ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 137, 6 December 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

ted at St. James Theatre last night, and a large audience showed its hearty approval. Tho main attraction was a . musical play, - "Tho Bride of tho Itcgimeut," based on the successful musical comedy, "The Lady of tho Rose," wuich is not unknown to Wellington audiences. Tho Austrian invasion of Italy in IS3O is the basis of the story, and the central figures are Count Adrian Beltrami and his fair brldo, Countess Mariana. Adrian and Mariana are spending their honeymoon in. an Italian castle, and they arc disturbed by the arrival of the Austrian troops, headed by the none too chivalrous Colonel Vul>m. Adrian is captured and Vulton sets a terrible price on his release. Only the declaration of peace saves Mariaua, and the story conies to a close with happiness restored lo the young lovers. Vivlenue Segal takes the part of Mariana, and she zives a finished performance, and she Is well supported by Allan Prior, who appears as Count Beltraml. Mr. Prior possesses a pleasing tenor voice which is.heard to advantage in .the number "Disappointed Lover." Walter Pidgeon i 3 well suited to the role of Vulton. and others, who have prominent parts are Louise Fazenda, Ford Sterling, Myrna Loy, Luplno Lane, Harry Cording, and Claude Fleming. An excellent assortment of supporting films is shown. These Include a Fox Movietone News, "Gems from the Classics," "Selling a Car," an amusing two-reel comedy, "The Indiana Fire" Orchestra, and- "The Question of tho. Day," a oneact play.

REGENT THEATRE.

Under the Vice-Regal patronage of Lord and Lady Bledisloe and party, the second week of tho Wellington season of "On Approval" was commenced at the Kegont. Theatre last night. The picture has been greeted by crowded houses each night during tho week, and there was no falling off in- the patronage evident at last night's screening. Acclaimed as a worthy successor to "Rookery Nook." "On Approval" Is a picture of a type that makes a strong appeal to British audiences, not only because It is a British production starring British actors, but also because of the peculiar difference between the type of humour that brings the best response from a British audience, and. that which proves most entertaining to Americans. The story, brief>, concerns two society couples of which the man in one instance and tho woman in the other are 'taught a few points about selfishness before they are accepted in marriage. Tom Walls, whose ready tongue made so much capital out of "Rookery Nook." not only directs tho picture, but also takes the leading role, the three other parts being taken by Winifred Shotter as the beautiful young heiress, Yvonne Araud as the wealthy selfish widow, and Edmond Brcon as the widow's suitor. The supports include three songs by Madame Maria Kurenka, a comedy with many thrills starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, and a nowsrcel.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

: "Shooting Straight," the main subject at the Paramount Theatre, is the story of a gangster who reforms and proves that at heart he is possessed of excellent qualities that win not only the admiration of the audience but also of a fine woman, who does much to bring about a happy ending to the play. It is the changed part of his life which is presented. The leading part is taken by Richard Dlx, who was a few years ago a prominent -university football player. His popularity as a screen artist has been gained In youthful university athletic roles for which he was In every way specially adapted. As the reformed gangster, Richard Dlx achieves a wonderful success.. Although there still hangs over him the chance of punishment for some of his previous misdeeds, his manly bearing and manifest sincerity. as a church member and Sunday School teacher make a strong appeal for forgiveness of serious offences of which ho was guilty in former days. Mary Lawlor, as the girl with whom ho has fallen in love, acquits herself admirably in a difficult role. The supporting cast includes Matthew Betz, George Cooper, Robert Emmet, O'Connor, and William Janney. In addition to an excellent selection of news reel sound featurettes, there is a comedy in which a series of pretty theatrical dancing displays is given.

KING'S THEATRE.

"The Loves of Robert Burns, which opened at the King's Theatre last night, has Joseph Bislop, England's leading tenor, at the head of tho cast. The picture is ■ not merely a biography, but a brilliant concoction of powerful drama, and all. that is lovely in the inspiring poems and lyrics of the most famous of Scottish poets and writers. The picture is a joint production of the British Dominions Corporation and the Gramophone. Company, the combination responsible for such hits as "Splinters" and "Rookery Nook." Mitch of the action was filmed in Scotland at tho actual places .where . Burns made history.

