ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Issue 113, 10 November 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. •'Cheer Up and Smile," at tlio Paramount TUentre, is v college story, and the plot is woven around Arthur Lake and Dixie Lee, who, as college sweethearts, are transferred to the swift-moving life of Broadway, where their troubles and complications provide the background of an amusing story. Olga Baclanova, Russian dramatic actress, enlivens the misunderstandings of the young lovers when she falls in love with Lake. Dixie Leo can never understand that Lake has nothing to do with all of this, consequently her jealousy places him iv an cmbarrasing position. This situation provides Lake with "'his best opportunity to portray one of his shy, bashful characterisations. "Whispering" Jack Smith plays the role of singing entertainer in a New York night club. Amongst the featured players who appear in this tuneful college play are Johnny Arthur, Charles Judgels, John Darrow, Sumner Getchell, and Franklin Pangboru. The featurettes and gazette are interesting and entertaining. Stated to be filled with fun and hilarity, "The Cuckoos," Radio Pictures' production, opens on Friday next at the Paramount Theatre. The show is a distinct departure from the conventional, offering a well-knit story which serves as a background for the antics of the maddest, pair of comics ever to grace the screen—Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolscy, who won picture fame in "Rio Rita." Romance has not been neglected, and a lovo strain is carried by June Clyde and Hugh Trevor. Wheeler and Woolsey are capably aided by Dorothy Lee and Jobyna Howland. Ivan Lebedeff and Mitchell Lewis are the "bad men" and Marguerita Padula lends her glorious voice to a number of song hits. Filmed partly in technicolour, "The Cuckoos" is said to have everything that, makes for perfect screen entertainment. Box plans are available at The Brisotl and the theatre. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Audiences which packed the St. James Theatre at both the afternoon and evening sessions on Saturday, had plenty to amuse them. This was only to be expected, for popular Winnie Lightner, in a big part, with a free rein, : and Joe E. Brown, comedian and dancer, were ! in evidence in 'Hold Everything," the big mus- ! ical-farcical production in all-technicolour, i which has been heralded as the laugh-creating successor to "The Gold Diggers .of Broadway." A heat romance is woven into the story with Georges Carpentler, the world-famous boxer, who is now a screen star, and piquant Sally O'Neill, BcorinK as the lovers of the piece. Carpentler is^lso seen to conspicuous advantage in a ring battle for the world's championship title, which is assuredly one of the most realistic, yet artistic, things of its kind given to the screen. The well-varied first part, which numbers five selected novelties, lends diversity to a capital entertainment, seats for which may be reserved at either The Bristol or the theatre. REGENT THEATRE. "One Romantic Night' is being shown at the Regent Theatre. The plot is drawn from the realms of romance and concerns the heir-apparent of one of the Lilliputian kingdoms which American scenario writers assume to fill up odd corners of Europe, who, for political reasons, is asked to leave the ladies of his gay parties and wed the Princess Alexandra. Not the least anxious to bring about the "marriage of convenience" is the princess's mother, but the latter's well-meant schemes too often defeat their own object, and it is not until a love-stricken' tutor is used as a means of stimulating jealousy in the prince's breast that things begin to move in the right direction, though it takes an equally astute countermove on the part of the prince to straighten matters out when It seems that they must end in an impasse. A strong point In the picture Is the clever dialogue which is practically confined to five people—the prince, the princess, the princess's mother and uncle (a venerable churchman who has not quite lost touch with the world), and the tutor. They are played by Kod La Rpcque, Lillian Glsh, Mario Dressier, O. P. Heggie, and Conrad Nagel, respectivelj*, so that the exchanges throughout never fall in their object. Though no serious effort is made to keep within the bounds of possibility, the, picture is fine entertainment. Some exceptionally good supporting features precede the main picture. KING'S THEATRE. Two popular comediennes, Starie Dressier and Polly Moran, appear In "Caught Short/ which is now being shown at the King's Theatre. They are seen as Washington Square (New York) boarding-house keepers, who achieve a rapid rise from poverty to wealth as a result of dabbling in the stock market, only to. lose all when the Wall Street crash occurs. The situations of this comedy are uproariously funny, particularly in the early sequences of the picture, in which Miss Dressier and Miss Moran are seen in their boarding-house activities, and again later when with the sudden' acquisition of wealth they attempt to play the "grand ladies." There is a good supporting programme. \ QUEEN'S THEATRE. "The Racketeer," starring Robert Armstrong, and featuring Carol Lombard, a picture of society life and the underworld, heads the fine performance at the Queen's Theatre. The action for the greater part takes place in the fashionable; circles of New York. "The Racketeer" lieads a two-star programme, which commenced last evening. The other feature is an hilarious nautical romance entitled "Sailor's Holiday," and starring Alan Halo and Sally Eilers. