ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 41, 16 August 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. | A crashed aeroplane, a triangular love affair, a Himalayan Kajah with a polished Western manner, but an Oriental love of revenge, a demand for sacrifice of white travellers to the , wild tribesmen's deity—these are the foundations of "The Green Goddess," in which there aie thrills a-plenty, and which began Its season at the St. James Theatre last night. George Arliss plays the part of the cultured out merciless Kajah of Kukh, the potentate whose Cockney butler, high-powered wireless set, ana Western ways of living are oddly set amidst the ramparts of the mightiest ranges in he world. Into his power come three Butoiis, Major Crespin, Luciila Crespin, and Dr. Oreherne, their 'plane lost in tho mists, their petrol supply failing. Three hundred miles from the Indian frontier, Treherne la forced to crash the machine, for his supply of BasoUue gives out. And. the day of their arrival proves to be only 24 hours before the time set for execution of three brothers of the Rajah who hino been captured by the British Government. Ihere is tension as the Rajah reveals that the neop c of Rulili regard the visitation as an act of their goddess, and that she must.be appeased. 10 the horror of his listeners he says quite simply, that he intends they shall all be put to death. Their adventures In the palace in the attempt to avert their fate form the substance of the picture, and'one. thrill succeeds anotner. A test of the visitors on tho part of the Rajah convinces him that they do not understand the Morse code, but he is wrong. Despewrately tney scheme to gain access to the wireless set, ami behind them is the suave cunning of the westernised monarch. Action is abundant, ana there are colourful scenes and humour in pleni} George Arliss, as the Knjah, gives another sketch of a dominant and carefully-etched personality His urbanity, broken by sudden gleams or an age-old resentment against a rival civilisation and all Its members, 13 the serenity of a tiger sleek, merciless, ferocious. Warner Baxter who plays the part of Major Orespin,, is remarkably right. His weak, drink-soddened nature allied with physical courage and the ability to rise to heroism, and coupled wttb the calm assumption of superiority* which belongs to a ruling race, is brought clearly Before the watcher, and Is one of the best pieces of acting this year. Ralph Forbes, Alice Joyce, and David Tearle are all highly capable. "The Green Goddess," with its drama in an exotic atmosphere is distinctly a picture to see. It Is interesting, too, »i revealing, how the freer medium of (he screen can rise superior ,to the theatre when ably directed, for It is better than the ploy. There aro some supports on a high level, the comedy, "The Prediction," giving scope to an excellent Jewish comedian, while the little folks are intrigued by the antics of a number of tiny tots, in "The Tiny Town Revue." Charles Hackett, the tenor of the Chicago Opera House, and Chase Baromeo appear in the transformation scene from Gounod's "Faust," a splendid piece of singing, with Hackett revealing himself more robust than ever. A Vox Movietone News completes the programme, which will bo repeated until Thursday evening next, Inclusive. Reserves are to be had at the Bristol Piano Co.. or at the theatre. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "All Quiet oil the Western Front," the sensational Universal adaptation of Erich Remarque's widely-read book, opened its second week at the Paramount Theatre yesterday. People have • seen the heroic side of war screened many times — its colour, Its glamour, Its. lure. Now they see its human side—the anglo that makes this picturisation an entertainment thrilling In Its epic sweep of drama, yet most poignantly powerful in its ability to lift one to the heights of human feeling 1 Having drama, terrible drama, from beginning to end, "All Quiet on the Western Front" deals with states of mind which are probably far more profound to tho observer than to the subject observed. It deals in fact with tho front-line thoughts and deeds of men at war, in a situation which Is anomalous from every angle when viewed in tho light of normal civilised experience. These are no new remarks, of course, for tho subject is one which by this time only genius could discuss with novolty Everyone can