CIUEEN'S THEATRE.

"A great play on the stage —an even greater picture on the screen—that is 'The Awful Truth,' a 100-per-cent, dialogue attraction of supreme merit—:the finest talking production of tho. season, starring the supreme dramatic figure of the day." Such i 3 the description applied to "The Awful Truth," which commenced screening last night at tho Queen's Theatre. It is a dramatic, humorous, appealing drama of life and sentiment. Tho second feature is tho new Pathe all-dialogue comedy of college life, "Tho Sophomore."

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

An amusing farce, "Sleeping Partners," featuring Seymour Hicks, provides the main attraction in the new'programme presented at the Artcraft Theatre last night. Refreshing ill its humour, the story concerns a well-to-do bachelor whose great weakness is for a most attractive married woman whose husband's interests stray elsewhere, with the result that there are many hilarious situations. The' ■ bright and clever dialogue which has made Seymour Hicks famous on the stage runs through the picture, another feature of which is the absence of "twangy" voices. Playing opposite Mr. Hicks is Edna Best, a beautiful stage artist of note in England. There is a good supporting programme.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

The rufflau of the screen has outwardly turned gentleman. George Bancroft, in his newest starring Paramount picture, "The Wolf of Wall Street," now showing at the Britannia Theatre, portrays a qulck-thinkiug, qqickactlng, chance-taking plunger in. the financial dealings of the 'Change. Outwardly he is Immaculate. Inwardly he is cruel, shrewd, and utterly fearless, feared by all who know him. Bancroft declares the characterisation to be one of the most difficult of his long career of stage and screen, experience. In none of his recent screen successes has ho been forced to preserve the suave social front, having been given parts that permitted full vent to his natural dynamic force. .

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

An excellent week-end programme is being screened at the Empire Theatre. The main attraction is "Not So Dumb," starring Marion Davies. Miss Davios is seen to advantage is demonstrating, her rare- comedy talents as the beautiful but dumb fiancee of a young artificial jewellery merchant.' An unusually good supporting programme has been arranged.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

■ A programme of outstanding merit is being screened at tho Regal Theatre, Karori. It is pure comedy, and the leading number will be Glenn Tyron in a special. "Dames Ahoy." The story tells of the attempt of a sailor and his friends while on leave to find a girl, who is only to be known by a strawberry-like markon her thigh. The supports are- "His Bachelor Daddy," a comedy, an Oswald Cartoon, and a British News Special. ■ .

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

ICamon Novarro, dressed In the handsome uniform of a lieutenant of Napoleon Bonaparte, making his escape from a firing squad; climbing into a beautiful young woman's boudoir in the dead of night-; masquerading as a footman ; duelling his way to fame and fortune— these are some of the exciting sequences of "I)evil-May-Care," the all-talking musical romance with Is now showing at Shortt's Theatre. Dorothy Jordan supports Novarro. Thero ■is also an excellent comedy, "Tho Night Owl."

NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"Show' of Shows," a Warner Bros, stiperjrevuo all-talking, singing, dancing iv tcchni- ■ colour will have its initial screening at tho New Quality Tlicatro to-night. Tliis amazing extravaganza Includes John Barrymore, r.eatrico I.Mlic, Winnie Lightner, Georges Carpentier, Irene Bnrdoni, Dolores Costcllo, Noah Beery, Mnrlon Nixon, Richard Barthclmcss, and Betty Compson. -There arc over five hundred in tho ensemble. Scats may bo reserved by ringing il-301 before G. 30 p.m.

CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. Norma TalmadgeV first talking picture, "NewYork Nichts." will again bo screened at tho Capitol Theatre to-night. Gilbert Roland and John Wray support the star In this story of night clubs, crooks, and song writers. Another strong supporting programme Includes a Mickey Mouse cartoon, a Clark and M'Cuilough. talking comedy, and a Fox Movietone news. A doublefeature all-talklc programme commences on Tuesday. "Jazz Heaven" and "The Vory Idea" will bo shown.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

What happened In Temple Tower is powerfully tnld In "Temple Tower," a Fox Movietone all-tnlkhiK mystery story which introduces something new In the way of screen entertainment at the Kllhlniie Theatre to-night. Excellent sound featuretfes, including the Pasha versus folcman wrestling match at tho Town Hall, will also bo presented. Reserve at theatre and The Bristol.

STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

The usual double programme at (he hiar Theatre, Newtown, to-night will have as its chief features a Fox Film Corporation subject entitled "Tho Woman Krom'Lurin." with Mary Astor in the stellar role, and "Black Magic," with Henry B. Walthall and Josephine Dunn. The latter picture is recommended by tho censor as being more especially suitable for adult audiences. The theino or "Tho Woman From Luna" centres around the siren of a seasido amusement park, and the picture provides a powerful climax in a lighthouse. The other film is about a.loitune on-a Joaelj South. Sea island..

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK/

Commencing to-day at the matinee, tho "Now Moon" Company and Mr. Leslio Holland is presenting a spectacular representation of "The Belle of New York," which is unquestionably the most popular comic opera tho stage has known during the past thirty years. "Tho young folk," wrote a critic recently, "who have never seen 'Tho Belle' —but, of course, know the melodies quite well—are anxious to see what there is in this play to cause that 'far-away' dreamy expression to come into their parents' faces whenever 'Tho Belle' is mentioned, while tho old people are not only waitlug the opportunity of again listening to 'The Purity Brigade' and other 'hits,' but they are also eager to detect if the modern age's ravaging hand has in any way marred "The Belle's' old-time beauty.' Kach artist was specially selected for the various principal parts in "The Belle." Miss Romola Hansen, it is said, makes a perfectly delightful Salvation Army lass, and Sidney HurchaU Is at his best in the romantic baritone part of Harry Bronsou. Jim Cerald is said to have achieved, an outstanding triumph as Bllnky Bill, and Amy Kochellc as Cora Angeliquc. The clover young comedian, Don Mcol, is the Polite Lunatic, and Kissy Fitzgarlcr is played by. Dulclo Davenport. Miriam Lester will appear ns Fili, Herbert Browne as Jlons Tricot, Bernard Jlanning as Kenneth MuKg, Sydney Wheeler us Doc Sulffklns. Leslie Donaghcy as Count Patsi. and Cecil Pawley as William. Playgoers will probably accord Leslie Holland an enthusiastic welcome when he makes his-appearance as Ichabod Bronaon, a character he has portrayed well on former occasions. Mr. Holland was specially engaged for this whimsical character.. Other features of "The Belle" are the dances, ensembles, ballets, and stage groupings, which will be presented on the same elaborate scale as the "New Moon." Box plans are now open at The Bristol. .This evening's performance will bo given in tho presence of Lady Blcdisloe and suite.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

There is liberal melodrama in "Lawful Larceny," the film which features Belie Daniels in a battle of feminine wits and charm and which began screening at the Do Luxe Theatre last evening. It is a somewhat older Bebe than the sunny little girl of years ago, and she acts intensely. Husband, home; and baby she sets out to defend against one of those modern vampires whom so few of us ever meet, and who prey upon mankind lawfully enough but with no saving qualities of humour or kindliness. In short, Bebe, having found that her husband has lost all his money iv tho respectable gaming house of a wily blonde, sets out to regain tho money and punish the woman. This she does by becoming secretary iv tho establishment, stealing the lady's lover, and ultimately cleaning out her safe. Then, though the lady is bankrupted, she tops off the punishment by disclosing that she . cheats at cards. It is the theft of the lady's lover that is tho "Lawful Larceny." There is a lengthy supporting programme. A Fox Movietone.will bo welcomed by those who would like to hear Don Bradman (and most of the Australian eleven) talk in their own natural voices, and a Grantland Kic'e Sportlight shows performing animals in all stages of their training. There is a "Summer Harmonics" Cartoon, a Fowler Studios , Itevuo, and an English News Special, besides which there is Mr. Paul Cullcn, with his deft touch and genius for selection of popular melodies, playing Negro melodies, popular songs, and selections from "The Kew Moon."

