ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 68, 17 September 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST.. JAMES THEATRE. In "Song of the West" at St. James Theatre, the picturesque backgrounds, all done iv technicolour, discloses many pretty shots of mountain, canyon, gulch, and prairie scenery. Tho dialogue of the play is very clearly dolivered by a band of players who are responsible for soino pleasing characterisations of Interesting types appropriately dressed, who were associated with the Californlun goldflolds in-the gold-rush days of 1849. John Boles, with I his excellent tenor voice, is a tower of strength to the cast, and he is ably assisted by Vivieune Segal, whoso clear . singing voice materially aids to tho vocal success of tho piece. The popular comedian, Joe E. Brown, is seen to a special advantage, and ills singing of the dolorous ditty, "The Brido Was Dressed iv White," brings down the house. Marion Byron gives valuable support. The first part of tho programme includes tho famous quartette from tho grand opera, "Rigoletto." Bos plans are at the Bristol. Sir Benjamin and John Fuller will present at the St. Jaracs Theatre on Friday the stupendous all-colour musical comedy production, "Show of Shows," which is heralded as the very biggest presentation ever made for the audible screen. An ensemblo of over one thousand people are concerned in the mighty spectacle. Of theso seventy-iivo aro first-grade stars, and amongst them aro Georges Cavpentl.er, John Barrymorc, Winnie Llgutner, Beatrice Lillo, Jacqueline Logan, Arinida, Melt Lucas, Monte Blue, Betty Compson, Louiso Fazcnda, Luplno Lane, 11. B. Warner, and Lois Wilson. Tho success of "Show of Shows" in America is said to have been "phenomenal and unrivalled." Box plans aro open at tho Bristol. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A thrilling story of tho underworld is unfolded in "Framed," at the Paramount Thetre. Evelyn Brent has the principal role. Briefly, the story is that of Koso Maun ing, • daughter of a well-known crook- who was killed during an encounter with the police. Tho girl believes that tho Chief of Police was the indirect murderer of her father. She swears! revenge, but five years elapso before she gets her chance, 'which comes in tho form of tho inspector's son. who is a patron of a night-club run by Rose. He falls desperately in lovo with tho girl, and she leads him on, but with only one intention, to get her own back on his father The picture is full of exciting and dramatic situations, which all lead up to an astounding climax, In which the veil of unhapplness and hate on tho part of Rose is cast aside. There are gooa supports. Making a talking picture that is at once an absorbing dramatic and engrossing piece of entertainment, and a film document of immense value, would seem to be an impossible task. In "Born Reckless," however, John Ford's Fox Movietone drama of gangland, which commences next Friday at tho Fuamount Theatre, the director has achieved just this result For the first time In screen history the modern gangster is portrayed as he really is— neither a heartless, coldblooded killing machine nor a saccharinely sentimental youth, always ready to renounce the error of his ways—but a human beiug, warped by his environment but loyal to his companions and his rigid code. Edmund Lowe, who scored so sensationally in "What Price Glory," and "Tho Cpcl: Eyed World," gives a striking portrayal of the sang leader, aud the lovely Catherine Dale Owen that of the heroine. Lee Tracy, Warren Hymer. Marguerite Churchill, William Harrigan, Frank Albertson, Koy Stewart, Paul Pago, Ben Bard, Mike Do'nlin, Paul Porcasi, and others have prominent roles. REGENT THEATRE. "The Divorcee," featuring Norma Shearer, is the main attraction at the Regent Theatre. As the fascinating Jerry, Norma Shearer decides, when she does marry, to bo the true and faithful wife. Three years of married life find the couple still happy and contented, but it is not long before trouble arrives. With a party which has arrived to celebrate the anniversary is a certain Janice, and much to Jerry's amazement she surprises her husband and Janice lovemaking. Her husband insists that "it didn't mean a thing," and his wife endeavours to adopt the viewpoint of her husband, but she is only partially successful. She seeks other company, and her husbaud ultimately leaves her. A divorce follows, and both set out to "forget." At this stage a third (and now married)' admirer of Jerry's appears, and suggests leaving his wife In favour of Jerry. The latter assents, and the pair are on tho point of departure when tho other wife makes a plea for a more honourable course. After having seen her marriage wrecked, Jerry accordingly sets about to mend matters, and the concluding portion of the story relates how she successfully accomplishes her desigus. The supporting programme is good. KING'S THEATRE. "High Society Blues," now showing at tho King's Theatre, deals with tho doings of tho Divines and the Grangers. Mr. Granger, who has a wife, a daughter, and a son (Charles Farrell), sell shis chain of