ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 42, 18 August 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

"Journey's End," the English war drama, now being shown, at the Regent Theatre, drew crowded houses on Saturday. It 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 tho action Is not confined so rigidly to the dugout (as on tho stage) and many of the glimpses of A'o Alan's I/and 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 n.-ileigh is played less boyishly and the Osborne 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 hewing, less words will be lost at the Itegent performance than were lost when Mr. Sheriff's play was first introduced to Wellington by flesh-and-blood actors. Tho main burden falls on the shoulders of- Colin Clive as Captain Stanhope.- Anyone-who has ever tried for any lons period to mix alcohol.and efficiency must know what a difficult thing it Is; therefore it follows that a whisky-drinking company commander must bo presented in just the right 1 balance of madness and method, or he will not be convincing at all. It says much, then, for the art of Colin Cllre that the artifice of Captain Stanhope when in his cups is not made too transparent. In the revolver scene witli the malingering Hibbert, Stanhope spares neither the 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 Air. 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 occurß when the unsensual Trotter desptses the sensualist's sexy postcards—but pockets them. The analysis of courage is seen at its best in the dialogue between the ill-fated Lieut. Osborne (lan Maclaren) and Lieut. Raleigh (David Manners) in the windy hour before the 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 other four members of the cast help to add variety to a womanless production, and tho team as a whole is so efficient that the absence of skirts is scarcely felt. Both technically and histrionically "Journey's End" is a finished production, deserving of a good run. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The St. James Theatre was packed to capacity on Saturday—with large numbers unable to gain admission—by an audience that made no secret of the fact that it was highly delighted with the very fine entertainment presented. Interest was manifest and applauso frequent. Th» main attraction was tho appearance of the dramatic genius and popular favourite, George Arliss, in an admirable screen version of the late William Archer's perfectly constructed and well-written stage success, "The Green Goddess." On the stage, in New York, and the United States generally, George Arliss, who was the original of the part of the "Rajah of Kukh," appeared in the piece as "star" for three consecutive years. Thereafter he took it to London, where its highly successful run extended to twelve months. Seen in the part on the screen, Arliss revealed a remarkably fine performance of a repellant character that turned it into a fascinating one. He held his audience by sheer force of ability and registered an impersonation that was, by many present, estimated to excel even his never-to-be-forgotten portrait of "Disraeli" in the play of that title. Tho settings and mountings of the piece were magnificent. When" compared with the stage performance shown here some time back by Guy Bates Post, thoy served to emphasise the tremendous advantage the screen has over the stage in matters of tho kind. The supporting cast is one of which any star might feel proud. Ralph Forbes, as "Dr Traherne," H. B. Warner as "Major Crcspln," and Ivan Simpson as "Watkins," and possibly in a lesser degree, Alice Joyce, did such excellent work that.the whole performance was elevated to a level which permits of it being classed as the finest yet seen on a local screen. The curtain-raisers are unsually good. "The Transformation Scene from Faust," admirably sung by Charles Hackett, as "Faust" and Chase as "Mephlstopheles" is a gem; "The Prediction is a really clever comedy with «. crisp, clerer ending, and "Tiny Town Revue" is quite pleasing: Box plans are at the Bristol and Theatre. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "AH Quiet on the Western Front," the sensational Universal adaptation of Erich Hemarque's widely-read book, is in its second week at the Paramount Theatre. People havo seen the heroic side of war screened many times — its colour, its glamour, its -lure. Now they see its human side—the angle that makes this ptcturlsation an entertainment thrilling in its epic sweep of drama, yet most poignantly powerful in its ability to lift ono 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 the observer than to tho subject observed. It deals In fact with the front-line thoughts and deeds of men at war, in a situation which is anomalous from every angle when viewed in the light of normal civilised ■ experience. These are no now remarks, of course, for the subject is one which by thl3 time only genius could discuss with novelty Everyone can be presumed to know the general outline of Remarque's plot, and no time need 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 the performance of their life. With them are associated two or three older figures, one of whom, Katczinsky, the much-loved "Kat," gives a marvellous performance. The part Is played by Louis Wolhelm in superb fashion. . Nothing hotter could be wished for. Lewis Ayres, as Paul Baumer, has a part of extreme difficulty, and manages it magnificently. All ■ the - others clre fine performances.