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. ■/■Under the Greenwood Tree," a British picture, starring Marguerite Allan and John Batten, wil' be shown at the Empire Theatre tonight. The story concerns a young village schoolmistress who; causes trouble with the local instrumental choir by consenting to play an organ at the church, thereby displacing their band. Tlie picture is punctuated throughout with laughs,, and a. special feature is the per-fectly-spoken English The cast includes Nigel Barrie, Billy Shire, and Maud Gill. An excellent supporting programme will be screened. On Wednesday and Thursday a special production, "The Leatherneck," will be screened. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "At the Villa Hose" is being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. The story revolves around several people, chief among them being the super mystery solvej, Hanaud, Madam d'Auvry, Celia. Madam's protege, Rlcardo a fop, and Weatherraill, a young man-about-town. The picture has a delightful vein of humour running through it. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "The American Prisoner,' being shown at Shortt's Theatre, deals with the turbulent days when England was at war with . Napoleon. As. "Lieutenant Stark," a Carl Brisson has a. 'dashing role, and is supported by Jtadelein Carroll, a delightful British star. Their voices record ■ perfectly. Miss Nancy Price gives a remarkable Interpretation of an "old hag," and A. Bromley Davenport, as the "Squire," has a rofe that is polished and cultured. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "On The Level" is being shown at the Britannia Theatre. Victor M'Laglen makes love to a Frnech girl, and when he attempts to throw her over for a new woman, the other girl chases him throughout a period of dramatic and humorous situations. Fifi Dorsay is M'Laglen's first love, while Lilyan Tashman portrays the character of the vamp. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The outdoor all-talking production "Beau Bandit". is being shown to-night at Our Theatre. Rod La Rocque is seen In the picturesque role of a romantic villain, and Doris Kenyon enacts a "Western" part. The story is laid' in the deserts of Arizona, and deals with the operations of a Mexican bandit against a posse of nervous deputy sheriffs. Excellent sound featurettesfjcomplcte tho programme. ,vj!"> NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. A good programme is being shown at the New Princess Theatre. The chief picture is "Vagabond Lover," starring Rudy Valoe. There are some Interesting supports, -as well as a farther chapter of "The Jade Box" serial. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Jauet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, five beautiful songs, and a fast-moving story loaded with romance and comedy, is the combination revealed by "High Society Blues," showing at the Kilbirule Theatre to-night Excellent sound featurettes will also be screened. Reserve, at Theatre Confectionery (telephone 1-1-202) and Bristol Piano Co. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "The Virginian," a fine outdoor talky, will be screened finally at the Capitol to-night. Two 'uirtoons, a News reel, aud a short comedy .'ill nlso be shown.. "Hit the Deck," Radio •lcturcs* spectacular musical comedy, com'.ences to-morrqw. Jack Oakle, who has risen i be one of the screen's outstanding comeduis, heads the cast In this feature. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Itaiso tho. Roof," screening it the Regal -heatre, Karorl, to-night, is an all-British alkie of very high standard. A third-rate theUrical company is left stranded minus its tage props and clothing. The leading lady, Sietty Balfour, comes to tbo rescue and the arious means that the company use to save hemselves from the wrath of the censor are erv humorous. On Wednesday and Thursday ;' Blackmail" will be screened. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. "Paris," will bo screened for tho last iime • i-nlglit at the New Quality Theatre. Mis? i'ordonl assumes the role of a French actress ' «iio falls in love with an American youth be■auac she believes he has a sweet mother. The old lady does • not turn out so sweet, and st> , the actress, after many comic ntanglements, . turns to her stage-.lover. Seats may be booked 'by ringing 21-394 before 6.30 p.m. Commencing next Friday will bo "Song of the West." ! ORGAN RECITAL. Air. Bernard F. Pnge (City Organist) gave !is weekly organ recital at tho Town Hall last evening, and the programme' was ias under: —"Pavaue," by Byrd; "Capj riccio Pastorale," by Frcscobaldi; Musetto, j-by Dandrieu; "Fantasia and Fugue .iv A ■ Minor," by Bach; "Meditation (No. 3) In C Sharp Minor," by Ropartz; "Psyche—Poeme Syinphouique pour Orchestra et Choeiirs," by Cesar-Franck;. and Choral-Prelude, - "Mortify Us by' Thy Grace," by Bach.