ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 134, 4 December 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"Mail Trouble" will conclude its season at the Paramount Theatre to-night. Itlchard Dix, ever-popular screen star, will be seen in a new type of characterisation in "Shooting Straight," which ' opens 10-mor-row at the Paramount. Tho role is that of a two-nstcd gambler whoso regeneration is achieved after a series of thrilling and dramatic occuronces. Dix has played practically every type of rolo during his notable screen career, and recently has proved himself to be a most capable farceur in light comedy parts. But hi "Shooting .Straight' 'he is brought buck in a powerful, dramatic, and red-blooded role that has been hailed by audiences and critics us one of his greatest of characterisations. "Shooting Straight" is adapted from an original story by Barney Sarecky. Filled full of action, movements, and suspense, it Is perfectly suited to the talking screen, for .1. Walter Kufcen has supplied powerful dialogue treatment. Dlx is given a new leading woman iv the production—Mary Lawlor—brilliant blondo actress from the Broadway stage. The siory concerns the re-birth of a big city samblcr, with the'theme handled in a novel and nrlgiual manner. Box plans at the Bristol and theatre.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

'Che music comedy, "Love Among the Millionaires," starring Clara Bow ami Mitzi Green, xvjll conclude its successful season at St. James Theatre to-night. la the advertising columns Sir Benjamin and John Fuller announce the first presentation on Friday next at the St. James Theatre of a costly outstanding production entitled "Bride of the Eeßiment." It has been photographed entirely in teclmicolour and it reproduces on the screen the celebrated international opera bouffe, "The Lady In Ermine." It is said that the music of this delectable production reaches a higher level than what one has grown accustomed to on the talking screen. The singing stars are Walter Pidgeon, Allan Prior, and Vivienne Segal. Each of these artists has won his or her respective spurs on the legitimate operatic stage, so that artistic treatment of the beautiful music is assured. "The Bride of the Regiment" boasts an excellent counter-plot which !s charged with comic dialogue and comic situations of a brilliant order. This department will be in the capable hands. of Louise Fazenda, iiiipino Lane, and Ford Slerling. Lane is, of course, one of the best-known comedians' on the London stage, and in "The Bride of the Regiment" he is credited with presenting a comedy performance of a difficult character in a stylo which very few screen comedians could, hope to emulate or for that matter, imitate. There is a well-trained chorus, and although all the members speak and sing in English, the singers arc well-trained Italian vocalists. Mve specially selected novelties will precede tho screening of the main feature. Box plans are at The Bristol, but after 6 p.m. seats may be reserved at the theatre.

REGENT THEATRE.

So great has been the public response to "On Approval" that, at the conclusion of its session, it is still drawing capacity houses nightly. For this reason, the management have been compelled to continue the present programme for another week. "On Approval is an all-British production. Like all Lonsdale plays, it sparkles with the most subtle and modern wit. Tho self-centred Duke of Bristol loved tho adorable Helen Wayle, and Jlichard Weyms. a real genial Englishman, loved Maria Wislak, a shrewish woman with an income of £25,000 a year. Maria did not know whether she really liked Itichard or not, so she decided to take him on approval for one month. They go to her Scottish mansion, only to find that Helen and the Duke have also gone there. And then Ihe fun starts. At the end of three weeks they become heartily sick of each other. Richnnd thinks Maria was the world's champion nagger, and Helen Thinks the Duke was the most selfish person on earth. Each one of the anjiired party tells the other the truth. What happens then forms the most piquant of comedies, and leads up to a climax that could Jiave originated only in the brain of so accomplished a writer as Frederick Lonsdalc.

KING'S THEATRE.

Nornia Shearer, in "The Divorcee," is being finally screened at the King's Theatre to-night. The so-called divorce problem has had many expositions at the hands of dramatists, but perhaps never before from the amazing viewpoint of "The Divorcee." Commencing to-morrow, British Dominion Films present Joseph Hislop, the renowned tenor, in "The Loves of Uobert Burns." This ts not merely a biography, but a brilliant concoction of powerful drama and all that is Jovely in the inspiring poems and lyrics of the most famous of Scottish poets and writers. Much of the action was filmed in Scotland at the actual places where Burns made history. The film is said to be a real life drama, drawn vith skill, dexterity, and human sympathy, abounding in pathos and colour, and scored with the minstrelsy of (he poet, deftly introduced and deliclously sung, to the music of world popular airs.

