ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 67, 20 March 1931, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. In "Plunder," showing at tho Regent Theatre, the pace is a "cracker" from the time Freddie Malono (Tom Walls), a suava society thief, takes tho artless D'Arcy Tuck (Ralph Lynee) into partnership wilh him to relieve Mrs. Hewlett (Mary Brough) of her ill-golten jewels. D'Arcy's flanceo (Winifred Shutter) has been deprived of her inheritance by old Mrs. Hewlett, and this settles any qualms which D'Arcy might otherwise have- had of becoming suddenly dishonest. Nevertheless, lio is anything but the Ideal thief, and Freddie lias many a trying moment, and tho audienco many a gale of laughter before tho old lady's regalia is removed. A touch of what ought to bo tragedy comes with tho death of tho prying "Uncle Simon," but so quick is the actiou and so independent tho theme of anything in the way of normal, honest behaviour that tlio deceased gentleman Is hardly liiissed. But the evil that ho did by blackmail lives after him, and lands the two confederates at Scotland Yard—an Ininiitablo scene, rich in sheer foolery and delightfully aggravating nonsense on the part of the inconsequent Tuck, who alternately reveals and conceals the high lights of the crime to the discomfiture of tho officials and tho varying consternation and approval of his friend. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Sir Benjamin and John Fuller stress the merit of the Fox comedy-dramatic feature, "Just Imagine," which will be screened for the first time in New Zealand at the St. James Theatre to-day. This picture is reported to have cost 2,000,000 dollars to produce, and it is stated to have shown to over two millions of people at New York. It was written by the clever authors of the successful screen play, "Sunny Side Up," and is said to be "a ten times better picture." Its theme was Inspired by that fine old stage play, "A Message from Mars." In "Just Imagine" tho position is reversed, for three men of New York visit Mars por aeroplane in the year 1980 —50 years hence. The whole play which begins and ends in Now York, with the centre section taking place in Mars, is said to ba an exceedingly imaginative and well expressed opinion of "what the inventive world is coming to" wrlttten from a humorous viewpoint, and tho result is a comedy riot of loud laughter from beginning to end. El Brendel has a splendid comic role, and'he is supported by a long cast, which includes Maureen O'Sullivan, Reginald Dandy, Frank Albertson, and Marjorie White. As "Just imagine" is a full evening's entertainment, only one short subject can bo shown in support. Box plans aro at tho Bristol and also at the theatre, where seats may be reserved without any booking fee. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Billy thu Kid" (Metro-Goldwyn-Maycr), which opens to-day at the Do, Luxe Theatre, relates the stirring happenings at Lincoln, New Mexico, during the famous "cattlemen's war" of 187S, 1879, and 1880. Tho career of William Bonney during that time is the crux of the wildest point the wild west over reached. William Bonney was the most distinctive figure of this era. A product of his time, he defended his friends with his pistol. He thought nothing of open warfare with other men. He was the ringleader of the famous M'Swcen gang in tho Lincoln County war. " 'The Kid's' greatest attribute was his courage, stated King Vidor, director of the picture. "Tho man lived by violence and died violently, but possessed a bravery and capacity for leadership which, In more peaceful times, would have made h.im a valuable citizen. In telling his story, we are not mitigating his misdeeds. In fact, we tell them with all truth, becauso I feel his example will prove to all young boys that you can't get away With breaking the law." Box plans are available at the Bristol and theatre.