ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 133, 3 December 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. With popular Clara. Bow starring and that amazingly clever child, Mitzi Green, doing astonishing work at the head of au unusually good cast, the picture, "Lovo Among the Millionaires," will conclude a successful season at the St. James Theatre to-morrow evening. Sir Benjamin and John Fuller announce by advertisement in this issue the coming on Friday next to the St. James Theatre of au altogether different' style of dialogue entertainment, under the title of "Bride of the licgiment," a First National and Vitaphonc production which has been photographed entirely in technicolour and reproduces on the screen the libretto and music of the international opera liouffe, "Lady in Ermine." The music is stated to be of a better standard than any yet heard in "talkies," and the cast boasts three llrst-night. singing stars in Vivicnno Segal. Walter Pidgeon, and Allan Prior, in addition to four star comedians—Louise Jnzenda, *ord Sterling, Myrna Loy, and Lupino Lane. ' Bride of the Regiment" is credited with containing everything in the shape of real entertainment from threatened tragedy to brilliant, breezy comedy. The calibre of the singing voices is regarded as exceptional, and even the choristers are all well trained Italians, who speak and King in English. Box; plans are at the Bristol and also at. the Theatre after 6 p.m.

REGENT THEATRE.

With one exception, the cast in Frederick lonsdale'K smart and witty comedy, On Approval," at the Regent Theatre, is Die same as that in that other great success, "Rookery Kook" and if possible Lonsdalo's noted legitimate stage success bids fair to bo even more popular than It was on the stage. Th 6 acting throughout Is par excellence, and the sparkling wit has the audience simmering with merriment, throughout. The self-centred Duke of-Bristol loved the adorable Helen Hayle, and Diehard Weyms, a real genial Englishman, loved Maria Wlslalc, a shrewish woman with au income of £25,000 a year.' Maria did not know whether she really liked Richard or not, so she decided to take him on approval lor one month. They go to her Scottish mansion, only to find that Helen and the Duke have also gone there. And then the fun starts. At the end of three weeks they become heartily sick of each other. Richard thinks Maria was the world's champion nagger, and Helen thinks the Duke the most selfish person on earth. Each one of the' injured party tells the other the truth. What happens then forms the most piquant °' comrrllcs. and leads up to a delightful climax. The remainder of the programme is up to the high standard of the main feature especially a short film which features Madame Maria Kurenka, of the Chicago Opera Conv.i.iny, in three vocal numbers. Laurel and Hardy figure in another of their ridiculous comedies, and a most interesting iu.ws reel completes a most entertaining programme.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

"Man Trouble" at the Paramount Theatre d-tails the adventures of a beautiful girl and a romantic minded newspaper ■writer who fall In lore, following a meeting in unusual circumstances. Dorothy Mackaill fills -the'leading feminine role, and Milton Sills appears iv another lead part, while Kenneth MacKenna acts the part of the lover. Miss Mac■kaill and Miss Sharon Lynn both sing appealinly In the cabaret scenes. The champion racehorse Phar Lap, In the race lor the Melbourne Cup, is seen romping home at the head of the field, cheered by the crowd, which, had generally expected him to win. Richard Dix, ever-popular screen star, will })D seen in a new type of characterisation in -Shooting Straight," which opens on Friday at the Paramount Theatre. The role is that of a two-fisted gambler whose regeneration is achieved after a series of thrilling and dramatic oceurences. Dix lias played practically every type of role during liis notable screen career, and recently has proved himself to be a most capable farceur in light comedy parts. But in "Shooting Straight' 'he is brought back 3n a powerful, dramatic, and red-blooded role that has been hailed by audiences and critics as one of his greatest of characterisations. "Shooting Straight" is adapted from an origfi«al story by Barney Sarecky. Filled full of action, movements, and suspense, it is perfectly suited to the talking screen, for J. Walter Ruben has supplied powerful dialogue treatment. Dix is given a new leading woman in the production —Mary Lawlor—brilliant blonde actress from the Broadway stage. The story concerns the re-birth of a big city gambler, with Ihe theme handled in a novel and original manner. Box plans at the Bristol and theatre.