be presumed to know the general outline of Remarque's plot, and no time ueed be taken in recounting it. Remarque's story is told by a ■ cast of fresh young actors who tackle their work sincerely and are obviously giving tho performance of their life. With them aro associated two or three older figures, one of whom, Katczlnsky, the much-loved "Kat," gives a marvellous performance. The part Is played by Louis Wolheim In superb fashion. Nothing better could be wished for. Lewis Ayres. as Paul Baumer, has a part of extreme difficulty, and manages it magnificently. All tho others give Qnc performances. THE REGENT: "JOURNEY'S END." War drama is now represented in Wellington by two powerful screen plays, and that which started at tho Regent yesterday, "Journey's End," should certainly not be missed by any theatregoer. . Unlike its contemporary, "Journey's End" shows the British side of the trench war, not the enemy's side. It has an advantage in that the voices aro essentially English (that is to say, un-American, and free of American slang), and tho tone, and spirit are English. In a' way, therefore, the two pictures are complementary one of the other; they are alike and yet unlike, and a person who has seen one would naturally want to see the other, for it is a case In which comparisons are Interesting and not odious. A point distinctly in favour of "Journey's End" Is that a comparison can also bo made of the picture and of the stage play produced In Wellington not so long ago. There are many things that, while possible In a picture, cannot be done on tho stage; consequently "Journey's End," as now showing at the Regent, depicts the operations of war, the wire-cutting, the raid, and the return with the prisoner, etc., with a realism that the stage did not attempt. In the picture the action is not confined so rigidly to the dugout (as on the stage) and many of the glimpses of No Man's Land and of what went on there are startling In their intensity. The acting, too, loses nothing in reality from the mere fact that it is a film that acts and talks. The Raleigh is ptayed less boyishly and the Osboruo is played less maturely than in the stage version, but both are in no way less convincing. And, in audibility, the advantage Is with the picture; to the average hearing, less words will be lost at the Regent performance than were lost when Mr. Sheriff's play was first introduced to Wellington by flesh-and-blood actors. It will not be necessary to closely detail the plot, since the stage performance and its attendant discussion are still fresh in mind. At that time, and for days ,afterwards, the problem of the worst phases of war, and particularly of alcoholism in war, were threshed out' in tho correspondence columns of newspapers. But Mr. Sherriff certainly did not intend to convey that all tho company commanders were Stanhopes, or ho would not have given us an Osborno and a Raleigh: and he certainly did not mean that all the lieutenants were nerve-stricken Hibberts, or he would not have given us the nerveless Trotter. So it is reasonable to hope that the pictured version of "Journey's End" will be viewed with more toleration and with not less Interest than the version that caused the spilling of so much printer's ink. The main burden, of course, falls on the shoulders of Colin CUve as Captain Stanhope. Anyouo who has ever tried for any long period to mix alcohol and efficiency must know what a difficult thing it is; therefore It follows that a whlsUy-drinking company commander must bo presented in just the right balance of madness and method, or he will not be convincing at all. It says much, then, for tho art of Colin Clive that the artifice of Caplain Stanhope when in his cups is; not made too transparent. In the revolver scene with the malingering Hibbert, Stanhope spares neither tlio malingerer nor himself, and his confession of a fellow-feeling with Hibbert, and of a reliance on Dutch courage, is one of the remarkable anti-climaxes that serve to bring out the tragedy of war as Mr. Sherriff sees it. Another anti-climax Is when the terrified Hibbert, his terror calmed temporarily, swings over to a horrible boastfulness of his love exploits; yet another occurs when the unsensual Trotter despises the sensualist's sexy postcards—but pockets them. The analysis of courage is seen at its best In the dialogue between the 111-fated Lieut. Osborne (lan Maclaren) and Lieut. Raleigh (David Manners) in the windy hour before tho raid—and this gem is splendidly done by the players, as it deserves to be. Anthony Bushell's Impersonation of the difficult Hibbert Is painstaking, and Billy Bevan Is Trotter to the life. Charles Gerrard, as Mason, serves up comedy Instead of tinned pineapple, and is > a bright spot in the performance. The 6Thcr four members of the cast help to add variety to a womanless production, and the team as a whole is so efficient that tho absence of skirts Is scarcely felt. Both technically and histrionically "Journey's End" is a finished production, deserving of a good, run. It was preceded last evening by some graceful dancing pictures, showing youth, beauty, and rhythm. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Capacity audiences are enjoying "The Golden Calf," Fox Movietone comedy, which is the current production at tho Kilblrnle Theatre. Hailed as one of the best comedies of tho year. "Tho Golden Calf" also has half a dozen unusually tuneful song numbers and spectacularly staged ensembles, which add materially to its cntertninment value. Sue Carol i 3 seen and heard first as a prim, prudish secretary to the gay Jack Mulhall, Greenwich Village advertising arttst. To win bis-love, when he fails to pay tho slightest attention to her, Bho transforms herself Into a dashing beauty, and becomes Muplhall's model destined to make him famous. Excellent short features will also be screened. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery (telephone 14-202) and, Bristol Piano Co. REGAL THEATRE. KARORI. An excellent programme, headed by a Paramount all-talking special. "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," will be screened at the Regal Theatre to-night. The cast Is headed by Clive Brook, Harry Morey. and Donald Crlspe. In this, Holmes, at the request of his friend. Or. Watson comjs to the aid of his daughter, an:/ In his last exploit Is able to silence the activities of that arch-criminal, Morlarty. An excellent supporting programme Includes an all-talking comedy, a sound cartoon, and a splendid vocal number.' NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Strong Boy," starring Victor M'Laglen, Is being screened at the New Princess Theatre. The other featu/e Is "Marriage By Contract," In which Patsy Ruth Miller takes the lead. The second picture Is an indictment of companlonate marriage. NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. 'The Flying Marine," a Columbia all-talk-ing picture, screens at the Quality to-night, and Is an epic or sea life, combining a strong element of comedy and drama. Tho supporting feature, "The Kiss," starring Conrad Nagel, portrays an exceptionally fine piece of acting b.v this favourite star.

DE LUXE THEATRE. | "Hit tlm Deck," which opened at the Do Luxe Theatre last evening, is a thoroughly . enjoyable musical comedy. It ftproximates closely to the play that appeared at tho/ Opera House somo time ago, although all the Eastern scenes aro deleted, and the action confined to life aboard ship and ashore at Looloo's coffee shop. Tho plot Is somewhat slight, as is usual in most musical comedies, song and dance numbers oeinjj given the most prominence. The songs, however, atone for this; they are worth going a long way to hear in themselves. The picture opens with Smith (Jack Oaklc) signing on for Uncle Sam, ,whilo the band plays a catchy air "Join the Navy." He then goes for a long cruise, and when he returns he visits Looloo (Miss Polly Walker), who promptly falls in love with him. Smith obstinately refuses to respond to liooloo's advances, and when he at last succumbs lie has to go with the fleet to sea. Looloo rises in tho world, and an admiral is persuaded to lend her his battleship while she gives a party to which all tho Smiths are invited. A reconciliation is effected, but they have barely time to sing that charming air "Sometimes I'm Happy" before another Breach appears (Looloo's wealth now being tho stumbling block), so Looloo goes ashore again to her coffee shop. Smith at length comes back, so all end happily in the best musical comedy style. The picture is remarkable for two exceptionally beautiful scenes. The ball on the battleship Is filmed in colour, and should on no account bo missed. The famous "Hallelujah" Is Elven at a most Impressive spiritualistic seanco by a choir of negro voices while tambourines and : trumpets float m tho