ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 76, 31 March 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

"Warm Corner," a fiaumont British picture, is showing at tho Itegcut Theatre. Leslie Honson, tho great English comedian, takes the part of Charles Corner, an Englishman of the "new rich" typo, who has bought a castle. When thu story opened lie was at a,fashionable Lido hold, while ostensibly on a business trip to the Continent. Ho was looking for trouble, and found it in lart'u measure a few days,later when a number of his Lido acquaintances turned up at his English home, mainly as tho outcome of his wife's efforts to secure a titled husband for their daughter. There was Mlnil, a Lido lady, with whom ho had figured in a teto a teto. .Pctor Pi-ice, a friend of his boyhood days, whoso weak-willed nophew was secretly married to Mlml, Toscani, a pseudo count seeking tho wealthy Miss Corner's hand. Lady Bayswater, a former barmaid, and one or two others, each with their respective axes to grind. Corner finds the path of deceit v elony one, and it s only by helping out the clever Mlmi that ho is able to extricate himself from his many difficulties.' .Thero are good supports.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Two British films are vow being shown at the Paramount Theatre. The first is an amusing story of a children's secret society, "The Black Hand Gang." The little comedian, Wee Georglc Wood, is tho chief of a number of childish friends who indulge in many pranks. The second feature, bong of Soho," is the story of a young man who, having left.the Foreign Legion, organises a successful cabaret in London. Ho falls in love, complications and a tragedy foliow, and thero Is a happy endinz. In this play the famous London actor, Carl Brisson, Is starred faeldom, indeed, docs tho theatregoer have an opportunity to enjoy : such a sparkling bit of entertainment as the Universal screen play, Boudoir Diplomat," which 'opens an engagement at the Paramount Tlieatro on 'Easter Saturday. Sophisticated and clover, its characters are mon and women of the work), and its dialogue positively scintillates. Tho scenes of "The Boudoir Diplomat" are laid. in a European kingdom, and the story deals with tho involved lore affairs of a nolbeman who is attached to an embassy in the capital city. This Baron Valmi, a philandering bachelor, is already deep, in an alfair with Helena, wife of His Ambassador," his superior in the diplomatic service. And tho unsuspecting Ambassador, as a means of Influencing an important decision of the War Minister, Instructs Valmi to lavish his customary passionate wooing on tho person of Mona, pretty young wife of the Cabinet official. A remarkable cast Interprets this highly enjoyable comedy drama. Betty Compson is seen as the stately but ardent Helene. Mary Duncan as Mona is another charming creature less Inclined to jealousy, perhaps, but surely no less ardent. Lan Keith as Valmi appears as a blase, magnetic figure, and. the affection which ho inspires in the two contending- married women is quite understandable. Box plans are available at the Bristol and at the theatre. . <.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The captivating actress Dorothy Mackaill, assisted by a capital cast which includes Joel MacCrea, John Halliday, Henry Gordon, and Ilka Chase, continues to delight large audiences at the Majestic Theatre with the excellent play "Once a Sinner," the season of which will close on Thursday night next. No pictures will be shown on Good Friday. In commenting on the aerial pictures that have been seen since the' advent of "talkies," | the picture journal "Variety," writes: "Thero i have been great aviation pictures in tho past; . but fhere never has. been one to equal "The Dawn Patrol"—tho thrilling drama of the air dealing with warfare in the clouds, in which popular Dick Bartbeimcss (star of "Son of the Gods") will open at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday morning. , The stirring play reproduces the thrilling story based on the exploits of the commander of the s!)th British Air bquadron in France, and as the hero Barthelmess is said to "show up in the finest characterisation of his successful career.' Douglas lairbauks, junior, Neil Hamilton, William Janney, James Flnlayson, Clyde Cook, Gardner James, Edmund Bredu, and Frank-M'Hugh arc other well-known people of the cast. The Auckland Herald" says of the fllm "It Is impossible to writo pt 'The Dawn Patrol' without enthusiasm. It forces one's attention, grips it and holds it, and the: memory of I the picture- jWill live long after the last scene lias flashed on the plcturo sheet, for it is a supreme aviation picture. Box plans aro at tho Bristol and also at tho theatre.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE.