KING'S THEATRE,

'Che modern divorce problem is treated, in'a most unusual way in "The Divorcee," at the King's Theatre. Norma Shearer is seen as the daughter of a physician, who discovers, after three years of married life, that her. husband has 'been false to her. She is bitterly hurt but forces herself to believe that his action is simply a phase of the. current moral code of modern civilisation. When, however, she attempts to meet him at his own same, lie looks at the matter from an entirely-different viewpoint, and deserts,her. Finally the wile contrives to win back her husband.

.QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"jack Mulhall, popular screen sfafrplavys'tbe lead in "The Fall Guy," now screening at.tha Queen's Theatre. The picture is a happy combination of gripping situations and laughter, and is a flrst-class entertainment. The 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.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

The story of a circus clown who fell In love with his ward is told in "Painted Faces," the Cinema Art all-talking picture . at' the - Artcraft Theatre. : Frances . Hyland / wrote the story around * Beppo, a ■ elbwn acrobat, whose chief joy in life is his little ward, Nancy. "When she -joins the circus during school vacation of her eighteenth summer, he discovers that she is a young lady and that his fondness for her is much more serious and disturbing than it had ever been before. But Nancy likes:-the sleek sheik type better than the wide-mouthed, funny-faced comedian who ha 3 always been daddy to her, and on this preference hangs a story full of surprising situations and dramatic.thrills. .

REPERTORY THEATRE SOCIETY,

Great interest is being taken in the production of Oscar Wilde's famous comedy, "The Importance of Being Earnest," which the "National Repertory Theatre Society will stage at tho Y.W.C.A. Hall for a season of five nights, commencing on Tuesday, 9th December. Several performers new to repertory- audiences will appear, including.Miss Beryl Earle, in a charming role, and Miss Ethel Oldbury-Jones, and Mr. Barton Ginger in amusing character parts. They Mill have the support of several popular favourites, including Misses Louise Hall and Hazel Well, and Messrs. A. D. Priestley, John Bown, and J. R. Herd. Mr. W. S. Wauchop will again produce, so that reliance can be placed on strict attention to those details ■which go to make an artistic performance. The box plans will open to the public at the Bristol on Thursday, 4th December. ; ,

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

If the reports o f their achievements in making "The Flying FOol" are true, it Is probable that It will be a long time before William Boyd, Marie Prevost, and 'fay Garnett retire from their motion picture activity. But, if they ever do decide to change their vocation, there is a place for them in vaudeville as the Dancing Demons or . some other pseudonym. Hugh Cummlngs, former vaudevillian, coached the star, leading lady, and director in a snappy routine of jazzmania. The dance has been christened "Flying Fool Footsteps." They will be seen and heard at the Regal Theatre tonight.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Alias Trench Gertie," a dramatic talkie of the underworld, commences at the Capitol Theatre to-night. Bebe Daniels plays the part of a lady "Raffles," and Ben Lyon is a fellow crook. Excellent short subjects will support this neat little drama. "New York Nights," a. tale of music writers, crooks, and chorus girls, commences on Friday. Normn. Talmadge stars in this feature, and Gilbert Roland plays opposite the star. "Devil's Bowl," a quick moving Western subject, will bo screened at the Saturday matinee.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN,

Gary Cooper Is starred in "Seven Days' leaTe.'Vthe Paramount picture which is to show at Our Theatre to-night. Tho story is that of a scrub woman who, having no son to send to war, Invents a son of her own to top the stories being told by other scrub women, and who finally sees her story vindicated when a soldier cornea to London on leave of, absence jtnd helps her out. Excellent souml fcatureltes complete the programme.

