ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 144, 16 December 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

BEGENT THEATRE. "Grumpy," a good comedy, is being shown at the Kegent Theatre. It is a story of a criminal lawyer, and Cyril Maude has the leading role. The play opens in Grumpy's study. The old man is sitting in his huge leather chair, first raging at his faithful servant Haddock (Halllwoll Hobbs), and then giving a shrewd but frieudly smile and a word of encouragement. That is Grumpy's character right through the piece. Virginia, his granddaughter, is in love with his nephew, Ernest Heron (I'htllips Holmes), who is working for a diamond firm in South Africa. Disappointed at receiving few letters during his absence, Virginia allows herself to be carried away by the charms of Jarvis {Paul Cavanagh). She has invited him to spend a weekend at Grum;iy's home when Ernest suddenly returns on an important mission in connection with his firm, carrying a diamond worth £GO,----000. During the night Ernest is attacked, and tho diamond is stolen. Tho only clue as to the identity of the thier is a flower which is found lying on. tho floor of the room in which Ernest was attacked. Grumpy immediately gets to wqrk, and with his long experience of the criminal character is enabled to track down the thief after a series of thrilling episodes.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

"The Border Legion," slurring Jack Holl, is being shown at the Paramount Theatre. The theme deals with the "west" of the pioneer days. The voices of the players are reproduced well, and with the dramatic incidents excellently brought out tho picture provides first-rate entertainment. With Holt are Richard Arlen and Eugene l'ailette, who give their usual polished pcrformtriumplu Fay Wray, too, acts well, and the final mob scene when the whole of the Border Legion descends on a town prepared for its coming provides a thrill, which leaves tho spectator well satisfied with the entertainment. As v silent production, this picture would possibly have been made the victim of the producer's imagination, but as a talkie it is consistent and realistic. The supporting programme is in keeping with the high standard of the main feature.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

There is no room tor doubt about the popularity with Sir James Theatre audiences of the new screen favourite, Genevievc Tobiii, in the meritorious all-talking comedy-drama, "A Lady Surrenders," the story of which has been cleverly adapted from, the novel, "Sincerity," by John Erskine. This picture is very well produced, the acting is unusually Rood, and the Tobin, the star, who°is making her flrst appearance in New Zealand, is a splendid emotional actress, who lias been acclaimed us a worthy rival of popular Ruth Chatterton. Splendidly placed with her is Conrad Nagel, Rose Hobort, Edgar Norton, and others. "A Lady Surrenders" will .satisfy anyone in search of something that is a litllo better than the usual run of American talking productions. The three short talkie supports are a good Newsreel, a very funny comedy' entitled "Parley A'oo," ;ind "Strange as it. May Seem." a very interesting picture in multicolour. Seats may be reserved dally at. the Bristol until 3 p.m., and thereafter at the theatre.

KING'S THEATRE.

"The "Unholy Throe" is showing at. the King's Theatre. The principal scenes aro laid In the environment, of a circus sideshow section, and later in a bird and sinim;il shop, in the. pet-show sequences, Lou Chancy reveals a new angle of his versatile talents, and makes the parrots "talk." By tho same method he makes the dummy iv tho side-show sequences not only talk but sing. Lila Leo plays the heroine, as the sido show girl, and Klliott Nugent is seen ill the male juvenile role, giving a splendidly restrained performance.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"The Cirl Said No," William Tlaines's new current Mefcro-Goldwyn-Mayer all-talking piclure, .showing at, the Queen's Theatre, is as flue as "Alias Jimmy Valentine," and deals with tho adventures of a young mail facing tho early stages of a business life. Haines plays the early scenes -with the same gusto he exhibited in "Alias.Jimmy Valentine," and is hammered by responsibility and hard work, until he becomes a, real business man. There aro some entertaining short subjects. Box plans are at the Bristol.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

"Chasing Rainbows" is being shown at Shortt's Theatre, with Charles King and Bessie Love in the featured roles. Briefly, the story concerns Carlie, who for years has .been Terry's stage partner, mothering him, tolerant ot" his susceptibility for fcralnlno lures, although she is madly in love with him herself. When a new leading lady joins the "Good-bye Broadway" show, Terry falls ln-lovo with her, and marries her, but when another man begins to pay attention to Carlie. bp realises that after all she is (lie real fe'irl for him.

