ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 36, 11 August 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. .Icilm liarrymorc, outstanding act«r of tho stage and silent screen—Hie man who went to London ami . produced "Hamlet," and as (he "melancholy Dane" presented an impersonation which was accepted as one of tlie bust renderings of tlio part seen in this generation—lins now added furtlier to his reputation by leaping into it foremost position in "talkies" at his Hrst attempt. "General Crack," liarrymore's initial talking picture, captured the warm approval of a packed house on (Saturday cvenius at the St. James Theatre. His voice and Kimlisli accent are excellent, while tils acting .ability found splendid scope in a most mercurial character. "General Crack" is imbued with two characters, each in turn dominating his] loves and hates. Horn of a gipsy princess and a powerful nobleman, he is one moment tliu spirited, c.are-freo nomad, and the next (lie brilliant, fearless soldier of fortune. It is when the fiery llomany blood In his veins over-1 liowers his royal self that ho becomes another | Don Juan. The play Is exceptionally ivell| mounted, and the Coronation scene, in tcchlcol'Htr, is very beautiful. An excellent supporting cast of players includes Lowell Klltman, Jtobart Buswurth, Jacqueline Logan, Arniidii, Marlon Nixon, Douglas Gerard, ami others. Tin; preliminary offerings in the first part are good; especially so Is the unique turn of Cliaz Chase, Hie "hungry" comedian who cats most of his wardrobe in full view of the audience.' Box plans are at the Bristol. "ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT." - "All Quiet on the Western Front" drew another crowded house at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday. "All Quiet" is shot through and through with physical and mental tortures. They arc— las must be expected—the very warp aud woof of the story. They could not be cut out in toto, for without them the story could hot exist; moreover. Us moral could not exist. "All Quiet," as screened, is emphatically not a play that pretends a moral In order to parado morbidity and dirt. Whether agreed with or not, the moral purpose of the story radiates throughout; the horrors are strictly relevant to the main issue. The story has been most powerfully built up; the characters live; and the technical execution is admirable. In tiio altered picture the luring of necessitous women by offer of food is sufficiently implied, without Implementing the transaction as in the original. It follows, of course, that there Is :ioi much of the feminine touch in the picture at all. but—what there Is Is mostly good—the majesty of tho sisters in the hospital and the tenderness of I'aul Ballmer's mother (Miss Beryl Jlerccr) and sister. Paul Baumcr (splendidly played by Lewis Ayres) is the most prominent of the bunch of ardent young Germans sent by a Junker professor to tho sacrifice of the trenches, passing en route through the hands of the vindictive drill-sergeant (not known in Germany alone) Into which the amiable postman has been transformed by the grim toucb of war. Kat, a sort of Old Bill, cast in a mould of Prussian efficiency, is a mainstay of the story, and Louis Wolheim has made the most of this splendid part, supported by George Summerville (Tjaden), and various other actors making in all a very capable team. The action throughout abounds with incidents, and never loses its grip on tho audience, whether' the scene be furious attacks and counter-attacks (with' machine guns and rillcs in full play); collapsing dug-outs; a duel to tiie death In a shell-hole, rendered even more terrible by tho winner's remorse; hospital scenes, sniping, stealing, rat-bunting, etc. In Its realism "All Quiet" stands alone; and it Is a fact Dot without moaning that this picture leaves tho beholder strangely subdued. REGENT THEATRE. . "Anna Christie" .is- being shown at the Regent Theatre. Greta Garbo is the star. -Miss Garbo plays the part of the daughter of a renegade barge captain. One day the captain gets a letter from his daughter saying that she is coming to visit him. He sends the drunken woman who lives with him away, and thinking his daughter is an innocent typo of giri, endeavours to pull himself together. Anna goes on the barge with him, and when they are off the coast of New England they rescue a sailor. He falls in love with Ann, and. wants to marry her. Tho father objects, and his jealousy precipitates a tense situation in which Anna reveals her past. She tells her lover and her father thai she i.