ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 70, 24 March 1931, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. In "Plunder," at the Regent Theatre, the liaco is a "cracker" from the time Freddie .Malono (Tom Walls), suave society thief, takes the artless U'Arcy Tik'li (Ralph I.ynne) into partnership with him, to relievo Mrs. Hewlett (Mury Broiigli) of her ill-gotten jewels. iJ'Aivy'3 fiancee (Winifred Shutter) lias been neatly deprived of her Inheritance hy old Mrs.'Hewlett, and tills settles any qualms which D'Arcy might otherwise have had of becoming suddenly dishonest. Nevertheless, ho is anything but the Ideal thief, and Freddie has many a trying moment, and tho audience many a gale "or laughter beforo tho old lady's regalia Is removed. In the end the robbery is successfully explained to somewhat bewildered detectives, all is set right between D'Arcy and his pretty Joan; Freddie's sister is left witli a lilywliito character, and ho himself Is miraculously relieved of any connection with theft or unirdcr.

"A WAItM CORNER." Those who relish a hearty laugh—or rather a whole crowd of laughs—liayo a rare opportunity to gratify their taste in tho attraction, "A Warm Corner." which "ill bo at the Regent on Thursday. Based on the play of the same name which had a prolonged1 run at the Prince's Theatre, London, and played by practically the same cast, it is said tl bo ono 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 Corner scintillates with mirthful situations and witty lines, handled by the greatest of British comedy players, Leslie Ilensoc.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. As a special writer, battling for stories at football games, prize tights, golf championships, and other colourful spheres, Claudetto Colbert presents in "A Young Man From Manhattan," at the Majestic Theatre, a captivating study of a modern woman charged with ability and go, who happens to be united to a. husband who rivals her in ability, but is just about as lifeless as his wife is otherwise. When first published in the "Saturday Evening News" "A Young Man From Manhattan," was one of the most popular serials issued by that jiaper. As a "talkie" it possesses a bright, fast-moving story. Norman Foster makes many friends by his capital acting as tile leading man, and Charles Ruggles, Ginger Rogers, Leslie Austin, and H. Dudley Hawloy all appear to advantage. Interesting novelties precede the main attraction. Box plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre.

DE tUXE THEATRE. Anyone who imagines that "Hilly tho Kid," showing at the Do Luxe Theatre, is "just another Western," is mistaken. It is blustering melodrama, with tho guns blaring, "justice" a travesty in the hands of a murderous" Now Mexico czar whose slogan is "I'm tho law around this place," and a stirring and well-staged siepe. In the midst of the bustling and emotional story there is time for humour and pathos and no little heroism. Tho 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 Nelson M'Dowell ("Mr. Butterwortn" and 'Mad Hadflold") is memorable. Thero are excellent supports. Mr. Paul T. Cullen at the organ sings "A Pair of Blue Eyes," and gives selections from "Pinafore." "Those Three French Girls," which Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer will present on Friday at (lie De Luxe Theatre, is said to contain as amusing a series of incidents connected with the French capital as has been shown on the screen for soino time. Heading the group of revellers is Reginald Denny, who, as tho sportive nephew of a wealthy English peer, makes the rounds of the Parisian pleasure resorts and returns to his uncle's homo with an 111-assorted Kroup of companions, including the piquant Fill Dorsay, with whom he has fallen in love; two American ex-doughboys, in the persons of Cliff (Ukulele_ Ike), Edwards.and Edward Brophy, a.nd their two girl friends, portrayed by Yola d'Avril and Sandra 'Ravel. Tho unfortunate uncle (George Grossmith) has his hands full with his uninvited guests, whose caprices eventually land them in gaol, but the series of complications aro finally unravelled and all ends well. Box plans aro available at Bristol and Jheatre.

KING'S THEATRE. "Tho Lady of Scandal," at the King's OTieatre, tells of an actress 'who becomes engaged to the son of a peer and who is invited to spend a few months at his home to become acquainted with tho personages and manners of tho society she is about to enter. Complications soon arise, and in order to compel a man whom she loves to take the honourable course in respect of another woman, just become a widow, she resolves to uo back to the stage. There are elements of clever humour and Rood drama throughout tho picture. Ruth Chatterton is in the leading role, and is ably supported by Basil Rathbone. Tho supporting programme is well in keeping with tho main attraction.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. ■ In "Romance," at tho Queen's Theatre, Greta Garbo has tho leading role, and in her portrayal of Bita Cavallini, the opera singer, :,he gives a wonderful performance^- Her personality, her accent, and her mannerisms seem to belong as much to the character of tho great singer as they do to Greta Garbo herself. Lewis Stono demonstrates his ability in a sterling characterisation of Cornelius Van.Tyl, while Tom Armstrong, tho young clergyman with whom -Rita falls in love, .is played with convincing effect by Gavin Gordon. All tho other characters are well played.. There Is a strong supporting programme.

SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Bulldog brummond" is showing at Shortt's Theatre. Tho" role of the charmingly debonair Bulldog Drummond suits Ronald Colman perfectly. ' The 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 tho film is that unlike many other talkies, it neither gives the impression-of a stage play being photographed nor a movie given tho addition of sound.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "The Sky Hawk," the first all-talking' production of wartimo aviation, is being shown at Our Theatre to-night. John Garrick, Helen Chandler, and Gilbert Emery play tho featured roles. It Is a thrilling story of a youthful British aviator who clears his name of an unwarranted chargo of cowardice through gallantry. There aro excellent sound supports. • .

