ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 78, 2 April 1931, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

BEGENT THEATRE. "Warm Corner," a Gaumont British picture, will be shown finally at tho Rogont Thcfttro to-night. "HALF SHOT AT SUNRISE.'" Tha bounding nlt-wit3 of "Tho Cuckoos" aro at it again. Bert Wheeler and Kobert Woolsey, equipped with a set of brand new gags and toarlng around at a wilder pace than ever before, will be aecn in tholr latest feature .comedy howl, "Half Shot at Sunrise," starting on Saturday at tho Regent Thcatro. This favourite fun team of the talkies is aai<! to surpass all previous achievements in "Half Shot." Wheeler and Woolsey aro aecn as doughboys A.W.O.L. in Paris, whoro they experlonco tho most hilarious of events. Their comic antics are hailed, as oven more amusing than, in their previous successes, "Bio Rita,' "Dixian.i," and "Tho Cuckoo 3." The now war- ' tlmo comedy brings an unusually fine cist in support of the stars. Dorothy Lee, diminutive comodlcnno, ngain , cuts capers with Wheeler and Woolsey. Hugh Trevor and Roberta Robinson tfirry tho romantic theme. Lent Stengel and Edna May Oliver aro seen in comedy rolos. Paul Sloane, who directed "Tho Cuckoos," again handled tho megaphone for Wheeler and Woolsey in "Half Shot." Tlio production has been made'on a lavish scale, Although the comedy predominates throughout the show, a tender romance has been woven, into the story. Grand scalo scenic effects form a brilliant background for tho picture. The songs, five rollicking ones, were written by Harry Tlerney, with lyrics by Anno Caldwell. The settings aro tho most elaborate over seen in a production of this type, including an'entire Parisian snuare and gigantic vistas ■ of No-Man's Land. Dance numbers, ottering sensational precision routines, aro by tho Tiller Sunshine Girls, brought from London for the picture. Dorothy Lee plays opposite Wheeler, while Loni Stengol and Woolsey comprise a new and laughable screen couple. Romantic interest is furnished by Hugh Trevor and Roberta Robinson. Paul Sloane, who made "The Cuckoos," directed..

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"The Black Hand Gang" and "Song of Soho" will be shown finally at the Paramount Theatre to-night. Tlia fray affairs of a master lover arc depicted in "The Moudoir Diplomat," tlio Universal special production with an all-star cast, which will commence showing at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday next. The roster of players includes Betty 'Compson, lan Keith, Mary Duncan, Lawrence Grant, Jeanette Loff 2 Lionel Bulmore, and Andro Boranger, together with a large number of minor players. Tho story of "Tha Boudoir Diplomat" deals with the adventures of a gay bachelor in the Europona diplomatic service—a man who specialises in other men's wives until he finally secures one of his own. Betty Compson and Jfary Duncan are the wives in question, while ihe'role of the philandering bachelor is played hy lan Keith. Jeanotte Loff is seen as tho true lore to whom ho finally loses his heart. Tho maze of intrigue surrounding the love adventures of tho diplomat provides many deliuhtful thrilling situations, In assembling theplayers for the. picture, tho producer has obtained ft oast of true all-star proportions. Betty Compson is one of the most sought-after players of the talkies, with a- long list of successes to her credit. Lan Keith, who was a celebrated stage star boforo eoing to the scrocn, has scored notably in the talking pictures, and is rocarded as the Ideal nhoico for tho rolo of the say Baron Ynlmi.. Mary Duncan, noted beauty of the stage has added greatly to her star success by her- work in pictures. Box plans are at Tho Bristol and tho theatre.

HEW PRINCESS THEATRE,

Something "different" In tho way nf film drama Is offered at the Now Princess Theatre to-day In "Common Clay," Fox movlotono featuring Constance Bennett and Low Ayrcs. Tully Marshall, Matty Kemp, Beryl Mercer, and other screen favourites enact this unusual story of a girl's desperate attempts to rohabilitato hdrsolf in sodoty. Tho picture was directed by Victor Fleming. In support are all-talking short subjects and "Tho Spell of tho Circus," a.new aerial. .

