent from l'arls to Nice to change an imitation for the famous pearl necklace purchased from a 31nliur.ij.iU by Sylvester Corbctt, an American millionaire, she meets for the first time a suave ami polished English gentleman who has dally sent her flowers in Paris, Mr. Parkes. and it is lie who apparently innocently frustrates her first attempt on the jewels. The Corbetts, despite their wealth, languish unrecognised at Nice, and welcome to their empty villa the countess and her friend. Born in Chicago the countess makes an easy conquest of the. kindly, unsuspicious Americans, while the cultured gravity ' oE Parkes makes them hopelessly, jealous of his social distinction. Mpniy'j'in the master crook grows Impatient and demands immediate action.. The girl is strongly drawn to Parkes, and sees In him her ideal, but she is driven to the safe nl midnight by remembrance of the fato of failures in her gang, and has just changed tho jewels when I'arkcs appears. Hidden, she breathlessly watches him steal the replica. How both of them arc put on the straight path, and all cuds happily, provides a thrilling climax. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Politics and romance are combined in "Disraeli." the great drama at St. James Theatre, together with, all tho whisperings, hidden meanings, intrigues, and secret servicemen which comprise '.he world ; of diplomacy. The story deals with one of the most exciting and melodramatic episodes of Disraeli's career. This great statesman had the eyes of the world on him when he succeeded in acquiring tho Suez Canal for England, and it is around this particular bit of political sagacity that tho story of tho picture "Disraeli" is woven. Disraeli, the first Jew to become Prime minister of England, was fascinating, without a peer In tho art of repartee, a contradiction of everything the traditional Englishman expected as a leader of politics. And he still remains one of England's greatest statesmen. George Arliss's portrayal of Disraeli runs the gamut of characterisation. It is a thing of ever-changing moods, and therefore fascinating in its unexpectedness. The picture is shown each morning, afternoon, and night. , . . GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Sea pictures of unusual tranquil beauty, and the ocean in an ordinary breeze and in a storm, the photography being excellent, are features of "The Ship' from Shanghai," now being shown at the Grand Opera House, lhis talking picture was filmed in the Pacific, and is au adaptation of Dale Collins's novel "Ordeal/1 Life on board ship is realistically presented. As tho voyage progresses, the changes in the behaviour of the passengers and crew in .scenes of water shortage,- storm, and mutiny are wonderfully well done. Louis Wolheim, in the part of a half-crazy steward, and Carniel Myers, as the wife of the yacht owner, aro conspicuously successful In their characterisations. Others whose parts are effectively handled include Holmes Herbert, as the yachtowner; Conrad Nagol and Kay Johnson as a romantic pair; Zeffle Tilbury, as Lady Daley; Ivan Llnow, the Swedish coolc; and Pat Moriarity and Pat Harmon, as members of the crew. The second attraction is "A Song of Love," a Columbia all-talking picture, embodying singing and dancing, with Belle Baker, the popular singer, in tho principal part. The programme will be presented both afternoon and evening. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks are together on the screen for the first time in "Taming of the Shrew," the talking picture version of Shakespeare's comedy, which comes to the Grand Opera House next Friday. Every line of dialogue used in the picture stands as written by the bard himself. Katherlne and Bianca are daughters of Baptisla, a wealthy merchant of Padua. Beautiful Bianca has several suitors, but Katherine (Mary Pickford), older of the two, though "fair to see," is such a fury that the young men of her set, notwithstanding a large dowry, shun her society. Baptlsta, however, announces that he will not sanction the marriage of the youngor., sister until Katherlne is wedded. Among the suitors for tho hand of Bianca arc Gremlo, a rich man 'of middle age, and Hortcnsio, a young, handsome gentleman, both residents of Padua. To Padua comes the swaggering, care-free, yet lovable Petruchio. (Douglas