ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 131, 1 December 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

"Man Trouble," one of the most human and interesting of all-talking pictures, with the raco for the Melbourne Cup, are the leading attractions of the programme now ; bcing presented at tho Paramount Theatre. "Man Trouble" details the adventures of a beautiful girl and a romantic minded newspaper writer who fall in love, following a meeting in unusual circumstances. Dorothy Mackaill fills the leading feminine role, and Milton Sills appears in another lead part, while Kenneth MacKenua acts the part of tlie lover. Miss Mackaill and Miss Sharon Lynu both sing appealing^ in the cabaret scenes. The first part of the story deals, chiefly with scenes relating to the gangster world, but towards the end ■of.the play a moro interesting tone is introduced by scenes of country life and Christmas celebrations. The champion racehorse Thar Lap, in the 'race Tor tho Melbourne Cup, is seen romping home at the head of the field, .cheered by the crowd, which had generally expected him to win.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

- The excellent Paramount all-talking musical romance, "Love Among the Millionaires," attracted to the St. James Theatre -on Saturday capacity attendances. Clara Bow is hardly recognisable in this picture, as she lias thrown 6ft',1 in a way, her former methods and now reveals finished'work of a distinctly different type. She won the sympathies of tiie large audiences from the o'ltset and held it right to; the finish of the play. "Pepper Whipples" is the most finished screen portrait, either in talkies or on the silent film, that Clara Bowhas given to the screen. . Playing with Miss Bow is the remarkably clever child actress, Mitzi Green. Tho opportunities supplied to this kiddie by a particularly fine part enable her to sho'v extraordinarily good work both In singing and :n acting, and it is not too much to say that littic Mitzi .Green shares with Clara Bow the honour.? of the picture. Stuart Bnviu.and Skeets Gallagher, comedians, supply much <,'ood comedy. Stanley Smith, a goodlooking juvenile lead, is effective in every way, while Claude King, the well-remembered Colonel of "The Black Watch," and Charles Sellou arc excellent in character roles. A most eujpyabie first part, consisting of varied novelties contains an exceptionally good oiie In the, community singing cartoon featuring the popular "Stein Song" with Rudy Vallee as leader. On Saturday the audience sang the chorus heartily and the effect was enjoyable. Box plans- arc at The Bristol" and also at the theatre after r, p.m.

REGENT THEATRE,

With one. exception, the cast in Frederick Xonsdale's smart and witty comedy, "On .Approval," at. the Hegent Theatre, Is (he same as that in that other great success, "Rookery Nook," and if possible LonsdalcV noted legitimate stage success bids fair to bis even more popular than it. was on the stage. The acting throughout its par excellence, and. the sparkling wit has the audience simmering with merriment throughout. The . story tells of ' lour people, two of them utterly selfish, and two thoroughly • self-sacri-ficing. The self-centred Duke of Bristol loves Helen Hayle, and Richard Woyms, a genial Englishman, lores Maria. Wislak, a shrewish woman possessed of an income of £25,000 v year. In order to discover whether they are actually suited to one another Maria conceives ihe rather unconventional scheme of a trial marriage with limitations. She takes Kichard to her Scottish home for a month on approval, as it were, but when they get there they find that Helen and Bristol are also on the spot. Three tlceks in each other's company proves something of a strain to the loving couples, and the result is that Jtichard becomes heartily- sick of Maria and her ordering ways, while Helen decides that Bristol is the most selfish jnan in the world, and she tells him so. Relations become somewhat strained, but the situation, as it has done all along, allows the playwright to score with some exceedingly witty dialogue. The climax is a suitable tine to such an outstanding effort on the part of playera and producer.' The remainder of tho programme is up to the high standard of the main feature, especially a short film which features Madame Maria Kurenka, of the Chicago Opera Company, in three vocal numbers—the "Jewel Song** from "Faust," "II Baccio," and "Last Jtose of Summer"- —in very pleasing fashion. Laurel and Hardy figure in another of their ridiculous comedies, and a most Interesting news reel completes a most entertaining programme.

