ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 37, 12 August 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "Anna Christie" Is being shown at the Kegent Theatre.. Greta Garbo is the star. Miss (iarbo plays the part of the (laughter of a renegade barge captain. One day the captain sets a letter Iroiu liis daughter saying that sliu is i-oming !•> visit liiT». Ho Scrt'ls the drunken unman who lives ivlfh him a'.va.v. and thinking lila daughter is an innocent r-pe of girl, endeavours to pull himself together. Anna goes ion the barge with him, aucl when they arc oir I !!io const of Xew England they rescue n sailor. I lie falls in luve with Ann, anil wants to marry j her. The father objects, and his jealousy proI i-inilates a tense situation in which Anna reI vviila her past. She tells her lover and her i lather thai she U not the Innocent scirl they think siie Is. Both raeu then get drunli. Her lover repents, and begs forgiveness. The supporting programme Is well in keeping with the main' attraction.. "JOUBXEY'S E.VD." The dramatic critic of the "New York Times" says that there is every likelihood of "Journey's End," the famous war picture, being selected as the finest talkie of the year. It is at present ranked as one of the greatest dims ever produced, a tribute to lirltlsli voices combined with British direction and acting. Strangely enough, the author of ••Journey's End," Mr. n. C. Sheriff, emerged from his situation as an insurance clerk drawing a salary of £5 per week to a position of affleunce wherein his royalties bring him over £7200 weekly. "Journey's Eud" is at once a grim, tender, devilish picture of Avar relieved here and there with material which makes for the heartiest of laughter. It epitomises man's gallantry, cowardice, helplessness, bravery, and endurance. It shows how men may laugh In the teeth of death—at the same time it is downright good entertainment. Thrills there are in abundance, but they arc not the artificial thrills of a mechanical type. They ring true.throughout. It is a man-made drama, of a devil-made pasirae, a tremendously Inspiring thing that B C. Sheriff conceived for the benefit of mankind. It does not glorify war, but deals with the magnificent deeds performed by splendid Brltsh soldiers in a drama of the romance, adventure, and daring of. war. There is no hymn of hate, but a flno picture of How the British soldier met the struggle of ; conflictSir James Barrie wrote of the film: What witnam^lJowS^Ut^es^S ril ed 'man' that you never had before and vi never forget or regret. 'Journey's tnd ■ hout a. woman in it, yet fraught| ™thlhc romance of adventure, daring, death; crammod to overflowing with man's love for man -^p^ d r^«a^Svs next. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Sinus Box plans are at the Bristol. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. •■MI Quiet on the Western Front" drew mmmm o SlstV moreover. Humoral con t ««£ A hyQ that pretends a nioral in order to parade H:Tr«£^S Si nifSSfi. i-r rT°h 9e sO% has a been most r^cr'e^^fvss^w "sir^rs BorctoS ct!hat a?hf vi:u i: notf mu'h f the feminine touch In Uio V cture fnto which the amiable Postman has been efficiency Vs a mainstay of the and Lou Is d^Oeo^S^v£«T& with ncidents, and never loses Its grip on the Tiillence whether the scene be furious attacks Eiu^^co^P^^ou^-a-It Is a fact not without meanlim that this Picture leaves the beholder strangely subdued. QUEEN'S THEATRE. fomcilv spiced with thrills is provided In ••The Carnation Kid," at the Queen's Theatre. U is a Paramount all-talking picture, will Oowslas M'Lcim as tha star. There are plenty of humorous situations and any amount of action and thrills.. The story deals with a joung man in love who is mistaken on a train for a .Ttortmts gunman. Carnation Kid. The other main parts in the plcturo are Plajcd by Francis Lee, Lorraine Eddy, and Maurice Black. There is a food supporting programme. KING'S THEATRE. •■Their Own Desire," starring Xorma 'Shearer,■ is showing at the King's .Theatre. It is .1 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayor dramatic hit of the younger generation and its elders. The story concorns 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 Miss Shearer is a good cast, including Belle Bennett, Lewis Stone, and Bobert Montgomery. A numlier of short sound featurettcs completes a good bin. .■:: ' KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Maurice Chevalier appears to-night at the Kilblrnle Theatre In "The Love Parade. Chevalier in this picture Is a young attache at the Paris embassy of the mythical kingdom of Sylvanla. His philanderings with women calls forth censure and ho is sent baclt to his country to report to his queen. Jeanette M'Donald, a beauty from the stage, plays the role of the Queen, while the comedy relief Is neovided by Luplno Lane and Lillian Both. V special overture film and a hilarious cartoon completes a very fine programme, reserves for which' are obtainable at Theatre Confectioner}, telephone' 14-202, and Bristol Piano Co. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Rio Rita" is being screened at the Britannia Theatre John- Boles appears opposite. tseDu Daniels Against most lavish sets is played, ana sung tho drama of the Mexican borderland. Mighty ' vocal choruses, Inspiring dance routines, and beauty assemblies show "m- the first time the endless possibilities of the speaking screen. More than a hull.lrcd ylorloiiß Elrls. the Pietro Clmlnl ftranil chorus of cightv male voices, and the famed Uiidlo Pictures' Symphony Orchestra are- amon« uthcr features. The whole of tho second part of the production is filmed In technicolour aboard a sumptuously furnished eallc"" anchored in tho .Rio Grande. In addition to ")Uo Itita," "Following tho Sun Around, •■The Kingajou," and melodies from the orltlual show, two new songs are heard. These, ■ilso composed by Harry Tierncy and Joe M earthy are: "Sweetheart. We Need Each Other iin'cj' •'You're Always in My Arms." SHORTT'S THEATRE. \ sparkliriß, intimate story of married life', ticuutifully acted by a group of outstanding cinema stars, "Charming Sinners,' is being shown at Sliortt'B Theatre Kul.h Chattel-ton, aa the wise wife, tired of hor husbands philandering, decides to punish him, once and for all She chooses the dignified method of repaying him in his own coin by pretend ng to give her affections to an old admirer, William Powell. She fools her husband In clever fashion, reawakens some of the romance which appeared dead to her forever. and brings about a readjustment in her nome. which no amount of scandal or ranting could accomplish. Clive Brook, as the husband, reveals new talents in a splendid characterisation Mary Nolan, as the "other" woman is delightful. A group of auxiliary players, recruited from the stage, Including Laura Hope Crews, Florence Eldrldge, and Juliette Crosby, are artfully cast. UNIVERSITY DRAMATIC SOCIETY. "Tho Lucky One,'" said by A. A. Milne to bo his best play, will be produced for two nights only by the University Dramatic Society at tho Blue Trlanglo Hall, commencing on Kith August. Theatre-goers will remember •Belinda" and "Mr. Plm Passes By." and tills production surpasses all others, in Its swiftmoving and startling plot. The cast Is headed by Messrs. J. Cowan and F. A. Cormack as Herald end Bob Farrlngdon 'respectively, with Miss Zena Jupp as Pamela. Tom Todd, O. itr.-idshaw, aucl Doug. Edwards provide excellent humour. Box plans are at ihe Bristol NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Flame of the Argentine/ starring Evelyn ISrent, Is being shown at the New Princess Theatre. The other feature In "Wild Geese." Supporting these two pictures In a (J.izette, :i serial, and a comedy.

DE LUXE THEATRE. "Tlie Hate Ship," an English production, is being shown at the De Luxe Theatre. The "hato ship" Is a palatial yacht, tne property of a thouough-going but quito origh-al villain. Jameson Thomas is the yacht owner, and playlug opposite to him Is Miss Jean Colin. Thomas gives a wonderful portrayal of 8 not too pleasant character and dominates the story throughout; what ho says goes, but far more often ho does not say. but la.va his plans ViSth entlfO lack of consideration for His guests. There is the essential romantic side of the story, light side issues give the picture a happy balance, iiuil there is Just [lie right proportion of comedy lo placo tho whole production'on a hluli plane. The photography is excellent, and tho iutroduclioii, 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 (ilm. and a. particularly Interesting and delightful Nature film. "The Tiny Housekeeper," which shows the family life of the mole. Just what amount of patience and enterprise goes to the making of such a dim is difficult lo realise, but there is