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Officer O'Brien," Pathe's all-dialogue melodrama of the underworld and the law, opens today at the Paramount Theatre. The title role in this production, which was directed by lay Garnett, offers Boyd his finest dramatic opportunity since "The Volga Boatman," and cera ly It provides his best talking picture part to date. As the two-flsted lieutenant ot police who runs to earth a notorious vice leader in the face of possible ruin and at the cost of his sweetheart's love, Boyd is given an opportunity for some high-powered dramatic wwk that is enhanced by speed, action, and many thrills. Dorothy Sebastian has the feminine lead in this picture, which is an original drama by Tom Buckingham, directed by lay Garnott. There will also be shown an raMllent number of Pathe short subjects, news, cartoon, novelty, comedy, Box plan at me Bristol and theatre. aUEEN'S THEATRE. In "Itomance," Mctro-Goldwyn-Maycr's alltall ng adaptation of the successful idward Sheldon stage play, which «P»»*»-- ---„„ „> tlio Queens. Theatre to-mgni, Greta GarboTs sc^and heard as the alluring foreign opera star whose romance with a clergy£S£r Urrne^r^vL^rf Cmnont Henry Armetta, Elliott Nugent, and Countess Nina do Liguoro. KING'S THEATRE. "The Lady of Scandal," which opens its t 1? &X~ of a peer andis taken into high society to iS^Pr^^'^^nir^ duty. _____ KILBIRNIE KINEMA. =^h^«e VSSfK mm. A Universal talking news will ?™>°« the feature. "Canaries Sometimes Smß. starring Tom Walls and Yvonne Arnaud, commences screening at the Kinema o-morrow This sophisticated English play, from the sparkling pen of Frederick lonsdale can res around what happens when an old friend^ falls in love with his old friend's wife. An excellent array of sound supports will bo presented. Reserves at theatre and Bristol. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "King of Jazz," the most original, striking, and entertaining screen revue yet produced commences its three-day season at the Capitol Theatre to-night. Paul Whitcman and his band ~Tohn Boles, Laura La Plante, .Tcanette LofT, Glenn Tryon, Slim Summerville, and dozens of other stars appear in this all technlcolour revue. A Mickey the Mouse matinee will bo held to-morrow afternoon. "Canaries Sometimes Sing," the third Tom Walls talkie, comes to the Capitol shortly. .. . SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Bulldog Drummond," showing at Shortt's Theatre, is gorgeous entertainment, and is one of the most diverting comedies and one of the best talking films yet presented. The role of the charmingly debonair Bulldog Drummond suits Ronald Colman perfectly. Tlio entire picture, in fact, has everything that goes to make up an enjoyablo evening. The story is delightful, the cast is well chosen, and the direction reveals both intelligence and a sense of humour. As to the talking, tlio highest praise one can offer to the Him is that unlike many otiier talkies, it neither gives the impression' of a stage play being photographed nor a movie given the addition of sound. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "The Sky Hawk," tlio first all-talking production of wartime aviation, is being shown at Our Theatre to-night. John Carriek, Helen Chandler, and Gilbert Emery play the featured roles. It is a thrilling story of a youthful British aviator who clears his name of an unwarranted charge of cowardice through gallantry. Tiiero' are excellent sound supports. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Maurice Chevalier, the famous singing slur of the Parisian stage, recently seen on the screen in "Innocents of Paris" and "The Lovo Parade," is starred in a new, romantic comedy, "The Big Pond," which as a Paramount picture is now showing at the New Princess Theatre. Playing opposite Chevalier is Ciaurtollo Colbert, who scored a decided hit as the ] courageous heroine of "The Lady Lies." NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. To-night's complete change of programme at the New Quality Theatre includes William Powell as the attorney "For tlio Defence," and depicts another spectacular role, tlio kind of character which Powell can bring to lifo as no other actor in the talkies can. Key Francis is the leading woman. Tlio supports are many and varied, including a comedy, novelty subject, ami two Movietone news reels. Reserves may bo made at Still's, fruiterers, The Parade, anil no extra charge is made. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "liednmption," an all-talking adaptation of Lyof Tolstoi's drama, "The Living Corpse," will oiicn to-night at the Regal Theatre with John Gilbert in "the starring role and Keneo Adoree, Conrad Nagel. Eleanor Boardman, and Claire M'Dowcll in important supporting parts. Tlio story centres about tlio tragedy of a Russian offlcer who, dospito love for his wife, is drawn awny from his domestic happiness through the influence of a gypsy heredity. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Tho principal attraction at tho Empiro Theatre Is "Tlio Three Sisters," with Kenneth M'Koima, Joyce Coiupton, and Juno Collycr heading a largo cast. Laid in the romantic setting of a little village in Italy, (lie picture is a thoroughly human narrative of a mother and her three daughters at the period of tho World Wiir. The supporting programmo includes "Kuhcrvlllo Night Club," "Furuaco Trouble," and a Fox Jlovletoue nowsrecl. On Wednesday :iud 'Thursday next :i Universal special, "Tho Cat Creel's," heads a special programme. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Trail doors 'to swallow and tunnel walls In crush tlio trespasser, a sinister masked! slrauEler. a. fortune in emeralds, a group of crooks battling eiicli other to gain Hie jewels, a grim fortified estate in a lonely part of England, and the famous "Hulking" Tirummoiiil .-ire ingredients nf "Templi! Tower," Vox iMovh'.tono thriller with Kenneth MneKcim.i as "lirumiuond," now showing at the ArliTufl Theatre, Thero aro excellent supports.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. The fact of the iiruat appreciation of the yjautomiinc, "The Ilims.i Iliat Jack Built," now in season at Ilio Grand Opera House, Is shown by tiie large iiudlenci'H that throng liio building each evening. Jiiial night was no exception, and 'lie cnjoyniuiit nf all was shown by the applause nnil Jnugliler that Wiiti continuous nil thu uvenltiß. Tliu extension af time to Wellington seems to have been well justified. The ,iiimi»liik )>aylngs of Mr. Jim (ierald in his feminine impersoiiiiUou of "Thci Dame" arc immensely amusliiK, while the oilier principals all do good work and add materially to the success of tho play. Charming ballets, eccentric dancing In duos and solos, bright scenery, and good music directed by Mr. Will Redstone, all go (o make up a most attractive entertainment. The season will conclude here to-morrow evening. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Katherine Brush's novel, "A young Man of Manhattan," produced as a talking picture by Paramount Studios, will screen for the first time in Wellington at the Majestic Theatre today Claudetto Colbert., Maurice Chevalier's favourite leading lady, lias the stellar role, and tho rising legitimate actor, Norman Foster, is her screen husband, while Charles Ruggles. comedian. Ginger Rogers,- and Leslie Austin have prominent roles. The thoroughly human story deals with two clever sporting writers on big daily papers who marry and start out to carve their way to fortune, but Toby the husband is afflicted with "that tired feeling" and a fondness for alcohol, while the wife is full of energy. The result is that while the clever husband is always threatening to write a great novel, his wife sets to and does it. Professional jealousy creeps in, and the husband departs. The wife loses her eyesight, and hearing of her affliction the husband realises his responsibilities, returns, sobers up, and gets to work in earnest, with wonderful results. The wife's sight is restored and happiness reigns. A first part consisting of all Paramount feattirettes will support the main feature. The usual late shoppers' session will begin at 5 o'clock to-day and finish at 7 p.m. Box plans aro at the Bristol, and also at the theatre. .. . BRITANNIA THEATRE. The Marx Brothers, four funsters, appear at the Britannia Theatre in "Animal Crackers." It is full of jazz and frolic. The ' prettiest girl" from eacli of fifteen Broadway musical comedies is introduced in the picture. There are good supports. WELLINGTON APOLLO SINGERS. To-morrow evening at the Town Hall (Concert Chamber) the Apollo Singers will hold tho final concert of their first season, winch has been very successful, and some of the favourite numbers from the first two concerts will be repeated. Of Die new musical numbers to he given during tho evening Is the famous "Pilgrims' Chorus" from Wagner's "Tannhauser," which piece will be accompanied with two grand pianos. The singers stand grouped around these two grand pianos and present a smart appearance, being conducted by Mr. H. Temple White, who needs no introduction to Wellington's concert lovers. Miss Ava Symons, violinist, and Mr. Ernest Jenner, A.U.A.M., pianist, will assist, the latter also being the accompanist for the evening. The prices of admission are within the reach of all, and the box plan closes at noon to-morrow at the Bristol Piano Co.