ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 86, 8 October 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. It Is not often that a picture play grips ana holds the audience as flrmly and effectively as does "Son of the Gods," the powerful production which is now entertaining big audiences daily at the St. James Theatre. It tells of racial barriers that exist in America and Europe that aro carried to a point almost unheard of in this country. The fine settings which the producers have lavished on the production aro to some extent accountable for this, but the real extra strength infused into the story and which imparts to it superlative appeal is the unusually fine acting of a particularly well selected cast of actors and actresses who are well suited to the roles they are called upon to portray. No better exponent of tho part of "Sam Lee" than Richard Barthelmess could be wished for. In it he certainly scores the big hit of his talkie screen career. The part of "Allanah" is superbly acted by Constance Bennett, who was chosen for the role by Rex Beach. Her modern and sophisticated manner contrast admirably with the quiet tones and reserved acting of Barthelmess. Another outstanding performance ,in a cast where every actor does good work is that of E.Alyn Warren, who plays the part of the high caste Chinaman and kindly philosopher, Li Ting. There is a beautiful technicolour scene in the film. Tho supporting programme ■is as varied as it is excellent, and tho big entertainment deserves the success it is achieving. Box plans are at tho Bristol. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. In "Clancy in Wall Street," at tho Paramount Theatre, the story is that of two members of a firm of plumbers—an Irishman and a Scotsman. In the courso of his business, Clancy (Charley Murray) learns that there is a possibility of making money quickly by investing in company stock on the New York Exchange.-He is fortunate for a time, and forsakeshis plumbing business. His sudden change from that of a small business man to that of a capitalist turns Ms head. Some most amusing Incidents occur • when Clancy entertains his guests as a society man. Charley Murray's humour is inimitable. The supporting programme includes a uewsreel containing many important world ovents, a sound cartoon, "Hot for Hollywood," and a country steeplechase picture. ; Reversing tho story of the brldo deserted at the altar, Radio Pictures' newest all-talking production, "Runaway Bride, with Lloyd Hughes and Mary Astor, which opens on Friday at the Paramount Theatre, is a highly diverting romantic drama with a host of unusually entertaining episodes and some clever acting by a fine cast. Tho tempo of the production is immediately established by the opening sequence depicting an eight-cylinder elopement by a young couple, scions of wealthy families. As swiftly as the elopement careers on its wild start, so swiftly does it break on the rocks of discord, with Miss Astor running away on her wedding eve in the turmoil of a sensational robbery and shooting. She secures employment as a cook for a wealthy bachelor, played by Lloyd Hughes. Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes head an accomplished cast. Great excitement reigned in and around Dublin, Ireland, during the filming of tho John M'Cormack picture, "Song o' My Heart," the Pox Movietone special. It is the first talking picture to be filmed in the Emerald Isle, and the arrival of Count M'Cormack —as he is addressed in his homeland—Hollywood actors, and a big staff of cameramen, technicians, sound experts, and studio officials lent excitement to the quiet Irish country life. Location experts picked the villages of Lusk and Rush, 13 miles from Dublin, Kildaro, as the ideal spots for the beautiful Irish scones which lend so much enchantment to "Song o' My Heart," which opens an extended season at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, 17th October. Box plans open Friday next at both Bristol and theatre. REGENT THEATRE. "The Unholy Three" is a strange story of the evil association, for purposes .of robbery, of a dwarf, a ventriloquist, and a strong man. Its unusual theme has made a quite uncommon picture and interest in the film is also stimulated 'by the fact that the late Lon Chancy, hero of so many character parts, is heard in his only talkie. The disguises which the .three assume in order to hide their identities once they have-given up their parts in a travelling show, thoroughly convince those who seek to bring them to book, and it is only a series of. unbooked for circumstances that bring about a tragic end for the dwarf and the strong man, and a long term of imprisonment for Echo, the ventriloquist. There is happiness, however, for Bosie, who, helped by tho man of her heart, breaks free from tho toils of the unholy throe and'sets her foot upon the straight road again. There are thrills in plenty in this film at the Regent Theatre this week, and as the supports are of an excellent nature tho programme is a thoroughly enjoyable one from beginning to end. "THE ROGUE SONG." Lawrence Tibbett, the famous star of the Metropolitan Opera House, will ba seen at the Regent Theatre on Friday in The Rogue Song" Song and colour, high adventure and romance, are all blended into