KING'S THEATRE. Bebe Daniels, brilliant star of "Rio Rita," has-a congenial role in "Alias i'rench Gortie," the R.K.O. picture screening at the King's Theatre. The story is of ,a pair of crooks who are fast becoming notorious 'for their daring activities iv tha houses of the wealthy. "French Gertie" adopts the method of getting a position as a lady's maid, and then stealing away with the lewellery. How the regeneration of the two is brought about Is told in a series of dramatic scenes. Handsome Ben Lyon plays opposite Miss Daniels, whose acting and speaking are all that can bo desired. There are good supports. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Tanned Legs" !is tiie principal attraction at the Queen's Theatre. Five melodious and original song numbers and a chorus of forty Hollywood beauties are features. Heading the outstanding cast of Him celebrities is a newcomer named June Clyde. She had been in pictures for only two months when she was chosen for one of the. most sought after roles of the season. Her attractive personality and delightful voice lit her admirably for the part. Ann Penuington, famous Zcigfeld star, is seen in several specialty dances with another Broadway favourite, Allen Kearns. Others in the cast are Arthur Lake and Edmund Burns. The supports are varied and interesting. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. The London and New York musical comedy stars, the Duncan Sisters, let moviegoers know how the "backstago picture" should be made in their first all-talking, singing, dancing attraction for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, "It's a Great Life." In addition, they must be thanked for being responsible for the most striking and beautiful technlcoloiir scenes ever brought to the screen. This picture, which is now drawing large audiences to the Kilbirnie Theatre, is primarily a song and dance entertainment by what is probably the world's greatest feminine vaudeville team, but sufficient story has been injected to give It added interest on that score, too. Excellent supports will also be screened. Keserve at Theatre Confectionery, telephone 14-202, and Bristol Piano Co. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. John Gilbert, Marlon Davies, and Norma Shearer are Included in the pageant of stars who appear In "The Hollywood Revue," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's huge singing and dancing production, which Is to be shown at Our Theatre to-night. Among the Btage and screen celebrities who will be seen in the picture areBuster Keaton, Bessie Love, Anita Page, William Raines, Joan Crawford, Polly Moran, the Bros Sisters, the Albertina Rasche ballet, Karl Dane. Conrad Nagel, and others. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Tim current programme of talking pictures at Shortt'j Theatre Is excellent. "Peacock Alley" is the feature, and Mac Murray is starred. Tbe scenes arc lavish and spectacular and a part of the picturo is in colour There ara eood supports: BRITANNIA THEATRE. A post-war comedy, full of laughs from beginning to end, "Marianne," Is the chief alltalking picture* of the very fine programme at the Britannia Theatre. Marion Davies taltes the leading part, and she does her work in a most captivating manner. The supports are of high quality. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Secrets of the ■' East" is being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. It tells of an Egyptian cobbler's somewhat sudden transport by magic into realms of Elyslan delight and presents a vivid picture of the experiences through which he passed on his meteoric rise to dominion and power In royal state. The second feature Is "The Big Hop," a thrilling romance of the plains plus the perils of the air. 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 Kuth Miller takes the lead: The second picture is an Indictment of companlonate marriage. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. 'Tlib -Flying Marine," a Columbia all-talk-ing picture, screens at tha Quality to-night, and is an epic of sea life, combining a strong element of cornedy1 and drama. The supportIng feature, "Tho Kiss," starring Conrad Xirgel, portrays an exceptionally fine piece of iicling by this favourite, star.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. A large and highly pleased audience showered approval on the remarkable comedy, "The Aviator," on Saturday evening at the Majestic Theatre. Quite obviously this all-talking screen farce Is founded on the merry stage , comedy, "Going Up," for It retains all the I smart dialogue of that popular piece and, ln addition, It branches off into a realm where the legitimate stage may not follow owing to circumscribed space. The off-shoots talte the shape of ridiculously funny aeroplane stunts by the chief comedian, Edward Everett Horton which not only raise roars of hearty laughter, but evoke admiration and some amazement by their danger and daring. To Miss Amy Johnston ("Johnnie") is attributed the statement Mint these stunts of Horton's are "the most remarKable" she has seen, and "Johnnie" should know. Unlike most farce comedies, the piece boasts a coherent plot and all the rib-tickluig situations ' with which it abounds arise naturally, and for that reason they are all the more 'effective. Patsy Ruth Miller and Johnny Arthur, the popular pressman of Bio Rita," are prominent in the cast, which is in every way adequate. The first part of the programme comprises offerings that are pleasing, while the Fox News Reel features an interesting wrestling match between "Sonnenberg, me World's Champion, and the formidable Russian wrestler. Count Zarynaff. . Boi plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre. • DE LUXE THEATRE. ."Hit the Deck," at the Be Luxe Theatre, approximates, closely to the play that appeared at the Opera, House some time ago. The picture, opens with Smith Jack Oakie) signing on for Uncle Sam, while the band plays a catchy air "Join the Isavy. He then goes for a long cruise, and when hs returns he visits Looloo (Miss Polly Walker), who promptly falls ln love with him. Smith obstinately refuses to respond to Looloo's advances, and when he at last succumbs he has to go with the fleet to «ea. Looloo rises in the world, and an admiral is persuaded to lend her his battleship while she gives a party to which all the Smiths are Invited. A reconciliation is effected, but they have barely tlmo to sing that charming air "Sometimes Im Happy" before another Dreach appears (Looloo's wealth now being the 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 (limed in colour, and should on no account be missed. . The famous "Hallelujah" Is given at "a 'most impressiyo spiritualistic seance by a choir of negro voices while tambourines and trumpets ■ float in the air. It is a far bettor 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 tho American fleet to Wellington Indeed, there is almost a plethora of American voices. Mr. Jack Oakie does all tHat is required of him as Smith, although why he so consistently misunderstands the charming Looloo it 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. Real personalities ahd not "reel" extras were used in many of the sequences of "The Arizona Kid," Warner Baxter's newest Fox Movietone production, which makes its bow to local audiences next Fr)day at the De Luxe Theatre. The picture was filmed on the precise locale of the story, ln South-Western Utah, and Director Alfred Santell made use of hundreds of the local residents In the district. Including many former inhabitants of the deserted "ghost city," which was rebuilt for screen purposes.