QUEEN'S THEATRE

A comedy-drama,'"The Fall Guy," will he JFhown for tho last time to-night at the queen's Theatre. "A great plim on.the slago—an even greater picture on the screen—that is 'The Awful Truth,' a 100-per-ccnt. dialogue attraction of supremo merit—the finest talking production or the season, starring the supreme dramatic figure of the day." Such Is the description applied "Tho Awful Truth," which opens tojnorrow night at the Queen's Theatre. It is said to be' a dramatic, humorous, appealing drama of life and scntiement. The second feature is the new Fathe all-dialogue comedy of college life, "The Sophomore."

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Alias French Gertie," a dramatic talkie of the underworld, will appear again at the Capitol Theatre to-night. Excellent short subjects uill support this neat little drama. "New York Rights," a 'tale of music writers, crooks, and r.horus girls, commences to-morrow. Norma Taljnadge stars in this'feature, and Gilbert Koland plays opposite the star. "Devil's Bowl," a quick jnoving Western subject, will bo screened at the Saturday matinee.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

"Journey's End," the all-talking war play starring Colin Clive, will be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyatl Bay, to-night. It is from the play by K. C. Sherritf. which Jias been seen all the world over, and which lias been described by the Press as a stirring Indictment against war.

NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"Conquest" will bo screened finally at the New Quality Theatre to-night. Two aviators battling against the icy blasts of the Antarctic tell the story. Monte Blue has a heroic role as the pilot, and Warner acts as his navisator. "Show of Shows" commences on Saturday. Seats may be reserved by ringing 21-394 liuforc 6.30.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

Sacha Guitry's play, "Sleeping Partners," featuring Seymour Hicks, will bo seen for the last lime to-night at Shortt's Theatre.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

Otis Harlan has one of the funniest roles of his career, that of ah old salt, in "Dames Ahoy," an uproariously funny Universal comedy, which will be screened to-night at Ihe Umpire Theatre. The picture deals with the hilarious adventures of three sailors on shore leave.

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

The new ail-talking British production, "Rookery Nook," concludes its run at the Britannia Theatre to-night.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

The story of a circus clown who feli in love ivlth. his ward is told in "Painted Faces," the Cinema Art all-talking picture at tho Artcraft Theatre.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

If the reports of their achievements in inakiug "The FlyiEE Pool" are true, it is probable that it will bo a long time before William Boyd, Marie Prevost, and Tay 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. H'hey are seen and heard at the Itcgal Theatre.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

Jt. take 3 a nervy New York policeman and h hail of machine-gun bullets to break up Gotham's most powerful underworld gang in '■Side Street," tho new, all-talking Itadio Picture, coming to tho Kilbirnic Theatre to-night. Pound featrirett.es will also be screened. Kcsierve at tho theatre and Bristol.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN,

Gary Cooper is starred in "Seven Uay.s' Xeave," dm Paramount picture which is BUowin? at Our Theatre. The story is that of a scrub woman who, having no con to Bend to war, invents a son of her own to top the stories being lold by othor scrub women, and who finally sees her story vindicated when jt. soldier comes to London on leave of absence and helps her out. Excellent sound featurettes complete the programme.

REPERTORY THEATRE SOCIETY.

The heavy booking recorded at tlio Bristol for the forthcoming production of "The Importance of Being Earnest," at the Y.W.C.A. Hall next week, augurs well for a successful season. The excellent work of the Aalional Repertory Theatre Society In its recent productions resulted in numbers of people being unable to gain admission to "The Circle," and the triple bill, so It was decided to extend the season of Wilde's immortal comedy to five nights, commencing on Tuesday, 9th December. A talented and experienced cast will interpret this most laughable comedy, and something specially novel and artistic Is promised in the way of settings. Altogether the production, which is in tho hands of Mr. W. S. Wauchop, should be a notable one. The box plans for the season are now open at the Bristol,

RECITAL AT KARORI,

& programme of violin and piano music containing some little-known but extremely beautiful masterpic-cs is (o bo clven by Mr. Tttchard Maunder and Jir. Trevor I'ishef at the Parish Hall, Karori, on Monday, Bth December,