this, the first motion picture starring a famous opera singer. Filmed entirely in colour, directed by Lionel ''Barrymoferthat master oftalklng screen drama, the new picture combines an engrossing plot -with spectacle" and gorgeous music, all woven into a romance of love and adventure. Though some of its music approaches grand opera magnitude, it Is not opera, it is stated. Other of the songs are charming popular numbers. And though the songs are an integral part of the poignant drama, the story itself is a great motion picture play aside from the music. : Tibbett, a splendid actor as well as a great singer, is compelling in the role of the singing bandit chief of the Caucasus. Catherine Dale Owen makes a very beautiful heroine. For comedy relief, Laurel and Hardy supply assorted laughs throughout the picture. Albertlna Kasch's colourful ballet with a hundred beautiful girls, is an added spectacular detail. The settings range from Russian palaces to gipsy villages in the mountains. KING'S THEATRE. Lavish in the extreme is Radio Pictures' prceentation of the popular musical comedy, Hil the Deck," at the King's Theatre. For this big show a huge cast was assembled and no expense was spared in making the picture a treat to both the ear and eyo alike. There are beautiful scenes in technicolour, making a Glittering background for the story of sailor love, the comedy, the songs, and the music. Mne song numbers are featured in "Hit the Deck." and all aro lilting melodies. Jack Oakie and Polly Walker head a cast of many hundreds. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A drama of the underworld is-presented In the Fox Movietone picture, "Double Cross Roads," at the Queen's Theatre. Montagu Love is the star and playing opposite him is the : popular Lila Lee. He has the part of a suave, yet hard-boiled attorney, the leader of a band of crooks, whose trickery involves the hero and the girl ho loves in a safe-cracking plot A splendid cast supports the two principals. Besides the thrills and the romance the story provides there are excellent song numbers. Also on the programme aro some short sound subjects in keeping with the main picture. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. There are five song hits in "Sunny Side Up," which screens at the Regal Theatre toliight. These aro: "I'm a Dreamer, Aren't We All," "If I had a Talking Picture," "Picking Petals off the Daisies," "Turn On the Heat" and the title song. There Is a delightful, love story running through the' picture of an ordinary girl who loves and wins her Prince Charming. The settings are'the best and most elaborate yet presented in 'talkies. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell play tlie leading roles, supported by a clever cast, including El. Brendel and Marjofie White. The scene "Turn on the Heat" is a revelation in the art of stagecraft. Tho picture to follow "Sunny Side Up" is "Rookery Nook." KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Frederic and Fanny Hatton, playwrights, who havo contributed many successes to tho New Tork stage, are responsible for the talking version of "Her Unborn Child," coming to the Kinema to-night. Excellent sound featurettes ■will also be screened. Reserve at theatre confectionery (telephone 14-202) and Bristol Piano Co. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Strange Cargo," P.D.C.'s first all-talking picture, is being screened at Shortt's Theatre. Tho plot has to do with the mysterious slaying of the owner of a palatial pleasure yacht, while on a voyage to the Azores. The second feature is "Geraldine," a comedy of modern youth, based on the story by Booth Tarklngton. A new pirato dance act is ono of several novel features. This number was specially created for "Geraldine," as wero tho other dancing specialties, of which brief .flashes are caught In the cafe scenes, Marion Nixon plays tho title role. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Splinters," the story of the entertainment company that provided so much joy for the troops in France during the war, Is being shown at the Britannia Theatre. There is any amount of fun to be had from this excellent British all-singing and talking picture. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. George Bancroft in "The Mighty" can be seen and heard at the Capitol Theatre to-night The story concerns a gang leader who returns frbm the war a hero, who swears to wipe out crime in his home town, and is challenged by the very gang he has sworn to wipe out. The picture is packed with action, thrills, drama, and romance. Esther Ralston and 0. P. Heggie support the star. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Lord Byron of Broadway" is being shown at the New Princess Theatre. There is also a full list of short features, including the second episode of "Jade Box," a sound synchronised serial. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "The Trial of Mary Dugan," directed by Bayard Veiller from his famous stage success, is to be shown at Our Theatre to-night. Norma Shearer plays tho leading feminine part, that of the Broadway show-girl who goes on trial j for murder. Tho all-star supporting cast includes Lewis Stone, Raymond Hackett, and H. B. Warner. Excellent sound fcaturettes Will also, bo screened.