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

The new all-talking British production,! "Jtookory Xook," is being featured ut the Britannia Theatre. The dialoguo is so rrisp and conveys so much of the real English atmosphere to tho listener that it is quite easy to see that it would have been sheer tragedy to have attempted to film "Rookery Nook" without an all-English cast. So well has the recording been handled that It has brought forth loud praiso from tho American eound exports. ■

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

A feature full of hilarity is screening at the Kilbirnle Kinema, "Free and Easy." starring Buster Keaton and Anita Page, deals with the humorous efforts of the comedian to star in a film colony. Varied supports will also be screened. Seats may be reserved at the theatre and the Bristol.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

Otis Harlon has one of the funniest roles of his career, that of an old salt, in "Dames Ahoy," an uproariously funny Universal comedy, which will be screened to-night at the Empire Theatre. The picture deals with the hilarious adventures of three sailors oa shore leave. Glen Tryon is starred and is supported by an exceptionally able east. The supporting sound subjects have been specially selected,

RECITAL AT KARORI

A programme of violin and piano music containing some llttle-hoown but. extremely beautiful masterpieces is to he sriven by Mr. Richard Maunder and Mr. Trevor Fisher ut tho Parish Hall, Karori, on Monday, Sth December.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

The current programme at the Grand Opera House features the well-known Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Company in the flrst half and "Ladies of Leisure," an all talking drama, In the second half. There is nothing complex in the theme of the picture. A street girl becomes a lady—that is the story, and there is much sentimentalism in the telling of it. , Barbara Stanwyck, as a girl whoso waywardness is corrected, and Ralph Graves, an idealist artist, have the main parts. A pot-pourri show, is presented by the Humphrey Bishop Company up lo the interval. Maurice Barling and Arthur Hemsley, the comedians of the party, gather ■ in the laughs and always receive a good reception. Thelma Trott, Fred Webber, and Walter Kingsley sing several pleasing vocal numbers, Including an operatic excerpt from "Faust." There are several bright ensembles, culminating in an Oriental scene, in which Walter Kingsley slugs the lilting "Song of the Nile," and Sydney Mantigiie and Desirec, a very lissome girl, gives a graceful dance number.

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK."

With the exception, perhaps, of the works or, Gilbert and Sullivan, no musical play has sustained over a long period the popularity of "The Belle of New York," which is to be staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., "Now Moon" Company at the Grand Opera House next Saturday at the matineu. The Williamson management has not spared any expense on the scenery, dressing, and general mounting, and this factor certainly assisted in the sensational triumph achieved by "The Belle" in the Commonwealth. Thoso who have heard Miss Ramola Hansen's singing and acting in "The Desert Soim" and "The New Moou" will be -able to imagine how fine this young artist is in the title role of "The Belle of New York," and in the role of Harry Bronson Mr. Sidney Burchall should also be- seen and heard at his best. The- characterisation of Ichabod Bronson by Leslie Holland lias on former occasions delighted New Zealanders, and this popular comedian has been specially engaged by the Williamson management to again appear in this part. Jim Gerald has scored a success in the role of Blinky Bill. Don Nicol, who is already well nnd favourably known to New Zealanders, is said to present a very excellent interpretation of the eccentric character of the Polite Lunatic, and Amy Rochellc's performance of Cora Angelique is said to he one of the features of the production. Miss Miriam Lester appears as Fill Tricot, and others in the cast are Bernard Manning, Leo Darnton, Sidney Wheeler, Herbert Browne, Sylvia Miller, and Dulcie Davenport. The box plans for the season of seven nights open tomorrow morning at the Bristol at 9 o'clock.