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Popular John Barrvmore and the capable cast of English actors and actresses who arc: supporting him in Sir Charles Uawtrey's spiii'liling London comedy, "Tho Man from Blanklcys," must be seen to-night, for the season at tho Majestic Theatre will terminate this evening. "Variety," the best known cinema trade publication in the United States, is responsible for the statement that "Iv the Headlines," the first all-talliliig newspaper mystery play to bo brought to the screen, "is distinctly the cleverest and best worked out plot that lias been seen for many Inonths. It will easily be recognised us a faithful reproduction of a story in real life which interested America exceedingly three or four years ago. The detail in this picture, showing the actual production n.nd distribution of a. great modern metropolitan 'daily,' could uot have been belter done. It is creditable in the extreme to everyone concerned in the production." It commences its i Wellington season at die Majestic Theatre tomorrow morning. Four newspaper men have had a hand in adapting the story to the screen, and it is claimed that their work has been done in admirable fashion. It shows how n smart young reporter took up an unsolved mystery at the point where tho police stopped working and .succeeded in exposing, and convictim; the guilty parties. Five Majestic, feutureltea will gu to form the first part of a well varied programme. The usual late shoppers' session will commence to-morrow at 5 o'clock and finish at 7 p.m. Box plans are at The Bristol and also at the theatre.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

The current programme at the Grand Opera House, featuring the well-known Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Company in the first half, and "Ladies of Leisure," an all talking drama, in the second half, will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night. There is nothing complex in the theme of the picture. A street girl becomes a lady—that is the story, and there is much sentimentalisra in the telling of it. Barbara Stanwyck, as a girl whose 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 to 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 sings the lilting "Song of the Nile." and Sydney Montigue and Deslree, a very lissome girl, gives a graceful dance number.

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK."

With tho exception, perhaps, of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, no musical play has sustained over a long period the popularity of "The Belle of New Yorlc," which Is to bo staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., "New Moon" Company at the Grand Opera House next Saturday at tho matinee. Tho Williamson management has not spared any expense on tho scenery, dressing, and general mounting, and this factor certainly assisted In the sensational triumph achieved by "Tho Belle" in the Commonwealth. Those who have heard Miss Romola Hansen's singing and acting in "The Desert Song" and "The New Moon" 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 j his best. Tho characterisation of Ichabod Bronson by Leslie Holland has on former occasions delighted New Zealanders, and this popular comedian has' been specially engaged by the Williamson management to agalu appear in this part. Jim Gerald has scored a success in the role of Bltnky Bill. Don Nicol, who is already well and'favourably known to New Zealanders, is said to present a very excellent interpretation of the eccentric character of the Pollto Lunatic, and Amy Jlocholll^ performance of Cora Angeliquo is said to !n one of the features of the production. J!' Miriam Lester appears as Fill I'rlcot, .-.-- . others In the cast are Bernard Manning, I,vo Darnton, Sidney Wheeler, Herbert Krnwnfc, Sylvia Miller, and Dulcie Davenport. Tho box plans for the season of seven nights are now open at the Bristol. .

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"Inside the Lines," a thrilling story, of the British Secret Service, with its venue at Gib-! raltai1, will be shown at the De Luxe Theatre to-night. ■ . Said to represent one of the season's most important bookings for the De Luxe Theatre, "Lawful Larceny," a Radio Pictures special attraction, will commence to-morrow. It is a faithful adaptation of the original New York 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 from 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 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, Purnell Pratt, Lon Payne, and Bert Koach. Box plans are available' at Bristol and Aitken's.

"THE MESSIAH."

This year's performance of "The Jfessiali" by the Eoyal Wellington Choral Union, with tho assistance of the Levin Choral Society and the Commercial Travellers' Male Choir, (in Saturday next, is to be made notable by the first appearance in Wci^ligton of Miss Peggy Dunbar, Australia's leading contralto, who has been brought over specially by the Choral Union. This will be Miss Dunbar's only appearance in New Zealand, as she has to return immediately to Sydney to sing in "The Messiah" in that city on the 16th December. Another attraction will be the first appearance in the North Island of Mr. Wilfred Kershaw, the Dunedin baritone. Mrs. Catherine Goodsou will be the soprano, and Mr. Harold Pres- , o.ott, of Cbristchurch, the tenor. The final rehearsal will take place at the Town Hall at 7.30 to-morrow evening, when only those taking part will be admitted. The box plan I can be inspected at tho Bristol. A supply of 2s tickets will be on sale at the box-office to-morrow (Friday) evening and Saturday morning.