THE MAJESTIC.

The audience in the Majestic Theatre last evening showed a remarkable degree of appreciation of the points scored in the newspaper tragl-comedy, "In the Headlines," and it is likely that this screen play, with its atmosphere of murder and intrigue, will appeal moro to the public than to newspaper men (which is only to be expected when a distorted section of the American Press is viewed through the doubly distorted Hollywood lens). But it is full of laughs, and forces the audience to some rapid thinking. It is true that the cub reporter's two rivals did not do much thinking when they allowed the cub to blulY them into accepting (and publishing) a false account of the murder; and it is not clear how they survived the, wrath of tho sort .of gusty news aditor who is pictured in this play as the typical presiding genius of the sub-editing department of an American evening newspaper; but those points of criticism, and various others, have little bearing on the merits or demerits of a Hollywood newspaper story, which candidly is racy rather than veracious. While detectives and newspaper men and what-nots race from one theory of tho murder to another, the audience guesses with them, and in between its guesses it has tlmo to follow a rather thin love aft'air between tho cub reporter (Grant Withers) and the girl reporter (Marion Nixon), who combine business and pleasure in a manner that is rather uncertain. "In the Headlines" has an interest above the recent level in screen plays. Exceptional merit attaches to tho playing of tho musicians led by Al Lyons, and the news gazettes are full of interesting items. Two outstanding turns in' rhythmic acrobacy are featured in the English Pathe Super-sound Gazette, which shows Ren'off and his shapely partner! llenova, in "the dance of the statues," and Yon Ham with his graceful fellow-skater, Inez, in some wonderful gyrations on skates.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

The picturisation of Zane Greys well-read novel. "The Light of Western Stars," will be screened at tho Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night. It is a drama of a man who boasted ho would marry the first girl ho met, and of what came of Ids boast. The picture is full of action with many exciting sequences. Splendid supporting subjects will also be screened.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

The Universal all-talking production, "Tsar of Broadway," is being shown at Our Theatre. A fine east is headed by Betty Compson, John Wray, and John Harron. Amid the plots and counter-plots of the underworld there grows a romance between an entertainer in a night club and a young reporter. The reporter finds himself confronted with a choice between love and duty, and he makes an interesting and fortunate choice. Excellent sound supports complete the programme.

"IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST."

No lover of good comedy should miss next week's production at the Y.W.C.A. Hall of Oscar Wilde's brilliant farcical comedy, "The Importance of Being Earnest," which the National Repertory Theatre Society will stage for a season of five nights, commencing on Tuesday. That tho production is arousing more than usual interest is evidenced by the heavy booking already recorded at the Bristol, and this is not to be wondered at, for the production of a play by Oscar Wilde is a matter of no small importance. Special settings have been devised by the producer, Mr. W. S. Wauchop, who has been assisted by a willing band of helpers \o carry out his ideas, and appropriate and attractive frocks will be worn by the ladies of the company. The cast has been carefully selected, and includes Misses Louiso Hall and Hazel Wells and Messrs. A. 11. Priestley, John Bown, and J. K. Herd. Newcomers' of undoubted merit include Misses Beryl Earle and Ethel OldburyJones and Messrs. Barton. Cinger and Ernest Coleridge. If rehearsals are any guidance, the production should prove a notable success. The box plans are now open to the public at tho Bristol.

THE MESSIAH.