stores to Mr. Devlne. who has a wife, recognised as a real snob, and a daughter (Janet Gaynor). Tho Granger family go to the East to enjoy life, and buy an estate ■ next door to that of the Divines. Efforts of the Grangers to bo neighbourly with the Divines are rebuffed. However, the daughter of one and the sou of tho other family find a common ground. Complications arise, but by the time Eddie and Eleanor have settled matters in their own way, there is the happiest of endings. The supporting programme is excellent. A fascinating and intriguing Elinor Glyn story and a cast qf unusual excellence make "Such -Men Are Dangerous," Fox Movietone all-talking drama, a success as screen entertainment. It screens in Wellington for a return season at the King's Theatre, commencing on Friday. Warner Baxter, who camo into prominence for his performance as the "Cisco Kid" in "In Old Arizona," portrays the leading male role and reveals a new and delightful Baxter in a most difficult characterisation. The leading female role is enacted by Catherine Dale Owen, appearing as the beautiful bride, who deserts her husband on the night of their wedding on account of his repulsiveness. QUEEN'S THEATRE. An all-talJtiag drama of tho devotion between a father and son is tho "Night Parade," featuring Hugh Trevor and Dorothy Gulliver, now showing at the Queen's Theatre. The picture grips the emotious. and Hugh Trevor and Lloyd Ingraham as the father and son rise to dramatic heights. Aileen Pringlo and Robert Ellis aro cast as the villains who seek to dethrone tho father's idol and cast him into disgrace. Summed up, the picture is a thrilling and romantic story of the prizo-ring and New York's night life. There are some excellent support Monte Blue comes to the Queen's Theatre on Friday next as a railroad engineer la Warner Bros.' "Tho Greyhound Limited," a melodrama of the road w.hich contains hair-raising adventures with a disturbing lady, tne police, and a gang nf hoodlums who bring Monte's fireman to the brink of death, thus giving the engineer a chance to prove his heroism. The supports include Edna Murphy, Grant Withers, Lucy Beaumont, Ernie Shields, and Lew Harvey. Albert Howson did the story, Anthony Coldeway the scenario. The production was directed by Howard Bretherton. REPERTORY THEATRE. To-night at the Y.W.C.A. Hall, Eoulcott street, the National Repertory Society will present a triple bill of selected short plays. The opening play Is that extraordinary tragedy by John Galsworthy, "The First and the Last," ranking, perhaps, as the most poignant short drama In English. Then comes "Shall We Join the Ladies?" a tabloid murder mystery. In which all the action takes place round a large dining table. The last is an ultra-modern comedy, "The Scene That Was to Write Itself," in which an author struggles with characters who refuse to do his bidding. The box plan is open to the public at the Bristol from to-day, and early booking is recommended. The casts are well chosen, and the preparation has been thorough under tho supervision of the producer, Mr. W. S. Wauchop. A delightful evening's entertainment is assured. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Universal's screen epic, "All Quiet on the Western Front," will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story of "All Quiet" Is based on the experiences and observations of Remarque, the author, who went to the front as a schoolboy. The battle scenes of "All Quiet," In which more than two thousand soldiers participated, are most spectacular. The story opens with "Paul" and vis comrades enlisting in the hysteria of patriotism, and carries on as one after the other is killed. Through all the stark realism of war and the shattering of the lives and Illusions of Remarque's schoolboys runs the golden thread of human understanding and true comradeship. A huge cast is headed by Lewis Wolheim, Lewis Ayres, John Wray, and Slim Sumtnerrtlle. Patrons are requested to be seated before eight o'clock, as "All Quiet" commences directly after the overture. There will be no Interval. PRINCESS THEATRE. Equipped with the latest talking picture Installation, the Princess Theatre is showing "The Golden Calf," in which El Brendel, Sue Carol, and Jack Mulhall have the chief parts. It is a sparkling musical comedy replete with song and dance hits. This picture had a most successful season in Wellington a short time ago. A strong supporting programme Is billed. The theatre, which Is opea continuously from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.. haß been completely renovated. Seats may be reserved at the theatre, and popular prices are charged. SHORTT'S THEATRE. In 'The Hate Ship," at Shortt's Theatre, Ternon Wolf Is the owner of a steam yacht. Wolfe plans a coup to obtain wealth and power, and invites a number of wealthy people for a cruise, but before the ship has been flvt days out Arthur Warden Is found badly wounded in the smoking-room. Count Boris is Wolfe'3 deadly enemy, and Warden is 3hot in mistake for Wolfe. The method or the crime is ingenious, a concealed gun being accidentally fired by the striking of a certain chord on the saloon piano. The theme song of the piece is instrumental in the shooting. Tho Count, after shooting Wolfe, gives himself up, revealing that Wolfe had shot his father. Thero are good supports. CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. The question whiit would you do if yon were <iv unwelcome guest, had an appointment with tho host's daughter at midnight, downstairs, were caught on your way, and trapped in two other women's ruoms, is answered liy Reginald Denny in "Embarrassing Moments" at tho Capitol Theatre. The situations may be embarrassing, but they are funny.