Fairbanks), a gentleman of Verona, to "see the world, haply to wed, and thrive the best I may." He is accompanied by his servant Gmmio. From his friend Hortensio, Petruchio learns of the fiery Katherlne, is told of the complications concerning the suit of Bianco, and Is also enlightened as to the magnificent dowry Katherine will bring to her husband. Boasting of his prowess as a rough lover, and feeling no fear of tho tempestuous Katherine, Petruchio obtains permission to seek her hand. He also aids Hortensio, by means of a disguise, to obtain tho position as music instructor in Bianca's home. Petruchio meets Katherine at the abrupt termination of the first lesson in which the erstwhile instructor is delivered at ' Petruchio's feet i in a pile, his head wearing tho battered remnants of a lute placed there by the. hands of the furious elder daughter. Try. as she may to offset the strenuous and erratic love-making of tho madcap gentleman, Katherine finds herself helpless,- much to her fury, against the t.wjll.of (be newcomer.',, With tho wedding day :the""taming"'begins In earnest. .'• Petruchio, to (he disgust of the guests and the mortification of Katherlne, arrives 'at tho ceremony i;iex-cusahly late, and attired in the outlandish ! garb1 of'a beggar. He will not remain for the wedding feast, and despite the entreaties of friends and the defiance of his bride, takes her away after a mock battle with his guests. At his country home he fairly bewilders her with his caprices,- alternating between inconsiderate actions and protestations of love. Katherine's spirit is far from broken, and she is defiant until sho learns that her husband's actions are tricks to batter down her will. With this enlightenment, tho wise Katherlne immediately changes her tactics, goes to the other extreme, and becomes obedient find pliable. And Petruchio, although startled at the sudden change in his beloved, attributes everything to the perfect working of his system of taming. At a wedding feast some time later Potruchio, inviting the guests to notice-how he has "tamed" the shrew, charges -Katherine to tell of. what duty "these women owe their lords and husbands." Obediently, Katherlne :.irises, but, as she finishes her speech, unsoeu by the men, she gives tho women.a large and understanding wink. .:.-:-. . • BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Innocents of Paris," starring Maurice Chevalier, is the star all-talking picture at the Britannia Theatre. It is a story of a second-hand dealer who falls in love with a beautiful girl, Louise. Her father doe 3 not think him good enough, and tries to break the romance. But Chevalier becomes a famous stage star, and wins out in lovo as well. Others in support of Mr. Chevalier are Sylvia Bcechor, George Fawcett Margaret Livingston, and John Miljan. Ono of the big spectacle scenes is that of a Parisian revue. For this scene, which shows the hero at the pinnacle of his career, over fifty of tho most beautiful giris in Hollywood were chosen. CAPITOL, THEATRE, IWIRAIHAR. Betaining all "the charm, colour, action roraiinco, and tropic love of the stage production, but greatly enhanced by tho camera's power of motion, "The Desert Song," screening to-night at the Capitol, is regarded as the perfect example of th'o new screen entertainment. A complete screen operetta, with delightful music, vocal solos, choruses, dances and dialogue, it is an enchanting uoveltv' John Boles, Carlotta King, Louise FazemhY castnny Arthur ' and My.™* Loy head the' OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Fazil" is the chief attraction to be shown at Our lhcatre to-night. , Charles Farrell cast as a desert prince, comes to the capitals or Europe on a diplomatic mission, but falls m love with one of the most bewitching blondes "«" Continent. The second feature "A H oman Against the World," starring Harrison , Ford, is a powerful drama. garrison NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. jnr7 UB» ?,'' oat lvay Lady" is tho Principal pictuie at the Aew Princess Theatre. The sup- . Porting feature is "Beggars of Life," and there are also a gazette, a serial, and a coni- ! NEW QUALITY THEATRE. "The Terror," Warner Bros.' latest and greatest mystery picture, which has its final screening to-night at the New Quality Theatre details with creepy reality the pursuit of the master mind who has stolen the capital of a bank and hidden it somewhere in an old En--lish manor house, used at the time as a "rest cure." Commencing on Wednesday, tlie alltallting, singing, . dancing revue, "The Desert Song," starring John Boles, will be screened This will be the last opportunity of seem" this picture in Wellington. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard P. Page (City Organist) gave his weekly organ, recital at tliu Town Uall lust evening, and the programme was arranged as under: Frogmen d'unc Suite, by Bach: Sonatina in A Minor, by Karg-Elcrt; Prelude (Op. 10), No. 3, by Kcriabinc; Caprice hi 0 Minor, by Crackel; En Bateau (from Suite for Strings), by Debussy; Prelude (to Act 111.. "Tristan imd Isolde"), by Wagner; Finale In B Flat (Op. 21), by Cesar Franck. N CITY SILVER BAND. At, Kilbirnlo Kiiicma the Wellington City Silver Band gave another of their excellent recitals last evening. The audience appeared to thoroughly enjoy every item. The baud again performed creditably, good tone and precision being nuticcablc; the descriptive "Ding Dnng Dell" mid the selection "Ncbucodonsor" were special favourites with the audience, itiss Nellie Amies delighted everyone with her sweet artistic treatment of "I Did Not Know," and as an encore,' "Waiata Poi." Mr. W. Itoy Hill's fine tenor voice was heard to advantage in "Linden Leo" and "The Bells of.. Little Wesfon" in response to a recall. An item out of the ordinary was a banjo quintet. Popular melodies and. marches, played in good style by four gentlemen arid Mrs. H. G. Keeves proved a pleasant feature.. The musical monologue, "Earthenware" gavo Miss Mary Cooloy the opportunity of showing her ability as an elocutionist, and "Not 'Understood," by request, was equally appreciated. In place of Mr. Chas. Moody, who was unable to appear, a fine humorous touch was introduced by Mr. T. ,!. O'Connor with "The 11.60 Express" and "Nell." Tho audience enjoyed a hearty laugh and wanted more. Mr. Frank Ci.outher was the accompanist. ■■ ■ ■ .....:

i OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. Onlookers will bo admitted free to-night at the Olympia Skating Bink, Winter Show Buildings. One session commences at 7 o'cloeic and runs until 10 o'clock, and popular prices arc charged. During the daytime, morning sessions are run from 10 till 12 and afternoon sessions from 2 (ill 4/ and the charges (except Saturdays and holidays) are adults Is, children Gd. On Wednesday and Thursday, 25th and —Otli June, a plain, fancy, and poster carnival will be held, and numerous prizes will be awarded. MUNICIPAL TRAMWAYS BAND. Last evening,' in St. ■ James Theatre, the Tramways Band presented their fifth grand recital before a crowded ■ house. A special feature of the programme was' the item given by the talented Maori party from Petone, consisting of Messrs. N. Tokt (leader), ]). Love, T. Love, M. Pukatapu, and J. Warren. Every item was warmly applauded by the audience. A vocal quartet by the party, "Hoea-tc-Waka," was beautifully rendered, the encore number being "Tahi-nei-taru-Kino." Mr. Xoho Toki, the Maori silver tenor of the Marama Opera Co., pleased the audience with h;s suns; "Marama Maid of the Moonlight," and gave as an encore "When Song is Sweet," and, as a rcouest number, "Pokare Ivarc," which was artistically rendered. An instrumental item by Messrs. 13. Love and M. Pukatapu was' specially well given, their instruments, steel guitars, blending excellently for the class of music given. • Mr. Will Vermont, the whistling soloist, created a great impression with his item "Colonel Bogey" with band accompaniment. Tlils^ was specially well done, also his imitation of New Zealand birds and animals. The band, under Conductor Frnklln, played in their usual pleasing style, special numbers being "Miserere," from "11 Trovatore," a cornet and trombone duet played hy Messrs. Stevenson and Olcnnic witii band accompaniment, hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light," overture, "Tancrcdl," march, "20th Century/ and' "Australasian." All the items were played with splendid effect, showing that the band. is keeping up its high standard of performance. Prior to the concert Messrs. Will Gordon, Ltd., gave a gramophone recital. Mr. J. Haydock was at the piano. ___^^_^____^__