ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 38, 14 February 1931, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

"Hell's Augels," the season of which at the ' Grand Opera' House has been extended for a further week, is intended to illustrate the part played In tho ' Great" War .by the air corps, and the scenes it contains give a striking Insight into tho hazards which faced the aviators and the work they were called upon to perform. The . prologue gives pre-war glimpses of a German holiday, resort and Oxford University, the central figures being two American students, Monte and Roy Rutledge, and a German student, Karl Arnstedt. The outbreak of hostilities finds Karl recalled to tight for tho Fatherland, . and Roy and Monte joining the British Air Force. The i»«sl r.f».Rfl—an awe-lnspirng one—deals with a Zeppelin raijS ou London. Karl Is let (town from the airship at the end of a nteel *opo to give tho signal for tho dropping of «ho bombs, but cannot bring himself to looso death on to the harmless city and, at his direction,, the projectiles fall harmlessly Into tho Pool of London. Monte and Roy are In ona of (ho 'planes sent up to bring tha Zeppelin down, aud tho impressions caused by the sight of tho 'planes chasing the giant tube can only be gathered by .seeing aud hearing tho Mrapgo fight in the clouds. A 6crie3 of thrills culminate in the self-sacrlfleing crash of a British airman into tho gas-flllcd envelope to bring it down in flames.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

Clean, invigorating, and wholesome in every *ense, "The Dancers,", which commenced a Beason at tho St. James Theatre last night, scores a great success. Adapted from a play of the-same name, it Is a* departure from tho all too frequently portrayed inconsistent side of life, and as a true, unbiassed story of modern, youth Is alike a triumph for both British nctors.. and producers. Far from being -what the title would suggest, "The Dancers" deals -not so much with dance-halls and cocktail parties as with outdoor life; now giving glimpses of a lumber camp In Canada, then turning to picturesque England'and again to Manco. -Tony.. Trevelyan, excellently played by Phillips Holmes, has left his sweetheart Diana (Lois Moran) and gone to Canada to make his fortune. There he meets Maxino, a dancer at the camp, butv true to Diana still in England he ignores her advances. News comes that, he has been left a fortune and an earldom. He returns home to.Diana, but she has not been as true to their vows as lie, nnd. spurred by her honour., refuses to marry him. It remains for Jlaxlnc to calm Tony's grief and to bring the two together, again, yet Diana, knowing she has played her sweetheart false, leaves: him and flies to Jfrance to forget him/ However, Tony seeks her out nnd a happy reconciliation Is made in a picturesque Flench village.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The "Doctor Fu Manchu" pictures have been such an outstanding success that the Paramount Studios have been forced to provide a sequel. Of course it was easy enough for Sax Jtohmer to.resurrect Dr. Manchu, and how this was done is now revealed at the Majestic Theatre. Dr. Manchu was not really poisoned —he was only, iv a state of catalepsy. With the aid" or his faithful Chang he esca'pos from the casket through a secret panel, and is bent on- killing his enemy, Dr. Jack Petrie. His evil machinations and how they are:thwarted form the theme of "The Return of. Dr. Fu Manchu." The same characters, as made such a success of the-first drama all appear again, With Warner Oland once again in the title role, Vo say that tho sequel Is as good as the first picture is high praise Indeed, but is deserved. For sheer thrills arid delight "The Return of Dr. Fu Manchu" is recommended. Within an Jiour and a half or so is crowded, all the excitement and suspense that one can reasonably t'xpect from the screen. The supporting programme Includes-"The Heck Mr. Meek" and "Apartment Hunting"; both provide laughs, asalso -docs an animated "Talkertoon."" Then there is a gazette, including good pictures of tho -salvaged Hindenborg and of flying boats.-".; I

KING'S THEATRE.

"Love in the Rough," at the King's Theatre,' Kites a new romantic team In Robert Montgomeryr who- Is featured, and Dorothy Jordan. Mo new" film Is 'a picturisation of the stage play, "Spring rover." Although strictly a musical comedy—with plenty of music ■ and comedy—«ho picture is refreshingly' free -of dancing chorus intrusions, clever ensemble routines credited" to tho skilful Sammy Lee being EUbstlUitcd

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"Hearts' In Exile," which, heads a twofeature bill at the Queen's Theatre^ is an unusual story of love and political Intrigue in Jtussia. The three central characters are Vora Ivanova (played by Dolores Costello, the star), Paul Pavloff (Grant - Withers), and Baron Serge Palmer (James Kirlrwood). 'J'lio scenes., which, aro laid In Siberia, and the slums of Moscow, are interesting and realistic. Tho second feature Is "Is Everybody Happy?" featurlnc Ted Lewis, with Ann Pcnnlngton and Allco Day.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

The 'new' pfogrammo at Shortt's Theatro Is headed by "The llouso of tho Arrow,".-fcaturr Ing Dennis Nellson-Tcrry, Benita Humo, and Richard Cooper. It is a British produc--Ilon. - ''Tho House of the Arrow" mainly concerns a.' Merles of sensational; murders .committed by tho mysterious "Scourge." Hanaud, the famous French , detective, is called in, and many exciting and thrilling, climaxes are reached before-the murderer is. eventually ■ disclosed.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor, one of tha moat popular romantic teams of tho screen, are'iimong: the 100 entertainers featured ■■ in •'Happy Days," an all-star, all-talking Fox slovlatono musical romance, now being screened at. the ArtcTaft Theatre; Miss Gaynor and Mr; Farrell do a specialty entitled "We'll Build a Little World of Our Own." There ia a .-horns of mixed voices and 50 beautiful girls In singing and dancing numbers. .