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"Manslaughter" will be shown filially at' the, Britannia Theatre to-night. "Tho Return of I"v Mannhu" will screen at the Britannia Thenlro on Saturday. For the benefit of thoso who might have thought Dr. Fu Manchu a dead - one'after taking the poison - in "The Mysterious Dr. Fu. Manchu," it must be explained, that the scheming/doctor is a crafty Oriental; and that ho is a hard man to "tell off." Audiences may have thought ho killed himself in the first picture, but thoso who ace tlie second ono will learn that no such self-inflicted penalty took place', and they will Jearn why. . ..

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

"The Locked- Door," George' Fitzmaurico's United Artls(s production, is tho. main attraction at Shortt's Theatre. As it was filmed with • .dialogue- from start to. finish the director insisted that every member of tho cast have- a voice with good tonal qualities and a lull emotional range, and tho completed .picture Justifies'.tho painstaking care put Into it. The dtory is about a brave young wife.-who finds her happiness menaced iiv a sociey''Wolf masquerading In sheep's clothing. Tflcro aro escollent supports. ■ GRAND OPERA-HOUSE. '•Hell Harbour" .will be shown finally at the Grand Opera House to-night. "BALACLAVA." "Balaclava," tho great British film which opeus at the Grand Opera House on Saturday, does not entirely rely upon the masterly reconstruction" of tho' Charge of tho Light Brigade for its ontortainmont. That feature is, of course, the Ugh light of tho 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 tho Ist King's Dragoon Guards, the 14-20 th Hussars, the Ist Tiold Squadron, Eoyal Engineers,' tho Royal 'Engineers Mounted Depot, and Koyal Horso Artillery. All those troops woro.lenf.for the film by the courtesy of the W.ir Office, who also lent Captain OakesJones, M.8.X.. to direct tho very due military scenes. Benlta Bunio plays a stellar role, and rides a whlto charger, which, on account of its lameness and amiability, was especially selected, for her. On tho last day of the production, while jumping a fence, it was lamed. The only other white horso available was an army drum horse of over seventeen hands. Followed by cameras in a car. Miss Hume and Cyril JUacLaßl.en,. tho .horo,, galloped, alpng a copse,; wheeled and galloped back. Terrified : by tlje-shoutfnu." the. big horse took tho bit between'-'-his'teeth and' bolted, takihg a wator, jump irrid -making- toward a very Vleeii- pit. The car attempted to head tho animal, off, but could .'not turn- in time. Miss Hume hold on tight tad- waited. Cyril' MaeLaglen galloped after the bolting' horse, caught the. bridle, and wrenc-ficd fbo; Hor.se . to., a' standstill- vvlthin a few foot of disaster. ' '.• ■ ■ \<.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Why""Sailors' Iseavc Home" will be . shown finally' at-the Kink's Theatre to-night. ' 'i The- story of , "The Grand Parade,'" which opens at:tbo Sink's Tueatro .oil Saturday, is real and vital. H deals with, a minstrel sinW who-la'" constantly fighting his craving for drink'1'- He falls lii,lovo with a-boirutiful waninn, , who 'encourages his- weakness , until he finds hlnl^elf In the - gutter. Then: a slavey comes-to, Caro 'for him and makes a man of. him. ..This- 'acconiipHslyjd, the other woman again ; appears, and to save himself' the minstrel marries the slavey.

blirt THEATRE, NEWTOWN

Sliowins- (o-(iiglit at-Our Theatre is "Trailin" Trouble " a 'Universal production, starring HiTot Gibson. In this all-talking Western. Hoot plays the part of a cowboy who takes a shipment *of horses to-Kansas City; ■ wher<s a Earn: of crooks, tries- to rob him of the proceeds of the' sale. There are, excellent sund supports '.. :'. , , ','

SEASIDE PICTURES', LYALU BAY.

