ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 38, 13 August 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "All Quiet ou tho Western Front" drew another crowded house at the Paramount Theatre yesterday. "All Quiet" Is shot through and through with physical and mental tortures. They are—as must be expected—the very warp and woof of the story. They could not bo cut out In.toto, for without. them. the story could not exist; moreover, Its moral could not exist. "All Quiet," as screeued, Is emphatically not a. play that pretends amoral-Id order to parade morbidity and dirt. Whether agreed with or not, the moral purppse- of tho story radiates throughout; tho horrors aro strictly relevant to.the main Issue. The story has been most powerfully built up; tho characters live; and the technical execution Is admirable. In the altered picture the luring of necessitous women by, offer of food is sufficiently implied, without implementing tho transaction as in the original. It follows, of course, that there is not much of the feminine touch In the picture at • all, but-r-what there is is mostly good—the majesty of the sisters in the hospital and the tenderness of Paul Baumer's mother (Miss Beryl Mercer) and sister. Paul Baumer (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 tho trenches, passing en route through the hands of tho vindictive drill-sergeant (not known Id Germany alone) Into which-the amiable postman' has been transformed by the grim touch of war. Kat, a sort, of Old Bill, cast in a mould of Prussian efficiency, is a mainstay of the story, and Louis Wolhelm has made the most of thts splendid part, supported by George Sunimerville (TJaden). and various other actors making In all a very capable team. The action throughout abounds with incidents, and never loses Its grip on the audience, whether the scene be furious attacks and counter-attacks (with machine guns and rifles In full play); collapsing dug-outs; a duel to tho death in a shell-hole, rendered even more terrible by the winner's remorse; hospital scenes, sniping, stealing, rat-hunting, etc. In'lts realism "All Quiet" stands alone;,and it .is a fact not without meaning that this picture leaves the 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, aiid thinking his daughter Is an innocent type of girl, endeavours to pull himself together. Anna goes, on the bargo with him, and when they are off the coast of New England they rescue a sailor. Ho falls Id lovo with Ann, and wants to marry her. -The father objects, and his jealousy precipitates a tense situation in which Anna reveals her past. She tells her lover and her father thai she 13 not the Innocent girl they think sho is. Both men then get drunk. Her lover repents, and begs forgiveness. The supporting, programme is well in keeping with the main attraction. "JOURNEY'S END." A critic of "Journey's End" says: "Jlr. Sherriff's play as done in talkie form is a triumph of production, and must not be missed. Such a film comes along all too infrequently. We can well understand the tremendous impres- • sion created by this great drama throughout the world. In viewing it we went through an emotional tempest—it was all so unusual, so simple in Its sincerity that we were gripped and carried along on a kind of realistic journey through the war trenches. To those who did not go to the war it came as a revelation. To those who had;been through the war it was a reflection of their own sufferings and experiences." Word has just been received that "Journey's End" has been included in the first ten pictures of the year. "New. York Life" Says: "What a< wonderful play. You sit> for nearly two hours entranced with its stirring drama, its delightful comedy. Tho curtain falls, the audience still sits in. Its seats and applauds and applauds. 'Journey's End' is that kind of a play." It is significant that King George has seen it four times. It is' thoroughly British-in .sentiment, written by an Englishman, and played by eminent British actors.' George Bernard Shaw • has ■ expressed the opinion that "Journey's End" will go down the ages as ono of tho greatest plays ever written.- : He; amplifies his statement by pointing to the fact that, this remarkable romantic war epic has been played in twenty-four different languages—an international popularity which-makes of it-a classic. :Edgar Wallace says: "'Journey's End' denes superlatives. Its exquisite simplicity, its' quiet honesty and superb dramatic realism is felt in every fibre of. .your belng^ It. is, undoubtedly the greatest talkie drama that has come to the.screen.: One wishes that everybody could ho compelled :to sec this wonderful ami entertaining talkie masterpiece. It has a full British, cast, and I .found myself enjoying, the rounded tones.of perfect English as though it were something n(Jw. It is indeed a triumph.". One of ,'tJie reasons for this great film's popularity is the fact Owit it depicts war without orcr-empha-sialiiK its horrors. It is human, with tho best characteristics of the Britisher uppermost. Witli.il, it has the best ingredients of entertainment, romance, humour, dramatic situations, directness, humaneness, aud reality. Tho nil-British cast of "Journey's End" is led by Colin Clive, who headed the cast in the original London production, and the supporting players are all well known in London.- The first screening of "Journey's End" will take place at tho Kegent Theatre, Wellington, Friday next. , :