KING'S THEATRE,

The modern divorce problem is treated in a most unusual way in "The Divorcee," Nonna Shearer's latest starring vehicle, which heads the change of programme at the King's Theatre. Miss Shearer is seen as Jerry Bernard, the daughter of a physician*'who discovers, after three years of-married life, that her husband has been carrying' on a liaison with another woman. She is bitterly hurt, but forces herself to believe that his action is simply an unimportant phenomenon of the current moral code of modern civilisation. When, however, she attempts to meet him at his own game, ho looks at-the matter" from an entirely different viewpoint, and deserts her. Jerry, utterly disillusioned, abandons herself to a, period, of free living until the futility of her actions is revealed to her, and she contrives to win back her husband.

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

Jack Jfulhall, popular screen star, plays the lead in "The Fall Guy," the outstanding comedy-drama which is now screening at the Queen's Theatre. The picture is a happy combination of gripping situations and laughter, and is a flrst-elass entertainment. Bootleggers figure largely in the story, and there is no Jack of excitement. "Tlie Fall Guy" made a long-run record on the legitimate stage in New York, and the film version has all of the play's attractions plus the intimacy and warmth made possible by the speaking screen. There are excellent supports.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

The all-British production, "Rookery Nook," a comedy based on the famous play by Ben Travers, is showing at the Artcraft Theatre. "Rookery Nook," a typically English comedy, is played by an all-English oast, and the crisp dialogue of the play is put across in a manner that conveys-thc true English atmosphere. The / comedy is rich in mirth-provoking situations, and the acting throughout is thoroughly convincing. There is a good supporting bill.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

A special double-feature programme will be xcreencd at the Empire Theatre to-night. The main attraction is "This Thing Called Love," starring Edmund Lowe and Constance Bennett. The amazing situations that have' been worked out in the picture, centring on the idea of a modern marriage, in which the wife stipulates that she is to receive a salary, and that neither she nor her husband is to- be denied other lovers, provide a great dear of entertainment and amusement. The supporting cast is headed by Kutli Taylor, Stuart Erwin, and Zasu Htts. The supporting picture is "The Racketeer," with Robert Armstrong and Carol Lombard heading a large cast. The story deals with a society girl, who, through an indiscreet romance with a musician, is an outcast. She encounters a gangster of the underworld, who helps her and her sweetheart, and then falls madly in love with the girl himself. The climax is both dramatic and thrilling.

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

■ That England has not failed to snatch the I golden opportunity that was thrust at her * f.: with; the introduction of talking pictures is ; proved conclusively in the new all-talking /: British production, "Rookery Nook," which is • now'being featured at the Britannia Theatre. i'J'he dialogue is so crisp and conveys so much wit the real English atmosphere to tho listener Hhat it is. Quite easy to see that it would have »>ecn; sheer- tragedy to have attemptedl to film Rookery Nook" without an all-English cast. So well has the recording. been handled iwiat:it has brought forth loud praise from i\ie American sound experts.

HEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

jßlue ribbon and silver cup winners are iuc vided" in the array of thoroughbred horses tl at appear'in "The Hottentot/ Warner Bros.' la lest production, which has its final screenin b at,tho- New Quality to-night. Such interBalionally known race track horses as Lc Elega ft, 1/ A Murray, Charles Jiggers, Skyward, an.» Clusanthy appear in the thrilling stccnlcchajse iv .this exciting screen version of- the c.c.l iibratcd' comedy stage success of Victor Mabels and Willio Collier. All are registered tho roiighbreds, and have won races before •fashW'nabie throngs. "Conquest." commences on ■\Vpdnesday. Scats may be reserved by Tinging ;5j1r39.-l.before 6.30 p-m.

i 'CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

'•Fmrfteind," the all-talking epic of the sea, ■will jriave its final screening at tho Capitol tonigh, t A Mickey Mouse cartoon will also be show p. To-morrow night the theatre has been urtgafcixl 'or !1 boxing tournament arranged by 'fio Ma ramar Boxing Club. No pictures will 1»e shdwft.; "Alias French Gertie," a thrilling drama? of' crook?, commences on AV.ednesrlay. ■Jicbe-j'O'aniels and Ben I/you head the cast.

j>;REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

A si'lrring drama of icy wastes, of human pasisions; i.ad of love, is given in- "High Voltage," which (screens at the Eegal Theatre, Karori. to-nlghl. The story is one of the best that Wlllianj Boyd has been cast in, and is outstandlnj? in its merit. There are many high lißhtsi particularly when the party is imprisoned. Pi ivying opposite William Boyd is a welltoiown tilayer, Owen Moore. Tho cast also includes iCarol Lombard. On Wedensday and Thursdaiv next "The Flying Fool" will be scre'eneef,

IjOUR THEATRE, HEWTOWN.