DE LUXE THEATRE,

"Inside the Lines," a, thrilling story of the British Secret Service, with its venue at Gibraltar, is the current feature at the De Luxe Theatre. It is au engrossing!}- interesting screen offering, with Betty Compson cast as a beautiful German secret service agent who is gircu the task of destroying the British Mediterranean Fleet. Kalph 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. The second attraction on the programme is an hilariously, funny picture. "Amateur Night in London." Mr. Paul T. Cullcn plays several very acceptable numbers on the Wurlitzer organ. Said to represent one of the season's most important bookings for .the Do Luxe Theatre, "Lawful Larceny,"' a 7 Hadio Pictures special attraction, will commence on Friday next. It is a faithful adaptation of the original NewYork stage success,.and is.just as entertaining. Bebe Daniels, the star, scores in an entirely new role, that of a wife who sets out to recover her husband troni another woman. Her performance is intensely human and convincing. There is not a dull moment In the picture, which tells an entertaining story of a cycle of victims. The husband is victimised by a siren; the siren 1 is victimised by a clever, lovable but unscrupulous man, admirably portrayed by Lowell Sherman. How he and the siren are finally, out-manoeuvred by Miss Daniels, as the wife, makes a. climax as unusual as it is worth seeing. Other members of the cast'are Kenneth Thompson, I'urneil Pratt, Lon Payne, and Bert Itoacli. Box plans are available at. Bristol 'and Aitkcn's.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The flue actor, John Barrymore, and the exceptionally talented cast of English actors and actresses supportlrtg him in the screen presentation of Sir Charles Hawtrcy's sparkling London comedy, "The Man from Blank-ley's," will terminate its highly satisfactory Wellington season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow (Thursday) evening. The first" play of its kiml. anil one which brings with it high credentials, entitled "111 the- Headlines." will begin Us season at the Majestic Theatre on Friday next. It has been written t>y four newspaper men, and deals willi an authentic scnsalional : mystery which occurred ill America, sonic time hack, and which was in the end elucidated hy a clever reporter after the police had failed and had virtually given the matter up. During the unfolding the complete working in connection with the preparation, publication, and distribution of ■ a great, metropolitan dally paper is shown in a manner never previously attempted. To the uninitiated, the result in said to he enlightening and full nt real interest. An all-star cast includes Grant. "Withers, Marian >"ixon, Clyde Cook, Edmund Brecse, Pauline li.iron, Frank Campeau, Vivian Oakland, Halliiin Cooley, Robert Omer. Spec. O'Donnell, and others. Box plans'-are-'-at the; Bristol and also" at the theatre.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

"Journey's End," the all-talking war play starring Colin Clive, will bo screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-morrow night. It is from the play by R. C. Sherriff, which has been seen all the world over, and which has been described by the Press as a stirring indictment against war. The dialogue is in perfect English, and the picture is too fine to be missed. Seats may be reserved by telephone. ■--.-■.

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

Sacha Gultry'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 Shortts Theatre, has been equally successful. The bright and witty dialogue that has made him famous on the' stage runs through the picture. Supporting Mr. Hicks is Edna Best, another beautiful stage artist of some note in England. :.:

the- Apollo singers,

■ '.Wellington -and* Masterton have, acclaimed the Apollo- Singers once already, and much local' interest has been, aroused with the approach of the second concert to be given hy this new but thoroughly competent male choir. This is to take place in the Town Hall Concert Chamber to-morrow nighl, and Their Excellencies Lord and Lady, liledisloo have consented to attend. Some of the best male voices in Wellington are to be found in the Apollo choir, so that when necessary the concerted numbers do not lack. soloists of distinction. Under Ihc control of Mr. 11. Temple White, a delightful programme of part-sougs and opera choruses will be presented, the items including the celebrated "Sailors Chorus" from "The Flying Dutchman," "Iho Hunter in His Career" (arranged by Percy Grainger), Hungarian March (de Rille), au old English melody, "Caleno Custuro Ale, favourites such as "All Through the Night and "Drink To Me Only," and, in lighter vein, '.'Ma' Mississippi Home." Solos by Mr. Claude Tanner will allow the singers some rest, this well-known 'cellist having, chosen Aye Verum" (Mozart), "Minuet" (Bocchcrini), "Melodic Arabe" (Glazounov). and "Intermezzo from the opera 'Goyescas for Ins numbers. The choir will also receive sound assistance-from the ladies' Cccillan (juartet (Leonie Whlteford. Olive ■ Long, Margaret Ferens, and Edna Tankcrsley), who will sing "The Lord is My Shepherd" and "Follow Me Down to Carlow." Mr. Ernest Jenner, A.R.A.M., and Mr. William Billington are to be the accompanists* for the evening, and two of the items .have been arranged for two pianos..

THE NEW QUALITY.

Intent upon picturing one of the most startling of current daredevil exploits—South Pole exploration —Warner Bros, concentrated . a copious aharo of their energy upon making the aviation special. "Conquest," which comes to the New Quality Theatre to-uiglit. "Conquest" is a romantic modern story which has the aerial exploration of tlio wastes surrounding the South role as Us background. ■Its production at the time when two separate air explorations of this area arc actually under wav cives "Conquest" a timely note that promises a really tremendous film production. Good supports will also be featured.