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Tho celebrated actor, John Barrymore, continues to • attract good audiences to the Kt. James Theatre, by his.fine work in "General Crack." Cast for a dual role—the father, in the prologue, and his son In the drama —John Barrymore plays both parts with real ability and convincing force. As tho old man of the prologue ho is1 excellent, and later on he is conspicuously successful as the son, a soldier of fortune who sells his sword to the highest bidder, together with the services of an army he'has got together, numbering 25,000. Tho supporting cast' is of unusual strength. The leading actress, Armlda, a newcomer to the talking screen, is responsible for a performance of the highest order, and her future appearances will be events of interest. Lowell Sherman aud Douglas Gcrrard also contribute performances that rank far above average merit. Next Friday will mark tho reappearance of that flue actor, George Arliss, who will be seen In the late William Archer's London success, "The Green Goddess." Box plans arc at tho Bristol. DE LUXE THEATRE. "IThe Hate Ship," an English production, is being shown at the De Luxe Theatre. Jameson Thomas is the yacht owner, and playing opposite to him is Miss Jean Colin. Thomas gives a wonderful portrayal of a not too pleasant character and dominates the story throughout. There is the'esscntlal'romantic side of the story, light side issues give the picture a happy balance, and there is just the right proportion of comedy to place tho whole production on a high piano. Tho.photography Is. excellent, and the introductiop of.' scenic sections very welcome.' Among the supports are a Paramount Sound News of latest world happenings, a ridiculously funny comedy, "The Suitor," a novelty turn dim. and a particularly interesting and delightful Nature fllm: "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 fllm is difficult to realise. In every way the programme is particularly entertaining. Although the stage version of "Hit the Deck" was admittedly one of Broadway's biggest hits, it only could suggest tho immense scope, colour, and narrative appeal of Radio Pictures' screen version, coming next Friday to the De Luxe Theatre. For instance, the "Hallelujah" song on the stage was a solo. In the picture it has grown.into a ,negro spiritual interpreted by a chorus, of 100 negro singers and dancers. Four new songs have been added to the original score. The entire naval base at San Diego, Cal., is used for a background, which on the stage, was represented by a painted back drop. The legitimate cast numbered about 100—tho screen has utilised approximately a thousand. Three of the largest motion picture sets ever built—a llfe-sizd: village, a replica of the deck of a battleship,' and a negro tabernacle —by comparison,' were only suggested on the stage. As a finishing touch, "Hit the Deck" is partially screened In technicolour. In the cast are Polly Walker. Broadway star; Jack Oalde, Marguerita Padula, Roger Gray, and Franker Woods, of the original New York cast; Ethel Clayton, June Clyde, Wallace Mac Donald, Harry Sweet, George ' Ovey, black-face comic. Dell Hendefsou, Nate Slott, Andy Clark, and Charles Sulivan, Luther Red, director, aud Kobert Kurrle, ■ cameraman, the team which produced "Kio Kita," Radio Pictures' sensational musical extravaganza, also made "Hit the Deck." Box. plans are available at both Bristol and Altken's. . MAJESTIC THEATRE. "In the Next Koom" continues to flnd special favour at the Majestic Theatre. It. abounds in thrilling episodes, yet when these occur, the attempts of-a bumptious detective to unravel, them -dispels all tenseness by creating comic situations that give rise .to roars of hearty-laughter. The result is enjoyable entertainment of a class that bears the impress' of novelty and is most certainly a welcome change from the stereotyped manner of presenting a mystery story. Alice Day and Jack Mulhall are the leads, and Robert O'Connor scores heavily, as the unconsciously funny blundering detective. The first part of the programme includes five pleasing novelties, one of especial interest being a commeudable filming of tho fourth Test match between Britain and New Zealand. The, chief feature of next Friday's.new programme will be • a remarkable aerial comedy, entitled ■ "The Aviator,'; with the celebrated English comedian, Everett. Horton,' as chief laughniaker. -Box i plans' aro at the1 Bristol. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. ; In-the {'C.zar of Broadway," the Universal production which'comes to the Kilbirnle Theatre to-night,, patrons are treated to a picture that is a succession^ of dramatic surprises, and one that ts acted superbly by a. talented cast. It is stated John ■ Wray's performance in the leading role is aVnotable piece of acting. Betty Compson Is the girl of the story, and one of Her main assets- Is a sympathetic personality which always makes, her convincing. John Uarron. iu'thn'rolc of the boy reporter, who finds a way into the heart of the steel-fisted underworld kings,- plays his part excellently. Excellent sound featurettes also aro promised.. Seats may be reserved at the theatre confectionery, telephone'l4-202, and this Bristol. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," starring Clive Brook as the -famous-detective'-of fiction, (s/showing .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 Bnsil Dean, .the famous London theatrical producer. Betty Lawford and Harry T. Morey appear In the cast. AUtalking supports will also be shown.