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. ' Very large audiences appear at the Majestic Theatre throughout Saturday and bursts of hearty laughter and prolonged apnlause testified to their appreciation of the capital comedy, "Loose Ankles." Loretta Young, Douglas Ift rbanks, jr., and that firm favourite Louise Fazenda, have parts that fit them like the proverbial gloves and with the assistance of a most capable cast of supporting artists an ciitertalnmeul results that knows not dullness and works up to an unexpected climax. The fu» commences when an eccentric uncle, by nn equally eccentric will, leaves a fortune to Loretta on condition that she marries within a given period. She inserts on advertisement In the daily press for a young man to. marry her and Douglas Fairbanks, jr., and others turn up, and all manner of funny complications ensue. In the end everything works round to a satisfactory denouement and the lady retains her her temporary husband and the fortune. The supporting featurettes are excellent and the box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. • The outstanding production "Rich People," in.which Constance Bennet, who was such a big public favourite in "Sons of the Gods," is credited with scoring a success in America, will be shown at the Majestic Theatre on Friday next. Box plans are now open at the Bristol. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "The Kibitzer" is being shown at the Grand Opera House. As Ike Lazarus, the proprietor of an insolvent cigar store, Harry lireen has a role which fits him liko a Klovc. Lazarus makes a close study of the fluctuations of the stock market, and he deplores the fact that his lack of capital prevents him from making millions. His daughter Josle Is engaged to a young motor mechanic, Eddie Brown, who also has ambitions but no capital, and between her father and her fiance she is reduced to a state of desperation. Tired of waitIng for the. to-morrow which never arrives, she agrees to elope with a young man about town, who is posing as Bert Livingstone, the son of a millionaire. How Lazarus saves her from her fate, and how he makes a small fortune on 'change is told as the picture proceeds to its happy climax. Harry Green Is capably supported by Mary Brian, Neil Hamilton, David Newell, and Albert Gran. In the supporting Programme pride of place must.be given to an educational fllm, which shows the laying of the cable from Newfoundland to the Azores Islands. DE LUXE THEATRE. Winnie Lightner has.the leading role In "S!;e Couldn't Say No," which heads the bill at the De Luxe Theatre. The story mopens in a backstreet night-club, where Winnie Harper is one of a band of entertainers. She lavished her affection on Jerry Casey, who obtains a living by dishonest means., Jerry sees possibilities in Winnie as an entertainer, and decides to cut himself adrift from all dishonesty. Unfortunately fo.r Winnie, Jerry falls In love with a society favourite named Iris, and in order to keep in with her narrow set he wanders from the straight and narrow path and "pulls off a job" in order to obtain money. He is caught, however, and receives a term of imprisonment. Throughout his intrigue with Iris, Winnie remains as true to him as ever, and her attitude earns the young man's admiration, and he eventually realises how sincere and good she is. "Winnie's happiness Is short-lived. The De Luxe Theatre management announce for Friday next the presentation of an allBritish two-feature programme. The first production is an adaptation of Dion Tetherldge's London stage success,. "Loose , Ends," which stars the eminent Ehglish actress, Edna Best, together with a selected cast of notable British stage and screen stars. It represents powerful drama of a sophisticated sort, depicting life in the London of to-day. The second feature is an "epic of Hilarity," an all-dialogue British comedy, ""Not So Quiet on the Western Front," which depicts the lighter side of war In delightfully humorous manner.. England's favourite comedian, Leslie Fuller, has the principal role, and is well supported by a superlative company. Box plans are available at Tho Bristol and Aitken's. ■ STAFF ENTERTAINMENT. To-night and to-morrow night the staff of the D.I.C. will give a revue in the Masonic Hall, Wellington terrace, In aid of the Cancer Campaign. This enterprising move on the part of business people whose days aro already filled with arduous duties has roused considerable interest, and tickets are selling well. The entertainment will bo in the form of vaudeville, introducing ballets, solo dances, songs, a balancing turn, and one short comedy. The programme Is full of variety; in fact, over 50 members of the staff are taking part in the various Items, and, except for the orchestra,' It 1s entirely a stall effort. The