Something "different" in tho'way of film drama Is offered at tha Now Princess Theatre to-day in "Common Clay," Fox movietono featuring Constance Bennett and Lew Ayros. "l ly I Marslli* Ma«y Kemp, Beryl Mercer and other screen favourites enact this unusual ■ IrK,1 rX, of a Blrl' s desperate attempts to rertTr»itirf 9 Klaor^ lf. ln clety- Tba picture was directed by Victor Fleming. In support are all-talking short subjects and "The Spell of the Circus," a new serial. .

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"Manslaughter," -at the Britannia ' Theatre, is the story of a wealthy girl, carefree, careless, and thoughtlessly selfish. When she falls la. love with the serious-minded and ambitious young district attorney, she resentg his criticism of her mode of .life. Then tragedy overtakes her madcap career, and she faces a term in prison, with the district attorney fighting against her." Her love turns to hate when she finds all her wealth and Influence; her beauty and her.wiles are-unable to save her from justice.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

"The Locked Boor," George Fitzmaurfce's United Artists production, -is the:.main • attrac-

tion at Shortt's Theatre.'i As it -was filmed with; dialogue from start to finish the director insisted that every member of- the cast ■ have a voice with good tonal qualities and a full emotional range, and the completed picture Justifies the painstaking c4re put into it, The story la about a brave young wife who finda her happiness menaced by a sociey wolf masquerading In' sheep's clothing. There are excellent supports.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

A vigorous drama of life in' a Caribbean port is unfolded in "Hell Harbour," showing at, the Grand Opera House. Lupe Velez,' the vivacious brunette fllm star, is entirely suited to the part of Anita Morgan, who claims to be descended from the famous pirate of that name, and although her environment has not had a damaging effect upon her, her father has most of the vices of a pirate with few redeeming virtues. Ho finally decides to sell Anita to Joseph Horngold, a shady dealer in pearls. The arrival of Bob Wade, an American trader, appears likely to hasten the bargain, as Horngold anticipates putting through a deal with him. Anita is far-from ready to surrender easily, however,.- and outwits her father and Horngold, and eventually persuades Wade to take her to Havana as his wife. The action is fast and furious, with sudden death 'dealt out on more than one occasion, but frequent touches of humour and the singing of native' songs prevent the effect becoming too heavy, y There are good supports. V

"BALACLAVA."

The undying memory of a glorious page In the history' of the British Army is stirred by "Balaclava," tho B.D.P. attraction coming to the Grand Opera House next Saturday. The Charge of the Light Brigade, one of those tragic errors, whichi make military history live long, is reconstructed with, a' wealth of detail and actuality only possible in a country with such traditions as England. Moreover, such a picture could not have been succesfully produced without the active co-operation of the War Office. The military authorities afforded the producers every assistance, and Maurice EWey, who; directed the picture, was able, with the troops placed at his disposal, In; the Long Valley at Aldershot, to re-enact the -stirring charge of October, 1854, a3 well as "the Thin Red Lino" episode, which was another glorious feature of the Crimean campaign. An all-star cast is headed by Cyril MacLaglen, and supporting him is petite Benita Hume, who renders a perfect characterisation as the peasant girl with whom MacLaglen falls in love.

KING'S THEATRE',

"Why Sailors Leave Home," at tho King's Theatre,-,ls an amusing story of a sailor's adventure in an Eastern port, and there is Plenty of . broad comedy. Lcsllo Fuller is the leading comedian. Tho second feature Is "The Lady from tho Sea," and is an enthralling drama of the dreaded Goodwin Sands, being adapted from tho story of tho same name by J. Grossman. Tho programme is composed of British pictures. ■

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

John M'Cormack's flrst star picture, "Song o' My Heart," is at the Kilblnile Kinemu, and ho has an excellent supporting cast. A good programme of fealurettes is also screened.