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. There was another largo audience at the Grand Opera House last evening to see Clem Dawe In "hove Lies." Clem Dane is the life and soul of the comedy, yet he is not»left. to carry the success of the show without help from the supportlug players. The cast is uniformly strong in- song, dance, and dlaloguo scenes, and there,was no douht as to the audience's satisfaction with tho fare provided. Tho plot deals mainly with matrimonial mixups and the :"love lies" told to extricate the characters concerned from trouble with womenhating uncles. The honours of the evening went to Catherine Stewart, Michael Cole, Betty Kloy, and' Bobby Gordon. Clem Dawe, as Jerry Walker, a medical student, kept tho house In ronrs of laughter. "I Lift Up My Finger," in which the audience joined under Mr. Dawc's leadership, was one. of the hits of the evening. Also popular were the sonns, "Happy Days Are Here Again" and "You've Made a Difference? to Me." A specialty dance was Kiven by Monii Zeppel and Jack Robertson. The hallet did some excellent dancing. The orchestra, under Mr. Gregory IranolY, was well to the fore. "Love Lies" will be repeated for three more nights, and then will bo replaced by "So This is Love," another London success. KING'S THEATRE. "Their .Own Desire," starring Norma Shearer, is showing at the King's Theatre. It is a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer dramatic hit of tho younger generation and its elders. The story concerns a young girl whoso 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 isa good cast, Including. Belle Bennett. Lewis Stone, and Robert Montgomery. A number of short sound featurettes completes a good hill. 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, with Douglas M'Lean as the star. There aro plenty of humorous situations and any amount of action and thrills. The story deals with a young man In love who is mistaken on a train for a notorious gunman, Carnation Kid. The other main parts In the picture are played by Francis Lee, Lorraine Eddy, and Maurice Black There is a ennd supporting programme. "Tanned Legs," a sparkling musical comedy of vivid youth produced by Radio Pictures, opens next Friday at the Queen's Theatre. The outstanding cast of film celebrities is headed by June Clyde, Arthur Lake, Dorothy Revier, Ann Penniiigton, Albert Gran, Sally Blanc, Allen Kearns. The super-sound spectacle is replete with laughs, thrills, and melodies that promise to keep feet tapping during every performance next week. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Rio Rita" is being screened at tho Britannia Theatre. Mighty vocal choruses, inspiring dance routines, and beauty assemblies show for the. first time the endless possibilities of tho speaking screen. More than a huudred glorious girls, the Pietro Cimini grand chorus of eighty male voices, and the famed Radio Pictures' Symphony Orchestra are among other features. The whole of the second part of the production Is filmed In technicolour aboard a sumptuously furnished galleon anchored in the. Rio Grande. In addition to "Rio Rita," "Following the Sun Around," "The Kinkajou," and melodies from the original show, two. new songs are heard. These, also composed by Harry Tierney and Joe M'Carthy, are: "Sweetheart, We Need Each Other" and "You're Always In My Arms." SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Charming • Sinners" is being shown at Shortt's Theatre. Ruth Chatterton, 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 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. Cllve Broolt 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. EMPIRE THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. An excellent programme, headed by a Paramount all-talking special, "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night: : The cast is headed by Clivc Brook, Harry Morey^and Donald Crlspe. In this, Holmes, at the request of his friend, Dr. Watson..'comes to the aid,of his daughter, and In his last exploit is able to silence the activities of that' arcii-crlmln.il Moriarty. An excellent'.supporting'programme Includes an alltiilking comedy, a sound cartoon, aild a splendid vocal number. On Monday night Universal'? super.production, "Captain (if Hie Guard," will bo screened. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. • Gary Cooper appears hi Paramount's alltalking outdoor production. "The Virginian." which shows, at the Regal Theatre to-night. All the other players in the production have cast names.' Walter Huston is Trampas. Richard Arlen answers to the name of Steve, and Mary Brian is known as Molly Wood.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Man, Woman, and Wife," being shown at the Artcraft Theatre, is a sensational story of a coward who deserted 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 Ills redemption in prison. The second picture, '-'Girls Gone Wild, lias to do with a gay, caro-freo young flapper who thinks the world was Invented just for her pleasure. She laughs at restraint of all kinds and flaunts the traffic laws until she 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. The phtoography adds greatly to tho beauty of the picture. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. "They Had to See Paris," Will Rogers's Drst all-talking picture, will be tho attraction at Our Tiicatte to-night. The story deals with the sudden rise to wealth of an Oklahoma family when an oil well comes in a gusher, and their desire to see Paris. The trip is made in grand style, and once in the French metropolis .Mrs. to a title. She plunges Into society in spite of the protests of her less ambitious husband. Excellent all-talking supports complete the programme. VICTORIA DRAMATIC SOCIETY. In "The Lucky Oue" (A. A. Milne's best play), to be played on Saturday and Monday next at the Blue Triangle Hall, the students have, as usual, chosen a play that will appeal to all theatre-goers. Zena Jupp and J. L°wl*u head a east ably supported by C. C. Bradshaw, Joan Anderson, and F. A. Coraack. Bob Farringdon holes out at the eighth In one, but complications cause him to bo imprisoned. Taniela and his brother Grail come to his assistance, and as an intriguing plot Is unravelled the artistry of Ml no is evinced in subtle humour and convincing dialogue. Bos plans are at the Btistol.