ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 71, 20 September 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. The screen revue, as presented in the "Show of Shows" at St. James Theatre last night, is certainly a magnificent affair. The typical American attempt to sweetly Intoxicate we senses before they are literally stunned ay battalions of coryphaeus in swift succession, and crashing masses of melody is saved rrom the usual boring effect by the excellence 01 seme of the .artists, for in this big show are all Warner Bros.' stars. The audience is boi likely to forget it, as each artist, in laa charming screen fashion, slips through the curtain lo be his own advance agent, and oniy one or two omit to mention tho producers. The quality of the production is as i«Peccable as it is a stupendous one. The bhow of Shows" lasts two hours, and eaters jor all tastes, and the heights reached in lacmet and staircase ballets, with a huge finale, ana a chorus of 400 voices selected for their pleasing quality, make one wonder whether me limits in magnificence in this form of entertainment have not been reached in this mm. The music and tho voices, 'as always at smJames, reproduce perfectly. Nothlnng Ilka tne "blacfc and white" ballet has been seen nere. It is the conception of a master costumier, given effect to by perfection of drill ana | lighting. At one moment nothing is seen against the black darkness but graceful puzzling patterns of silhouetted limbs, and the next the billowing clouds of black and white tulle present a veritable symphony of graceful moviment, from which peep the laughing facesi « a hundred well-known artistes. Wmn c Lightner gives of her best in "Singing in the Bauitub," and at the other end of the scale Isi a striking conception of the soliloquy of »nahespeare's "Crookback" Richard plotting the removal of his relatives, while Irene Bordonl, In love songs, is typical of the vocal entertainment. Huge pirate and Chinese settings pale before the human figured chandeliers ana gorgeous massed brilliance of "Lady luck, featuring Alex Gray and Betty Compson. Humour abounds throughout, and the dancing i» wonderful. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. In the dramatic story, "Born Reckless," now being screened at the Paramount Theatre, Edmund Lowe, whose career has been one or very marked success, rises, as Louis Beretti, from the depths to the heights bran act of heroism. After a varied career of crime and war service. Beretti in the end meets the most intensive situation .of his lifetime. Burin,, his stage career Edmund Lowe played in \»e La Trance," "Eyes of Youth," "The Silent Com Sand » "The Palace of the King," and other films until he scored a great access in The Fool" and "What Price Glory." In The act of heroism performed by L°uis, Bew,{. is the rescue of a child who has been M as* zfsjtl "ft? *"|FBi n rii\^dXout-h 6 trs°s«s^pt ?u7O^ letan Da c rS£JS.t'MS-; there is also a,movietone comedy. j ■ REGENT THEATRE. Korma Shearer plays the: most sopMstoted mmmm mmmmm Emmmm S^^'an^tstSg^^ KSltverS^aS%or fTt wosramme is well uP_^ c ReSenl ***«***■ KING'S THEATRE. ••Such Men Are Dangerous" has beeujicconled a most enthusiastic ««?«<» ?,?&££ Thtatre. "Such Men Are Dangerous" ■ also notable from the point of view that it Pre^ scnts Warner Baxter at his best. He has a part which seems as though it we made for nlm and his role, not an easy one for ■ one S experienced, is handled in masterful style b^br^wTSSt^ urettcs of merit. QUEEN'S THEATRE. H^.«relhS!ff^ interest. There is a good supporting programme. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. ••Hic-h Society Blues," now showing at the New P incess Thfatre,' deals with the .doings of the Devines and the Grangers. Mr. Granger who has a wife, a daughter, and a son (Charles Farrell), sells his chain of stores to Mr-Devtae, «hn ha-! a wife recognised is a real snoD, and a daughto Janet Gaynor). The Granger family go to the East to enjoy life, and buy an pJtite next door to that of the Divines. Efforts of the Grangers to be neighbourly with he Divines are rebuffed. However, the daugher of one and the son of the other family find a common ground. Complications arise,.tot by the time Eddie and Eleanor have settled matters in their own way. there is the happiest of endings Tho supporting programme is exclient, being composed of all-dialogue short subjects. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "The Rainbow Man," a Paramount aU-talk-ing-singing picture, Is being shown at he Britannia Theatre. Eddie Dowllng has tne feamng role in this, his first talking.and staging film, which was also Marian Nixobis first kr — vs^smtd^ *£» and ''Kainbow Man." There are good supports. THE NEW QUALITY, ISLAND BAY. Wall Street activities motivate The mm active head of the financial company. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Xavy Blues." William Haines's first talking comedy, heads the programme at tho Capi of to-night. Kaines Is seen as a wise-crack-Sb ia«or and Karl Dane, is his *»**££ companion. Anita Page is the girl in the cast The story Is a light affair, abounding w til the tanw so typical in all of Ha»«« ,ptcturei John Gilbert can also be seen in His Glorious Nißht." The star makes the most of a rnther weak story. Mickey the Mouse «P----nears in "The Haunted House," and has a rather frightening time among tho skeletons. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. "The Hate Ship," to be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night, is a strong dramatic picture with .plenty of laughs to relieve the severer features of, the story. The action takes place on a palatial steam yacht, for which subsequent events earned the name "hate ship." The recording is excellent, and the enunciation of the players a treat to listen to. The cast Includes Jameson Thomas and Henry Victor. In addition to tho main feature, several splendid supporting subjects will also bo screened, including a comedy and cartoon. Seats may bo reserved by telephone or at the theatre. STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Mademoiselle Parlcy-Voo," a snappy, bright, and spectacular melodrama, full of popular entertainment, will be screened at the Star Theare to-night. The picture is a sequel to "Mademoiselle from Armentleres." H is not a war picture, but the post-war adventures of Mademoiselle. Estellc Btody has tho leading role. The other feature is "No. 17," starring Guy Newall, With Lien Deyers and Carl do Vogt. This la a dramatic story of the underworld based on J. Jefferson ITarjeon's novel, and it is replete with mysterious and thrilling situations. Time will be good supports.

DE LUXE THEATRE, Those who think they know America and hare not Been Will Rogers, of course do not know America. They may repair that gap in then- knowledge at the De luxe Theatre during the next week, for the great comic is to be seen there In an adaption from the most able of playwrights, George M. Cohan. The best thing that can be said of Kogers's acting Is that at the end of tiio Mm, "So This Is London" you feel that you would like him for a personal friend. His portrait of Hiram Draper, stubborn, humorous, likeable fellow, ■ must certainly rank as one of the year's best things in fllmdom. The theme of "So This Is London" is the theme of "Romeo and Juliet," and the houses aro English and American. In the clash of cultures, made possible by the. fixed ideas of Draper and Lord Worthing, tho father of the girl concerned, the antagonists discover that the others are surprisingly civjlised. The picture begins and ends with a difference, it is true, but the second difference Is on tho subject of where the wedding is to be. "So This is London" is filled with good things, and the jests are always rapid upon one another's heels. Rogers, maundering along through the country which he has been forced to visit because of a business deal, spells sure success to tho show. And reinforcing him is the newest star to enter the Americas, Maureen O'SulUvan, a little Irish girl .who speaks English as only the Irish can. The only flaw in the array of talent besides these two Is Lord Worthing, a portrait of a heavily burlesqued Englishman who, however improves 011 acquaintance. "So This Is London" is a gem of laughter. The supporting programme holds a Fox Talkie News, a somewhat ruthless comedy, "At the Dentist's," and a liberal allowance of music, tho "Broadway" Overture, me Funeral March of a Marionette," and Mr. i aui Culleu, at the Wurlitzer organ. Playing Give Yourself a Pat on the Back," in which a harmony chorus takes part. The programme will be repeated all the coming week until Thursday next. "HOLD EVERYTHING." "Hold Everything," the sensational English and American success, in the musical comedy neld, which J. C. Williamson, Ltd., are producing in conjunction with Richard White and Eric Edgley at the Grand Opera House, commencing to-day, for seven nights only, « en dowed with a snappy story, which knits together a riot of rollicking humour and superb dancing. Clem Dawe, who galned such favour in his last musical comedies. Love Lies and "So This is Love," will again have a part that is in every sense so suited for his own inimitable style of comedy. Briefly, the plot is: One Jim Brookes, played by Mich ael Cole, Is the challenger for a box ng Cham pionshlp and his chances are fancied so much that the opposition camp has found It neces sary to "square" the referee to give the ver diet to the other fellow, if they ™™ b<f °° their feet at the end. -Tim's ■ mauagerhas ™'5; guidedly given instructions which would play fnto his enemy's hands but, f°rtu^ y' w^ had a brains and towHching dsiughter who loved the pugilist. The gir , played by Betty Eley, realises that only a k™*-out can win don, Dan Agar, Marie Eaton, Paul Plun^t Mona Bailee. Kitty Stewart, and a daring specialty dance by Mona Zeppel and Will JM-. laney. Box plans are now open at The Bristol. j MAJESTIC. There are times when the New Zealand public feels more than ever the need of a good supply of British pictures, and the fact that "Raise tho Roof" is an Elstree (British) product should attract attention, particularly in view of the further fact that "Raise the Koof is also an excellent entertainment. It can deal in back-of-stage scenes without making them as cheap and nasty as many back-of-stage pictures that have preceded It; and it can present for public inspection the ups and downs of a travelling down-at-heel revue company without making the picture a sexual smudge. In the personality of Betty Balfour It has a lead with a long-established prestige on the silent screen, and the vocal Miss Balfour (for she sings too) is likely to be as popular as the'silent one. In the plot Miss Balfour is a revue artist (Malsie), whose company, when stranded, Is bought up, at an absurd over-value, by a- young enthusiastic amateur named Langford, who Is like _ a child among the "pros," and whose company is about to die forthwith when Mausle saves the situation by discovering one, Armitage (JacK Ralno), who is artist enough to win. back audiences. But Armitage is treacherous, and when Langford senior (who wishes to rescue h 3 son from tho stage life) bribes him tp undo his salvage work and run the company again on the rocks, Armitage accepts. One ot his ~blirur c^r^ easily leads her fellow artists over the hurdle StartArmitage had erected. If you want to see how she does it, see the picture—it is sTfflS to say here that the sartorial effects of naner and parasols are unique, and, it wen managed', entirely proper. .MaWe-rtae. totoj matlc level when, discovering the treachery ot Armltage, she orders «« 1 «f i J»»l * and herself takes charge, to lead such a brll liant succession of undress "turns that even Tnncford senior is conquered, and finally decent, likeable, young man who nt«us a gr i like Mafeie to mother him; and Jack Itatne males Armitage a flash person £* .wholg devoid of redeeming points Sam 11W v Laneford senior, Elhce Jeffries is Langtoiu mere A number of other players present welldrawn characterisations. Among other attractions at tho Majestic, the^ nlJ eraa c 1 fl^ Heel shows Rumania melted over Carol, an vie? in the Atlantic with iceberg in offing, and a weird cartoon. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. New heights in the field of romance and idventure are reached 'in "The Lone Stai SS?lte Movietone Zane Grey's first taking picture fascinating story,_. which _ sho«s at the Kilblrnle Kinema to-night. 0 Bren one of the most popular men of the talking screen, portrays the character of Black Duane, an outlaw by force of circumstance. who eventually joins the Texas Rangers andl becomes a dominant factor in breaking up a gang of cattle rustlers. Excellent sound featurettes will also be screened. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery ('phono 14-202) anu Bristol Tiano Co. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Unirersal's screen epic, "All Quiet on the Western Pront," will be screened at the Regal Theatre to-night. The story "All Quiet is based on the experiences and observations or Remarque, the author, who went to the front as a schoolboy. The battle scenes of AH Quiet," in which more than two thousand soldiers participated, are most spectacular. The story opens with "Paul" and his 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 Wolhelm, Lewis Ayres, John Wray, and Slim Summervllle. Patrons are requested to be seated before 8 o'clock, as "All Quiet" commences directly after the overture. There will be no interval.. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Lyof Tolstoi's poignantly tragic drama of the Russian officer who, lured by the nomadic call of gypsy ancestry, deserts his wife and family to find repentance too late when he returns, is the vehicle for John Gilbert's new all-talking picture, "Redemption," which is showing at Shortt's Theatre. Several scenes are conspicuous for their picturesque beauty and their faithfulness to pre-war Russian conditions. A scene of rare screen effectiveness is that of the marriage ot Fedya to Lisa, played by Miss Boardman, the ceremony being that of the Russian Orthodox form with all its Interesting details. Winter scenes of the sleighing parties of the nobility, and later tho dives which Fedya frequents as he sinks lower and lower in the social scale—all have an important saare in making this picture something out of the ordinary run. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Maurice Chevalier Is to be seen to-night at Our Theatre in his first all-talking picture, "Innocents of Paris." It is a story of Paris and tho TOraanco of a second-hand dealer who became famous. Chevalier rescues a little boy from drowning, and in delivering a letter left by the boy's mother, meets Louise and falls in love. Despito her father's protests Louise returns his love, and so the story follows their romance to his success In the theatre. Here his choice between love for Louise and his career brings the picture to a surprising climax. There are excellent sound featurettes. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Metro-Goldwyn's famous special attraction, "The Last of Mrs. Cheney," will be shown at tho Empire Theatre to-night. . A large cast includes Norma Shearer, Basil Rathbone, and George K. Arthur. - The story concerns a lady adventurer, who poses as a wealthy Australian widow, and manoeuvres her way Into the upper crust of English society. Her retinue of polished servants are in reality a gang of thieves, the perfect butler her constant inspiration. How they attempt to pull off an amazing jewel robbery and the means in which they wore frustrated makes a delightful and thrilling story. A feature of the production is the faultless English spoken by all the artists. An excelclnt supporting programme includes an alltalking Our Gang Comedy, a Metrotone News, and two novelty featurettes. NO ORGAN RECITAL. An advertisement appears In another part of the paper to the effect that no organ recital will be held to-morrow. Mr. Bernard F. Page, the city organist, suffered a slight accident lust week, fracturing some of Ilia fIM.