-s not tho innocent girl they think she is. Both men then get drunk. Hit lover repents, and begs forgiveness. The supporting programme is wull In keeping with the main attraction. "JOUK.NEY'S IiND." Tho queues of patrons who are lining up in almost every country to see "Journey's Knd" are tiring testimony to tho fact that "Journey's End" is probably the most popular piece of entertainment ever offered. The reasons aro not hard to find. "Journey's End" is a war' film, but it docs not harrow one. It is really a story of love—that love which softens men even in tho damp confines of a, dugout on the Western front—comradely love, which makes men sacrifice their lives for their friends. Leavened into the story is priceless humour even in the hour of death. Thrills there aro a-plenty, but the essence of tho drama is in the fact that there is no apparent seeking for heroics. It is all so sincere and convincing that the audience lives ■vith the soldiers during the unfolding of the play. The glory of our brave British troops is extolled iu-such a .way that we feel proud if belonging to the race—yet there is not ihe semblance, of a preachment in it. It is all so unconsciously elevating, yet for downright entertainment there has never been a better talkie made. England and America have become one'ln their praise of this glorious British talkie masterpiece, which comes to the Hegcnt Theatre on Friday next. KING'S THEATRE. "Their Own Desire," stamui; \nrma Shearer, is showing at the King's Theatre. It is a Metro-Cioldwyn-Mayer dramatic hit of tho younger generation and its elders. Thestory concerns a young girl whose happiness is almost lost through the actions of her father, who, having- grown tired of his wife, seeks diversion in other quarters. In support of Misa Shearer Is a good cast, including Belle Bennett, Lewis Stone, and Robert Montgomery. A number of short sound featurettes completes a good bill. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Comedy spiced with thrills is provided In "The Carnation Kid," at the Queen's Theatre. It is a Paramount all-talking picture, witli Douglas M'Lean as the star. There are plenty [of humorous situations and any amount of aci tion and thrills. The story deals with a youm: I man in lore.who is mistaken on a train for a notorious gunman. Carnation Kid. The other main parts in the picture aro played by Francis Lee, Lorraine Eddy, and Maurice Black. There is a food supporting programme.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Let 'Kr 00, Gallagher" is being shown al the Artcraft Theatre. A-newspaper office liad had many office hoya before '"Gallagher came, but never before had a boy made sud) an impression on the editorial staff of the great metropolitan newspaper as did this freckledfaced Irish boy, Gallagher Smaller- than the rest of the boys.-who had held the job before him, ho outwits the wisest editors, reporters, and policemen in the quest of a fugitivo mur-. [ derer and burglar, and finally brings to the paper the greatest story it tins printed in | years. : "Strong Boy" reveals Victor iriUslcn at his sunniest. It is a' simple love story, studded with farcical situations which revolve siboul a railroad newsgirl attempting to infuse her baggageman with pep, personality, and promotions. ; There* is a surprise ending with a tinge of mock heroics ih a train robbery. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Hio Uita" is being screened at the Britannia Theatre. John Boles appears opposite Bobo Daniels. Against most, lavish sets is played ami sung the ' drama of the Mexican borderland. Mighty vocal choruses, inspiring dance routines, and beauty assemblies show for. the' first timo the endless possibilities of I lie speaking screen.More than a hundred glorious girls, the- Plotro Clininl grand chorus of eighty male voices, and the- famed Itadio Pictures' Symphony Orchestra are among other features. The whole of the second part of the production is aimed in technicolotir aboard a sumptuously furnished galleon anchored in the Kio Crande. In addition to "liio JSH.I," '"Following the Sun Around," "The Kingajou," and melodies from the original show, two new songs arc heard. These, also composed by Harry Tierncy and Joe M'Carthy, are: "Sweetheart, Wo Need Each Other" and "Vou'ro Always In My Arms." KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Muurlcc Chevalier appears to-night at the Kilbirnio Theiitro in "Tho Lovo Parade." Chevalier in this picture is a young attache at (lie Paris embassy of the mythical klnjj;doni of Sylvanlii. His philandering* with women calls forth rensuro and he is sent back w uls country to report to his oueen. Jcaiieite M'ttonald, a beauty from tho stage, plays the role (if the Queen, while tho comedy relief Js provided by Lupino Lane and Lillian Roth. A cpnrlal overture film and a hilarious cartoon completes a very flue programme, reserves for which aro obtainable at Theatre Ginl'ectiuncry, telephone H-202, and Bristol I'iano Co. CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. Cliie Brook, tho popular talkie star, cun bo seen and heard at the Capitol Theatre to-morrow night in "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," a thrilling all-talking mystery drama adapted from a short story by Sir Arthur Cnnan Doyle. Basil Bean, the well-known London theatrical producer, directed tho picture. "Married in Hollywood," a spectacular talking picture of Vienna and Hollywood, will have its last screening to-night. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. "The Black Watch," the record-breaking alltalUlng Fox production, is to be screened at Our Theatre to-night. Victor M'Laglen is cast as a Government secret scrvlco agent, and a gorgeous plot, centring about a love duel with an exotic adventuress of ageless Asia, lifts one from mystery to suspense, thrills, and ecstasy Myrna Loy, playing opposite the star, is beautiful, proud, ambitious and cruel, a woman who played at love, won, and lost, and to tho end staked an empire on a kiss. The supporting .sound subjects arc all excellent. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. "Personality," the Columbia all-talking comedy of modern married life, will bo shown at tho New Quality '.Theatre to-night. It is rcplcto with human touches that make it Irresistible to modern audiences. Tho story points a moral to moihcrs-ln-law who are prone lo in - '<srjcro in fbc affairs of suiis-ii'.-law.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. A packed houso on Saturday, with larsc numljers turnud away, roveiled in the thrills of the all-talking pluturo production, "In the .Vest Iloom," at the Majestic Thcalre. The dim is constructed along lines that break new ground, and novelty has something that holds an appeal in Itself. The orthodox means of creating thrills are used, yet no sooner does a thrill occur than through the medium of a blundering, bumptious detective the audlcncq Is i-uuvulsed with hearty merriment at the Incompetent efforts of the sleuth to unravel the complications. This mixture of thrills and laughter results in entertainment of a nature that wins approval. Jack Mulhall and Alice Day are tile leading players, and other portrayals or more than ordinary merit an: contributed by Claude Aliister, as a mysterious butler, and Ualph Connor, as the particularly amusing Irish detective. In the first part of the proj gramme Leon Vavara reveals himself as a talented pianist, and there is a. comprehensive .synchronised motion picture of tho fourth Test football match between Britain nntl New Zealand. Box plans are at the Bristol and also |at the theatre vestibule. | DE LUXE THEATRE. "The Hale Ship," an English production. Is being shown at tho De Ui.vc Theatre. The actors include some of the foremost artists of Hrltniti. The "hate ship" is a palatial yaclit, j the property of a thorough-going but quite original villain, a man with a curiously shaped mind which justifies in his eyes almost any actiou, no matter what the cost to others, which brings to him what he desires. Jameson Thomas is the yacht owner, and playing opposito to him is Miss Jean Colin. Thomas gives a wonderful portrayal of a not too pleasant character and dominates tho story throughout ; what he says goes, but far more often lie does not say, but lays his plans with entire lack of consideration for his guests. There is the essential romantic side of the story, light side issues give Ihe picture a happy balance, and there Is just the right proportion of comedy to place the whole production on a high plane. The photography is excellent, and the introduction of scenic sections very welcome. Among tho supports are a Paramount Sound News of latest world happenings, a ridiculously funny comedy, "The Suitor," a novelty turn aim, and a particularly interesting and delightful Nature Mm, "The Tiny Housekeeper," which shows the family life of tho mole. Just what amount of patienc* and enterprise goes to the making of such a film is difficult to realise, but there is no doubt nf the appreciation of picturegoers of the finished work. In every wav the programme is a particularly entertaining one. SHORTT'S THEATRE. A sparkling, Intiniato story of married life, beautifully acted by a group of outstanding cinema stars, "Charming Sinners," is being shown at. Shortt's Theatre ltulli Chattcrton, as the wise wife, tired of her husband's philandering, decides to punish him, once and for all. She chooses the dignified method of repaying him in his own coin by pretending to give her affections to an old admirer, William rowell. She fools her husband in clever fashion, reawakens some of tho romance which appeared dead to her forever, and briugs about a readjustment in her home, winch no amount of scandal or ranting could accomplish. Clivo Brook, as the husband, reveals new talents in a splendid characterisation. Mary Nolan, as tho "other" woman Is delightful. A group of auxiliary players, recruited from tho stage, Including Laura Hope Crews, Florence Eldrklgo, and Juliette Crosby, are artfully cast. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Flame of the Argentine," starring Evelyn Brent, is being shown at tho New Princess Theatre. The other feature Is "Wild Geese." Supporting these two pictures is a Gazette, a serial, aud a comedy. UNIVERSITY DRAMATIC SOCIETY. "The Lucky One," said by A. A. Milne to be liia best play, will bo produced for two nights only by tho University Dramatic Society at the Blue Triangle Hall, commencing on 16th August, Theatre-goers will remember "Belinda" and "Mr. Tim Passes By," and this production surpasses all others in its swiftmoving and startling plot. The cast la beaded by Messrs. J. Cowan and F. A. Cormack as (.crald and Bob Farringdon respectively, with Miss Zena Jupp as Pamela. Tom Todd, C. I liradsliaw, and Doug. Edwards provide excel- [ lent humour. Box plans are at tho Bristol.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. An excellent Paramount all-talking, singing, and dancing production, "Illusion," starring .Charles (Buddy) llogers and A'ancy Carroll, will bo screened at the Empire 'i'l'ioatro toniglit. The stars arc cast as partners in a. successful vaudeville act. Kogers, who works Ills way into society, pays court lo a yomic heiress, who likes him very much until she learns that he is only a stage artist. The story increases its tempo to an amazing and thrilling climax. A splendid supporting programme will also be screened. ! REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Men out for a good time forget the horror they have seen, Gay cabarets, music that inspires ils listeners to forgotfulness, carefree mademoiselles who dance and sing with on abandon such as only the war spirit can produce. Such Is the setting of "The Battle of Paris." which is to be shown at the Itegal Theatre, Karorl, to-night. NAVAL BAND RECITAL. There was not a vacant seat at the De Luxe Theatre last night, when another splendid entertainment was given by the Band of the Royal Xaval Volunteer Reserve The selections played were mostly of a light nature, "Painting the Clouds with Sunshine," "La Fnvorita," and "liver True" appealing to the taste of the audience. Quite ,i good impression was made by the rendering of the hand's- items. At v previous recital Miss Christina Ormiston made a decided hit with "I Dreamt That I Dwelt" ("Bohemian Girl"), accompanied by tho band. By special request the number was repeated last night, and the audience gave the talented singer a hearty reception. She sang the air again in response to persistent applause. Mr. Barton Ginger gave his usual finished performance in "Ballad of the Bolivar" and "Cells," as well as telling a few stories in humorous vein, much to Hie amusement of his hearers. A strong party of young Maori men and women delighted the audience with vocal and instrumental features, including a pretty canoe poi. They were tuneful and refined, giving altogether a very pleasing performance. The audience could hardly havo enough of them. The whole evening's entertainment appeared to be thoroughly enjoyed by those present. MUNICIPAL TRAMWAYS BAND RECITAL. Last evening in St. James Theatre the TramHays Band presented its ninth recital before a crowded house, many being unable to gain admission. A special feature of the concert was the reappearance of Mr. Gus Perehana and his talented Maori party, .who were well received with their mandolins, ukelelcs, Spanish guitars, saxophones, etc. Mr. B. Phillips gave a solo, also Mr. Baker, who sang | "liadio Man." , There was also a quintette by the party, entitled "Hoki, Holii." They had to respond with "Following You." As usual, Mr. Austin Blackie (tenor) delighted I lie audience with his rendering of "Hosaniond," and, as an encore, gave "I Wish I Were, a Tiny Bird." Mrs. Tracey (contralto), who appeared by special request, sang delightfully "Open Thy Blue Eyes," and, as an encore, "An Emblem." Miss Beatrice Aydon, a well-known soprano from Nelson, was very pleasing in her item, "Five Little Piccaninnies," having to respoud with "Little Coon's Prayer." Sergeant Glenuie gavo a trombone solo, "Saxophone," introducing saxophone effects with, a mute which was cleverly, played. The band, under Mr. IS. Franklin, gave a splendid programme, its items being a hymn, "Sacred Memories"; descriptive* fantasia, "Down the Mississippi"; selection, ."Vagabond King," and march, "On Tour," also a trombone march, "Pousanc," specially written for throe trombones. Prior to the recital Messrs. Will Gordon, Ltd., gave a gramophone concert. Mr. J. Haydoclc was at the piano. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) gave his weekly organ recital at tho Town Hall last evening, and file programme was arrange as under:—Largo in G by Handel (this item was by request); Minuetto by Capocci; Pastorale (Op. 19), by Cesar Franek; Serenade (No. 5), by Gouvy-Page; Prelude (to Act 111. "Tristan and Isolde"), by Wagner; Eplthalame Op. 31 (No. 23), by Vierue; Suito (Op. ST), by Klcmann-Pagc.