ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

f> ••THE FIRST MRS. FRASEffc1 * ■IRsctfmlnaUng critics In London maintain that-St. John Ervine,; author, of "The First Mrs. Fraser," which is to be staged here by X C. Williamson,. Ltd., at tho Grand' Opera Houso, commencing Saturday, 27tli June, Is one of tho few outstanding playwrights of our iime, but ho had to wait a long time lor anything like a proper recognition of his work as H dramatist. St. John Ervlne has now turned from tragedy to the. drawing-room typo of comedy, and in "Tho First Mrs.. Eraser" he Jias based his sfory on character and genuine human feeling. Playgoers arc looking forward keenly to tho reappearance of Miss Ethel Morrison, tho brilliant and .charming New Zealand actress, and sho is likely to be received with enthusiasm when she makes her appearance here in tho title rolo of Hrvine's comedy. Interest will also be centred in the reappearance of J. Ji. Howe, who made himself popular when he last toured New Zealand!'as a 'lending man with Miss Ireno Vnnbrugb... Another artist well known to local playgoers is Miss' Mary Macgrefio;', who is regarded as one of Australia's finest actresses. Leslie Victor Is. said to bo as his best in the-part of Philip .Logan in "The First Mrs. Frnser." "The First Mrs. j'rasor," "Let Us Bo Gay," and "Hay Fever," j?oel Coward's famous English comedy, will be tho plays which tho company will stage, at the Grand Opera House. . , .' > REGENT THEATRE. Vor those who can put themselves in the places of tho lovers In "Morocco,"", at . the Regent, and, guided by tlio eloquent rcsorvaliora which stress the strength of their... illfated love, realise the poignant moments that attend their renunciations, the Him will have a powerful appeal, but there is \riothing. conventional about tho play, and those who expoct a 1 gaudy pageant of the East, with burning sands and lurid sunsets, with the usual heart-on-the-sleeve American ■ sentiment will be disappointed. Gary Cooper, in'an emotional role, comes as a. surprise, but the" role'is unusual. Tom Brown, with a past which is a secret oven from his fellow Legionnaires in the regiment which is at once the cesspool of dissipation, the home of-coinage,-and the gravo of> reputations, lives the lifo of his fellows, a gay 3ad with the 'girls,, successful enough in gallantries to have become a Tegimcntai^proverb, and with a thirst that has Insomnia. Women mean little to him. They come without asking, even the leaders of the cosmopolitan society of headquarters. So little do they mean that life Is a thirsty blank, and even his thirst is a traitor to his desire to forget the past.. Across. tho. strait the. ferry brings another with v past which "will not Ho buried, equally untold and unguossod, Amy Jolly, a vaudevillo artiste on the voyage known to tho ship's officers as the "suicide- trip," because the girls come tack. ' A view of the audloncc, neurotic and evil.-comprised of every breed from the Levant to Asia, with the iicum of Africa thrown In, helps to a realisation of the seamen's grim quip, but* is Ihere that the .penniless soldier and the woman of tho Lost Legion of Women meet and at onco love. Adolplie Menjou has tho part o fthe id!e painter,.rich to boredoora, who i\io loves Amy, and wishes to; marry her. JlecTtlass, too wise, with a biting humour and a manner that hints of and- yet i disguises a very different past, Marlono Dietrich holdsi he 'attention fast, and so does Gary Cooper's solution of how to Play the game. The gazettes are good. . "The Pest" is a comedy and there is s, very novel cartoon. « PARAMOUNT THEATRE. \ "East Lynne," which is now in Its second week at thoParamount -Theatre, is one of the few pictures which genuinely deserve superlatives. The novel created a furore when it was published seventy years ago, and the play which followed a few years later gained a place in the hearts and affections; of. all classes, which It has held until the present time. The talltio:verslon, which is a product of. tho Fox Studios'?'is done in a manner which brings the stow:lnto: line with modern thought and feel? lnr*6nt'no serious alteration to the beauty and pathos of,.the original theme is involved. Ann Harding presents a character which has become part of stage history, and her performance of a difficult role is-above criticism. A number of celebrated English and American actors make np the flue cast, including Conrad Nagcl as tarlyle, the-righteous husband, Clivo Brookes Levison','lhe infatuated lover; Cecilia Loftiis xc. Cornelia, and Beryl Mercer as Joyce, the faithful 'Btirsd. All these have made their mark, and their work causes the picture to live and pulsate with emotion. There are several fine pictures In support, the features of which are som<S' ciciting incidents in the last Camhrldge and .Oxford boat race, a point-to-point steeplechase, and a delightful scenic offering.