KUBELIK NEXT SATURDAY. Keen interest has been aroused in the forthcoming visit of Jan Kubelik, the world-famous violinist, who commences a New Zealand tour at Wellington next Saturday evening to the big Town Hall. It will be one of the most Important of the Tait celebrity visits, -for the virtuoso was in the middle of a Continental and European tour when he was persuaded to come all the way to Australia and New Zealand to demonstrate the wonderful geniua that is his. Kubolili's name is a magnet for music lovers, and there are thousands of genuine admirers in all parts of the world who have indelible memories of ills faultless playing. When the great man makea hi 3 debut In Wellington next Saturday it will be in a programme that promises sheer delight for all. The inspired melody of Mendelssohn's famous Concerto for the violin will linger long in memory; it is a masterpiece of violin literature. Others that will enthrall are. Bach's Praeludlum, for violin only, and his Air for G String; the Rondo Caprlccloso of SalnWSaens; Beethoven's Romance; Schubert's "Aye Maria"; Paganini'a "Campanella"; Wienia.vskt's "Souvenir de Moscou"; and .Kubelik's own "Ballade" and charming "Burlesque." The box plan wia open at the Bristol on Tuesday morning, on which day Kubelik will arrive from Sydney, via Auckland. Kubelik has had a Bensational tour of the Commonwealth, where he found a high standard of musical appreciation and a deep reverence for the masters he interprets. He will assuredly find in New Zealand a strong love for the classics, as played so exquisitely on his Empercr Stradivarlus. THE APOLLO SINGERS. To-night in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall will mark the first appearance of Wellington's new male choir—the Apollo Singers—in a diversified programme that will appeal not only' to the musical connoiseur, but to the average' man or woman with little musical training. The choir, which consists of carefully selected solo voices, Is under the direction of Mr. H. Temple White, whose reputation for presenting work of only the highest standard has become firmly established during his seventeen years' residence here. The programme will commence appropriately enough with Gounod's "Hymn to Apollo," from the opera "Ulysse," and will include no fewer than twelve numbers by the choir. The Apollo Singers have been particularly fortunate la their assisting artists for this their first concert. Mr. Ernest Jenner, A.8.A.M., has tha notable distinction of having appeared as solo pianist with Sir Henry Wood's Queen's Hail Orchestra, London, and his items will lend distinction to an already distinguished programme. The vocalist will be Miss Myra Sawyer, the gifted soprano, whose engagements take her to all parts of New Zealand. Miss Sawyer's first number will be the "Shadow Song," from "Dinorah," an exacting number for any singer. The accompanist for the choir and Miss Sawyer will be a choir member, Mr. W. Blllington, who held a similar position with Dr. Bradhaw's male voice choir in Christchurch. Box plans are at the Bristol. NAVAL BAND RECITAL. At the De Luxe Theatre to-morrow evening the R.N.Y.R. Band will offer another most attractive entertainment. "House full" has been the word before 8.15 p.m. at recent recitals, and many have been waiting to be admitted before the doors opened. The community singing has evidently taken on and this will again be provided for early arrivals, with Mr. Bluet Brown leading, Mr. Paul Cullea at the Wurlitzer organ, and Mr. Frank Crowther at the piano. The new band recently engaged for the Adelphi Cabaret will make its first appearance on the concert platform to-morrow evening. They are Quite up-to-date and pat on bright numbers. Miss Christina Ormiston has something special for this occasion, singing "Scenes That Are Brightest" ("Marltana"). This should be a fine feature. Mr. Herbert- !.' Wood, who was unable to appear at the recital a few weeks back owing to indisposition, will make up for it this time. Those who were disappointed then will have the opportunity of hearing their favourite