ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 69, 23 March 1931, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATHE. In "J.'liindcr," at Iho Regent Theatre Ihe pace Is a "cracker" from the tlmo I'reddle Maloue (Tom Walls), suave society tlilcf, takes the artless D'Arcy Tuck (Ralph Lynne) into partnership with him, to relieve Mrs. Hewlett (Mary Brongh) of her ill-gotten jewels. ■/VArcy's flanceo (Winifred .Shutter) lias been neatly diddled out of lier inheritance by old .Mrs. Hewlett, and this settles any qualms which IVArey might otherwise have Imd of becominK suddenly dishonest. Nevertheless, ho is anything hut the ideal thief, rind Freddie has many la trying moment, and the audience many a 'mile of laughter before the old lady's regalia is removed. A touch of what ought to be tragedy comes with the deatli of the prying "Uncle Simon," but so quick is Iho action and so independent the theme of anything In the way of normal, honest behaviour that the deceased gentleman is hardly missed. The two confederates land themselves in Scotland Yard, and here the fun becomes hilarious as the inimitable Tucl; alternately rcvcaJs and conceals parts of the crime. The robbery having beou successfully explained to somewhat bewildered detectives, all is set right between U'Arcy and his pretty .loan; Freddie's sister is left with a lllywliito character, and ho himself is miraculously relieved of any connection with theft or murder. Only Die luckless Mrs. Hewlett pays for her sins, and even she has an unfortunate looking son to help her bear them. "A WiVM CORNER." Those who relish n hearty laugh—or rather a whole crowd of laughs—have a rare opportunity to gratify their taste in the attraction, "A Warm Corner." which will be at the Regent on Thursday. Based on the play of the same name which had n prolonged run at the Prince's Theatre, London, and played by practically the Same casr, it is said 11 to one of those sparkling comedies which have recently lifted British pictures Into the forefront of the "movies" and definitely established the position of the British studios. "A Warm Curlier" scintillates with mirthful situations and witty lines, handled by the greatest of British comedy players, Leslie Henson. KING'S THEATRE. A comedy-drama which provides . excellent entertainment is "The Lady of Scandal," which is showing at the King's Theatre. The story tells of an actress who becomes engaged In the son of a peer and who is invited to spend a few mouths at his. home to become acquainted with the personages and manners ot the society she is about to enter. Complications soon arise, and in order to compel a man whom she loves to take the houourablo course in respect of another woman, just become a widow, she resolves to go back to the stage. There lire elements of clever humour and good drama throughout the picture. The scenes iv English Jlfo are particularly well presented. Ruth Chattcrton is in the leading role, and is ably supported by Basil liathbone. The supporting programnio is well in keening with the main attraction. OE LUXE. THEATRE. Anyone who Imagines that "Hilly the Kid," showing at the Do Luxe Theatre, is "just auothor Western," is mistaken. Billy the Kid was a living figure iv tho early history of New Mexico—a man who fought tho law in order that justice might be done. It is blusterIng melodrama, with the guns blaring, "justice" a travesty in (lie hands or a murderous New Mexico czar whose slogan is "I'm the law around this place,'.' and a stirring and well-staged siege. In the midst of the bustling and emotional story there is timo for humour and pathos and no Ilttlo heroism. The villains are unmistakably vile, and the retribution that overtakes them is grimly approved by tho audience. Tho character work, performed by Wallace Beery, Karl Dane, and the two deliberate frontiersmen John Beck and Kelson M'.Dowell ("Mr. Butterworth" and 'Mad Iladfleld") is memorable. There are excellent supports. Mr. l'aul T. Cullcn at the organ sings "A Pair of Hluo Eyes," and gives selections from "Pinafore." QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Romance," tho stirring all-talking screen version of Edward Sheldon's famous stage play, is showing at tho Queen's Theatre. Greta Garbo has the leading; role, and iv her portrayal of Rita Cavallini, the opera singer, she gives a wonderful performance. Her Interpretation, of the one love in the life of Cavallinl, a love that is hopeless because of tho past, is vivid and will live in memory for some. time. Her personality, her accent, and her mannerisms seem to belong as much to the character of the great singer as they do to Greta Garbq herself. Lewis Stone demonstrates his ability In a sterling characterisation of Cornelius Van Tyl, while Tom Armstrong, the young clergyman with whom Rita falls in lovo, is played with convincing effect by Gavin Gordon. All tho other ciiaracters are well played. There la a strong supporting programme. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Bulldog Drummoud," showing at Sliortt's Theatre, is gorgeous entertainment. The role of tho charmingly debonair Bulldog Drummond suits Konald Column perfectly. The entire picture, in fact, has everything that goes to make up an enjoyable evening. Tha story is delightful, the cast is well chosen, and the direction reveals both Intelligence and a senso of humour. As to the talking, the highest praise one can offer to the film is that unlike many other talkies, it neither gives the impression of a stage play being photographed nor a movie glvc-u the addition of sound. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Tho Sky Hawk," the first all-talldng production of wartime aviation, is being shown at Our Theatre to-night. John Garrick, 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. There are excellent sound supports. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Maurice Chevalier, the famous singing star of tho Parisian stage, recently seen on the screen iv "Innocents of Paris" and "Tho Love Parade," is starred in a new, romantic comedy, "The Big Pond," which as a Paramount picture is now showing at the New Friucess Theatre. Playing opposite Chevalier is Claudette Colbert, who scored a decided hit as the courageous heroine of "The Lady Lies." BRITANNIA THEATRE. The Marx Brothers, four funsters, appear at the Britannia Theatre In "Animal Crackers." It is full of jazz and frolic. Tho "prettiest girl" from each of fifteen Broadway musical comedies is introduced in the picture. There arc good supports. KILBIRNIE KSNEMA. "Canaries Sometimes Sing" is being shown at tho Kilbirnio Kineraa to-day. This talkie does not rely on low-hrow comedy, but on the sluecoed pattern of its brilliant dialogue, Irony of situation, and Its counter play of character. In Tom Walls's scheming to unload his "highminded" wife on his old friend—"Eton and Oxford"—while ho himself has his heart set on his old friend's young wife, there is comedy prospect as delicious as it is devastating. Excellent sound supports will also be presented. Reserves at theatre and Bristol. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard 1\ Page (City Organist) gave his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall last evening, and the programme was as follows:—Concert Overture In V by Mendelssohn Concerto in 1) Minor No. 10 by Handel, Romance Op. 118 (No. 5), by Braiims, I'relude and Cortege et Air de Uanse from L'eufant Prodigue dv Debussy, Sonatina in A minor by Karg-Elert, and "Under the Starry Heaven," Op. 108 (No. 2), by Karg-Elert. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Universal's big special rcvirv ■'King of Jazz," concludes It» season ii >• "-'1 tonight. Paul Whitcman and j. • aro 'he stars of this bright and entertaining talkie, which offers something new in screen revues. "With Byrd at tho South Pole" commences tomorrow night, and a special school children's matinee will bo held on Wednesday afternoon, at 3.30. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY . "The Sophomore," starring Eddio Quintan, heads the programme at the .Empire Theatre to-night. The story concerns a wise-cracking college boy with such a tremendous sense of humour that »it is always gelling him into trouble. The supporting programme is made up of a three-reel comedy, a sound cartoon, and a special X'atho sport light. On Wednesday and Thursday, Uuiversal's'special production, "Tho Cat Creeps," will bo screened. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. "Horn Bookless," a thrilling drama of America's gangland, featuring Edmund Lowe, heads a splendid programme at tho New Quality Theatre, Island Bay, to-night. The supporting programme includes a comedy and news reel. Popular prices of Is (id, Is 3d, and 13 are charged, and reproduction by tho new talkie installation is giving complete satisfaction and perfect results. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. To-night "The Doctor's Secret" will bo screened at the Regal Theatre, Karorl, in ad of the Hawkes Bay Earthquake Fund. Ruth Chattcrton, assisted by 11. B. Warner and Robert Edeson. portrays the greatest role of her career. The whole of the "Doctor's beeret," If disclosed will end In her being scorned and despised by all, and branded with ignomy. The supports aro very strong, comprising a Mickey Mouse Cartoon, comedies, and featurelle. To-morrow this programme will bo supplemented by a concert by local artists of tho highest order. STAR VAUDEVILLE COMPANY. On Thursday evening tho residents ot Felono and Lower Hutt were treated to a splendid entertainment hv the Slar Vaudeville Company, a new organisation. There was a good bouse. Zarn. the magician and illusionist, was applauded after each of his clover acts. JJottholrl and Bent In their Hawaiian music wore well received, as also was .lack Cannon, ventriloquist, whoso assistant. Buck, brought rousing cheers from the children. Huron Hopper and Buchanan amused In their funny sketches. The Versatile Dun, in sonir and dance by B.vrnn Collins and Hetty llnlmwoud. wns well received. Oare Cuinemn pleased with Ivro ■ Maori sonpj.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. M 7.45 ou Saturday evening the big St James Theatre dlsplwiycd Its "house full" signs, ami hundreds of would-be pattous were reluctantly tin-iied away from the magnetic "Vox" Corporation attraction, ".lust Imagine." ".rust Iniiiuine" is a comedy in enntrasts. It opens in the year 1800 at New York and moves quickly forward to 1030, and thereafter the Jules Verne-like Imagination of the gifted authors takes flight and the play shows what, in their opinion, the world will be like in 19S0. , In J9SO, so-great has been the advance of science, that -Xl Hrcndel, comedian, is restored to life and cast penniless upon an iiltnjietlic-r new sort of world. He finds two friends who introduce him to fresh marvels at every turn, and ultimately with them lie visits, per aeroplane, the planet Mars and the Martians. The picture is full of unadulterated fun. Seats may be reserved at the Bristol, and no extra charge is mai'c. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Claudctto Colhtrl, the Rifled actress, who made such an excellent impression when she last appeared In Wellington with Maurice Chevalier In "The Big Pond," added to her laurels on Saturday, in the presence of very large audiences, at the Majestic Theatro, by her admirable acting in the leading role in the Paramount production, "A Young Man of Manhattan." Taken from Katherino Brush's book of the same title, "A Young Man of Manhattan" is a lively, fast-moving talking story full of interest and exciting ups and downs in life. It is bright and entertaining from start to finish, and in it are many little human touches that make lor heart appeal. The excellent acting is responsible in a great measure fur tliu success of the play. Claudette Colbert is ably assisted by Norman Foster, a newcomer from the legitimate stage, whose work is of a high order; Charles liugglcs, Ginger Austin, and Leslie Austin. The programme also Includes an entertaining variety of short subject features. Bnx plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "OCllcor O'Brien" is being shown at the Paramount Theatre. The story is that of a young policeman who has been promoted for the arrest of a criminal. A secret of O'Brien's life was that his father had been sentenced to a long term of Imprisonment. Tho son succeeds In getting his father's term of sentence reduced, the father being under tho impression that he has been released becauso of good behaviour. Tho iuteutlon of the young police officer is to try and induce his lather to make good. Circumstances arise which prevent this. One character in the story is Tatello, who has been arrested ou a charge of murder. The only witness of tho crime is a young policeman named Dale. Ituth Dale, sister of the policeman, is in love with O'Brien. Fearing that I'atello's gang will wreak vengeance on Dale if he gives evidence against Patello, Ruth tries to induce O'Brien to get her brother to refuse to give evidence against Patellga. Interesting Pathe and other gazettes are included in the first half of the programme. Commencing at the Paramount Theatre next Friday, British International Pictures will present two outstanding attractions in Carl Brisson's musical and dramatic spectacle of Loudon's night life, "Tho Song of Soho;" also Wee (ieorgie Wood will appear in tho hilarious English comedy, "The Black Hand Gang." Bot.li those attractions arc said to tie flrst-class entertainment. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Trap doors to swallow and tunnel walls to crush tho trespasser, a sinister masked strangler, a fortune in emeralds, a group of crooks battling each other to gain tho jewels, a grim fortified estate in a lonely part of England, and the famous "Bulldog" Drummond are ingredients of "Templo Tower," Fox Movietono thriller with Kenneth MacKenna as "Dnimmond," now showing at tho Artcraft Theatre. There aro excellent supports.