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. J "Rookery Nook" is raising many laughs a' the Grand Opera House. Without a doubt, It is one of tuo finest , pictures that have been shown sinco tho talkio era set in. Delightfully English In atmosphere, tho cast is also English, and with such polished players as Ralph Lynn, Tom Walls, Winifred Shotter, and Mary Brougb handling tho main parts, the wit of Travers, often most whimsical, flows as smoothly as a rippling stream, and it starts to flow right at the beginning ana does not stop until all tho complications which have been developed have been cleared away. A charming girl, driven from home Dy her German stepfather who more or less thrusts herself, clad in pyjamas only, on Gerald Popkins and his cousin Cllve Popkiss, Is responsible for it all. And then there is tho presence of a scandalmonger person, Mrs. Harold Twine (Gerald's sister), a wonderrui old busybody Mrs. Leverett, otherwise known as th« "daily woman," and one or two others, who do their share towards stirring tho fun There is a good supporting programme to "Eookery Nook," comprising several souna featurettes. Box plans may be obtained at uib theatre. "HOLD EVERYTHING." Wellington is going to be favoured with brilliant solo and ensemble dancing, tho comeuy of the versatile Clem Dawe, and an exciting boxing match, features of "Hold ivcrythiiig," hooking for tho season of which at vie Grand Opera House opens at Tho Bristol tomorrow morning. Bright and clever dancing is said to be a feature of this J. C. Williamson show attraction, which is opening with the matinee at the Grand Opera House next Saturday afternoon. According to critics, it is a loi'S time since playgoers have seen such a flue exposition of tho art in a musical comedy, and from that aspect alone it is well worth seeing. There is more than the usual plot about this comedy, which centres around a boxing championship, and a novelty is provided in tno form of a boxing contest on the stage, in which the audience witnesses the knock-out blow. '"Hold Everything"-is also said to be conspicuous for its uproariously funny comedy and tlie catchiest of songs since "Tho Belle of New York." In "Hold Everything" the whole of the members take a hand in the success achieved, and tho cast includes Clem Dawe, Bobby Gordon, , Betty Eley, Michael Cole, Marie Baton, Dan Agar, Kitty Stewart, Eric Edgley, Les White, Paul Plunket, Mona Barlee, Comptou Coutts, Mona Zeppel, and tho beautiful ballet lv new dances. DE LUXE THEATRE. In "Harmony Heaven" at the Do Luxo Theatre, there are good song numbers, and the dancing is as excellent as British dancing can be. Polly Ward, a musical comedy personality, the exotic Trilby Clark, and Stuart Hall aro the leads in this story of back-stage life, and they are seldom at fault. The numbers are good, the stars capable, and the colouring of the film excellent. How a young chorus man batters his way to stardom and how he finds a wife is well told. There Is a Paramount Talkie News, a golf film for the long-handicap players, showing Alex. Morrison, an American professional, insisting on his golden rules, and a British comedy. "His New Car," which has some excellent things in it. At the organ, Mr. Paul Cullen plays a medley of old musical comedy airs, and there is the "Merrie England" overture as well. One of the most entertaining audible pictures of the past season was "They Had to Sco Paris," . Will Rogers's first starring picture for Fox Movietone. When Rogers startod production on his second, "So This Is London, it is said that Fox executives expressed the hope that his second picture would be as entertaining as his first. The second was "So This Is London," which opens a season next Friday at the De Luxe Theatre, and the consensus of opinion among "pre-viewers" of the picture is that it has far surpassed the first production. Based on the successful stage play of the same title produced a decade ago by George M. Cohan, the screen version is far more entertaining than tho stage play. Rogers is perfect in his portrayal of a wealthy owner of a cotton mill in Texas. He has decided views regarding the English, but when he is compelled to go to London oa business he finds that many Britons have exaggerated ideas of Americans. How this little thing is ironed out and peace reigns, and also a better understanding, is delightfully enacted on tho screen. Irene Bich, as Rogers's wife, and Frank Albertson, as his son, and Maureen O'Sullivan, who made her first screen appearance in "Song o' My Heart," are prominent in featured holes with Lumsden Hare, Mary Forbes, Bramwell Fletcher, Dorothy Christy, and others in decidedly important roles. "So This Is London" is another directorial achievement of John G. Blystoue. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Large and very appreciative audiences at the Majestic Theatre testify to the popularity of Paulino Frederick in the strong play, "Evidence." This story of a much maligned woman who tights for the possession of her sou, who was taken from her by an order of the. divorce court, is one of strong heart-appeal. The child in tho case is astonishingly well • played by little Freddie Bourko Frederick, a iad of eight years, whoso ability entitles him to the prominent position ho occupies amongst such worthy supporting actors as William Courtenay, Lowell Sherman, Conway Tcarle, Lionel Belmore, and Alec B. Francis. Selected supporting featurettes round off an admirable programme, which closes its season ou Thursday next. : The all-British comedy triumph, "Baise the Boot," which is credited with making "London audiences laugh more heartily than they've done for years," will begin its merry-making season at the Majestic Theatre on Friday next. The English critics describe at as "one of the cleverest comedies of the talking screen, irrespective of the country of origin." It boasts an unusually novel plot, and deals hilariously wtlb the trials and troubles of a revue company, which, driven from the London stage by the "talkie" invasion, is forced to tour provincial England, until ultimately complete disaster overtakes the troupe through the machination of a villain who deliberately sends the wardrobe baskets astray, leaving the performers to face a packed house, minus any stage dresses. Betty Balfour, tho star, gets over the difficulty; wardrobe Is improvised from all manner of things, and what is said to bo tho "smartest and cleverest performance yet seen In talking pictures" is presented by the plucky thospians who reap a well-merited reward In the shape of a pronounced financial success, which relieves them of all further worries. Box plans are at tho Bristol. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Trapped in a crippled submarine 95 feet below the surface —with water slowly entering. through an inaccessible leak, and' tho torpedo tubes, the only avenues of escape, fouled; by the collision which sent the vessel to the bottom—is the perilous situation confronting the players in "Adventures 'of 513," now showing at the Britannia Theatre. Kenneth MacKenna and Frank Albertson handle the leading roles in this Fox Movietone feature, with Farrell Macdonald, Walter M'Grail, Paul Page, Warren Hymer, Stuart Erwin, and George le Guere in the principal supporting characterisations, KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Lenore TJliio, as the vivacious French girl of the tropics in "South Sea Rose," her second Fox Movietone all-talking picture, will ba the attraction »t the KUblrnie Theatre to-night "South Sea Rose," directed by Allan Dwan, Is a comedy-drama of treachery and conflict involving the whims of this flaming hoyden and her seafaring sultora. The supporting cast of several stage and screen favourites Include Charles Blckford, Kenneth MacKenna, and Tom Patricola, and many others. Sound featurettes will also be presented. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery, Telephone 14-202, and Bristol Piano Company. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. William Haines Is to be seen to-night at Our Theatre in his first all-talking picture, "Navy Blues." It is a love story with the comedy and adventure of navy life as a background, and much of it is actually filmed ou a destroyer. Anita Page, as tho heroine of Haines's oxploits, and Earl Dane, as his buddy, contribute no little to the film's many laughs. Excellent sound supports complete the programme. REGAL THEATRE. KARORI. "Tho Vagabond King," a great colour picture, will he screened at the Regal ™eatre to-night The songs are a feature of this colourful production. Denis King "ported by Jcanette Mac Donald, Warner Oland, and O P Heggie. A very good selection of autalkie Support, will be shown in <^unc«on Tlffi, S^r-AU'Qu'ottn 1 £. «£ Front." THE WELLINGTON APOLLO SINGERS. Next Saturday evening, In the Concert Chamber rf the Town HaU, the Wellington Apollo H. Temple White, will render some entirely new and unusual numbers. Some very une part-singing will be heard mostly ""accompanied. The services of Miss Myra Sawyer, Wellington's very talented soprano, have been secured as the choir's first soloist, and this well-known singer is sure to give every satisfaction to intending patrons of the concert. As a Pianist of high standing Mr. Ernest,3mnnr ARA M. needs no introduction to musical circlet inWellington, and this gifted musician will support the choir with pianoforte numbers. The Apollo Singers are very fortunate In securing Mr. Jenner as an Inßtrumentallst partitmlarlv when it is remembered that this gentleman was solo pianist In Sir Henry Woodrt famous orchestra. The bos plan is at the Bristol Piano Company.