Charlea Murray is featured with Liiclen LitHefleld ifl. tho farce comedy, "Clancy in Wall Street," (vhich is to be screened at Our Theatre to-nljjbt. The part Murray plays Is that of a.n IrUU plumber who gets into a scries of uproarious^ escapades as a result of having invested hfii partner's money—as well as his own on p'le stock market. Splendid sound supports'con grlete the programme.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

For sheiir dramatic merit ;in<) ontcrUnnm<?nl values, fe\V all-dialogue piclurrs of the coming sear :tsre expected tv surpass (lie popularity of *Tlic Locked Door." George Filzmaurice's :iiU-d!aloguo production, heading the bill" .at v-itho KUbirnic Theatre. Rod 3. Hocque 'Heads an unustially talented cast. J.xcellcat si'incl featurcttcs ivill ako be screen-

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

Large attendances at the Majestic Theatre throughout Saturday enjoyed Hie brilliant Sir Charles Hawtrey comedy, "The Man from Blankley's," with the versatile American star, John Barrymorc, at the head of an English cast In which lie plays Loi-d Strathpeffcr, Sir Charles Hawtrey's original role. Just as there are many old theatre-goers who prefer the late Sir Henry Irving in comedy roles such as "Jingle" and "Dick Swiveller" and "Digby Grant" in "The Two Roses" as against his tragic creations, so will many after witnessing "The Man from Blankley's," prefer John Barrymorc in lighter vein. His performance of Hie part, was artistic in the extreme, his English was flawless, and the result was a polished performance- of a likeable character. Barrymore personally selected the cast, and he was wise in securing all-British actors and actresses for the principal roles. Albert (.ran, D'arcy Corrigan, Diana Hope, William Austin, Dick Henderson, and Emily Filzroy are all British players .of repute who thoroughly justify their inclusion in the cast, and by their respective presentations of cleverly conceived types of characters, they create roars of laughter and round off what undoubtedly is an excellent performance of a- well-written comedy. The novelty acts in.the first part of the programme are all pleasing. "The Man from Blankley's" .will hold the screen until Thursday evening next. ■ On Friday it will be replaced by the special production, "In the Headlines." a. celebrated newspaper story. Box plans are at The Bristol and also at the theatre.

GRAND- OPERA HOUSE.

Anolner new programme'featuring the wellknown Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Company in the first half and "Ladies of Leisure, an all-talking drama, in the second half, commenced at the Grand Opera House on Saturday. The legitimate show in parts was very acceptable; the picture was disappointing. 'When the American "ballyhoo" man got to work on tills talkie he churned out some glowing lines giving everything a big boost, but when seen on Saturday night the picture did not give the impression that it deserved it all. There is' nothing complex in the theme. A street girl becomes a lady—that is the story, but there is- over-much sentimentalism in the teilin" of it, and the tears and the supposedly serious moments -do not pull the heartstrings Barbara Stanwyck, as the girl whose waywardness is corrected, and Ralph Graves, idealist artist, who is responsible for the miracle, have the main parts. A pot-pourri show-was presented by (ha Humphrey Bishop Company up to the interval, and although one or two of the gass had been hesrd in days long past, a bigger helping from Ihesc talented ' enf 6i'tfiincr.s would )ib vc liboi most jiccGptublcMaurice Barling and Arthur Hemsley, the comedians of the party, gathered in the laughs and always received a good reception. Thelma Trott Fred Webber, and- Walter Kingsley sang several pleasing vocal numbers, including an operatic excerpt from "Faust." Among other popular items was. a violin solo by Margaret Blackburn, an attractive girl with a sweet violin on which was used an understanding'bow. 1 There were several bright-ensembles, culminating in an Oriental scene in which Walter Kingsley sang the lilting "Song of the Nile " and Sydney Montlgue and Desiree, a very lissome girl, gave a graceful dance number; The programme will be repeated to-night. ■ .

