ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 41, 18 February 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "HeU'a Angels," at tlie Grand Opera House, is intended to Illustrate tile part played in the Great War by [lie air corps. The neutral figures are two American students, Monti; ,iii(l Jioy Rtitledge, ami a Herman sttideni, Karl Arnstedt. The outbreak of hostilities Minis Karl recalled lo fight for I lie Fatherland, and Hoy and Mrmte juiuing the iirllisli Air force. The uc.\t scene deals with a Zc'iineliii laid on London Karl is lei down Irom tlie airship at tlie einl of a steel rope to give the signal for the dropping ot the bombs, but cannot bring himself to loose death on to the harmless city and, at his direction, the projectiles fall harmlessly Into tlie Pool of London. Monte and Uoy are in one of the 'planes sent up to bring the Zeppelin down, and a series of thrills culminate in flic .selt-sacrJllciiig crash of a British airman into the gas-filled envelope to brins it down in flames. 'TRENCH LKAVE." S.\dnc.v Hmuml. the Yorkshire comedian who rose to fame overnight through bis very suceessl'nl interpretation nf the frozen-faced comedian in "Splinters" has caused fresh laurels to lie added to his crown for the perfect rendering of a very difllcult role in tlie latest B.D.F. scream, "French Leave," which is due at the Grand Opera House next Friday. One of the many humorous incidents with which the film abounds is when Howard renders v "Mammy Son.." During the renditions of tliis ditty, what Howard lucks in vocal qualities lie makes up in vigour. Playing opposite him is tlie charming British actress, Madeline Carroll, who will be well remembered for the roles she played In "Atlantic" and "Young Woodicy." Haddon Mason also lias a stellar role. The picture is a comedy .of the war. REGENT THEATRE. "The Better Wife," at the Regent Theatre, concerns .Neil Dunlap (Clive Brook), a lawyer who was unfortunate In Ins flrf-t marriage, and, after his wife had left him for a richer roan, 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. Pansy had developed an affection for Dunlap, and when he asked her to marry him she agreed. A number of interesting developments take place before Tansy eventually puts matters on a ' footing satisfactory both to herself and to her husband. The parts which the two leadiug players portray are different in many respects from those which have made them well known. For Pansy to raako 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 Lukns witli conspicuous success. There arc excellent supports. "MOXTE CARLO." Two musical comedy stars appear together In Die Paramount production of "Monte Carlo," coming to the Regent Theatre on Friday. Jack Buchanan. England's favourite, and recently popular on the stage in New York, makes his debut in films. His voice, too, is beard to distinct advantage- in several 'of the delightful numbers of tlie picture. Jcanette JlacDonsld, remembered for (lie beauty of her voice and pulchritude in "The Love Parade" and "The Vagabond King," is tho lady of the play. Monte Carlo, fascinating gnmbling place of Europe, a playground of tho rich, is the background for one of tho most delightful and intimate romances the screen has seen. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Kntcr Sir. John," at the Do Luxe Theatre, tells how a girl is discovered beside the dead body of a woman. At the trial a member of the jury, Pir John Menler, is not convinced of her guilt, and sets out to unravel tho mystery. There follows a. series of strange happenings, . culminating in the arrest of the guilty person in the midst of exciting scenes in a circus tent. The part of Menicr Is taken by Herbert Marshall, and he achieves a distinct success. Tliero are good supporting pictures. Mr. Paul T. Cullen gives excellent musical selections on tho WurliUer ovgim. "The Cat Creeps," described as one of flic greatest mystery stories in the history of stage or motion pictures, forms the next attraction at the Do Luxe Theatre, opening Its engagement on Friday next. It presents an all-star cast, headed by Helen Twelvctrees, and including .such well-known screen artists as Raymond Ifackott; Neil Hamilton, and Lilyan Tashimm. Miss Twelvetrees', a recent recruit to motion pictures, had previously achieved fame nn the New York stage. The picture is suld to abound with mystery and suspense, and Its entire action deals with the hair-raising events nf a single night In a great mansion which has not been occupied fur twenty years. Here a group of relatives gather at midnight lo listen lo the reading of a w'UI. and thus begins a story which brings to the audience a swift succession of laughs and thrills. Box plans are available at the Bristol Piano Company and at Ait ken's Book Arcade. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "lienegades," nt tho Paramount Theatre, is a story of the French Foreign Legion. In it is (Insert intrigue and the scheming of a wniHHii, Kleonurc. Years before, she has beIravwl llcncalioii, lender of the renegades. Ju the ■ desert, lie kidnaps her so that he may see her suiter. But instead of revenge he gains only trouble, for she obtains influence with the Marabout, who claims to be uncrowned King of the Kilt's. So the film marches to a tragic and inevitable climax in which tho Legion is triumphant- and (he pair find love in death. There arc good supports. "Under Suspicion," a Fox Movietone romanmouut Theatre on Friday. The featured roles arc portrayed by Lois Jloran, beautiful and charming screen actress, and J. Harold Murray, of musical comedy fame, whoso golden voice is again heard in this song romance. He sings three numbers written by James F. Ilanlcy and Joseph M'Carthy. The supporting cast is beaded by that well-known favourite, J. M. Kerrigan, who. enacts v role similar to the one in which he won wide accliiira in "Song o' My Heart," and Marie Saxon, recently from the Broadway stage. Box Plans are at the Bristoi and the theatre. KING'S THEATRE. 'T.ove in the lt<>ugh," Metro-Goldwyn's alltalking golf comedy, featuring Robert Montgomery, will be finally screened at the King's to-morrow evening. It is one of tho funniest and most tuneful pictures of the year. The supports are excellent. Cyril Maude, the distinguished actor, makes his debut in pictures in "Grumpy." which will open at the King's Theatre on Friday. It is a production that is English in every sense of the word. The/English "is correctly spoken, and' everything is in keeping. The solution of the mystery and the tracking of tho criminal by the irnsciblc, lovable Grumpy, is said to bo thrilling and delightful. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Hearts in Exile," at the Queen's Theatre, is a story of love and political intrigue sin Russia. The three central players arc Vcra Ivanova (played by Dolores Costello, tho star), Paul Pavlon "(Grant Withers), and Baron Serge Palmer (.lames Kirkwood). The scenes, which are laid in Siberia, and the slums of 'Moscow, arc realistic. The second feature is "Is Everybody Happy?" featuring Ted Lewis, with Ann Pcnninglon and Alice Day. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Cieiiovtcve Tobin, petite Broadway stage star, makes her film debut in "A Lady Surrenders," showing io-night at the Regal Theatre. It tells the story of a blase novelistwife and her manufacturer-husband, of how her jealousy ami sophistication lose her husband's love to her best friend, and is said to possess a fascinating dramatic, plot of any marital drama yet offered. There will also be shown a picture of the earthquake disaster. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "A Lady Surrenders" will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. A large cast is headed by' Basil Itathbone, Conrad Nagcl, flenevieve Tobin, anil Rose Hobart. The piclure deals with the marital difficulties of a rich young man and his wife, a successful novelist. When the wife writes an article on married life, expressing her opinions as gained through her own experience, the husband makes an appointment with the authoress. The wife sends her closest friend in order to get her husband's reaction. The complications which follow arc far-readiing. Tho supports include a record of the Napier-Hastings earthquake, a comedy, cartoon, and a Universal talking newsreel. SHORTT'S THEATRE. The programme at Slinrtt's Theatre is headed by "The House of the Arrow," featuring Dennis Nellson-Terry, IScntta Hume, and Richard Cooper. It is a British production. "The House of tho Arrow" mainly mittcd by tho mysterious "Scpurgc." llnnaud, the famous French detective, Is called In, and many exciting and thrilling climaxes arc reached before the murderer is eventually disclosed. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Maiimi Davies's newest all-talking picture Tor Metro-lioldwyn-.Muyer, "The Gay Nineties." a story of romance in the 'llO's, punctuated with laughter and songs throughout, is at the Britannia Theatre. The picture recalls to mind the bustles and tight-laced waists, the old hansom cabs, muffs, plumed huts, and many other things that have faded from pre-sent-day existence. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "All Quiet on the Western Front," showing at the Capitol Theatre to-night, is one of the finest films of the war ever made. Lewis Ayrcs, Louis Wolheim, John Wray. William Bakewell, George Summerville, and dozens of others make the characters described by Reiiianiue live upon flic screen. "Africa Speaks" commences on Friday. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Show of Shows" will he shown at the Artcraft Theatre to-night. There are acts covering every sort of entertainment, but none is more lovely Hum tho "Chinese Fantasy," in which Mynin U>y and Nick Lucas, the "crooning troubadour," are featured with a chorus of a. hundred Oriental beauties. Another unique feature of this especial act Is the fact that lUii-Tin-Tin himself introduces it. Many musical and dance groups take part. j

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The Kcturn of Dr. Fu Manclui" continues to attract large audiences at tlie Majestic Theatre. As "Fu," Warner' Olantl puts over a remarkably convincing performance, ami nol one whit less effective Is the excellently played "Sleuth from Scotland Yard," by 0. 1". Uezgie, Now Zealand's own screen star. The clever schemes resorted to by "Fu" to encompass the ruin of Neil Hamilton and Joan Arthur and the smart way in which the astute Chinaman Is outwitted by the detective make the play thrilling. The season will terminate with tomorrow evening's screening. Box plans are at The Bristol. Metro-Goldwyn's sptval attraction, Buster Keaton, "the frozen-fared comedian" (who never smiles himself, but is responsible for tickling the risible faculties of others), In his latest comedy success "Forward March,' will open on Friday next. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The. last two nights of the successful season at SI. James Theatre of Sir Gerald dv Maurior's eutortaiitini; Kngllsh comedy-drama, "The Dancers." or "Life iti London To-day," are announced. Lois Mnrnn. Mrs. Patrick Campbell. Walter Hymn, Philips Holmes, and Mao Clarke present a capital performance of the .excellent story. Box plans are at The Bristol. The famous screen comedians, Ole Olson and Chic Johnson, will appear at the St. James Theatre on Friday in "Oil. Sailor, Behave," in which the American Press credits them with "such success as no other funmakcrs liavo achieved in 'talkies.'" There is a long cast of players supporting Olson and Johnsou, and included in the list are five Broadway celebrities in Lowell Sherman. Irene llelroy. Charles King, Noah Beery, and Lottie Lode. "Oh, Sailor, Behave," is described as "a grand play with a glamorous love story with hilarious comedy sections unfolded amongst beautiful settings, which include the streets of water In picturesque Venice." The story was. adapted for the screen from the successful book and stage play "See Naples and Die." Box plans are at The Bristol and also at the theatre, where seats may be reserved without booking fee. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Manslaughter," with Claudette Colbert as Its heroine, wIU opeu a session at the Kllbirnlo Klnema to-night. It is a drama of speed, with n tremendous climax. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. "Paramount On Parade" is a distinctly new type of film offering, and, will be shown at Our Theatre to-night. All of Hollywood's knowledge of camera technique has been incorporated into it, and more than thlrty-flvo of filmland's most talented stars take part. Excellent sound supports complete the programme.