air. It is a far better setting for the song than that supplied in the stage play The acting of the sailors and marines is most lifelike, being reminiscent of the visit of the American fleet to Wellington Indeed, there Is almost a plethora of American voices. Mr. Jack Oakle does all that Is required of him as Smith, although why he so consistently misunderstands the charming Looloo II is hard to say. Miss Polly Walker carried off the honours in acting. Her part gave her great scope for an emotional study, which never descended to the level of bathos as happens so often in pictures of this kind "Hit the Deck' will be repeated this evening , and next week. MAJESTIC THEATRE. It Is ono thing to be a hero of the air in theory, but quite another thing to lie ono in practice, especially if one has a rooted horror of heights and 'planes. Tho elaboration of this theme on celluloid provides an all-talking attraction at the Majestic Theatre, which, for sheer humour, coupled with thrills, would be very hard to equal. "The Aviator"1 is the title, and Edward Everett Horton takes the part of the hero. He, by allowing his name to be put to a book, gains a reputation for flying stunts of which Klngsford Smith would be proud. But, although ha has never been in the air and has no desire whatever to go, ho finds himself forced to fly. His first effort is entirely unintentional, but end 3 apparently i well with a lauding on a haystack. But amaz- : ins and thrilling stunts follow after some rapid , tuition, becauso tho hero, to keep tho girl he , loves, has to emulate the deeds of a real air export. The loop Is looped under a via- | duct, a tunnel Is flown through, and a bun- t dred and ouo other stunts are performed In a . way which leaves the audience breathless with ( laughter. Tho dialogue throughout is in- | tensely witty, and it is a long time since such a laughable picture has been shown. 'The Aviator," If based upon the stage play, "Going Up," which was a pronounced success, is doubly as entertaining, for what the stage could not reproduco in the way of flying stunts the film version can depict in their entirety. Supporting Horton In the cast are Patsy Ruth Miller, Leo Moran,. and Johnny Arthur. "The Aviator" should be good for a long and successful run. The supporting pro : ( gramme Includes amongst a miscellaneous col : . lection of Items an animated cartoon of the , type which is so popular. . This gives a fanciful reproduction of an Insects' symphony in summer and is highly amusing. ' Amongst the topical subjects is an extraordinarily interesting one of tho U.S.A. naval and air forces at combined exercises. KING'S THEATRE. Belie Daniels, brilliant star of "Rio nit a," has a congenial role in "Alias French Gertie, the K.E.O. picture which opened at the King s i Theatre last evening. The story Is of a pair of . crooks who- are fast becoming notorious for their daring activities in the houses of the ; wealthy. "French Gertie" adopts the method of getting a position as a lady's maid, and then stealing away with tho lewellery. How tho regeneration of the two is brought about is told in a series of dramatic scenes. Handsome Ben ( Lyon plays opposite Miss Daniels, whoso acting and speaking are all that can be desired. There ■ are good supports. ■ OUEEN'S THEATRE. "Tanned Legs," a sparkling' musical comedy J of vivid youth, is the principal attraction on tho new bill at the Queen's Theatre. Five ; melodious and original song numbers and a chorus of forty Hollywood beauties are fea- ' tures which make this Radio Pictures production excellent entertainment.: Heading the out- ' standing cast of film celebrities is a newcomer named June Clyde. Sho had been In pictures for only two months when she was chosen for one of tho most sought after roles of the, sea- , son. Her attractive personality and delightful , voice fit her admirably for the part. Ann Pennington, famous Zelgfeld star, is seen in several specialty dances with another Broadway favourite, Allen Kearns. Others in tho cast are | Arthur Lake and Edmiind Burns. The supports j are varied and iaterestlng. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. , The Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, will open as a "talkie" house to-night at 8 o'clock. The latest talking picture equipment has been In- • stalled, and the production chosen for the opening is "Tho Lost Zeppelin," a thrilling drama, starring Conway Tearle and Virginia ; Valli. Tho story tells of a daring explorer who , Is about to depart for the South Pole In a , hiigo Zeppelin. Just before leaving he learns that his wife is in love with his assistant. • Tho Zeppelin sets out, and the. crew experience ' many hardships, all perishing with the excep- j tion of tho commander and his assistant. Ex- ■ cellent singing and talking supporting subjects : will also be screened. Seats may be reserved by telephone or at the theatre. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Secrets of the East" Is being shown - at tho Artcraft Theatre. This : is a spectacular, if somewhat amusing, romance '. with scenes of Eastern opulence and ] colour. It tells of an Egyptian cobbler's some- ■ what sudden transport by magic Into realms ■ of Elysian delight and presents a vivid picture i of the experiences through which he passed ; on his meteoric rise to dominion and power In j royal state. In, the course of his adventures he comes upon the ladles of the harem bath- , ing in a luxurious pool. So much beauty of ' face and form he had never seen before, and ' stretching himself forward so that his eyes might feast the more upon this wondrous spec- , tacle, he falls over the balcony Into the water below. This Is only one of many intriguing ' -experiences through which he passes, but his dream is rudely disturbed by his wife box- i ing his ears and bringing ■ him back with a shock to the more humdrum things of life. The second feature is "The Big Hop," a thrilling romance of tho plains plus tha perils of " the air. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A special Fox Movletono attraction, "Hot for Paris" will be screened at the Empire Theatre- to-night. A largo cast is headed by ' Victor M'Laglon, Fifi Dorsay, and El Brindel. ' Tho story revolves around M'Laglen, who buys I a ticket which wins the big prize in the Grand ] Prix in Paris. He does not know he has won | a million dollars, and the office where he purchased tho ticket perstsently hunt to find him. ' Believing that they are officers on bis trail he ' eludes them ad in running away has many hilarious adventures leading to an amazing con- j elusion. An excellent supporting programme . has been arranged. On Monday next "Captains ■ of the Guard," starring John Boles, will be ; screened. ] STAR THEATRE. I "The Rising Generation," a British Dominions film, will bo shown at the Star Theatre 1 :o-night. The story deals with the doings of 1 -ondon Society's younger sot, and MiS3 Betty i Nuttall has tho role of a fast young debutante, who keeps the opposite sex moving at a high ■ mcc. Another British Dominions film is "The • Lost Patrol." starring Cyril M'Laglen, which i relates the many exciting incidents that led 1 to the final fate of a small English cavalry latrol that was 'lost In the African desert. ' Cyril M'Laglen the young Australian, has the role of the sergeant, and he, together with a ( powerful supporting cast, offers an amazing I series of vivid and varied characterisations. ] OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. I John Gilbert, Marion Davies, and Korma j bheaver are included in the pageant of stars i who appear In "Tho Hollywood Kevue," Metro- ' Goldwyn-Mayer's huge singing and dancing pro- : auction, which Is to bo shown at Our Theatre i to-night. Among the stage and screen celobrl- I ■\cs who will be seen in the picture aro Suster Keaton. Bessie Love, Aulta Page, William Huines, Joan Crawford, Polly Moran. the Bros Sisters, tiie Albertlnn Kasche ballet. Karl Dane. Conrad Kagel, and others. CAPITOL. THEATRE, MIRAMAR. i "Tiie Uato Ship," a thrilling British all-talk- ■ ing picture will bo shown at the Capitol to- i night.. Jameson Thomas, popular English ] ,i lr' S s tho fading role, and Jack Raine and . Jtner bn-llsh stage and screen players appear , in this gripping and baffling mystery, which is ' undoubtedly a credit to the British studios. All- ■ talking supports include another of the popular i Mickey the. Mouse" cartoons, and a Fox I Movietone News. "Sunny Side Up," starring ; Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, comes to the Capitol on Tuesday. ( SHORTT'S THEATRE. I Tim current programme of talking pictures at Shortt's Theatre Is excellent. "Peacock ' Alley" is the feature, and Mao Murray Is starred. The scenes aro lavish and spectacular and a part of the picture Is In colour There aro cood supports. < VICTORIA DRAMATIC SOCIETY. ( ( "Tho Lucky One" Is to be played by the ] Victoria College students to-night and again , on Monday, ut tho Blue Triangle Hall Zena i Jupp and J. Cowan head a cast, ably supported by C. C. Bradshaw, Joan Anderson, and Doug. ' Edwards. Bob Farrlngton holes but in ono at the eighth, but Is Imprisoned by mistake, and i Pamela and Bob's brother come to tho rescue, j At a time of so much mechanical amusement , this play of A. A. Milne's comes as a pleasant , relief to theatregoers; It Is a dramatic and ' comedy hit, and is assured of genuine apprecia- I lion. Box plans for Monday night ire «t l tho Bristol. . ]

