ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 33, 9 February 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE AND GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

't Modem warfare on land lias been depleted on the talking screen lv several pictures, notably "All Quiet on the Western Front," and fighting in tho air lias also provided scope for scenario writers In more than one production, but none of these has surpassed In realfm "Hell's Angels," at the Kegent Theatre and Grand Opera House. The picture is intended to illustrate the part played lv the Great War by ihe air corps, and tho scenes it contains give- a striking Insight into the hazards which faced the aviators and the work they were called upon to perform. The prorogue gives pre-war glimpses of a German holiday resort a^iil Oxford University, the central figures being two American students, Monte and ]toy Rutledge (Ben Lyon and Jamea Hall) and a German (student, Karl Arnstcdt (John Darrow). Monte is a lady-killer lacking the physical' courage of his brother, and Karl Is a peace-loving youth who has developed during his years at Oxford an affection for the English people." The outbreak of hosr tillttes finds Karl recalled to fight for the Fatherland, and Itoy and Monte (the latter falling a victim to a pretty female patriot, who offered kisses In return for signatures to recruiting forms) joining the British Air Force. The' next scene—an awe-Inspiring one—deals •with a Zeppelin raid on London. Karl is let down from the airship at the end of a steel rope to give the signal for the dropping of the bombs, but cannot bring himself to loose death on to the harmless city and, at bis direction, the projectiles fall harmlessly Into the Pool of London. Monte and Roy are in one. of the 'planes sent up to bring the Zeppelin down, and the Impressions caused by tho sight of the 'planes chasing the giant tube -can only bo gathered by seeing and hearing the strange fight in the clouds; A series of thrills which Include the dropping of men from the Zeppelin In an endeavour to lighten her load and enable her to increase her altitude, culminate in the self-sacrificing crash of a British airman "into the gas-filled envelope to bring it down in flames. The remainder of the action is laid in France, and all the motion photographer's art is brought into play to present with startling realism battles waged thousands of feet above the earth by squadrons of opposing 'planes. The picture leaves its audience silent and thoughtful, so powerfully dramatic is it, and it - should not be missed by any who desire to see something well out of the ordinary. The love interest does not greatly Intrude, but Jean Harlow is mostly responsible for It as Helen, a blonde who felt that life was short and should be made as sweet, is possible.