REGAL THEATRE. KARORI. j Norma Talmadge's first talking picture which is coming to the Regal Theatre to-night, "New York Nights," brings tho world of song writers and chorus girls to tho screen in one of the most elaborato productions ever made at tlio United Artists Studios. The picture was directed by Lewis Milestone and has a strong supporting cast made up of Gilbert Roland, Miss Talmadge's leading man; John Wray, Lilyan Tashman, Roscoe Karns, and Mary Doran. , EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Captain of the Guard," by far the most elaborate production yet attempted in all-talk-ing and singing pictures, will be screened at the1 Empire Theatre to-night. Great crowds of extras, forming the opposing armies of the Royalist guards and the Revolutionary troops, have been photographed against a background of vivid drama, and the crackle of muskets, the booming of cannon, the mighty sweop to victory have all been perfectly recorded in Bound. The story concerns tho French Revolution, and the 'Marseillaise" Itself, the dramatic national hymn of the French nation1 Is dramatised both in pictures and music to a height of intensity that sweeps every nation before it. The stars in the picture are John Boles and Laura la Plante. An excellent supporting programme includes an all-talking comedy and a Universal talking newsreel. •

PORT NICHOLSON BAND. The tenth recital given by the Port Nicholson Silver Band was held last night in the Grand Opera House; when a well-selected programme was much enjoyed by a capacity house. The band, under the able control of Mr. J. J. Drew, played "I'm Praying For You" (arranged de Feau), "Sunny Side Up" (de Sylva); "Medlej' of Medleys" (aranged J. J. Brew), "Gems from Sullivan's Operas" (arranged J. J. Drew), "Lady Divine" (J. Ord Hume), and "20th Century" (J. Ord Hume), each of these numbers being most pleasurably interpreted and roundly applauded. Tho assisting artists for the evening were six in number, namely. Miss Grade Kerr, who recited "A Bachelor's Reminiscences," aud "Who?" very successfully; Miss Nellie Amies. Miss Christina Young, Reno and Arta, and Mr. Ken Rigby, whose song "Sally" drew "Lay My Head Beneath a Rose" as an encore. Miss Amies chose "I Did Not Know" for her first item, and responded to insistent applause with "An Old Fashioned Town." Mr. Gregory Ivanoff, the talented violinist of the Clem Dawe Company, gave two delightful solos, "On Wings of Song" (Mendeissohn-Ackron), iind "Dance of the Goblins" (Bazzini). He was accompanied by Mr. Frank Briglla, and-! chose "Traumerel" as an encore. Miss Christina Young's voice was well suited to "Aangus Macdonald," and "Love 4s Meant to Make Us Glad," the latter given when recalled, and Keno and Arta were very popular performers with their xylophone duets, "Morning, Noon, and Night" (arranged J. J. Drew), "Armarendi," and "Stars and Stripes." The accompanist for the evening was Mr. Frank E. Crowthcr.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. The powerful British all-talking picture, "The Hate Ship," concludes its popular season at the Capitol to-night. Janet Gaynor and Charlie Farrell can be seen in "Sunny Side Up," tho screen's first original all-talking, singing, dancing musical' comedy, to-morrow night. El Brendel, Frank Richardson, Sharon Lynn, and Marjorle White support tl|o stars in this bright and cheerful talking picture. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) gave his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall last evening, and tho programme was as under: —(a) Pavane, by Byrd; (b) Capriccio, by Frescobaldi; (c) Musette, by Dandrleu; Choral-Prelude, by Bach; Concerto in D Minor (No. 10), by Handel; Prelude (op. i 16), No. 3, by Scrlabino; Fantasle ln A, by Cesar Franck; .Andante (from String Quartette), by Debussy: Sonatina in A Minor, by Karg-Elert.