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

Marion Davies's newest all-talking picture for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, "Tho Gay Nineties," a-story of romanco in the '00's, punctuated with laughter and songs throughout. Is at the .Britannia Theatre. Tho picture recalls to-mind the bustles and tight-laced waists, the old hansom cabs, muffs, plumed hats, and many, other .things that'have faded "from. pre-sent-day existence. . . . -■

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

Maurice Chevalier will'bo seen at trie Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night-in his latest production, "Tlio Big Pond." Chevalier depicts a penniless .French nobleman who attempts to mix inoncy-maWnc with loveraaklng. Seats may be reserved by. telephone or at , the theatre ■ -

OUR TrTEATRE, NEWTOWN

'■pevil-May-Carc," an all-talking musical rommce, starring Hamon Novarro, will be rnoicri'ut'Our Theatre to-nlgbt. Tho. story (nits of. the ndventures of- Armand, tile exiled Jv'iipcilepn's trusted lieutenant, who schemes to bring back-Ills liege to the throno of France. When tic falls in love with Leonie, ardent loyalist,, .complications begin. Excellent sound supports complete the programme.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

.fohn Gilbert's latest iiillilDg picture, "Redemption," will bo screened at the Empire T.heatro In-night..' Tlie story centres about the tragedy of a Jiusslart officer, who despite love for his wife Is drawn away from his domestic happiness through.' tho influenco of a gipsy heredity.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

"Caught SliorV," ..now .at tho r.egul Theatre,, concerns the successes of Polly Moran, landlady in the "bull" market, and tho eventual capitulation of her more conservative frleml Marie. Dressier. Anita Page ami Charles Morion furnish the juvenile love interest of the comedy. . .- ■.

CAPfTOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Untamed/"'which is now showing at the Capltol'Thcatre, stars Joan Crawford as a girl who-Is reared lri the jungle, and after the death of her father lstakon to New \orli and falls in love, wltll. the flrst.young, white man. she'sees. "Groat Gobs," a Charlie Chase comedy, will also he screened. "AH Quiet .on tlio Western Trout." trio greatest war aim ever made, commences on Tuesday.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

"The Big I'ond," screening to-nleht at the Kilblrnie Kinema, presents Maurlcu Chevalier )n.a role entirely different from anything he has ycfattempted on the audible screen. Chevalier is cast as an Impoverished French nobleman who goes to America bent on becoming a rip-roaring business success.

ORGAN RECITAL,

Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Orßani&t) will give his-usual weekly ■ or-tran recital nt the Town jrall td-morrow .(Sunday) eveninK. and the prosrammo has been arranged as under:—■ JYasmont dune Suite, by Dach; Sonata, No. fi, 'by iMendclssohh; Elcgie. Op. 10 (No. 7), by Boellmarih; Portraits, Op.- 101 (No. 20) "Franengnnst" (by Karg-Elart); Second nn(i Third Movements from Sonata in G (Op . by Elgar; Fantaislu In A, by Cesar Franck. "

PORT NICHOLSON BAND.

A most intercsMnK and attractive ■ programme has been, arranged for Sunday evening at tliu Orand' Opera House by the Port Nicholson Blind. The proceeds of the entertainment will be given (o the Earthquake Relief Fund. - lv- addition to band items. Hie lend-' ing' talent of the city, will assist, Including' Miss Kathleen ...fcrris _(sdpriuu>), who will 1)0 heard In Toselll's "Sorenata," with violin obligato by Mr. Itlcliard Maunder. Miss Mary Bald., (contralto) will sine the ever popular "Danny-Boy." Miss Zcuu Jupp (elocutionist) will give a monologue, "fog Away." Chun Yuen Tal (Chinese entertainer) win bG seen with his lightning sketches, Mr. Dan Foley, who features delightful Irish songs, will sing "At tho.Jvnd of an Irish Moonbeam" and "It Happened In Monterey." Mr. Hoy. BrtnsdeiK popular xyloplionist, will play "Medley Overture." JlrM'om.-.(inotlnll, rornct. virtuoso, will play "My rrcrty. .lime." Mr. Frank T.. Cffnvther will act its ac'comimiiisl. _The band Items )iave been carefully selected, and includo the h.vnin. 'Trnlse Ye t lie Lord"; march, "Honour Ihe Brave": selection. "Hasslea": fnntnsla, "Kxc.crptu from Mszt's Works"; and Hie stlrrlnir jnarcri'" "Avondiile.;' l'rlnr lo tha concert, a gramophone recital wilt be given.

REGENT THEATRE.