THE APOLLO SINGERS.

A noteworthy concert will take place in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall to-niglit when the Apollo Singers male choir will make their second appearance in Wellington. A most pleasurable programme has been arranged, including the favourite Welsh song "All Through the Sight," which the choir hopes will prove especially acceptable to Lady' Bledisloe, who will be present with His Excellency and a party from Government House. Mr. Claude Tanner, the well-known 'cellist, will assist the choir, and the, evening's enjoyment will bo further enhanced by the singing of tho Ladies' Cecilian Quartet. Mr. Ernest Jenner, A.E.A.M., and Mr. Wm. Biilington are to be the accompanists for the evening, and the soloists will be Messrs. H. A. Pargetter, E. K. Itishworth, A. 11. Outtrim, and T. Watson. Mr. H. Temple White conducts the choir.

VOCAL RECITAL.

Pupils of Mrs. I. J\ Ginu will give a recital at Nimrao'a Concert Hall to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock. Tickets are available at Nimmo's.

ST. ANDREW'S CONCERT.

11 is on St. Andrew's Day that the Scots-1 man shows his enthusiasm for the laud of j his birth. A Scotsman is a Scotsman the world over, and. whether he lives in a land near to or remote from the land of his birth lie is ever eager and happy to celebrate St. Andrew's Day, the anniversary of the martrydoin of Scotia's patron saint. To celebrate the occasion In the Empire City this week, tbc Wclllugtou Caledoniau Society Held a concert and dance. The /unction drew one of the largest attendances of any gathering that the society has.held tills year. The seating capacity was fully occupied, and the couccrt, which was splendidlyarranged by Mr. G. .Stark, was notable for the enthusiasm and appreciation of the various items displayed by the patrons. Tho whole concert was broadcast. Proceedings opened by the playing-iu of the chief, Mr. It. H. Nimmo, who expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large attendance. After the singing of tho National Anthem, the Pipe Band played three selections and thus early introduced the true Scottish amosplierv. Mr. Will Hancock, a pleasing tenor, sang "Afton Water," and as a recall number gave "Rowan Tree." Mrs. Ray Kemp, who possesses a line contralto voice, sang "Turn Ye to Me," I her encore number being "Ye Banks a.nd Braes." Mrs. Stark was next heard In "Ma Am Wee Hoose," and for an undeniable recall gave "Ma Hairt is Sair." Tho "Etude" Quartet rendered in finished manner "Krlskuy Love Ijilt," and for an encore gave "Mary." Mr. Ray Kemp was very, pleasing in the buss solo. ".Bonnie Dundee," while his "Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond" met with warm approval. Miss Greta Stark was in fine voice in the soprano solo "Robin AUair," and hoy recall number, "Comin' Thro the Kye," also pleased tho audience. Mr. G. Star!;, with a churns, sans "\\T a Hundred.Pipers." and in response Us hearty plaudits, gave "The Crooked Bawbee." The songs were interspersed wil.li Highland dancing. Miss Trixio Boyd danced the shramv triubhas, Highland fling, and the sword dance. An address on "St. Andrew's Day" was given by Mr. R. M'Kcen, 51.P., and met with warm approval, tho speaker dealing mainly with Scotsmen who had made their mark in literature, science, and the arts. The humour of the evening was provided by 31 r. H. IT. Nimmo, who amused the audience with ti number of Scots stories. air. Alex. Stark acted as accompanist for tile concert. Opportunity was taken by Chief Kimmo to welcome back to Wellington Mrs. Stark, who had just returned from a trip to tho Homeland. Mrs. Stark was presented by Miss Trlxio lioyd with a handsome bouquet of roses. At the conclusion of the concert Chief Nimmo referred to the death of Miss Phyllis Maemillan, whose sudden passing had, been such a, shock to the whole community. The lament was then played by Pipe-Major \V. Fraser and Piper Wilson, while the audience stood in silence as a mark of respect. Supper was then handed round and dancing occupied the remainder of the evening. "Auld Lang Syne" brought an enjoyable evening to a close about midnight.