ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 47, 23 August 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

"The Green Goddess" entered upon the second week of its Wellington season at St. James Theatre last evening. In this drama George Arliss, the noted English actor, taking the part of the Hajah of an Indian State, gives an Impressive characterisation, and one that cannot be forgotten easily. Suave and polished in his manners to the unfortunate English subjects who land from the air in his domains, he nevertheless displays, when the occasion demands, a primitive cruelty that shows him to be a ruthless and exacting ruler. In this characterisation he has ample opportunity of displaying the many qualities that go to make him to-day one of the most famous screen actors, and the manner in which he plays his part, a part that calls for versatile action, makes "The Green Goddess' an outstanding picture. He is supported by a strong cast which includes H. B. Warner, Alice Joyce, Ealph Forbes, David Tearle, Reginald .Sheffield, Nigel De Brulier, Betty Boyd, and Ivan Simpson. The supports are a Vox Movietone News, Bernie Cummins and his band, the Tiny Town Kevue, and the transformation scene from "Faust," in which Charles Hackett and Chase Baromeo take part. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "All Quiet on the Western Front," TJniversal's superb super-production of Erich Maria Remarque's famous war book, opened its third and final week at the Paramount Theatre yesterday. It is the story of Paul Baumer, transformed from a school boy in a German village to a soldier in the trenches of the Great War. Before he had begun to live, all that makes life worth living had been snatched away. He is tortured by brutal discipline. He learns that uttermost meaning of the privations and pains of the body, and the more awful sufferings of the soul. One by one ho sees his comrades wounded or slain. He goes home for a brief visit . . . and finds that even his home and his loved ones have changed, in his eyes. He is a stranger in- the bosom of his family, seeing himself at last as % member of a lost generation ... or youth lhat has never been allowed to live. "All Quiet on the Western Front" is technically, artistically, and, above all, spiritually—flawless. Always in the background Is the tremendous panorama of the world's greatest conflict. Lewis Ayrea, in the central role, Louis Wolheim and John Wray give performances, that have never been surpassed on the motion picture screen. Others in the large cast who stand prominently forth are Slim SummerviUe, Russell Gleason, William Bakewell, Scott Kolk, Walter Browne Rogers, Ben Alexander, Owen Davis, junr., and Zazu Pitts. Lewis Milestone has done a magnificent work as director. The broad sweep of war is never allowed to obscure the human being whose fate is the foremost consideration in the picture. REGENT THEATRE. There are films that merely interest, and others that grip. "The Locked Door," at the Regent, is one of the latter. Wonderful acting is added to a tensely dramatic conclusion. Rod la Rocque takes the part of Frank Devereaux, who never had a chance, a mere rich man's son with nothing to do but amuse himself. His amusement has taken the form of other men's women, and even tho thrills he gets out of indignant and homicidal husbands have commenced to pall. Ann Carter, secretary to a man of large interests, accompanies Devereaux to a pleasure boat outside the twelve-mile limit, where he shows Ills true colours, and only a police ra'/I saves Ann from her foolishness. She is nearly disclosed as the wife of Reagan, a manly fellow, both as happy as can be until, in pursuit of Helen, Reagan's sister, Devereaux again crosses Ann's trail, and tries to bind her to secrecy as to his real character. To save Helen, who has made an appointment at Devereaui's rooms, Ann visits him, and refuses to leave until assured of Helen's whereabouts. In the meantime Reagan, anxious to aave his best friend, Dlxon, who is seeking Devereaux's life for shattering his home, from murder, arrives to make the philanderer leave the town. Devereaux is shot, but it would spoil the story to say by whom. Tho situations are as tense as they are unexpected. Barbara Stanwyck, as Ann, shows a wonderful emotional range, the more especially as she Is characterising a woman of undemonstrative nature. It is great acting. Fun is provided by John Bunny as a waiter, and Zazu Pitta as a telephone girl, while If the scenes on the pleasure boat, with its 50-yard bar, filled by women clamouring for the "hard stuff," are .true to life, all good Americans are safest ashore. "Crystal Champions," one of the excellent supports, shows Johnny Weismuller and many other swimming and diving champions at play at Sliver Springs, a pellucid pool which permits of One under-water photography. It is really an artistic acenic picture. The screw, jacknife, plnwheel, and swan dives will greatly interest Wellington's swimmers, while the leg action of the champions in the^ crawl stroke is a subject of instructive