"Our. Blushing Brides,". Starring Joan Crawford, Anita Pago, and 35obert Montgomery, will be screened at'tho Seaside .Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night. - Introduced into tho story is n, parade of mannequins wearing tho latest creations ranging :from sports clothes and bathing suits to tho sheerest lingerie and evening frocks. A Metrotone News and a Charlie Ohaso Comely will also be screened. Seats may be reserved hy telephone. On Saturday John M Cormack. In" "Song o1 My Heart," will be screened.

NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

The final presentation of "Loose Jinds and "Not So Quiet, on tho Wostern Kroi)t" will take • place to-night at the New Quality Theatre, i. Island Bay. The theatre will be closed toI morrow, but on Saturday a fine programme i headed by "Sweetie-" ' (Nancy Carroll, Jack I. Oakie, and William Austin) will be shown. | Holiday matinees will take place on Saturday, ; Monday, and Tuesday.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE,

"Disraeli," tho plcturo in which Georac Arliss,- tho great English actor, achieves such splendid success in-tho character of England's famous Jewish Frimo Minister, who, by his foresight and political genius won the Suez Canal for tho Empire, is-showing at tho-Art-craft Theatre. The picture is marked by perfect a-ctinp and Arliss makes an excellent Beaconsfleld.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

I.UDB Velez will be scon in "East is West" at the Bcgal Thoatre to-night. She is adoralile In the rola of Ming Hoy, who is sold to the owner of a notorious "love boat." Lewis Ayres mates his debut aa a romantic star, as Billy Benson, an American boy, who falls in 'love with Ming Toy. Thcro will bo no performance on Friday, and the programme on Saturday will be "On the Level."

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"The Jtunaway IJrido" is shmvinx at tlie Kmpire Theatre. Accused of a sensational jewel robbery on her wedding eve, a .voting jjirl rims away and secures employment as n cook. The romance that develops is 011----lWenoil by situation of rousinK drama and clurer comedy. Tho stars aro Mary Astor and Lloyd Hushes. The supporting picture is "The Fall Guy," with Jack Mulhall headintc a iargp cast. There will ho no pictures on Good Friday. Enstor Saturday's programme la headed hy "Good Intentions."

DE LUXE THEATRE. "Thoso Three French Girls" will be shown finally at the Do Luxe Theatre to-night. A gigantic, wagon train has assembled on tho banks of the old Missouri. Ruth Cameron, her brother Dave, and baby sister, "Honoy Girl," join tho caravan of folks from ovcrywliero which starts westward in search of new homos, Breck Coleman, who scouts tho expedition, seeks the murderer of a. trapper friend. Ho suspects "lied" Flack, bullwhaekliig leader. Wayne meets and falls In lovo with Ruth, but she gives him no attention. Meanwhile, tho pioneers fnco many obstacles along tha trail; troachorous mud holes, arid deserts, maddened buffalo, and hostile Indians. Still they march triumphantly on. Brock is mtmy times placed in a position to prove his true worth to Ruth, and gradually wins lice love as the great train pushes on towards tho sotting sun. J'iaek and his accomplice, Lopez, attempt to get rid of Brock, but Zeke, n kindly whimsical fur trapper, provos himself it friend in need to tho scout. Tho pioneers reach a yawning chasm and have ti> lower humans, animals, and wagons over tho clln*. Next they have to ford a 'raging torrent, nud then lose their way in a. great blizzard; but finally the long sought Paradiso looms ahead —a new land, tho end of tho trail. "Tlio Big Trait" will be the Easter attraction at tho l)e Luxe Thoatrc, commencing next Saturday at the matlneo at 2.30 p.m.

. ST. JAMES THEATRE.

