ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 117, 14 November 1930, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Just as there is a serious side to the business of war, so there is a much more pleasant side. This latter aspect Is depicted in an extremely ontertalnlng manner in the all-talking British Dominions' farce, "Alt's Button," which opens to-day at the Regent Theatre. The commanding officer, the hereditary enemy of all soldiers, would naturally figure In many sequences where two such "die-hards" as Alf Higglns and Bill Grant *re concerned. The officer does figure prominently, much to the discomfort of Bill and Alf. One particularly hilarious sccno is that In which Alf and Bill are ordered out of line to tidy themselves up a bit, and they succeed in adding ereatly to their untidiness by falling into a rather deep shell-hole of oozo and mud. Alf, In the course of cleaning his buttons, finds that by giving one of them a brisk rub a weird and wonderful "spook" pops up. Alf christens his "spook" Eustace, and, incidentally, he finds his favourite expression—"strike me pink"—rather dangerous when Eustace is around. The pretentious allBritish cast of "Alf's Button" includes Alf Goddard and Tubby Edlin as Old Bill and Alf respectively. Polly Ward, Nora Swinburne, Humberston Wright, and others of eoual impoflrtancc. , ; PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Tho Cuckoos;" Radio Pictures* extravaganza of nonsense, which opens an extended season to-day at the Paramount Theatre, is said to be the comedy treat of all time. "The Cuckoos" Is not a revue; and it is not a musical comedy. The film is based on a well-developed plot, and has a pleaslnc little romantic story running throughout. :But the comedy is of prime importance. Those, two mad wags, Bert Wheeler and-Robert Woolsey, of "Bio Rita" fame, clown their, way thr.ougb the. show, carrying everything with them. Never before has any screen production presented comedy. throughout and succeeded In making every moment one of unadulterated glee. "The Cuckoos" is a most lavish production.,' It, is dressed with breathtaking settings and costumes; the cast includes seven featured players:ln addition to Wheeler and Wooleey, and hundreds of singers, dancers, musicians, and extra players. Ten melodious sane hits give It a most impressive musical score, with'every number destined to become a popular hit. Box plans are available at The Bristol and-theatre. ST. JAMES THEATRE. . The big all-colour talking, dancing, and singing production, "Under a Texas Moon," which hu been acted before a background of beautiful scenery, embracing views of rosecovered haciendas, .verdant undulating pasture lands, and charming waterscapes, will be shown for the Drat time in Wellington at the St. Jamea Theatre • to-day. Its technlcolour sequences have been . spoken of as the most perfect yet presented on the screen. "Under a Texas Moon" is said to get right away from the beaten track of talking screen plays both in plot, story, and manner, of. treatment. It deals with the glamorous adventures of one Don Carlos, a handsomo caballero with a penchant for falling in and. out of love with every pretty, seriorlta he meets. His capacity for romancing and,his recitals of the imaginery adventures he has passed-through, are magnets that draw the attention of 'all women in. his direction.' They find ultimately that he is a Don Juan of the first water who loves lightly and rides away. Frank Fay, who made such an excellent impression as the raconteur in "Show of Shows," has won unstinted praise by his excellent portrayal of Don Carlos. Aralda, the temperamental Mexican actress, who possesses distinct dramatic ability, and Myrna w>y, of "Black Watch" fame, are conspicuous for striking performances in this picture. Popular Noah Beery appears as an out-and-out but likeable villain with many good points •in his complex make-up. The beauty girls, Raquel Torres, Mona Harris, and others, together with Fred Kohler, Tully Marshall, George Stone, and George Cooper, are all prominent in an unusually stroug and long cast. "Under a Texas Moon" is an adaptation of Stewart Edward White's widely read book. Five especially selected and well diversified alltalking and singing featurcttes, together with the latest Pathe Magazine, will form the first part of the programme. Box plans are at Tho Bristol, and after 6 p.m. at the Theatre. KING'S THEATRE. Fast-moving and hilarious, the Fox Movietone comedy, "So This is London," opens to-day at the King's Theatre. Will Rogers is the featured player; and 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 on 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 the screen. There Is an excellent supporting programme. Box plans are at The Bristol. OUEEN'S THEATRE. Said to be a brilliant Futuristic" Epic, "High. Treason," a thrilling British all-talking production, opens to-night at the Queen's Theatre. The story, of the film centres on the world of 1940, but in no instance, cither in acting or production, has the director, Maurice Elvey, allowed any situation to become bizarre or overdone. Benita Hume and Humberston Wright play the principal parts, and their acting demonstrates the advantage of legitimate stago training. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. The featuro film at tho Artcraft Theatre is "Atlantic." .A British International production, this is described as "England's titanic talkie." It has been adapted from Ernest Raymond's novel "The Berg," and deals with ,the sinking of an Atlantic liner after a collision with an iceberg. It is graphic in its representation of the tragic scene, especially when, with the breaking down of the emergency dynamos the last few moments are reached, and in an agony of screams and rushing water the liner sinks. The acting is of a high order and opportunities fairly evenly divided. The dialogue is clear and unhurried, and the effects realistic. British In spirit and character, the picture is intensely English in atmosphere and speech. There are good supports. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The main attraction at the Empire Theatre tonight is "Their Own Desire," starring Norma Shearer. The story concerns a girl whose attitude towards life has been embittered through the lack of love between her father and mother. When she comes upon her father in'the arms of, another woman, she takes her 'mother's side and the two go away to a resort. In the hope that a prolonged absence will eventually clear up things. Instead of being cleared, the problem becomes hopelessly entangled when the daughter falls in love with a young man who subsequently turns out to be the son of "the other woman." ' The supporting programme includes "The Fighting Parson," an all-talking comedy, starring Harry Langdon, a novelty" ba,nd in special numbers, a song number, and a Metrotone newsreel. SHORTT'S THEATRE. That world-famous hill in Paris known as the Montmartre, is seen in the, Cinema Art Films all-talking production, "Woman to Woman," screening at Sfiortt's Theatre: The district which has been the locale for many an author's plot, also forms the location for the opening .scenes of this picture, which proved such a tremendous success as a silent film a few years ago. The story deals with an English officer, who falls in love with a cafe dancer, but loses his memory, arid marries someone else. A child is born to his Parisian sweetheart, but he does not find, out till years later, which forms the climax of the film: The leading roles in this picture are played by Betty Compson, George Barraud, and Juliette Compton. There are good' supports. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Lupe Velez sings a delightful little song, "Cbanjonette of Pierrot and Pierrette," in Unlversal's romantic drama; "The Storm," now on' the screen of the Britannia Theatre. "The Storm" is featured by natural effects, including an avalanche, a blizzard, and the shooting of the rapids of a raging river by canoe. The story deals with the eternal triangle of two men and a girl who are snowbound in a cabin in the wilderness of western Canada. Paul Cavanagh and William Boyd are featured, a-nd Al'phonz Ethier and Ernie S. Adams also have important parts. There are good supports./ , REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. A double-feature bill Xi being presented this week-end at the Regal Theatre. Rudy Valee Is the singing star, in "The Vagabond lover." He plays the role of a saxophone player gifted with a glorious voice and most .pleasing personality. The second feature is "Second Wife," with Conrad Nagel and JJla Lee. It Is a highly dramatic story of'married life ;md the trials of a second mnrriagc and a woman who is deserted by her husband in her hour of need to go to. his son. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Grim and mysterious, with long, tenso passages of thrills and suspense, ■ "The Unholy Three," Lon Chtney's only talking picture, begins screening to-day at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Lon Chancy is a masterpiece in the part of the old woman who keeps an animal shop, and his two "unholy" companions, a dwarf and a giant, combine with him In telling a tale that has few equals for eerie suspense. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Dynamite," Cecil B. De Mille's first talking production, is to be shown at Our Theatre tonight. The principals are Conrad Nagel, Kay Johnson, Charles Bickford, and Julia Faye. It Is a romance of an heiress and a coal miner, their marriage in his death cell seven hours before his execution for murder^-and the sequence of events surrounding'and following these incidents. Excellent Bound supports complete the programme. ; CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. The screen's romantic Idol, Ronald Colman, together with Ann Harding and Louis Wolheim, can be seen in "Condemned," a drama of life on the notorious Devil's Island, at tho Capitol Theatre to-night. Saturday's box plan is now open at the theatre. Fox News, Pathe Review, and , A Silly Symphony Cartoon will also be shown. Another good silent programme has been arranged for the Saturday matinee, commencing at 2.15. Pete Morrison, in "Daring Danger," heads the bill,

DE LUXE THEATRE. An All-British two-star programme commences a season at the De Luxe Theatre today. Each of the productions is said to bo more than worthy of "special" status, and the combination of the two represents an entertainment of a standard raroly witnessed in the Dominion. The flrst production is a brilliant adaptation of Dion Tetherldge"s London stage' success, "Loose Ends," which stars the eminent English 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 tho London of to-day. The supporting cast claims some of the best-known figures on the English stage and screen, some of the notables being Owen Korea, Miles Mander, Adrienne Allen, Donald Calthrop, and Sybil Aruridale. The second featuro is an "Epic of Hilarity," au 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. "Not So Quiet on the Western Front" rather resembles "Splinters" In theme and action, but is said to surpass that popular production in entertainment qualities. It is a humorous burlesque on war-time, full of singing and dancing, and wildly hilarious episodes. Box plans are available at botli Bristol and Altken's. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Constance Bennott, who created such a favourable impression in "Son of the Gods," is stated to have leaped into additional popularity through a remarkably brilliant performance of "Connie Hayden," the daughter of a millionaire, in the latest Broadway alltalking picture, "Rich People." The electric success of "Klch People" in New York is said to be far greater than that achieved by any other talking comedy drama for a very considerable time. The unusual and somewhat daring story has been adapted from the book by Gay Gelzer. The plot is unusual, the dialogue Is said to be particularly brilliant, and It has been claimed that the scenic background rivals an "Arabian Nlehts" phantasy. The episodes and situations which develop as the film unfolds are of a character that have not previously been seen In a motion picture. The poignant story is saved from pathos by the bubbling sense of humour with which each of the leading characters is endowed— verbal comedy that is clever, unspoken humour that possesses a delicacy that Is all its own. John .Loder, the well-known London actor from the legitimate stage, and Regis Twomey, an American • player of ability, are cast for the two leadlnj; masculine roles, and their work has won the approval of tho Press and public. Other members of a strong cast are Robert Ames, Mahlon Hamilton, Ilka Chase, and Polly Ann Young, all of whom are cast suitably. Five well-varied short subjects, Including the two latest newsreels, will be shown.before the screening of the main feature. The usual late shoppers' session will take place to-day, commencing at 5 and finishing at 7 p.m. Box plans are at The Bristol, and also at the theatre. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Advance notices from the Metro-Goldwyn-Jlayer lot. at Culver City Indicate that officials of the company are more than pleased with the results of the flrst all-talking feature picture . starring . Van, and, Schenek, the pair who during the past twenty years have sung and wisecracked their "way over practically every vaudeville circuit in tho United Stales. The picture, which: Is called "They Learned About Women," opens to-day at the Grand Opera House. Bessie Love supports the featured pair in a story dealing with two baseball players who desert the ball diamond for the vaudeville: stage. ■• In some respects the story resembles tha life of the well-known vaudeville entertainers who actually were ball players before they entered upon stage work. Briefly, the plot of the new film concerns Jack and Jerry, big league ball players, who fill in winter seasons singing In, vaudeville. Both of them love Mary (Bessie Love), but she is engaged to Jack; who subsequently is "vamped" by a chorus girl. (Mary1 Doran). Brokenhearted, Mary promises to marry Jerry when the partnership Is split up by jealousy. The chorus girl romance flounders, however, and Jack returns to find the girl he really loved about to marry his erstwhile pal. Van and Schenek Introduce ten new songs in "They Learned About > Women," which were written by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen, composers of "Aln"t She Sweet?" "I Wonder What Became of Sally," and other popular songs. l NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Song of the West," featuring John Boles, will be the main attraction at the New Quality this evening. It Is a technlcolour all-talking production, and is backed up.. by a specially selected .cast whose respective parts In the singing and dancing features are admirably portrayed. .Special sound. supports comprise the remainder of the programme. A matinee will be held at 2.30 p.m. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Slightly Scarlet," featuring Evelyn Brent and Clivo Brook, is the principal picture at tlic New Princess Theatre. In addition, there are audible short features, a comedy, newsreel, and a further episode.of the "Jade Box" serial. MISS KATHLEEN O'BRIEN'S PUPILS. On Saturday at 2 p.m. and S p.m., at the Town Hall Concert Chamber, tlio danclug pupils of Miss Kathleen O'Brien will present many artistic song and da-nee scenas. Colourful properties and stage effects have been specially designed for the recital. Among thoso appearing are Misses Thelma Bartholomew, Dorothy Danlcll, Sybil Clayton, Zelda Corkill, Marjorie Penman, Peg Smyth, Melva Doney, Jean Worrall, Joan Raine, Audrey Daniells, Monica Williams, Alys' Sugden, Shona Bennett, and Messrs. John Bown, Brian Ashbridge, James Lockwood, and Ben O'Brien. The box plan Is at The JBristol. There will be a special matinee price for children. Mrs. AYalkcr will conduct the/orchestra. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. Mr. Gordon Short announces his eleventh students' pianoforte recital, to be given in Nimmo's Concert Hall on Wednesday evening, 19th November. Twenty pupils will perform an attractive programme of duets, quartets, solos, and concertos. Mr. Gordon Short will also give a short chat on "Pianoforte Study." Tickets are obtainable at Nimmo's Music Warehouse. JOAN BEERE. On 'Monday next, 17th November, by general request. Miss Estello Bcere is again presenting Joan Beere, the brilliant young Wellington danseuse, who made such a distinct Impression at her last recital. The same scries of dance-compositions ami episodes will be given, also several new numbers, and the students from the Hill street studio will repeat their colourful" and lively Spanish group dances, also the delightful fragment, "Zephyrs." Mr. Frank Crowther and - his orchestra of six will give of their best. The box plan is now open at The Bristol, where seats may be reserved/