ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 77, 1 April 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

"Warm Corner," a Gaumont British picture, is showing at the Regent Theatre. Leslie Henson, the great English, comedian, takes the part of Charles Corner, an Englishman of the "new rich" type, who has bought a castle. When the story opened he was at a fashionable Lido hotel, while ostensibly on a business trip to the Contihent. He wa3 looking for trouble, and found it 'hi large measure a few days later when a number of his Lido acquaintances turned up at his fcnglish home, mainly as the outcome of his wife s efforts to secure a titled husband for their daughter. There was Mimi, a IJdo lady, with whom he had figured in a tete a tete. Peter Price, a friend of his boyhood days, whose weak-willed nephew ' was secretly- married to Mlmi, Toscani, a pseudo count seeking the 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. a stony one, and it is only, by helping out the clever Mimi that he is able to extricate himself from his many difficulties. There are good supports., "HALF SHOT AT SUNRISE." The bounding nit-wlts of "The Cuckoos" are at it again. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, equipped with a set of brand new gags and tearing around at a wilder pace than ever before, will be seen in their latest feature comedy' howl, "Half Shot at Sunrise," starting on Saturday at the Hegent Theatre. This favourite fun team of the talkies is_ said to surpass all previous achievements in "Half Shot."« Wheeler and Woolsey are seen as doughboys .A.W.O.L. In Paris, where they experience the most hilarious of events. Their comic antics are hailed as even more amusing than in their previous successes, "Hio Hita," "Dixlana," and "The Cuckoos." The new wartime comedy brings an unusually flue cast in support of the stars. Dorothy Lee, diminutive comedienne, again cuts capers with Wheeler and Woolsey.. Hugh Trevor and Bob-; erta Robinson V^irry the romantic theme. Lent Stengel and Edna Slay Oliver are seen In. comedy roles. Paul Sloane, who directed "The Cuckoos," again handled the megaphone for Wheeler arid Woolsey in "Half Shot." The production has,been made on a lavish scale. Although the comedy predominates throughout tho show, a tender romance has been woven into the story. Grand scale scenic effects form a brilliant background for the picture.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

Two British films are now 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 Georgle Wood, is the chief of a number of childish friends who indulge in many pranks. The second feature, "Song of Soho," is the story of a young man who, having left the.Foreign Legion, 'organises a successful cabaret In London. He falls In love, complications and a tragedy follow, and there is a happy ending. In this play the famous London actor, Carl Brisson, is starred. Seldom, indeed, does the theatregoer have an opportunity to enjoy such a sparkling bit of entertainment 'as tho Universal screen play, "Boudoir Diplomat," which opens-an engagement at the Paramount Theatre on Easier Saturday. Sophisticated and clever, ita characters are men and women of the world, and its dialogue positively scintillates. The scenes .of "The Boudoir Diplomat" are laid in a European kingdom, and the story deals with the involved love affairs of a: nolbeman who is attached to an embassy in the capital city. This Baron Valml, a philandering bachelor, is already deep in an affair with Helene, wife of the Ambassador, his superior in the diplomatic service.; And the unsuspecting Ambassador, as a means of influencing an important decision of the War Minister, instructs Valmi to lavish his customary passionate wooing on the person of Mona,. pretty young wife of the Cabinet official. A. remarkable cast interprets this highly enjoyable comedy drama. Betty Compson is seen as tho 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 Valnii appears as a. blase, magnetic figure, and the affection which he inspires in the two contending married women is quite understandable. Box plans are available at the Bristol and at the theatre

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE,

.Something "different" in the way of film drama .'is offered at the New Princess Theatre to-day in' "Common Clay," Fox movietone featuring Constance Bennett and Lew Ayrei. Tully Marshall, Matty Kemp, Beryl Mercer, and other screen favourites enact this unusual story of a girl'B' desperate . attempts to rehabilitate herself in society. The 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 in love with the serious-minded and ambitious young district attorney, she resents 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,