no doubt of the appreciation of pietureyoers of tho finished work. In every way the programme is it particularly entertaining one. Nine delightful song numbers, led by the ever-compelling "Hallelujah," add much to the enjoyment local screen followers will flnd in "Hit. the Deck," Radio Pictures' lavish musical comedy which opens next Friday at tho De Luxe Theatre. The nine songs featured were picked as the best of eighteen made available by Vincent Youman's original score and the contributions of Badio Pictures' composers and lyric writers. In addition there arc two original spirituals offered by the negro chorus during the spectacular "Hallelujah" number. The first two songs, "Join the Navy" anil "liooloo," are sung by tho sailors' chorus. These are followed by an original screen number, "Sez You, Sez Me," offered by Jack Oakie and a number of chorus girls. Oakis and Polly Walker then sing the new iiit, "Harbour of My Heart," followed by "Hallelujah." "Smith," sung by the sailors' chorus, opens (ho spectacular battleship sequence, filmed in brilliant teehnicolour. During the same sequence the Bros Sisters offer "Nothing Could Be Sweeter," and Miss Walker with the girls sing "Keeping Myself Just for You," another of the new numbers instantly established in popularity. Oakie and Miss Walker sing Youman's hit from the stage show, "Sometimes I'm Happy," bringing the tuneful wonder show to its close. Box plans are available at Bristol and Attken's. MAJESTIC THEATRE. ,That clever admixture or melodramatic thrill, mystery, and laugh-provoking comedy, "In the Next Room," continues to afford agreeable entertainment to lnrge attendances at the Majestic Theatre. The seusational episodes and weird happenings of the play arouse keen interest, yet undoubtedly an even greater interest attaches to the efforts of a wholly incompetent Irish detective in endeavouring to unravel the various mysteries that occur. The sleuth blunders on and on, getting deeper into the mire at. each step, and the different situations he lands himself In create roars of laughter and are truly relished by the audience. Jack Mulhall and Alice Day as the leading players are seen to advantage, and Robert O'Connor, as the Irish detective, is a great favourite with the public. The first part of the programmo is unusually satisfactory and much interest, of course, attaches to a really comprehensive picture of the Fourth Test Match between the British and New Zealand teams. Bos plans are at The Bristol. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Clem Dawe, comedian, In revile and musical comedy, has returned to Wellington, and with a talented, hand of players is setting out to prove that in these days of mechanical words and music and shadow shows the flesh-aud-biood product still holds aimenl. Tin- first play or his season, "Love Lies," received a great send-off at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night, and anothor enthusiastic audience received last night's presentation. The piece is smart comedy, featuring ■ matrimonial mix-ups and relations who must be humoured, even with the aid of deceit, for purely business reasons. The dialogue is always bright, and there are droll sallies and some catches in the way of songs. Dawe Is not content with, the efforts, of his company, but, brings the audience Into action in a community sing. On the male side of the cast Clem Dawe is supported by Bobby Gordon, a long, bespectacled comedian Don Agar, Michael Cole, Eric Kdgley, Lcs White, and several others. Miss Catlieriuo Stewart wins- immediate popularity as tlie leading lady, and she Is partnered by Miss Klcy and Miss Marie Eaton. There is a dancefeature by Miss Moiw Zeppcl and Mr. John Robertson. Tho ballet Is attractive and faultlessly schooled, with the costuming done on a lavish scale. Excellent work is done by tho orchestra under Mr. Gregory IviwioiT. The enmedy will bo repeated to-night, and a matinee will be hel<( on Wednesday. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Man, Woman, and Wife" is being shown'at the Artcraft Theatre. It is a Universal picture starring Norman Kerry and Pauline Ptiirku. It i.s a sensational story of a coward who descried on the fields of battle, returned to dwell in the underworld, saw his society wife marry his friend, confessed to murder of a gang leader, and gained his redemption in prison. The second picture is "Otrls Gone Wild." featuring Sue Carol and Nick Stuart. It has to do with a gay, care-free young flapper, who thinks (he world was invented just for her pleasure. She laughs at restraint of all kinds and flaunts the traffic laws until sha bumps into a traffic cop who is unimpressed by her father's wealth and political power. From then on events move very rapidly. It is a fast-moving story, written especially for Miss Carol and Nick Stuart by Bertram Mlllhauser, nlm and magazine writer. Lew Seilor directed the picture. The photography by Arthur Ecloson adds greatly ,to the. beauty of the picture. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. "They Had to See, Paris," Will Rogcrs'a first ail-talking picture, will be the attraction at Our Theatre to-night. The story deals with the sudden riso to wealth of an Oklahoma family when an oil well comes in a gusher, anil their desire to see Paris. The trip is made in grand style, and once In the French metropolis Mrs. Peters is determined to marry her daughter to a title. She plunges into society in spite at the protests of her less ambitious husband. Excellent ail-talking supports complete the programme. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Men out for a good time forget the horror they have seen. Gay cabarets, music that inspires its listeners to forgetfulness, carefree mademoiselles who dance and sing with an abandon such as only tho war spirit can produce. Such is the setting of "The Battle of l'oris," which is to bo shown at the Regal Theatre, Karori, to-night. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. All excellent Paramount all-talking, singing, and dancing production, "Illusion," starring Charles (Buddy) P.ogers and Nancy Carroll, will bo screened at the Empire Theatre tonight. The stars are cast as partners in a successful vaudeville act. Rogers, who works his way into society, pays court to a young heiress, who likes him very much until she learns that he is only a stago artist. Tho story increases it 3 tempo to an amazing and thriiling climax. A splendid supporting programme will also be screened. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," starring Cllve Brook as the famous detective of fiction, commences at the Capitol to-night. This thrilling all-talking mystery drama is adapted from a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and is directed by Basil Dean, the famous London theatrical producer. Betty Lawford and Harry T. Morey appear in the cast. Alltalking supports will also be shown. SKATING. Stating at the Winter Show Building, John street, is being greatly enjoyed during tins cold weather. The floor, space is so vast in the main rink as to give skaters ample room for the sway and swing that makes skating so delightful. In addition there are two other rinks, one for learners "and one exclusively tor ladies. - ' '■ WILHELM BACKHAUS -. : : ♦- . The box plans' for the two farewell recitals to bo given at the Town Hall on Thursday, 14th August, and Saturday, 16th August, are now open' at the Bristol, and there is every indication that Wellington intends honouring the great pianist by giving him large houses. Everywhere m .New Zealand music-lovers have showed thenkeen appreciation of Backhaus visit by crowding the various halls and theatres where lie appeared, but, V* clhngton lias the distinction of providing the record house of. the present tour. Two. very line programmes have been selected tor the two farewell recitals; the composers represented on the first one are Brahms, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and • Debussy, and those ■whose names appear on the second- pro-, gramme are Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, and Liszt. Among the numbers chosen for next Thursday s recital are the beautiful Rhapsody m G minor by Brahms, and the Beethoven .Sonatas are the "Waldstein" and the "Pathetique. Referring to Backhaus' interpretation -of tho latter, a New Zealand critic wrote: "A sane and healthy rendering ot Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique should do much to correct the tendency of so many student* to 'tear to tatters :n this work. Mr. Backhaus, as a Beethoven interpreter, is an acknowledged master, and his readings are authoritative.". Five Chopin numbers, a group of five Debussy compositions, and Liszt's La Canipanella and 'WaldoKViuisrhen will be mnons the other offerings.