tenor In "Love Made a Gypsy Out of Me," with Mr. Paul Cullen at the organ accompanying. The management have had such repeated requests for more Wurlitzer items that Mr. Cullen has again been engaged and, in addition to accompaniments, he will play the solos, "The Lost Chord" (by request), and excerpts from Old English operas. A baritone, for whom a good future is predicted, Mr. Lionel Bent, Is to sing "One Alone" ("Desert Song"). He was awarded a scholarship by the judges at the Competitions, so his performance should be of special interest. Another Competitions winner, Mr. Cedric Muir, is down for the musical monologue, "Home, Sweet Home," and an amusing sketch, "If Life Were a Play." His work Is very highly spoken of by those qualified to know. A fine cornet soloist, in the person of Mr. W. J. Kay, one time New Zealand champion, ..is to play "God Send You Back to Me." The band will perform the selection, "II Flauto Maglco," overture, "Golden Cross," and some fine marches. Mr. Prank Crowther Is the accompanist. WELLINGTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY. At the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, commencing oa Saturday next, 27th September, and continuing for three nights, the Wellington Musical Comedy and Dramatic Society will make its initial bow to the Wellington public In the bright and snappy revue Look Who s Here " A strong feature of the entertainment will 'be modern and classical dancing, under the direction of Mr. David Devitt. The work of Mr Dovitt In this direction, is well kuown to the Wellington public, as ha has produced in the past the dancing for such successful productions as "The Girl Behind the Counter, "Oh, Lady, Lady," and "Irene." Other features will be bright musical numbers and dramatic sketches. An especially strong and efficient chorus and ballet have been inactive rehearsal for some time and will provide a splendid backing for a bright spectacle. Many talented amateurs of Wellington are taking a leading part in the production, and those whose tastes are in accord with this class of entertainment are assured of a very bright and cheerful show. The prices will be very moderate, and seats may be booked at me Bristol Piano Company. . TRAMWAYS BAND. To-morrow evening in St. James' Theatre the Tramway Band will present their twelfth re-. Sari special attraction Is the engagement of Mr Wm. Beresford, an artist well known to the" Wellington public he having sung continnnuslv for two months with the late Gale "company for Messrs. Pullers, It*. This gentleman is making a special trip trom \\anumbers, songs, and instrumental items. Mr. drums), will render several popular "«=», including "The Stein Song," "Lonesome Little. Doll" and "Down South." Miss Nathalie Pollock (monologuist), winner of the monologue section 014 of 48 entrants In the recent compefitions will give "The Maori Princess." The band, unto "the baton of Mr. Franklin will Klve a well-chosen programme, including the man*. "Pousane," for three selection, "Gounod"; quartet from Risotto , and march. "Soldatenblut." Mr. J. HayaocK wUI be at the piano. Prior to the concert Messrs! Will Gordon, Ltd., will entertain with a gramophone recital. CHAMBER MUSIC. \e\t Wednesday at 8.15 p.m. the Town Hall Concert Chamber'should be the Mecca o£ al „,„„!,. inrpr* the occasion being tne tniru per temance of his season by the Wellington i^SbrxwrthrrfJnj ofUlc andfor thechamber music ««"£•& The performance will begin with Mozart a Quartet in B Flat (K. 458) for strings; Schumann's famous Quintet In 'B Plat for pianoforte and strings will follow, and the programme will conclude with Brahms' Trio in E Flat (Opus 40). NATIONAL REPERTORY SOCIETY. The last opportunities to-Hear the second evening at the Blue Triangle Hall in Bouicou street The first item is John Galsworthy's "The First a nd the Last," while Sir James Barries "Shall We Join the Ladles?" and a fatlrical playlet, "The Scene That Wato Write Itself " a tragl-comedy by G. D. *»™""f» complete* the programme -The producer of^ excellent entertainment is Mr. W. b. waucnop.