One of the musical events of the month is the Royal Wellington Choral Union's performance of. "The Messiah" with the assistance of the Levin Choral Society and the Wellington Commercial Travellers' Male Choir, which is to take place in the Town Hall this evening under tho conductorship of Mr. John Bishop. A very successful final 'rehearsal was held last evening, and everything points to a fine performance of Handel's masterpiece, to-night. Miss Peggy Dimbar, of Sydney, who is to sustain the contralto role, was in splendid form, and her rich voice was heard to advantage in tho various numbers written for the contralto. Tho other principals are: Soprano, Mrs. Catherine Goodson; tenor. Mr. Harold Prescott; and baritone, Mr. Wilfred Kershaw.. The.doors will open at 7.15 to-night, and the Oratorio conclude about 10.30. . ■ • ,

"TUTANKHAMEN."

The committee of the Wellington Operatic and Theatrical Society lias decided to stage the wonderfully successful musical play, "Tutankhamen." This production is a brilliant, bizarre

spectacle, and is brimful of humour and dramatic moments. The glamour of Egypt and' tho courts of Pharaoh of 3000 years ago aro portrayed. The costumes ore on a lavish scale, and the scenery is excellent iti every degree. The Auckland Operatic. Society has revived this play twice subsequent to the initial performance, and great pniise was Riven by critics. The Wellington Society is to be congratulated on Its choice of this play. Rehearsals liave commenced, and it is conthloutly anticipated that the Wellington public will support its endeavours. The play h.-is the added attraction in Its favour that it was written in New Zealand, the words and musical score being composed by Messrs. Lcavy and Waters-, , ot Auckland.

DANCE RECITAL.

Muriel Wlllou will present a dance recital at the Empire Theatre, Petone. next. Thursday at S p.m. A very lo'ig and variable programme is. In store for patrons. Classic and modern dancing, as well as comedy dancing, will comprise Hie programme, and pupils uf all ages will pcrrorm. Miss Wilton will figure ill several settings, one being an Eastern scene. Miss Grace Kcrr and Miss Gretla Stark will assist, also Mr. Tanner and his .luvcnllo Orchestra. The Mayor and Mayoress of Pctono will attend.

ORGAN RECITAL.

Mr. Bernard V. Pago (Cily Organist) will Kivc his weekly organ recital at tho Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening, and the progranuno has been arranged as follows; ChoralPrelude, "Sleepers. Awake 1 A Voice Is CallIng," by Bach; Sonata No. 0, by Mendelssohn; Pastorale (Op. Ill), Cesar Franck; Intermezzo from Suite for Orchestra (Op. 43), by Tchaikovsky; Sinn of Triumph (MSS), by Hugo Anson, aud Coucertstuck (Op. SO),.by Lcmarc.

WARWICK ASSEMBLY.

At the Warwick Assembly, held in the Tula Hall, opposite Kilblrnic P. 0., every Saturday evening, patrons can rely upon a first-class evening's amusement, and will bo well catered for by novelty dances, and prizes. The music as supplier! by Basil Bird ami his Embassy Band, is all Hint can be desired. The hall has recently been renovated, and the floor is recognised as one of tho best in Wellington. Dancing will be held from S to 12 p.m., and late trams will rim to. town for tlio convenience p£ patrons, '-. . ti

CHILDREN'S FANCY DRESS CARNIVAL. : Under tho'auspices of tho Labour Party iff Wellington..a Children's Fancy, Dress Carnival will be held in tho Trades Hall, Vivian street, on Saturday afternoon, 20th December. For tho best fancy and poster dresses there will boeight prizes, to be dlivdcd equally between' lioys and Birls. Eefreshmeats wil .be provided free for young and old. Parents who wish their -children to cuter the fancy dress competition arc invited to note the date and make their preparations.

RECITAL AT KARORI. A programme of unusually interesting works by composers from llio time of P.yrd, the great Elizabethan, to that of Glazounov, of the present flay, will be plnyed by ,Mr. Richard Maunder, the well-known violinist, and Mr. Trevor Fisher, lecttirc-recitalist, and secretary of tho Society of Musicians, on Monday next, Sth December, at tho I'arisli Hull, Karori.