"Just Tmaglno" finishes to-night at the St. James Thoatrc. The management states that nover in the picture history of St. James, Theatro hits such hetLvy preliminary booking at The Bristol been seen as that now accorded to "Let Us bo Gay," tho big special Easter, attraction which Sir Benjamin and John Fuller will introduce for tho first tlmo to their Wellington patrons on Saturday next. Popular Nornm Shearer, whoso work in "The Last of Mrs. Chancy" was held in such esteem, is said to overshadow that performance In "Let Us bo Gay," while the comedy itself is heralded as "something which sets a new standard—an outstanding comedy indeed." It has established itself already in England, America, and Australia, and it; had a most successful run of three consecutive weeks at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Chrlstchurch. Apart from Miss Sheoror, there Is another favourito player in tho cast — tho one and only Marie Dressier, who has a part in "Mrs. Boucicault" which gives her full scope for the display of her great talents and she uses the opportunity to such advantage that critics agree that she runs Normn Shearer close for first honours. Other well-known artists who help to make "Let Us bo Gay" a good performance are Gilbert Emery, Raymond Hackett, .Hedda Hopper, Sally Ellers, Tyrrell Davis, Wilfred Noy, William O'Brien, and Sybil Grove. Robert Z. Leonard was director and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer producers. Box plans are at Tho Bristol to-day, but owing to the holidays the plans will bo shifted. to and bo available at the theatre from 9,30 on Saturday and Monday mornings. Early application for seats is advisable.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"Once a Sinner" "will bo shown finally at the Majestic Theatre to-night. A special late shoppers' session will be hold to-day from 5 to 7 p.m. "The Dawn Patrol," tho special Easter attraction at the Majestic Theatre, commences its Wellington season on Saturday morning at 11 o'clock. It is proclaimed to be "the best drama dealing with war in tho air that has yet been made in motion pictures." It claims to be more than an nlr picture—it is a living document reproducing the cxplolnts of tho ■British boys- of the 59th Air Squadron in. France. Dick Barthelmess, who made such a hit in "Son of tha Gods,"-plays'the role of a ■young British daredovll with such fine effect that critics refer to bis performance as "far in advance of anything of tho sort presented by any other actor." Douglas Fairbanks, Jnr,, and Neil Hamilton as.llls "buddies," have also won high' pralso for, outstanding performances. William Janney, James Finlayson, Clyde Cook, Gardner James, Edmund Brebn, and J?rank Me Hugh are other members of one of the biggest casts over assembled in a picture. Photographically, "The Dawn Patrol" Is said to set a standard far in advance of anything •hitherto attempted, It'is' stated'that this is also true of the sound effects. For the first timo on the screen an audience can see and hear battle in tha clouds authentically reproduced. Box plans aro at Tho Bristol to-day, but on Saturday and Monday they will be availablie- only at tho theatre.

CAPITOU THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Tho Sea Bat" win navo us lasi scroemu« at the Capitol to-night. Special programmes have been arranged for tho -Easter holidays. Victor Maciaglen, ,in "Strong Boy," can be seen at the Saturday matinee. This is an excellent action 'drama. "The Golden Calf," starring El Brendel, the new .talkie comedian, will be shown .on Saturday night. Excellent supports, including a news reel and a comedy, aro included in the programme. "The Air Circus/ a gripping silent drama, will be shown at tho matinee on Monday, and "Temple Tower," a new drama of Bulldog Drummond, will bo screened at night. Reservations are obtainable at tho theatre. ■ -

QUEEN'S THEATRE

"Simba" and "The Big Party" are showing at the Queen's Theatre. . ' ... Commencing a popular return season at the Queen's Theatre on Easter Saturday at the matlrieo at 2.30, and thereafter nightly at 8 o'clock, will be the outstanding British aldlalogue mystery thriller, "Enter Sir John." This gripping,' well-acted story is packed with, action and incident from start to finish. Herbert Marshall, Norah Baring, Esme Percy, Donald Calthrop, and Phyllis Konstain head an imposing cast. • There' is an excellent list of supporting audio featurettcs.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA-,

Ruth Chatterton creates one of the most interesting roles of her career in "The Bettor Wife," showing at tha Kilbirnio Klncma. Portraying the role of Pansy Gray, who married a socially prominent, brilliant attorney, and then flehts desperately to be worthy of his love. Miss Chatterton rises to superb heights. Supporting films flro excellent. "East is West," starring Lupe "Volez and Lewis Ayres, commences at the matinee on Saturday at tho Kineroa. Tho story of this picture la as alluring as it is original. Reserves arc now obtainable at the theatre and The Bristol.