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

"Not Primagcd." a I'ov Movietone comedy romance. is showini: daily ,at the Britannia Theatre. Lois Moran, in the role of a sales girl, is in love with tho store's radio mechanic, until a, handsome stranger conies along and almost buys out her shirt counter, trying to get acquainted. ISobcrt Ames bos the role of the radio mechanic, while Waller Byron is seen and heard as the romantic stranger. Tho supporting programme Is well in keeping with the bit- picture.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

Fashion, fun, and femininity is tho keynote of "The Big Party" showing at the Regal Theatre to-night. Dixie Lee and Frank Albertson, two of the leading celebrities of the speaking screen: Sue Carol, Walter Catlett, Whispering Jack Smith, and Richard Keene play the principal roles in the production, which was directed by John Blystone and written by Harlan Thompson.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"The Awful Truth" at the Empire Theatre, starring Ina Clair, concerns a sophisticated society woman who has trouble with her husband, and after they have been divorced, brings him back to her. The second attraction is an hilarious comedy. "Sailor's Holiday," with Alan Hali- and Sally. Kilors heading a large east. The story deals 'nith two sailors ol' thi) American Navy whose efforts to keep out of trouble when on shore leave get them ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "liaise the Hoof" is the leading Dim on the new programme at the Artcrnft Theatre. This is a comedy drama dealing with the resourceful efforts of a revue company to "save the show" after the leading man has been bribed to spoil it. When the company is stranded i without props or costumes, Miss Betty Balfour has a brain-wave, with the result that the new show is a most surprising affair of girls resourcefully clad to conceal their nudity. In one case they are not clad at all, but take refuge behind a broad tape marked "Censored." The show becomes an instant success. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. A double-feature programme will be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night. "Jazz Heaven," starring Sally O'Neil and Johnnie Mack Brown, is a delightful comedy drama of two kids in search of happiness in the realm of jazz. "Runaway Bride," starring Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes, is a thrilling drama of an elopement by a young couple, scions of wealthy families. As swiftly as the elopement careers on its wild start, so swiftly does it break on the rocks of discord— wilh the bride running away on her wedding eve. Seats may be reserved by telephone. CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. The Capitol Theatre has been engn"ed tonight by the Ilongotai College for the purpose of prizeglving, and no pictures will be screened. "Halt Marriage," a dramatic story of two young people who try to keep their companionate marriage a secret, and the tragic result oi this mistake, will be shown to-morrow nMit only. On Thursday a short concert will be given by the Mlramar South School, and will bo followed by special talkie short subjects. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. ,J J' ho., r';!, ril. mo' ml nil-talking comedy-romance, hwectie is to be shown nt Our Theatre tonight. Nancy Carroll has the title role. The story tells of a girl's love for a young man whose ambition and thoughts in life arc materialising when he. is captain of his college football team. The girl, through a freak- will, U Merits the college, and then things happen. There are splendid sound supports. RECITAL AT KHANOALLAH. A must successful rci-it.il was recently -Ivpii b.v the pupils of Mrs. A. Mnes-Miirrav Art souks; character recitations, monologues etc were excellently performed b.v l.ho children, who showed evidence of careful and p'llnstnkinc tuition. Outstanding performances were given O.V M.arjorio and .Toy Mulford. Keith Eagles ■lean Annancl-Smith, and Ailas Cameron Some delightful fairy scenes from the ".Midsummer .Nights Dream." prettily costumed, were performed by the junior class pupils, and a charm- « STOno fl;<™ Cinderella, b.v the senior class. The proceeds were in aid of the Kh.-tmlall.ili branch of the W.X.K., for the resident a iirscries. WILD WEST RODEO. All arrangements are now well in hand for the opening performance of the Wild West rodeo, which will he staged at the Kilbirnlo speedway Gronnd on Boxing Day, 2titli December. It lakes a place as large as the .stadium to stage a show of this' kind, it will indeed be it day of thrills, for when the wild steers are let loose, all they think of is unloading their human freight. This will provide roars of laughter for the huge crowds who are expected to be present. A £50 prize will be given to the winner of the buckjumping championship of New Zealand. Competitors may bring their own saddles, should they desire. Other cash prizes will be giveu for the following events: Musical chairs on motor-cycles, ladies' 100 yards Sheffield, best boy rider on donkey, draught horse Derby race, best, representation of an Australian siv.'ißmau, goat races, wrestling on horseback, anil other novel events. A complete company of Wild Wcr-t entertainers will also appear, headed by Tc.v Ililtnn, America's champion lariat-spinner, stockwhip manipulator, and bowie-knife thrower: also John Aason, the famous American, Ihe world's tallest man, nearly nine feet high and weighing Ji s tone."