ST. JAMES THEATRE., :The English film talking adaptation of the much discussed stage play "Young Woodley" won warm approval from capacity audiences on Saturday. It certainly Is a production that seta a new standard in British moring picture achievement. The story of the schoolboy who fell in lovo with his schoolmaster's wlfo has been set down in clever dialogue by John Van Druten, and it is Interpreted by a cast of London players whose , acting is a treat to witch and hear. Frank Lawton, tho London actor w>o scored in.the part of Woodley, jun., in' the London stage production, repeats his admirable performance in the" picture. His acting leaves very little room for criticism. Charming Madeline Carroll handles tho difficult role of' the schoolmaster's wife with delicacy and discretion. One of the most Impressive characterisations is that' of the headmaster by Sam Lhfcsey. Tho English spoken by the players is a treat to listen to. The short1 subjects on the programme include a "Micky the Mouse" cartoon and a motion picturo of the Napier and Hastings earthquake. Box plans are at The Bristol and. also at ( the theatre. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Bessie Love, Hugh Trevor, and a strong company of featured players, give a splendid .representation of spectacular mystery melodrama in "Conspiracy," now being shown at the Paramount Theatre. Ned' Sparks,. noted for his comedy ability, plays a new and surprising part in this picture. Cast as a wealthy, eccentric author, whoso hobby is the solving, of current crimes, Sparks adds forty years to his ago. The result is a startling change In his appearanco. The supporting programme contains some interesting featurettes and talking gazettes/ also the first authentic picture of the Hawkes Bay earthquake disaster. ■ MAJESTIC THEATRE. ' Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison's "The W Plan" is one of the best war "spy" stories. In its screen form it has captured the goodwill of large audiences throughout.the Empire, and on Saturday the deep impression it made on patrons of the Majestic Theatre was clearly evident. Tho adventures of Colonel Duncan Grant hold one breathless, and a feeling of relief is experienced when he emerges from' his hazardous undertakings. ■ Tho "W Plan" Is a clever religiously guarded engineering scheme on tho part of the Germans 'to tunnel under and blow up the English'trenches. ]Jow it is frustrated Is shown in, the" film with thrilling effect. Brian Ah'erno Is; splendid ,as Colonel Grant, and the girV he ihgly presented by the London ,fWourlte;'=Madellne Carroll. Gibb M'Laughlln Scores as a Scottish private, and tlioro is nbtia.weak link .In die long cast. A special topical motion picture showing views of tho Napier .and Hastings earthquako is a most impressive record. Box plans are at The Bristol and also at; the theatre. For Friday next Paramount* latest attraction, "The Iteturn of Dr. Fu, Manchu," is advertised. KING'S THEATRE. > "< "Show of Shows," at the King's Theatre, has In the cast a staggering number of stars of stage and screen, half a thousand supporting pniiplc. magnificent settings, melodies, dance* witty dialogue. John Barrymore gives splendidly the soliloquy of the Duke of Gloucester from King Henry Vr. France is represented by two of her most captivating personalities. Irene Bordoni and Georges Carpcnticr, and Patsy- Ruth ■Miller, Alice White, and a hundred or so athlotio beauties go through some amazing callisthenics. Then there are the Adagio Dancers. Ted Lewis and his jnzzhoys. Beatrice Llllle,, of the London music halls, and others aUEEN'S THEATRE. Many screen players of reputation and popularity appear in "Pardon My Gun," which is now showing at the Queen's Theatre. Tho list includes among the more notable, George Duryea, Sally Starr, Robert Edeson, Mona Ray, Lee Moran, and Ida May Chadwlck. Tha scenes of the comedy are located In the wide open spaces of the west. There Is a rodeo which attracts ranchers and their families, who ■watch the breath-taking exhibitions of broncho busting, bull .dogging, and trick riding.: There is a charming love romance in which Miss Starr and Mr. Duryca are the central figures. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Why Leave Home?" is the title of tho hilarious musical farce which heads the bill at the Artcraft Theatre. • With -its snappy melodies by the famous team of Conrad, Mitchell, and Gottlcr, and an entertaining and fast moving story of modern life, college boys, chorus girls, flirtations husbands, and neglected wives "Why Leave Home?" is said to be • the funniest "talkie" that- Hollywood has yet offered Walter Catlett plays ,i featured, role. Sue Carol and Nick Stuart have the other leadlhg parts. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "The Sea ' Bat," a marine melodrama, is showing at the Britannia Theatre. . Sea bats, those giant rays weighing two tons or more which infest tropic waters, are the monsters whfch supply the excitement of this talo. The tangled romances of Charles Blckford, JSaqucl Torres, and John Mlljan form a dramatic overtone. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Paramount has . woven an intensely.: human rtory around the wartime aviators in Franco in. "Young' -Eagles," at Shortt's Theatre. The film is built on the novel theme' of tho affection and friendship 'which springs up between two enemy aces. In "Young Eagles this admiration, which amounted almost to friendship, is shown between Rogers, as an American pilot, and Paul Lukas, an enemy ace. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Splinters," the British vwar-timo revue, ■which has continued to achieve success on tho English stage since the Great War. has now been produced as a talking picture, and will be presented at Our Theatre to-night. The famous revue features the original British players, and Is another of the great comedy hits that Britain has produced. There are excellent supports. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Whoopee," tho delightful comedy which had such a popular run in the.city, is showtag at the Kilblrnle Klnema to-da>\ Produced by Samuel Goldwyn and Florcnz Blegfeld, this brilliant musical comedy makes a ' gorgeous spectacle on the talking colour screen. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Universal's special attraction, "The' Whito Hell of Pitz PfU«," concludes its season at the Capitol Theatre to-night. Tho latest film of tho Napier-Hastings earthquake disaster v?lll commence to-morrow night. Marie Dressier and Polly Moran can also bo seen in "Caught Short," a hilarious comedy. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Among the many features of "The Arizona Kid," the Fox Movietone Western offering with Warner Baxter In tho titlo role which comes to the Regal Theatre to-day, is tho fact that it has no "theme songs." Both Baxter, and Mona Marls, the leading lady, sing during tho production, but their songs are old-world Spanish melodies. It is a glamorous tale of n debonair bandit and his love affairs. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A British Dominion special, "The House of the Arrow," Is the. main attraction at the Empire Theatre to-night. A largo cast is headed by Dennis Nielson-Terry, Bonlta Hume, and Richard Cooper. The story revolves around the mysterious murder or a Mrs. Harlow, the owner of a sumptuous home in a part of France which is being menaced by a mysterious person known as "The Scourge." Tho supporting programme includes "Bride's Relations,"' an all-talking "comedy. "Hot Turkey," ft sound cartoon, and two special musical numbers.

DE LUXE THEATRE. "Call of tho Flesh," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer romantic drama with music, la now showing at tho Do Luxe Theatre. Dorothy Jordan acts as tho heroine. Tho story is a vivid drama of the life and love of a Spanish opera singer, tho role played by Ramon Novarro in the picture. Rence Adoree, who played with him in "The Pagan," plays the rival sweetheart as a fiery Spanish dancer. Ernest Torrence Is seen as tho singer's aged teacher, a former opera star, and Mathilde Comont, French stage actress, appears as another former opera star. Nance O'Ntfil Is seen as the Mother Superior ..in the convent scenes, and Russell Hoptop ■stage actor, plays a talkina scren role as /■ heroine's brother. A picture of the Napier-ifastings earthquake disaster is also screened.