Anidng the actors who have boen brought into popularity by tho talking screen, no two have como more Into the limelight than Ruth Chattorton and Clivo Brook, who have been starred together in several productions, aud who are now featured Jn "The Better Wife" at the Regent Theatre. Tho story concerns Nell Dunlap (Cllve Brook), a lawyer who was unfortunate In his first marriage, and, after his wifo had left him for a richer man, decided to drown his sorrows in drink. . One night, in a drunken state,' ha made tlie acquaintance of Pansy Gray (Ruth Chattcrton), a former revue actress, whom on ono occasion he had saved from being committed to gaol on a charge of appearing on stage Insufficiently clad. Pansy had developed an affection for Dunlap, and when she came across him again and ho asked her to marry him she agreed, with tho Intention of conquering his drinking ■ habits and giving herself a chance in life. For some time the matrimonial path is stoney and difficult, and a number of interesting developments tako placo beforo Pansy eventually puts matters on a footing satisfactory both to herself and to her husband. The parts which the two leading players portray aro different in many respects from those, which, have made them well known, but their art is more than sufficient- to cope with tho fresh demands made upon it .For Pansy to make her husband realise In which direction his affection really lies It Is necessary to work In a second man, (Justax Saxon, Dunlnn's most wealthy client, who is played by Paul Lukas lvlth conspicuous success. Tlio picture is full of Interest,'and tho acling throughout is of the highest class. In support there is a series of travel pictures, including views of Waihcke Bay, in the. Hauraki Gulf, and a comedy starring George' Sidney and Charles Murray.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Tho British- dramatic success, "Enter Sir John," opened1, its Wellington season- at the -De Luxe- Theatre last evening. It is a British International dialogue production of the Elstree Studios, and of its kind represents the high water mark of British talking pictures. the story tells how a girl is discovered beside the dead body of a woman. The girl, a touring actress, is arrested, tried, and convicted. . A member of the jury, Sir John Mcnler, however, is not convinced of her guilt, and sets out to unravel tho mystery. As q first step, Sir John Interviews some members of tho touring company Then follow a series of strange happenings. In which clue after clue is followed up, culminating in the arrest ■of the guilty person in the midst of exciting scenes in a circus tent. The part of Menier is taken by Herbert Marshall, a' leading actor on the British stage, and he achieves a distinct success by his poise and strong personality. There are good supporting pictures. Mr. Paul T. Ctillen gives .excellent musical selections on the Wurlltzer organ.

Paramount theatre,

The Foreign Legion, home of exiles and lost souls, is the theme of "Renegades," which opened' at the Paramount -Theatre last evening. The story of four legionnaires who aro always in trouble, who desert because of a fracas with a military policeman whom they imagine they haro Wiled, and who finally install themselves as leaders of the- desert bands, has wildness and tensity, and Is. very different from tho usual run of screen adventures. In the story is desert intrigue and the scheming of a woman, Eleonore. Years, before, she has-be-trayed Deucalion, the leader of the renegades, bringing disaster and death to his comradesand a death sentence to himself. " Installed, in" the desert, ho seeks-to repay his debt, and kidnaps her so that he may sea her suffer. But instead of revenge ho gains only trouble, for she obtains influence: with the.■ Marabout, who clalms-'to be uncrowned King of the Riffs,' sows seeds of suspicion in his mind, and vitalises' his. Jazy body to the point of leading his men into buttle. So the Qlm marches to a tragic and inevitable climax in which the Legion is triumphant and. tho pair find love. In death. Tho supporting bill Includes a pair of Fox Movietone Newsrcels holding-events of tho day and a Travelogue,. "Granada to Toledo;" while' some" vaudeville turns are. also revealed on the film. - The programmo will be repeated- until- Thursday. ,uext.l: r ..- "".; I. j

STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

Hoof Gibson, in '-Trigger Tricks," and a Universal Filmde Prance Extravaganza, "Prince of Adventurers," are,to be se.cn on tho double programme at the Star Theatre, Newtown, tor night. "Trigger Tricks," one of the most exciting and colourful of his pictures, deals with a war between = sheep Wen and cattle men in Texas. Tha notable cast Includes Sally Ellers, Robert Homans,. Jack Richardson, Monty Montague, Walter. Perry, and Max Asher: Heaves Eason'. directed. Ivan Mosjouliine takes the leading part in the second feature. '.'■■" :- -

BURNS CONCERT,

The first concert and. . address' of the Wellington Burns Club will-bo held in the-Concert Chamber on 25th -February. ' Mr. James Cralgie, who Is a vico-prcsident of tho Burns Federation' of tlio World, will give: an address on the "Humanity of Burns." Tho lecturer is a master of his' subject. All the concert Items will bo selected from the poet's" works, and will be given By well-known artists. 'Some fourteen songs will be sung. . Thoro will also be Highland dancing and pipe music; Souvenir admission programmes are on sale in the music shops,, or may bo obtained from Mr. Donald MacFarlanc', Woodward strect.Tho proceeds will bo devoted..to the Brayor's Eartliquako Relief Fund. ■.:, ''.''..' . ..' ..' ■'■ . . . •.