An oxcellent programme has been selected for the Easter entertainment at the Klneiua, Saturday and Monday next. ".East is West," star-

ring Lupo Volcz and 7,cwis Ayrcs, is an exotic romance with a story that is as Intriguing as it Is novel. Good supports will also be presented. Jteserves at the theatre and Bristol.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

"East is West," starring Lupe Veloz and Lewis Ayres, to bo screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night, is a story of a little Chinese girl who was purchased from a love boat and set free. ' She falls in love with her benefactor and ho with her. A kidnapping which falls in Its accomplishment leads to a surprising and happy climax. A Universal News, comedy, and cartoon will also .■:■' be shown. Seats may be reserved by telephone.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

Tho first feature at the Queen's Theatre Is ■'•'Slmba,"" the thrilling motion picture record of'the Martin Johnson African expedition. It contains many scenes enacted in jungle and veldt, and a lion hunt constitutes one of the production's highlights. The second feature Is a bright Movietone musical drama.entitled "The Big Tarty," In which the main parts are taken by Sue Carol,/ Dixie Lee, Walter Catlett, Frank Albcrtson.a1 nd "Whispering" Jack Smith.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

The first of two features to bo screened at Oiir Theatre to-night Is "Harmony At Home," starring William Collier, Snr. It Is adapted from the successful Now York stage play, "The Family Upstairs." The second fcaturo is "Temple Towct," starring Kenneth MaclCenna and Marceline Dny. It is a thrlllinc mystery talo of a great jewel robbery and its conse[quen'ces. ' ! ' ' . ■ , ■ j. ■.' • ■..

ST JAMES THEATRE.

The last three days are announced of "Just Imagine," which is still attracting.'and delighting very large audiences at the St. James Theatre. Box plans are at tho Bristol. '

Fresh from its triumphs in England, France, and America and while it is still screening in London, there will come to.the St, James Theatre on Saturday morning Metro-Goldwj'ii-JJiiyer's successful comedy, "Let Us Be Cay," an outstanding production of which the favourite aetross, Norma Shearery is;tho star, and in which she has.won her greatest screen triumph as "Kitty Brown." On'the• .Broadway legitimate stage, "Let TJs Be Gay" ran for ten months despite tho depression. On the screen Its popularity has been; even, longer sustained, Running Miss Shearer very close .for first hon-r ours In this picture is Hie one and only Marie i Dressier,, who-in the part of "Mrs. Bouclcault" presents a truly fine ', performance. The presence of two such: stars .in one picture Is not nn everyday event and, as is only to be expected, much discussion has arisen amongstadmircrs of each artists as.to which scores the bigger success. The supporting players—also peopie of real ability—include Gilbert Emery, who is credited with possessing "the best speaking voice in pictures," Hedda Hopper, Raymond Hackett, Sally Ulllors, Tyrrell Davis, and Sybil Grove. In view of the brisk demand for. seats early application for reservations at 1110 Bristol is advisable.: St. James Theatre will bo closed on Good Friday. ■ ■.-■■ " ■ • .'■ , ■

OE LUXE THEATRE.

Reginald Denny and Fifl Dorsay are featured In "Those Three Trench GlrJs," which is now playing at tho Te Luxe Theatre. This breezy farce-comedy moves with a swift and hilarious pace, and, encouraged by P. G. Wodehouso's Inimitable dialogue, tho characters seem to enJoy themselves as much as does the audience. Harry Beaumont directed the laugh riot with Denny playing tho part of a jolly young Englishman and Flfl portraying: a vivacious Parisian modiste who winds herself around his heart strings. Tho supporting subjects include a Burton Holmes travelogue, which takes the audience through Morocco; a. comedy, and the latest Metrotono News. At the organ, Mr. Paul T. Cullen plays-"The Turkish Patrol" and "Jolly Robbers" with his usual zest. I