N£W PRINCESS THEATRE. Maurice Chevalier, tho famous singing star of the Parisian stage, recently seen on the screen in "Innocents of Paris" and "The Love Parade," is starred in a new, romantic com<idy, "The Big Pond," which as a Paramount picture Is now showing at the New Princess Theatre. Playing opposite Chevalier Is Claudette Colbert, who scored a decided hit as the courageous hcrolno 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 cirl" from each of fifteen Broadway musical comedies Is Introduced In tho picture. There are good supports.

• ' KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Canaries Sometimes Sing" is being shown at the Kilbirnie Kinema to-day. In Tom Walls's scheming to unload his "highminded" wife on bis old friend—"Eton and Oxford" —while ho himself has his heart sot on his old friend's young wlfo, thero is comedy prospect as delicious as it is devastating. Excellent sound supports will also bo presented. Beserves at theatre and Bristol.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. " "The Sophomoro," starring Eddlo Quintan, heads tho programme at tho Empire Theatre to-night. The story concerns a wise-cracking college boy with such a tremendous senso of humour that it is always getting him into trouble. The supporting programmo is mado up of a three-reel comedy, a sound cartoon, and n special Tatho sportlight. On Wednesday and Thursday, Universal'^ special production, "Tlio Cat Creeps," will bo screened.

OUB THEATRE, NEWTOWN. A big double-feature programme is to ho presented at Our Theatre to-night. The flrst 4'ttraction Is "Tho Dummy," starring Buth Chatterton. It is a melodrama of an irrcpressiblo quick-witted slum kiddie, who, having read Sherlock Holmes, lias a wild deBiro to becomo a detective. The second attraction is "I/adiC3 Lovo Brutes," with George Bancroft in tho leading role. Tho manner jn, which Bancroft mixes flats with manners provides the basic stuff for this thrill-packed tale.

ABTCRAFT THEATRE. An unmarried mother fighting to regain a DlSco among the '"best peoplo" is the keynote of "Common Clay," showing at the Artcraft Theatre. Constance Bennett and Lew Ayres are co-featured. Tho story jilcturos vividly the fight of a young night club hostess to secure a name for her baby. Tho supports aro in keeping with the principal picture.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. To-nlgnt at tho Bogal Theatre, Karori, ji concert aad benefit picture performance in aid of the Earthquako Pund will bo given. Tho main picture is "Tho Doctor's Secret," and it is supported by tho world-famous overture "Zampa" and a Mickey Mouse cartoon, Tho musical programmo is mado up of a largo number of local artists, assisted by the Karori Scout Troop, who will give a special Maori haka. An item will also bo given Ire Mr. John Watchman. On Wednesday arid]! Thursday a dotiblc-featuro programmo will be; screened.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAVv Tlio popular Charles (Buddy) Rogers will lioscen in "Safety in Numbers" at Die Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-nljjlit. This is a musical comedy romance of flvo beautiful girls iv lovo with a rich young man. Excellent supports will bo screened. Commencing tomorrow, "The Big House," a drama, of prison lifp starring Wallace Beery, will 1)0 screened, tnptaded on tlio progr.ammp is a, dog comedy, a lturMa Hpijnes traVetoKue, and a :'Heti;ot6ne >'civs, SciUs'mnylje rescrvcd'by telephoae.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Just Imagine" at Ihe St. James Theatre, is not only uproariously funny, but it is also inordinately clever, and it Is played before a background of amazing novelties. J3l Brendel is the life and soul of the play, and roar after roar of laughter is evoked by his clever fooling and iiuaint remarks concerning ihe difference between the world lie left in lilSO and returned to in 1080. Reginald Denny is a tower of strength to (lie show. Apart from his line presence and clear English, lie sings "Old I'asliioued Girl" and "I am the Words, You aro the Melody" in a manner that is a treat to listen to. "Just Imagine" is a captivating talking production. Intending patrons aro advised to hook their scats as applications aro heavy.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Officer O'Brien," at the Paramount Theatre, deals with a young policeman. O'Brien's father had been sentenced to a long term of imprisonment, but the son gots tho sentence reduced. His intention is to try and induce his father to mako good. Circumstances arise which prevent this. Ono character in the story is ratclto, who has been arrested on a charge of murder. Tho only witness of tho crime is a young policeman named Dale. Kuth Dale, sistec of the policeman, is in love with O'Brien. Fearing that l'atello's gang will wreak vengeanco ou 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 oilier gazettes are Included in tho 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 London's night life, "Tho Song of Soho:" also Wee Georgio Wood will appear in tho hilarious English comedy, "The Black Band Gang." Both these attractions are said to be first-class entertainment.

NEW QUALITY THEATRE. The final presentation of Edmund Lowe in "Born Reckless" takes place to-night at the New Quality Theatre, Island Bay. It is a thrilling drama of America's gangland, and exposes tho methods of the merciless gang leaders. The supporting programme includes a comedy and newsreel. To-morrow's change is headed by "Painted Faces," starring Joe E. Brown.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Witli Byrci nt flic South Polo," the Paramount .all-talking picture filmed at the bottom of the world, commences at the Capitol to-night. A special matinee commences at 3.30 p.m. to-morrow. A screen song, news reel, and a comedy, and Eddie Cantor in. "Insurance," are included ia to-night's programme. "Loose Ends" and "Not So Quiet on the Western Front," a double-feature British programme, commences on Friday.