scenery by Mr. Fancourt will be a special feature, there being complete changes for the Old Garden, Dutch, Spanish, and Happy Days ballets. Tickets are- 2s (id, and/there are no reservations. DALCRO2E EURHYTHMICS. Much' Interest la being shown in the demonstration of Daleroze Eurhythmies to be given by Miss Eileen Itussell, L.It.A.M. The demonstrators Include both children and older students, the work to be shown ranging from tlie simplest exercises to more intricate and advanced work with senior students. ; Particulars 'are advertised. , ■■ ■ ■ .It.has been, the air of Mr. Eric Meier, whose talented violin, .students are to present their annual. reclta-K.iii. the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Wednesday evening, to inculcate into His pupils the love of playing with one another. Although there are a number of carefully chosen solo numbers Included in Wednesday's programme, the principal works to be performed are Jfozart's trio In E flat, Schubert's string quartet (opus 168), and two iteras. by,. the. students' orchestra, ■ "Serenade" (Jlozaet). and "Ballet Music from Rosamund" (Schubert). In the trio, which is brimful of sparkling melody, Mr. Frank Hopkins, one of Mr. Meier's most gifted pupils, will play the violin part, Mr. Meier viola, and Miss Violet Wood 'cello. Miss Marjorie Harvey, who needs no introduction to Wellington audiences, 'will play leading violin in the quartet, Mr. Frank Gilbert second violiiv Mrs. Eric Meier viola, and Miss. Violet Wood 'cello. Miss Maureen Murphy,- a you«g player of considerable promise, will play a movement from Grieg's Sonata In F as a solo number, and hMr. Frank Hopkins will play D'Ambroslo's "Canzonetta." Other soloists will be Miss Margaret Pilchcr, Mr. Bernard Gallate, Mr. Warwick Thompson, and Master Eric Sharp. The assisting artists are Miss Ormi Held (pianist), who will play Kachmaninoffa Prelude in B, and Miss Belle nenaut (contralto), who will sing "Oh! That It Were So" (Frank Bridge) and "The Dreary Steppe" (Grechaninov). The proceeds" of the performance are being- handed to the Christmas Cheer Fund of the Wellington City Mission, a worthy cause which should receive the public stiport It deserves. Box plans arc available ai the Bristol. ' NAVAL BAND RECITAL. The benefit recital at the'De Luxe Theatrelast night was successful in every way. The R.N.V.K. Band presented a very fine entertainment, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the funds of the Karitaue Home. The concert was under the auspices of the Rotary Club. A feature -of the evening was the appearance of Mr. Clement May In the character of Scrooge from Dickens' "Christmas Carol. This was done in costume with appropriate effects, carols, chimes, and organ. -U was a splendid performance which fairly took the house by storm. Miss , Hilda Chudley sang "Because I Miss You So" very sweetly, and Miss Jeanette Briggs was 'equally successful with "The Call of the Maytlme." Mr. Paul Cullen had a great reception, his rendering or "The Lost Chord" and "When it's Springtime in the Rockies" on the Wurlitzer organ pleasing the audience immensely. A touch of humour was provided by Mr. Albert Russell, who was billed to give ten minutss' entertainment, but had to prolong this time considerably to satisfy his hearers. Owing to indisposition, Mr. Harison Cook was unable to take his place on the programme. Mr. Dan Foley ably filled the gap, giving "What the Red-Hatred Bosun Said" splendidly. He took Mr. Cook's place at very short notice, arid this action was much appreciated. Miss Christina. Young made a success with "Waiata Maori."- Banjo duets, "Speedwell" and- "Take, Your Pick were played in lively style by Mrs. H. G. Reeves and Mr. T. Burt. Mr. Frank Crowther was accompanist. The Band made a good_ Impression with their finished performance, of the selection "The Magic Flute" and the marches "Old. Comrades" and "Coloney Bogey. Community singing,. under the leadership of Mr. Albert Russell, was enjoyed beyarly arrivals. '. . JOAN BEERE. The clever young Wellington dancer, Joan Beerc, who Has recently returned from bugland and the Continent, will next Monday repeat the very pleasurable recital she gave in the Concert Chamber last week. As Desirec, Miss Jiere achieved ..much, success abroad, both in cabaret and stage work, and was.fortunate in dancing before such personages as Princess Mary and Prince George. Her seven solo items given at her first recital proved her to be a remarkable, artist, and her appearance in such numbers, as "Valcndana' (a colourful Spanish fdance)r "The Parisian Doll' (another superbly .dressed item), and the vivacious American tap dance, brought her. the heartiest recognition from; her audience. In addition to the programme presented previously Miss Joan will next Monday clve "H.M.S. Pursuer " a comedy selection. Besides presenting Miss' Joan Becre, Miss Estelle Beere has arranged that' her students' group dances shall be repeated ones again. These numbers are most delightfully dressed, and add,to the charm of a quite unusual' .recital. Box plans, will open at the Bristol this Wednesday.