ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 39, 16 February 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "Heirs Angels," at the Grand Opera House, Is intended to illustrate the part played In tho Great War by the air corps. 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 fight for the Fatherland, and Roy and Moute joining the British Air Force. The next scene—an awe-inspirng one—deals with a Zeppelin raid on London. Earl 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 his direction, tho projectiles fall harmlessly Into the Pool of London. Monte and Roy aro in one of the 'planes sent up to bring tho Zeppelin down, and tho impressions caused by the sight of the 'planes chasing the giant tube can only be gathered by seeing and hearing the strange fight in the clouds. A series of thrills culminate in the sclf-sacrinclng crash of a British airman into the gas-Qlled envelope to bring it down in flames. REGENT THEATRE. "The Better Wife," at tho Regent Theatre, .concerns Neil Uunlap (Clive Brook), a lawyer who was unfortunate in his first marriage, and, after his wife had left him for a richer man, decided to drown his sorrows in drink. One night, in a drunken state, he made the acquaintance of Pansy Gray (Ruth Chatterton), a former revue actress, whom on one 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 he asked her to marry him sho agreed, with the intention of conquering Ills drinking habits and giving herself a chance to life. A number of interesting developments take place before Pansy eventually puts matters on a footing satisfactory both to herself and to her husband. The parts which the two leading players portray are different In many respects from those which have made them well known. Tor Pansy to make her husband realise in which direction his affection really lies.it is necessary to work in a second man, Gustax Saxon, Dunlap's most wealthy client, who is played by Paul Lukas with conspicuous success. In support there is a scries of travel pictures, including views of Waiheke Bay, in tho Haurakl Gulf, ami a comedy starring George Sidney and Charles Murray. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Enter Sir John," at the De Luxe Theatre, represents the high-water mark of Britisrl talking pictures. The story tells how a girl is discovered beaide the dead body of a woman. The girl, n touring actress, is arrested, tried, and convicted. A member of the jury, Sir John Menier, however, is not convinced of her guilt, and sets out to unravel the mystery. As a first step, Sir John interviews some members of the touring company. Then follow a series of strango happenings, 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 Marshal!, a leading actor on tho British stage, and he achieves a distinct success by his poise and strong personality. There axe good supporting pictures. Mr. Paul T. Cvdlen gives excellent muslcsl selections on the Wurlitzer organ. . '■ PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Renegades," at the Paramount Theatre, is a story of the French Foreign Legion. In it is desert intrigue and the scheming of a woman, Eleonore. Years before, sha has betrayed Deucalion, the leader of the renegades, bringing disaster and death to his comrades and a death seutenco to himself. Installed in tho' desert, he kidnaps her so that he may see her suffer. But Instead of revenge he gains only troublo, for she obtains influence with the Marabout, who claims to bo uncrowned King of the Riffs, sows seeds of suspicion in his mind, and vitalises Ills lazy body to the point of leading his men into battle. So tho.film marches to a tragic and inevitable climax in which the Legion is triumphant'and tho pair Dud lovo in death. The supporting bill includes a pair of I'ox Movietone Xewsrecls holding events of the day and a Travelogue, "Granada to Toledo," while some vaudeville turns are also shown. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Crowded audiences throughout Saturday showered applause on Paramount."! latest Sax Homer story, "The Return of Dr. Fu Manchu," at the Majestic .'Theatre. All tho thrills that came out of the; presentation of the first plcturo aro experienced again, and there aro many more In addition. "Dr Fu Manehu," who was supposed to have been outwitted, sent to his doom and burled, returns from the grave with a strong desire for vengeance against his enemiea, and ho and his plotters start, out immediately to encompass tho destruction of the hero of the piece and the Scotland Yard detective who is working in his Interests. Warner Oland repeats his polished performance of Manchu, and tho equally important part of the Scotland Yard detective is admirably played by 0. P. Hcggle, a native of Tiniaru. Jean Arthur and Neil Hamilton supply the love interest, and they hold the-sympathy of the audience right through. Tho short subjects which precede the star feature are good. Box plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre. KING'S THEATRE. "Love in the Rough," at the King's Theatre, gives a new romantic team In Robert Montgomery, who is featured, and Dorothy Jordan. The new fllm Is a picturlsatlon of tho stage play, "Spring Fever." 