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK,

"Tho Belle of New York" will be presented, with new and magnificent scenery and dresses, and with an incomparable cast of characters, by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., "The New Moon" Company, at the Grand Opera House next Saturday afternoon, at the matinee. 'The Belle of New York," when staged by the .New Moon" Company in Sydney recently, created a furore of enthusiasm, and it attracted record audiences there for over 12 weeks. It was generally conceded that it was the best allround representation of "The Belle" that had ever been enjoyed in Australia. "Tho Belle of New York" always comes like a sunbeam chasing away gloom. The swiftness of the action makes the show sparkle. The sharp contrasts, the vivid characterisation, the care-free spirit, and tho lack of restraint . appeal to everyone and make "The Belle" one of the best, if not the best, of the entertainments ever concocted to please playgoers. Factors in longsustained popularity are the bright and witty verse lines, the tuneful, catchy melodies, the diversity of characterisation, and the spontaneous, rippling humour. But to these add sentiment and satire—the first expressed regarding the Belie and the second directed against Bronson. The J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management expended a very large sum of money, on the production of "The Belle of New York," and the1 cast has been selected with the greatest care. Mr. Leslie Holland, tho popular musical comedy actor, has been brought over specially to play the role of Ichabod Bronson, and the members of the "New Moon" Company will all be seen to great advantage. The box plans open at the Bristol next Thursday morning at 3 o'clock.

DE LUXE THEATRE,

"Inside the Lines," a thrilling story of tho British, Secret Service, with .its'venue at Gibraltar, is tho current feature at tho De Luxe Theatre. It is an engrossingly interesting screen pilfering, v.ith Betty Couipson east ns a beautiful German secret service agcut who is given the. task, of destroying the British Mediterranean Fleet, -llalph Forbes plays opposite her, and gives a .portrayal which is above criticism. The picture- is full of exciting moments, and is characterised by superb acting. Much of tho action centres round, an attempt to obtain the key to the raine control field in the harbour, which, if used, means the end of the British fleet:. riot and counter-plot keep the interest of the audience at a high pitch. Each of the principals is in turn involved in intrigue and espionage, and suspense, and thrills ate combined ingeniously to mask the climax, which .is totally unexpected. The second attraction on the programme is an hilariously funny picture, "Amateur Night in London," wherein some of London's would-be "talkie" stars are tried out with remarkable results.. Mr. Paul. T.. Cullen plays several very acceptable numbers on the Wurlitzer organ.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

Sacha Guitry's play, "Sleeping Partners," gave Seymour Hicks,one of. his most popular roles on the legitimate stage in England, and his transcription of it for the talking picture screen, now running at Shortt's Theatre, has been .equally successful. The bright and witty dialogue that lias _niade him famous on the stage runs through tho picture, and so refreshing is its humour that it does not at any time become dry or irksome. The story centres about a well-tordo bachelor, who has a.very great weakness for a beautiful married woman. Owing to a hubby who finds his female interests elsewhere, many screamingly funny situation's arise, Supporting Mr. Hicks is Edna Best, another beautiful stage artist of some note in England. '

ORGAN RECITAL,

Mr.' Bernard F. l'agex (City Organist) gave his weekly organ recital at the. Town Hall last evening. The programme was as follows: —Chorale from Cantata No. 147, by ,Bach; Partita in F Minor, by Bach ; Elegie, by Claussmann; Second Movement from Symphony in D Minor, Cesar Franck; Idylle Melancollque, Op. 31 (No. 8) and Canzona, Op. 31 (No. 12), by Yicrnc; Sonatina in A Minor, by Karg-Elert.

MRS. MACKAY'S PUPILS.

A programme of interest will be presented in the Concert Chamber on Saturday, 6th December, by the pupils of Mrs. Ethel Mackay and her assistants. The numbers will be varied, and those taking part will range from the age of six years. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol IMano Co.