closeups. "Eve's Fall" is a British musical comedy Introducing remarkably finished acrobatics. KING'S THEATRE. Ramon Novarro, dressed in the handsome uniform of a lieutenant of Napoleon Bonaparte, making'llls escape from a firing squad; climbIng Into a beautiful young woman's boudoir in the dead of night; masquerading as a footman; and duelling his way to fame and fortune are some of the sequences of "Devil MayCare," Novarro's all-talking musical romance, which is showing at the King's Theatre. The new picture, adapted from the French play, "La Bataille dcs Dames," is a perfect vehicle for the romantic Novarro. Dorothy Jordan, formerly of "Garrick Gaieties, "Twinkle, Twinkle," and other Broadway musical comedies, has the leading feminine role. The six songs in this musical romance wero written by Herbert Stothart, co-composer of "Rose Marie." There is an excellent list of supporting featurettcs. Box plans are available at the Bristol. QUEEN'S THEATRE, Hoot Gibson appears at the Queen's Theatre in "Roaring Ranch,' one of the fastest and most exciting pictures of h a■ thrHling career. It is all-talking. "Roaring Ranch" deals with. the adventurous West at the height of its thrilling speed . There are fights and conspiracies, and through it all runs Hoot's own particular brand of humour. The plot deals with the efforts of two men, one a rancher, the other a geologist, to win the hand of a pretty school teacher. The situation is complicated by a secret oil discovery, and there is action aplenty up to and including the final fadeout. ™yl™f* ""' of leading lady in charming Sally Eilers, one of the most promising of the younger actresses of the screen. There is an interesttag and well varied bill of supporting dound, Items. Box plans ore available at the Bristol. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "The Far Call" is the main attraction at the Artcraft Theatre: Charles Morton and Leila Hyams have the main parts. It is a stirring story of love and piracy in the Aleutian Islands, and the plot moves at a fast rate from start to finish. The other picture is The Plaything." This British screen play will be found most entertaining and one of merit. The most notable thing about the cast of players is Heather Thatcher, who turns out to be a lucky discovery for the British International Pictures. She has a charming personality and gives a perfect and artistic performance. Estelle Brody and Nigel Barrle complete the star cast, who all give the screen version of J. Black's stage play, "Life is Pretty Much tho Same," a really clever presentation. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWM. "The Cocoanuts," the hilarious musical comedy success, starring those Incomparable comedians, the Marx Brothers, will be shown at Our Theatre to-night. Needless to say, the Marx Brothers, whose gay, Irrepressible antics were responsible for the original success of "The Cocoanuts" play the same roles in this audible screen version, as they did In the Isew York presentation. Specially selected sound featurettes complete tho programme. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. The audible screen favourites, Cllve Brook and Evelyn Brent, will be seen and heard in the Paramount special attraction. Slightly Scarlet," to bo screened at tho Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night. The picture is filled with fast action, thrills, adventure, and laughs. Splendid supporting subjects, including a sound cartoon, will also be screened. Seats may be reserved by telephone or at the theatre. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "The Toilers," starring Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Jobyna Ralston, is being shown at the New Princess Theatre. Supporting the excellent main picture Is another fine film, "Protection," and there is also a gazette, a serial, and a comedy. TRAMWAYS BAND RECITAL. The Tramways Band will give a recital at St. James Theatre to-morrow evening at 8.15 o'clock. An excellent programme has been, arranged. Miss Peggy Hllllard, contralto, Chrlstcliurcli, under special engagement, will be heard in her choice, "Aye Marie and "Love tlie Pedler" (violin obbligato by Mr. Haydock, junr.). This singer has a great reputation in Australia and New Zealand, and judging by her many successes In opera and competition work a rare treat Is in store. Mr. J. Rodinl, the possessor of a very fine dramatic tenor, voice, by the management s request, will sing "The Volga Boatman In Russian. Prior ta singing this number an explication of the origin of the song will be given by the singer. Mr. Haydock will present his instrumental trio (piano, violin, and 'cello) in bracketed numbers, Cossack Revels and "Angels' Serenade." Mrs. Sevelle (a new arrival to this country) has an exceptional soprano voice. She will sing "The Memory of Song." Mr. Moss, baritone, will sing "The Drum-Major." The Tramways Band, which can always be relied upon for a first-class performance, has chosen for Its numbers extracts from Verdi's stirring opera, "Ernanl, tho famous quartet from "Rlgoletto/ the everpopular "Chu Chin Chow," the dainty march "Middy" and Rlmmer's stirring march "Australasian." Mr. Haydock will bo tho accompanist, and Mr. Gordon will entertain with records prior to the concert. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) will give his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow evening, and the programme lias been arranged as under: —Melody by GluckPage; Suite Auclenne by Holloway; Caprice in G Minor by Crackel; Arcadian-Idyll "Serenade," "Musette," "Solitude" by Lemare; (a) Meditation-Priere (Op. 90) No. 40 (b) Canzona (Op. 90) No. 35 by GuUmant; Beer Gyn* Suite (Op. 46) by Grieg.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. In the flood of post-war literature that has been lot loose in the past few years, few writings hare created a greater impression than the play, "Journey's End," which. In addition to being presented on the stage, has been published as a novel, and has finally appeared as a motion picture. The success which immediately greeted the play has continued with the picture, and after showing for a week at the Regent Theatre, "Journey's End" has been transferred to the Grand Opera House, where it will be shown for a further season. The facilities provided by sound pictures enable a play to be plcturlsed with the dialogue preserved, so that the original scenes can also be retained. The limits of the stage, however, are not those of the screen, and It is consequently possible for the scenes to be removed when desired from the dug-out which provided the entire setting for the stage play. The result is greatly added realism. The picture is an all-British production, presented by a cast speaking true English. The. part of Stanhope, the company commander who drugs his mind with whisky, is taken by Colin Cllve. He is supported by lan Maclaren as Lieut. Osborne, David Manners, as Raleigh, Anthony Bushell as Hibbert, Billy Bevan as Trotter, and Charles Gerrard as Mason. The picture will be shown at two sessions datly. DE LUXE THEATRE. Warner Baxter makes his reappearance at the De Luxe Theatre this week, playing the part of his own brother to the famous "Cisco Kid," portrayal of whom in the fine talkie, "In Old Arizona," won him the Motion Picture Academy award for the best acting of last year. Just what is the relationship of Baxter's new role to his old is not explained, but there he Is in the old form, Spanish accent, dashing white horse, charming Ways, and air of mystery. Again he is a "wanted" man, whom no one knows, and again he places' his trust in someone unworthy of it. His new film, "The Arizona Kid," is as full of action as the qli, It has not the touch of art which marked tno ending of "In Old Arizona," but it has colour, action, and some sensitively played scenes of emotion. There is some excellent comedy, too, in the old housekeeper and her goats, and the serenade of the Arizona Kid while Virginia listens, and the Kid's old love comes out at intervals to shake out her wardrobe in preparation for an uninvited visit to his home. The villain is very vile In this film, and there is a grim satisfaction in his merited fate. A dashing, courteous outlow, the Arizona Kid lends an attractive figure to any picture, and the setting has been worthy of him. His card game, to save Virginia's supposed brother, who betrays him, his easy sheeting home of guilt to the right man, and quick vengeance, his grim wait for Justice, while— In the mirror before him he sees the approach of the riding band which seeks his life, are sure strokes, and make this a film better than usual. There are some ingenious parallels with that older, warmly-remembered picture, but the setting and story are new, and the development is all that one could wish. Baxter alone is worth the seeing, but there are two excellent girls, Mona Marls, whose portrait of a spitfire is a vivid little etching, and Carol Lombard, reposeful and cool. There is a supporting programme of wide range, from the departure of the British Rugby team for Australia, complete with speeches, to Mr. Herbert F. Wood's strong tenor in the song number, "In My Caravan," and Mr. Paul Cullen's organ number, "Toreador Song." The programme will be repeated until Thursday next, inclusive, and there Is a daily matinee. Box plans at the Bristol and at Aitken s, or at the theatre. THE MAJESTIC. An unusual strain of psychology is introduced into the comedy, "He Knew Women, presented yesterday for the first time at the Majestic. Lowell Sherman plays the part of a practised Romeo who has become blase and also prudent with the advancing years. He looks forward to a marrlage-of-convenience with a rich widow, but he cannot get away from his fatal gift for fascinating the younger women, one of whom, with flapper-like persistence, refuses to be shaken off. Sherman can declaim a hundred reasons why the head should rule the heart, and should prohibit the union of a needy scribbler with a penniless girl; he can—and does —recite with inimitable skill a great deal of worldly wisdom, "full of wise saws and modern instances," against