"Tho Bis Trail," Fox Movietone production, nhich Mill open on Easier Saturday at tlio Be Luxe Theatre, is a tribute to tlio men and women who built the American West, and it is claimed that no one seeing tho film can remain unimpressed, or can subdue a feeling of admiration for the pioneers of that rich land. Raoul Walsh, who directed the picture, must bo set down as a genius.' His painstaking wori: has produced a record which should eudure in tho minds of those who see the film. Not ono of the characters fails to come up to tho highest expectations. In this department, "The Big Trail" is remarkably well balanced. Tho two principals give an extremely good performance, but by no means do they overshadow the lesser parts. The story is a simple one, in keeping with the sincerity, of tho whole picture. 'Breck Coleman, played admirably by John Wayne, has been all his life a trapper and wanderer in the unknown lands of the West. He is the respected friend of tlio Indians. He attaches himself to a colony of pilgrims, to guide them to the new lands, partly because of his Interest in Kuth Cimeron and partly because he knows that tho murderers of his friend are with the train. Kuth Cameron's part is taken with great artistry by Marguerite Churchill. El Brendel, Tully Marshall, Tyrone Power, and David Rollins also figure prominently. Box plans are now avallablo at Tlio Bristol and theatre

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"Disraeli," the picture in which Georgo Arliss, the great English actor, achieves such splendid success in tho character of England's famous Jewish Prime Minister, who, by his foresight and political genius won the Suez Canal for the Empire, is showing at tho Artcraft Theatre. It is the Incidents surrounding the acquisition of the Canal that form the basis of the picture Historically accurate In Us representations of tho life of the period, although perhaps departing from the literal truth in its presentation ot tho events leading up to the purchase of the Canal shares from the Egyptian Khedive, Ismail Pasha, tho picture is marked by perfect artlng and Arliss makes an: excellent • Beaconsfleld. It is a picturo which should always bo popular: with thoso who are proud of a notable achievement in British history.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

"Swing High" is tho main attraction at the Empire Theatre A complete circus troupe was engaged, with all tho clowns, acrobats, bareback riders, trapeze performers, wild animals, spangles, and glitter that go to make up "tho greatest show on earth." Tho supporting programino is excellent.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

The comedy extravaganza, "So Thin is London," Is screening nt the Kogal Theatre, Karon, to-night. The story deals with the, difference of opinion between the American and English people, and tho picture unfolds tho pleasant truth that we are all brothers under the skin. Tho supporting featurcttcs are excellent.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR,

"Tho Sea Bat," a drama of stark adventure and exciting battles with a terrifying monster of the South Seas, commences to-night at the Capitol. A Luurel-Hardy comedy, a news reel, and a Colourtone Revue will also be screened. "Tho Golden1 Calf," starring El Brendel, will be sUown on Saturday night.

STAR VAUDEVILLE COMPANY.

To-morrow night a performance . will be. given In the Town Hall by the Star Vaudeville Company. There will be fourteen acts, including turns by Zara, magician and illusionist; Chun Yuen Tal, lightning sketch artist; Will Bishop, humorist; Sing Kamura, Chinese foot juggler; Jack Raymond, actor-vocalist; Grade Kerr, elocutionist; Betty Holmwood, soubrette: Hazel Martin, character dancer; Collins and Cameron, vocalists; Berthold and Bent, Instrumentalists; Ashoton Harbord, pianist; Davidson and Co., tap dancers; Tom Beaver, novelty musical act.

, "MESSIAH."

The first performance of the Royal Wellington Choral Union's twenty-sixth season will be held In the Town Hall on Good Friday evening at 7.43, when Handel's "Messiah" will be performed with a chorus and orchestra of 300 performers in [ aid of the Earthquake Rolief Fund. The performance will be undor the direction of Mr. John Bishop, who,will have the assistance of the Philharmonic Orchestra aswell as tho grand organ. ' The soloists will be as follows:—Soprano,,Miss Christina Ormiston; contralto. Miss Mlna Caldow; tenor, Mr. Edwin Dennis: and baritone, Mr. Ernost Short. His Excellency the 'Governor-General and Lady Blccilsloe have signified their intention of being present, as well as the Mayor and Mrs. Troup. A rehearsal will be bold at St. John's at 8 o'clock to-night, and the final at the Town Hall on Thursday, also at 8. o'clock. The box plan can bo Inspected at tho Bristol, where 2s seats can bo reserved without extra charge.