I GRAND OPERA HOUSE. . j "Love Lies" was presented for. the last time | at the Grand Opera House last evening. "So This Is Lore" Is. to be presented to-day by Clem Dawe and his talented company, and is said to be even funnier and more spectacular than its predecessor, "Love Lies." The show was originally played at the Winter Garden Theatre in Londsn, where tt was an outstanding success. Cle'n Dawe is once more seen as "The Perfect Fool," and once again proves himself to be an lnimltablo comedian, and with tho able support of his excellent company makes this musical comedy season one to be remembered. "So This Is Love" is brimming over with delightful musical numbers, exquisite music, clever dialogue, comedy, situations, dazzling ensembles, original ballets, sensational specialty dancing; and its features Include dainty frocks and beautiful mountings. Tho cast Includes Catherine Stewart, Eric Edgley, Michael Colo, Betty Eley, Compton Coutts, Dan Agar, Paul Plunket, Marie Eaton, Elvio Ellis. Les White, John Wood, Mona Barlee, and Bobby Gordon. The orchestra will be under the direction of Gregory Ivanoff, and Frank Bregha and Helen Venables will again be heard at the two pianos. Mona Teppel and John Robertson will present now dance specialties. The show is presented under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Box plans are at the Bristol Piano Co. BRITANNIA THEATRE. A post-war comedy, full of laughs from beginning to end. "Marianne," Is the chief alltalklng picture of the very fine programme at the Britannia Theatre. Marlon Davles takes the leading part, and she does her work In a most captivating manner. The supports* are of high quality. PORT NICHOLSON BAND. A rare programme of music, vocal and instrumental, has been arranged for the recital In the Grand Opera Bouse to-morrow evening by the Port Nicholson Band. Supporting professional artists Include talented performers from the New English Comedy Co., "Love Lies," appearing by the courtesy of Messrs. Edgley and White, of J. C. Williamson. Ltd. Artists to appear Include Mr. Gregory Ivanoff, the celebrated violinist and conductor, who will play the bracketed solos (a) "On Wings of Song," (b) "The Dance of the Goblins": and Mr. Michael Cole, brilliant musical comedy star, who will sing at the piano. Including "Do Not Go, My Love": Reno and Arta, sylophonists, featuring the world's largest xylophone. They will play the overture, "Morning, Noon, and Night." Miss Christina Young, a soprano, will be heard in "Angus Macdonald." Mias Nellie Amies, contralto, whose voice Is of exquisite quality, sweetness, nnd of wide range, will be heard In "I Did Not Know." Miss Gracie Kerr, tho talented elocutionist, will entertain with an Item new to Wellington audiences, entitled "A Bachelor's Reminiscences.". Mr. Ken. Rigby, who Is making his first appearance at the band's concerts, will be heard In the popular song "Sally." Mr. Frank E. Crowther will act as accompanist The band items have been carefully selected, and include the hymn, "I'm Praying for You"; march, "Sunny Side Up"; fantasia, "Medley of Medleys": selection, "Gems from Sullivan's Operas"; valso, "Lady Divine": and the brilliant contest march, "20th Century." Early patrons will be treated to a eramophone recital. ' ' ' ORGAN RECITAL. ; Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) will give his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall tomorrow evening, and the programme has been [arranged as under:—(a) Pavarie. by Byrd; (b) Caprlccio, by Frescobaldi: (c) Musette, by Dandrieu; Choral-Prelude, by Bach; Concerto in D Minor (No. 10), by Handel j Prelude, (op. 16), No. 3, by Scriablne; Fantasie in-A, by Cesar Franck; Andante (from String Quartette), by Delumy: Sonatina in A Minor, by Karg-Elert.