which the flappper can parade only the monotonous reiteration of her fancied passion; but, notwithstanding all their disparity in intellect, feminine persistence, combined with perjury, nearly wins the day against age and opulence. In fact, had not the maiden seen fit to retract her false charge that he had compromised her, poor bachelor and rich widow might be sundered yet. This struggle between masculine wit and feminine wiles is told in very bright dialogue, full of epigram; whether viewed as a warning to elderly wiseacres, or as an encouragement to bright green flappers, or as. a general dissection of amorous feelings, "He Knew Women" must be regarded as a clever production of its kind. The epigrams and sophisms could not have a better interpreter than Lowell Sherman, who presented a picture at a self-centred man who knows his own and everybody else's fallings, and who is minded to make liberal allowance for all of them; but whose comfortable plans are endangered by his gift for dalliance. The rich widgw is Alice Joyce, and the poor but persistent flapper is Frances Dade, while her lover (who gets in some revolver work at one stage) is David Manners (the Raleigh of "Journey's End"). Miss Dade's chief weakness is vocal;; her acting otherwise is of fair quality, with plenty of dash. Miss Joyce is of course a more finished actress, and in her more restrained (but limited) part is entirely successful. The comedy ends with the reinstatement of the reputation of the elderly Romeo and his continued pursuit of the rich prize with every prospect of his proving at last a winner. It is a clean comedy, and all its points are cleanly made. Considerable interest attaches to the first picture of the New Zealand Reel Tone News, which, with a recently imported recording machine, made a sound record of the farewelling of the British Rugby team in Wellington (speeches, wharf scenes, etc.). The speeches of the Prime Minister, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Dean, and the two captains "come over" well, and the local and topical interest is undoubted. The Fox Movietone News begins with the London Naval Treaty speeches and ceremonies (featuring the British Prime Minister and the American President) ; shows a lady alligator-charmer in Florida; the teaching of English to native girls in Japan-ruled Formosa ; scenes in California and Paris. The Universal News Reel features a United States tornado, the Princess Ileana, boxer Schmelllng, forest fires in U.S.A., the wedding of Slgnor Mussolini's daughter, etc. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. An excellent week-end programme will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. The main attraction is "The Girl From Havana," a Fox Movietone all-talking adevnture picture. The story concerns a band of jewel thieves,.who rob a large jewel store. They escape with their loot to Havana with a pretty girl detective hot on their trail. How she worms her way into the confidence of the crooks and finally captures them makes a thrilling and exciting picture. A )arge cast is headed by Lola Lane and Paul Page. A big supporting .programme Includes a special Mickey the Mouse cartoon. On Monday next a big special attraction, "The Taming of the Shrew." starring Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Picfcford, will be shown. THE NEW aUALITY, ISLAND BAY. A splendid programme will be shown at the New Quality this evening, ■ comprising two alltalking pictures, and a mystifying conjuring act by Chun Yuen Tai, an amazing Chinese cartoonist and magician. The first picture, under the title of "The Million Dollar Collar," shows that wonder dog, Rin Tin Tin, pitting his canine intelligence against the subtlety of a gang of crooks, the dog ultimately scoring against the law breakers. The other feature, "The Hole in the Wall," abounds' in mystery, thrills, and adventure. A matinee will be screened at 2 p.m. to-morrow. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Innocents of l'aris" is being shown at Short's Theatre. In the picture there are two new faces iv screenland. The first Is, of course, that of the star Maurice Chevalier, who makes his debut in motion pictures in this. The other is the leading lady. For years Sylvia Boecher has appeared on the Broadway stage, and become a prime favourite, and now with Chevalier she makes her debut at Louise in "Innocents of Paris." Miss Beecher has a charm that will make her popular with the entertainment seeking world outside of New York. One of the scenes depicts the famous flea market of Paris, where junk dealers dispose of their wares. One of- the big specetacle scenes in that of a Parisian revue. For this scene, which shows the hero at the pinnacle of his career, over fifty of the most beautiful girls in Hollywood were chosen as a background for the eccentric dancing and pantomime ot the star, Chevalier. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. What it means to sit in on a poker game when the turn of the next card may mean the ruin of two lives is clearly portrayed in an emotion-packed scene of "Street ot Chance," William Powell's first starring Paramount picture, which will bo presented at the Klibirnie Kinema to-night. In this amazing picture of big time gamblers of- New York, Powell is forced, against his will, and against his promise to his beautiful wife (played by Kay Francis) to take part in a secret poker session where stakes of hundreds and thousands of dollars are on the table. Excellent sound features will also be' screened. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery, telephone 14-202, and Bristol Piano Co. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Married in Hollywood," an audible pictorial adaptation of Oscar Strauss tuneful operetta, with additional music by Dave Stamper and Arthur Kay, is to be shown at the Regal Theatre to-night. It is an esepclally fine example of vocal recording, and, although the story is no weightier than one Is accustomed to in such musical affairs, it is adroitly Interspersed with joriftlity and extremely clever photographic embellishments. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "The Woman Racket," a great story of the underworld, is being shown at the Britannia Theatre. Blanche Sweet and Tom Moore have tho leading parts, and they are both heard and seen to advantage. There are good supports. SKATING. One of the brightest and jolliest places of pastime and amusement is the Skating Rink at the Winter Show Building. The brass band in attendance is of exceptional musical excellence. Skaters are showing wonderful skill in the one-step, two-step, and waltzing on skates. The motion and rhythm fef t&e most graceful tt ts possible for numww *> ewwrte,

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Anna May Wong scores a very considerable ersonal triumph, not only by her cling, but by the beauty of her oice and the excellence of her delvery, in "The Flame of Love," a new Briish International talking picture which Is now howing at the Capitol Theatre. The dramatic tory deals with the love of a Russian officer or a, Chinese dancing girl. John Longden, who ippeared as the detective In "Blackmail," plays he part of the Russian officer and many clever lerformances are given by artists in small parts. Supporting featurettes include a "Mickey the ilouso Cartoon," and the 1812 Overture. STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Underground," starring Brian Aherne, will le shown at the Star Theatre to-night. This s a romance of London's underground railvays, and it gives some very unusual and dranatic scenes. A very thrilling scene takes ilace in the huge Lots road power station, vhere the villain is entreated by his unfortumte lover to marry him and the tragic sequel vhen she is electrocuted. The production is ruly British. The other feature is a comedyIrama, "Mrs. Brown Prom Chicago." This is i delightful comedy tangle tinged with tragedy. Spectacular New York and Paris settings are Matures. The beautiful Dolly Grey is in the starting role. NAVAL BAND RECITAL. Several special features are announced for he recital at the De Luxe Theatre to-morrow ivening. The band of the Royal Naval Voluneer Reserve have been attracting crowded louses with excellent programmes, and the enertainment now offered promises to compare 'avourably with any previously given. Early irrivals at the theatre will have the opportunity. )f singing with the Wurlitzer organ, as comnunity singing has been arranged, under the eadership of Mr. W. Binet Brown, who offlciited with particular success at the Town Hall luring the musical festival. This should be luite a pleasant and attractive feature. The lumbers have been carefully selected, and they :ncludo "Lead, Kindly Light," "Land of Hope md Glory," "Old Folks at Home," etc. An important engagement is that of Signorina Marie Bianchinl, a singer of repute from Italy, who iias toured with grand opera companies; She is described as a dramatic soprano unusual ibility. Mr. Herbert F. Wood, always a favourite, is to sing some of his popular ballads with the Wurlitzer organ, and Mr. Paul Cullen will play solos on that instrument, "The Rosary" and "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" (both by request). Miss Grade Kerr has new humorous items to put over, and she is always good. "Buying a Wedding Present" is one. A boy singer and whistler, Vivian Mlddleton, has a surprisingly powerful voice, with which he Has gained success on the stage. To-mor-row night he will sing (and whistle) "Let Me Have My Dreams" and "High Upon a Hilltop." Lively numbers will be provided by the Golden Hula Hawaiian Orchestra, consisting of expert performers with steel guitars, Spanish guitars, led by Eric Porter, late of Kali's Troubadours. Mr. Harry Baker has resumed his position as conductor of the band In place of Mr. C. A. Forrest, who has officiated most successfully while Mr. Baker has been In ill-health. New pieces have been practised for this recital. Amongst these are "Giralda,"

"Love's Remembrance," and "Land of Hope and Glory," with euphonium solo and organ. Mr. Frank Crowther is the accompanist.