VThe Locked Door," George Fitzmaurlce'a United1 Artists production, is the main attraction at Shortt's > Theatre. As it, was filmed with dialogue from start to finish the director insisted that every • member of the cast havo a voice with good tonal qualities and a full emotional range, and the completed picture justifies the painstaking care put. into it. The story is about a brave young wife who finds her happiness menaced by a socley 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. Lupo Velez, the vivacious brunette film 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. He 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, buf frequent touches of humour and the singing of native songs prevent the effect becoming too heavy. There are good supports. .'. ' ' "BALACLAVA." . "Balaclava," the great British film which opens at the Grand Opera House on Saturday, does not entirely rely upon the masterly reconstruction of the Charge of the Light Brigade for its entertainment. That feature, is, of course, the high light of the production, but a pleasing romance leads, right up to the historic charge. It is an Interesting fact that the two opposing forces seen in the film represent the Ist King's Dragoon Guards, the 14-20 th Hussars, the Ist Field Squadron, Royal Engineers, the Royal Engineers Mounted Depot, and Hoyal Horse Artillery. All these troops were lent for the film by the courtesy of the War Office, who also lent Captain OakesJones, J1.8.E., to direct the very fine military scenes. "Beiilta Hume plays a stellar, role, and rides a white charger, which," on account of its tameness 'and amiability, was especially selected for her. Otf the last day of the production, while jumping a fence, it was lamed. The only other white horse available was an army drum horse of over' seventeen hands. Followed by. cameras In a car, Miss Hume and Cyril MacLaglen, the hero, -galloped along a copse, wheeled; and galloped " back. Terrified by the shouting, the big horse took the bit between his teeth and bolted, taking a water jump and making toward a very deep pit. The car attempted to head the animal off, but could not turn In time. Miss Hume held on tight and waited. Cyril MacLaglen galloped after the bolting horse, caught the bridle, and wrenched the horse to-a standstill' within a few feet of disaster.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Why Sailors Leave Home," at the King's Theatre,-is an amusing story of a sailors adventure in an Eastern port, and there is plenty of broad comedy. Leslie Fuller is the leading comedian. The second feature is "The Lady from the Sea," and is an enthralling drama of the' dreaded Goodwin Sands, being adapted from the story of the same name by J. Grossman. The programme is composed of British pictures. . . "The Grand Parade" will commence on Easter Saturday at the King's Theatre. The story deals with a minstrel singer who Is constantly his craving for drink. He falls In lave wlh. a beautiful wanton,.. who encourages his weakness until he finds himself In the gutter. Then a slavey comes to care for him and makes a man of him. . This accomplished, tho other woman again appears, and to save himself the minstrel marries the slavey. But blow after blow strikes the adoring wife, until finally—well, there comes an amazing climax. Back, of the tense action of the music there is the verve and merriment of the minstrel show—played at a tempo which accentuates the drama until the climax Is reached. A great cast of singers and actors with artual minstrel experience was assembled. The leading roles are Oiled by players whose youth and ?ood looks are complemented with broad expcrlenco and highly trained voices.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

The first feature at the Queen's Theatre Is "Simba," 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 Party," in which the main parts are, taken by Sue Carol, Dixie Lee, Walter .Catlett, Frank Albertson.a nd "Whispering" Jack Smith.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

Showing to-night at Our Theatre is "TrailIng Trouble,'' a Universal production, starring Hoot Gibson. In this all-talking Western, Hoot vl&£ the part of a cowboy who takes a shipment of horses to Kansas City, where a gang of crooks tries to rob him of the proceeds of the gatei Sfeer^. ap ezcellenij sune} gup> JJOT{JLj( _,_^ —^~— '- —Jeii uJ _j —i. -^ _■

MAJESTIC THEATRE

■A' really capital entertainment awaits everybody, at tho Majestic Theatre, where Dorothy Mackaill in the flue comedy drama "Once a Slnuer," and an' Unusually fine set of first part subjects may be seen up to and inclusive of to-morrow evening. The special Easter holiday attraction at the Majestic Theatre will be Dick Barihelmoss, tlio popular star of "Son of tho Gods," in his latest conspicuous success, "Tho Dawn Patrol," a tremendous picture of aerial warfare that Is heralded as being in a class of Its own. The special reviewer' for "Photoplay" writes of it as follows: " 'The Dawn 'Patrol' stands apart as a drama of war in the air. For thrills, triumphs, and t>j sweep of sheer reality, this picture seems to vine to bo without a peer. Dick Barthelmess. is magnificent as the British hero, and a great cast supports him in a great story. Such names as Douglas Fairbanks, jun., Nell Hamilton, Clyde Cook, .Gardner James, and. Frank M'Hugh speak for themselves. It is an all-masculine cast, and tlie plot is a story filled with the iron . quality of masculinity that exerts an irresistible power over the spectator. Hero at- last Is the real thingHere Is the war as it was actually fought in Franco in those desperate years which saw the sacrifice of so many brave young lives. Photographically 'The Dawn , Patrol' sets a new standard, far in advance, of anything hitherto attempted." Box plans are at The Bristol, and also at the theatre.