DE LUXE THEATRE. Shapely Alice White cavorts amidst a bevy of beauties on a night club floor to infuse colour and, life-into "The Girl from Woolworth's" at the De Luxe Theatre. As simple a story as was ever told by Archibald Marshall is the framework of this picture, the wooing of a shop girl by a conductor, and his rescue of her when she meets danger in tho attempt to reach the stage. Unfortunately, she has just made a big hit at the night club when Jimmy, her husband-to-be, makes another with his fist on the night club proprietor's chin. However, the fllm closes In an air of satisfaction for the principals, and whatever their destiny one is sure tnat they will be left happily quarrelling together The song and dance sequences in- this picture are good, and the way tho players score off one another is laughable. There are cxT. Cullen plays items from "Tho Maid of trie Mountains" and "Sunny." "Mamba," tho Cinema Art Films all-talking a'.l-technicoloiir drama, is announced as listed for exhibition at the De Luxe Theatre next Friday. Its cast is headed by such .wellknown artistes as Jean Hersholt,-Eleanor Boardman, and Ralph Forbes. The story of "Mamba" is laid in the African jungle, and its name comes from the venomous snake known as "Mamba." and feared by natives and white men alike. A poisonous reptile in human form is the man portrayed by Jean Hersholt. August Boltc, as he is known, is a rich plantation owner In East Africa who, because of his beastly treatment of the natives, has created a contempt for him among his fellow men. To attempt to gain their respect ho goes to Germany and marries a cultured society girl. Back in Africa the plot unfolds into one of the most fast moving soul-stirring dramas yet flashed on the audible screen. Among its many thrills is a three-fold war, England versus Germany, versus their common enemy the savages. The cast of "Mamba is a particularly strong one. Box plans are available at Bristol and Aitkcn's. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "Sleeping Partners," at the Grand Opera House, is well named. Seymour Hicks is really the only ono In the picture. He has a manner of using; his hands, an Irresistiblo smile,'an air of being completely at home in his part, which make him a prime favourite, and ho says witty, daring things with sucli an air of innoconco and well meaning that one gasps sometimes at his audacity and admires him for it. But for him "Sleeping Partners" would bo nothing more than a dull recital of marital complications; with him as the central figure the play becomes the comedy-it is intended to be. There aro only three players who matter in the story. and the whole of the action takes place in one room, yet the absence of colourful scenes and vast ensembles common to American productions—this is an all-British film—is amply compensated for by tho high standard of tho diaUgue. The Ingredients of .this unique comedy are a gay philanderer, a fascinating wife who almost succumbs to his wiles, a jealous but erring husband, and a sleeping draught administered in mistake for sal volatile. Edna Best, a charming English actress, plays opposite Seymour Hicks The supports are good. • "A LADY TO LOVE." VJlma Banky will appear under the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer banner on Saturday at the Grind Opera House in "A Lady to Love." Miss Banky makes her all-talking debut in the picture. It is reported tho production entailed construction of tho largest setting ever made for a sound picture. An entire group of farm buildings and. half an acre of ground was built up within the largest stage of the studio. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The Second Wife," the particularly clever all-talking picture which is now in its last two days at the Majestic Theatre, gives no opportunity whatever for adverse criticism as regards . voices -and acting. The very ' clever cast of players responsible for its interpretation present a performance • that would be difficult to excel. The acting of manly Conrad Uagel in a role to which lie is well suited and also of the versatile Lila Lee, is on a high level; so is that of the supporting players, Mary Carr and Hugh Hunlly, while tho juvenile member, little Freddie .Bourke Frederick, is even more delightful in' "The Second Wife" than he was in that-strong play "Evidence." Box plans are at the Bristol and at the theatre. "The Light of the Western Stars," Zane Grey's greatest novel, and the first of the celebrated author's books .to be dramatised and presented oh . the talking screen by Paramount, will commence. a season at the Majestic Theatre on Friday next. Heading the cast of screen favourites who will be seen and heard in this fine spectacular production of Grey's romantic melodrama arc Richard Arlen, who will-be well remembered for his fine performance in "Wigs"; Mary Brian, an accompllshod actress, who iie«ds no introduction to a Wellington audience; Harry Green, the fruity comedian, who is credited witli running away with the comedy'honours of the piece; and Fred Kohler, who enjoys quite a reputation as a heavy "villain." This popular Zane Grey romance as now presented in talkies abounds in lively, fast-moving action, and deeds of derringdo. ; These venturesome exciting sequences are said to'be delightfully blended with broad, wholesome humour that /-ises naturally, and is a joy to.listen to. There is a pleasing love story which, as interpreted by Richard Arlen and Mary Briap, is refreshingly gay and sincere, and 'at all times -thoroughly believable. "Light of the .W.estern Stars" is credited with achieving a.. sustained .scries of successes wherever presented, and its season at Wellington should prove, no exception to the rule. Reserved seats aro obtainable at either tho Bristol or the theatre. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A Paramount production, "The Battle of Paris;" will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story is that of a young street song-seller ■ who lifts a young artist's wallet, and when she, in a mood of remorse, returns it to him, he begs her to stay and model for him. She does, and they, fall in love. Along comes the war, and the lover leaves for the front Sho turns to nursing in the hospital, and becomes the friend of three strange soldiers who call themselves "The Three Musketeers." The lover returns and becomes entangled with aHother girl. The "Three Musketeers" come to her aid with but little success. When she is kidnappod,, her lover comes to his senses and a whirlwind finish follows; The cast is headed by Gertrude Laurence. Charles Kuggles, and Walter Petrie. The supporting programme includes a- sound cartoon, a novelty fenlurdte and an-all-talking comedy.