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"His First Command," starring John Boles, is being shown at the Do Luxe. There is fun when tho high light of the picture, tho ofllcers' cross-country race, is shown. The raco is filmed at dazzling speed. However, whether Culvero (John Boles) is saluting a post or falling from his horse lugubriously it is all one—the chuckles are there. Boles is well cast, and Dorothy Sebastian still retains some charm. As for Jane, tho littlo girl whose sensational rescue is the climax to tho officers' race, in the idiom of her people, she is "just too cute." "His First Command," the title of which has nothing to do with the story, is worth seeing if a laugh is valued. There is a diverse supporting programme, a Movietone News, a.n animated cartoon, which dissolves into harmony, and ail amusing new version of "London Bridge," a comedy "Doing Phil a Favour," where two men conspire to teach mere woman a lesson, and "Deep South," a collection of negro melodies. Mr. Paul Cullen rounds oil the bill, equally at home in the "Doges' March," and a snappy new dance number.

MAJESTIC. THEATRE.

Comely Betty Compson Is scoring a success with audiences at tho Majestic Theatre W "A Midnight Mystery," which is a better class thriller with a logical plot and a surprising climax. Betty Compsoa is seen as a female Sherlock Holmes who lias to piny detective in order to rescue young fool-hero from the results of his own machinations. To appreciate the plot one must see it unfold in the skilful hands of Miss ' Compson, and through the equally able work of Lowell Sherman, assisted by Rita La lioy, Hugh Trevor, Raymond Hatton. Ivan Lebedcff, and others. Sherman's acting especially Is marked by strength and repose, and ho gets every, ounce of the part he plays. The first part of the programme contains a couple of gazettes with many interesting sections, while "Mickey's Surprise" and Mark Connolly's sketch, "The Uucle," round oft a really good entertainment. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol, and also at the theatre.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE,

"The Sea Bat." Metro-Goldwyu-Mayer's new marine melodrama which opens at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday should rank high with that largo group of people who like their drama mixed with novelty and interesting detail. Wesley Kuggles, the director, has produced a picture which is said to be a personification of those words, with excitement added. Sea bats, those giant rays weighing two tons or more,, which, infect tropic waters, are the monsters who supply the excitement of this tale. When one of them folds Nils Asther in its heavy wings, crushing him, to death, It starts a war of reprisal in which the tangled romances of Charles Bickford, Racquel Torres, and John Miljan form a dramatic overtone.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

"Love Comes Along" is the best rounded out and well-executed play to be shown in the Kilblrnie Kinema this season. There is a smoothness and co-ordination to the action that testifies to Rupert Julian's marked ability as a director. Excellent sound featurettes will also be screened. Reserve at theatre, telephone 11-^O2, and Bristol Piano Co.