The last two days of "Just Imagine," the quaint and clever comedy, are announced, as the picture must be withdrawn on Thursday evening to make room for tho special Easter holiday attraction. Norma Shearer's latest and greatest success, "Let Us Be Gay," will be the special Easter holiday attraction at the St. James Theatre. It will, open at the early matinee on Saturday morning next, and the brisk demand for reserved seats that has already set in at. the Bristol indicates that intending patrons would be well advised to book without undue delay. Us Be Gay" bears the reputation of being "certainly the very best talking comedy drama that has so far come to the screen in 1931, and in it Norma Shearer scores a conspicuous triumph." Apparently Miss Shearer is not the oniy one to achieve' signal success. in the picture, for it Is conceded on all sides that everybody's favourite - character comedienne, Marie Dressier, runs her very close for, first honours. Yet again there are other, very fine performances by members of a cast which the producers claim to be "the strongest anting combination ever assembled in one . talking film." Included amongst the players are Kod La Rocque, Gilbert Emery,'Hedda Hopper,. Raymond Hackett, Sally Eillers, Tyrrell Davis, Wilfred Noy, • William O'Brien, and Sybil Grove, who all appear under tho, skilled direction of Robert 55. Leonard. Early box plans are at the Bristol, where seats may bo reserved without booking fee. 9E LUXE THEATRE. Reginald Denny and Fifl Dorsay are featured in "Those Three French Girls," which Is now playing at the De Luxe Theatre.- This breezy farce-comedy moves with a swift and hilarious pace, and, encouraged by P. G. Wodehouse's inimitable dialogue, the characters seem to enjoy themselves a,s much as, does the * audience. The supporting subjects . include a Burton Holmes travelogue, which takes the audience through Morocco; a comedy, and the latest Metrotone News;. At the organ, Mr. Paul T. Cullen plays "The Turkish Patrol" and "Jolly Bobbers" with his usual zest.. "The . Big Trail," Fox Movietone ■ production, which will open on Easter Saturday at the De Luxe Theatre, is a tribute to the men and women who built the American West, and it is claimed that no one seemg the Him can remain unimpressed, or. can subdue a feeling of admiration for the pioneers of that rich land. Raoul Walsh, who directed the picture, must be. set down as a geniU3. His painstaking work has produced a record which should endure in the mlnda of. those who see the film. Not one o£ the characters fails to come up to the highest expectations. In this department, "The Big Trail" is remarkably well balanced. The 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 the 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 la the respected friend of the Indians. He attaches himself to a colony of pilgrims, to guide them to the new lands, partly because of his interest in-Ruth Cameron and partly because he- knows that the murderers of his friend are with the train. Ruth Cameron's part Is taken with great artistry by Marguerite Churchill. El Brendel, Tully Marshall, Tyrone Power, and .David Rollins also figure prominently. Bos plans are now available at The Bristol and theatre. '

ST. JAMES THEATKE.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"Disraeli," the picture in which George Ailiss, the great English actor, achieves such splendid success In the 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 the Artcraft Theatre. The picture is, marked by perfect acting and Arllss makes an excellent Beaconsfield.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

Lupe Velez, the feminine lure of many screen hits, will be seen in "East.is West," at the Regal Theatre to-night. She. is adorable in the role of Ming Hoy, who Is sold to the owner of a notorious "love boat." Lewis Ayres, the boy of "All Quiet on the Western Front" fame, makes his debut as a romantic star, as Bily Benson, an American boy, who falls in love with Ming Toy. Edward G. Robinson, ono of the most famous stage players, is cast as the menacing Charlie , Fong, halfcaste Chinese ruler of 'Frisco , underworld. The supports are high class. There will be no performance on Friday, and the programme on Saturday will be "On the Level." "Common Clay" will bo shown on Monday and Tuesday.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"The Runaway Bride" will be the main attraction at the Empire Theatre to-night. Accused of a sensational jewel robbery;on her wedding evo a young girl runs ■ away and secures employment as a cook for a'wealthy young bachelor. The romance that develops is enlivened by situation of rousing drama and clever comedy. The stars are Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes. . The supporting picture is "The Fall Guy," with Jack Mulha.ll heading a large cast. The story centres round the activities of a bootlegging gang. There will be no pictures screened on Good Friday. Easter Saturday's programme Is headed by "Good Intentions."

"MESSIAH."

On Good Friday evening at 7.45 at the Town Hall tho public will have an opportunity of hearing the Royal Wellington. Choral Union, assisted by the Philharmonic Orchestra, in Handel's famous oratorio, "Messiah." The performance will be under the conductorship of Mr. John Bishop, who will have a chorus and orchestra of 300 performers, under his baton. The soloists engaged for tho oratorio are:— Soprano. Miss Christina Qrmiston; contralto, Miss Mina Caldow; tenor, Mr. Edwin Dennis; and baritone, Mr. Ernest Short.." The net proceeds will be devoted to the Earthquake Relief Fund. The box plan can be inspected at the Bristol, where 2s seats can be reserved, as well as day sale tickets obtained. The final rehearsal will take place at the Town Hall at 8 to-morrow (Thursday). His Excellency the Governor-General and lady Bledlsloe have signified their intention of being present on Good Friday evening.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

Kuth Chatterton, the famous star of "Charming Sinners," "The Laughing Lady," and "Sarah and Son," creates one of the most interesting roles of her career In Faramouufs all-talking dramatisation of the well-known Gouverneur Morris story, "The Better ■ Wife." which opens to-night at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Portraying the role of, Pansy Gray, who married ■ a socially prominent, brilliant attorney, and then fights desperately to be vjorhy of his love. Miss Chatterton rises to superb heights. Supporting' films are excellent.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"The 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 Laurel-Hardy comedy, a news reel, and a Colourtone Revue will also be screened. "The Golden' Calf," starring El Brendel, will be shown on Saturday night.