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 the skilful Sammy, Leo.: being substituted. CUEEN'S THEATRE. "Hearts in Exile," at the 'Queen's Theatre, is. an unusual story of Jove and political' intrigue in Russia. ... The three central characters' are Vera Ivanova (played by Dolores Costello, the star), Paul PavlotT ( Grant Withers), and Baron Serge Palmer (James Klrkwbod). the- scenes, which are laid in Siberia," and the slums of Moscow, are interesting and realistic. The • second feature is "Is Everybody Happy?" featuring Ted Lewis, with Ann I'ennington and Alico Day. SHORTT'S THEATRE. The new programme at Shortt's Theatre Is headed by "The House of the Arrow," featuring Dennis Neilson-Terry, Benlta Hume, and Richard Cooper. It is a British production. "The House of the Arrow." mainly concerns a scries of sensational murdors committed by the mysterious "Scourge." Hanaud, tho famous French directive, 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 the most popular romantic teams of the screen, are among the 100 entertainers featured in "Happy Days," an all-star, all-talking fox Movietone musical romance, now being screened at tho Artcraft Theatre. Miss Gaynor and Mr Fan-ell do a specialty entitled "We'll Build a Littlo World of Our Own." There is a chorus of mixed voices and 50 beautiful girls in singing and dancing numbers. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Marion Davles's newest all-talking picture for Metro-Ooldwyn-Mayer, "The Gay Nineties," a story of romance in the '90's, punctuated with laughter and songs throughout, is at the Britannia Theatre. The picture recalls to mind tho bustles and tight-laced waists, tho old hansom cabs, muffs, plumed hats, and many other things that hare faded from pre-sent-day existence. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWH. "Devil-May-Care," an all-talking musical romance, starring Ramon Novarro, will be shown at Our Theatre to-night. The story tells of the adventures of Armand, the exiled Napoleon's trusted lieutenant, who schemes to bring back his liege to the throne of France. When he falls in love with Leonie, ardent Royalist, complications begin. Excellent sound supports complete the programme. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "The Big Pond," screening to-night at the Kilblrnle Klnema, presents Maurice Chevalier in a role entirely different from anything ho has yet attempted on the audible screen. Chevalier is cast as an impoverished French nobleman who goes to America bent on becoming a I rip-roaring business success. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "All Quiet on the Western Front" commences at the Capitol to-morrow night. This Is a brilliant talkio of war, stripped of its honour and glory, vividly depleting the realism, the horror, and the terror of youth. "All Quiet" commences at 8 p.m. sharp, and patrons are requested to be seated by 7.55. "Untamed," J starring Joan Crawford, will have its final screening to-night. | EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A special Fox Movietpne musical romance, "High Society Blues," will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. The stars are Charles Farreli and Janet Gaynor, and supporting them aro William Collier, sen., Louise Fazenda, Joyce Compton, and Luclen Llttlefleld. The wealthy Grangers go east to enjoy life, and buy an estate next door to the Devines. The efforts of the Grangers to be neighbourly with the Devines are rebuffed. However, the daughter of one and tho son of the other family find a common ground, and friendship ripens. The programme includes a comedy and a movietone newsrecl. On Wednesday and Thursday next, "The Lady Surrenders" will be screened. A special fllm of tho Napier-Hastings earthquake is included in the programme. ORGAN RECITAL. The weekly organ recital, arranged by Mr. Bernard F. Pago, city organist, was held at the Town Hall last evening. The programmo was as follows: Fragment d'nne Suite, by Bach; Honata No. 6, by Mendelssohn; Elegle Op. 10 (No. 7), by Boelhnann; Portraits Op. 101 (No. 20), "Fraiicngunst," by Knrß-Elert; Second and Third Movements from Sonata in r, (On. 25), f).v "Rlgar; Fatitasie in A, by Cesur Franck.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Sir Gerald Dv Maurler's capital stage success, "The Dancers," as presented in screen form before very large audiences at the St. James Theatre, is full of tenso human Interest and happy comedy. The story tells of a young Englishman who, buried in the Canadian woods, is elevated to an earldom by tho death oC his uncle, and returns to London after an absence of three, years to find that the lady of his choice lias been bitten by the modern germ of "freedom of action" to such au extent that her conduct, judged by early Victorian standard, has become ultra-unconventional. She has no desire to give up her butterfly oxistence for tho bonds of matrimony. However, experience teaches, and the eyes of the woman are opened to tho folly of her behaviour, and all ends happily. Lois Moran has the big role, and she plays It in a way that leaves little to bo desired. Able support Is given by Phillip Holmes, as the young carl, Mrs. Patrick Campbell, the famous English artist, and Mac Clarke. The unfolding of the story takes place before a background of ever-changing scenery or aellKhtful beauty, and tho gowns worn by the ladies of tho cast are exquisite. Conspicuous amongst the supports Is tho clever comedy, "How's Sly Baby," with Roy Barnes showing to comlc.il advantage. Box plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Conspiracy" will be shown at the Itegal Theatre to-night. Bessie Love heads tho allstar cast of more than 20 featured players. Ned Sparks plays a new surprising part in this picture. Cast as a wealthy, eccentric author whose hobby is the solving of current crimes, Sparke adds 40 years to his age. The result is a startling change in his appearance. "The Fall Guy" will also be shown. Jack Mulhall and Mac Clarke are ill the leading roles, and Ned Sparks Is seen In one or ms droll characterisations.