' ■ ••': KING'S THEATRE. .fn '"Tho Right -to Love," ■at the King's Theatre, Miss Chatterton plays three roles. At first, -she "is., seen as Naomi Kellogg, a young imaginative *. girl, to whom a brief, intense love brings a life of sorrow. J,ater, she plays Naomi Evans, tho old and disillusioned wife of a man sho has never loved. And finally, she is cast as Brook Evans, Naomi s impulsive, romantic daughter, who, like^hei: mother, years : before, seeks the loVe which will make her life full and complete. In these contrasted roles, Miss Chalterton does the finest work of her career. Incidentally, ,','Tho Bight to Love" was recorded by a new sound process, which engineers have pronouncod the most perfect recording device known to the in-., dustry. ■ :• :. . ''-. , .--'Vj W'~Mi -SHORTT'S THEATRE., k .•-'■;.;.. -}"■■••> "Tho Broadwiiy Hoofer,", starring ;Marie': Saxon.'Jaick Egan, and Louise' Sazenda,' ia.be-. ing shown 'at Shortt's Theatre. .It is 'full.of; laughs. The other feature is "Mexicala -Boae,, -i in which Sam Hardy and Barbara StanwicK take the leading parts. This is a stirring picture, ' "■;•, ' • . ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Llghnln1," starring Will Rogers, is heing tehown at the Artcraft Theatre. ; Adapted from John Golden's most successful i stago play, "Llghtnin"' has. plenty, of laughs and stirring (drainn, combined with1 sparkling interpolaUons By tho ihtorna'tlonaliy famous svii.and humorfst who,- gives the'low-down and insldo, on Beno and-divorce. • Louise Dresser heads-tho supporting cast, which Includes such notables as Helen Cohan, youngest daughter of George M. Cohan, Joel M'Crea, J.-M. Kerrigan, Sharon liynn, Jason Bobnrds, and Joyce' Compton, '\a addition to a score of georgeonsly gowned Blrorcces. . - ; . f- BRITANNIATHEATRE. ■ ■ "Feet Tlrst',"1 starring Harold Lloyd,:is being shown attthe Britannia Theatre...! His ambiiious social climb carries him to. the: ;top of all nnflfiished. skygcrapcr, projects _him from a sky-lofty window, makes, him a "stowaway'on an ocean-goinK.-Uner, and, generally, .prpvides him with enpugb. ,dare-devil comedy r situations,' to .keep young and old laughing cqntinuo'usly.3urijig the,;prpgress:;Of the story,- Thoreare ex- ' ceUent strpports. .. •:. ■ , ::: -. .

~,;'; QUEEN'S,THEATRE, ; ' ' "The 'Spy" opens its Wellington season to- . night at' tho.. Queen's Theatre.-. -This relates the struggles 'of an aristocratic Russian family to Sold together in /the face!'of. • terrify- - Ine ecpbotiilo'conditions brought' on by. tho-BGd Revolution;, and the fight; of. a wife and mother to mafmnln her honour..a'gatnst'the 'advances' .of an..agent' of the Tchelta. 'Intimate scenes In the ..divorce Courts, gay, mad. lovels of the. bloated'; profiteers who-gamble, drink, and, dance £way the nights 'in;,utter 'disregard ".of the thousands who atfugglo to.'erect a moro stable economic '-. condition/ are vividly- shown.. . Kay. Johnson and Nell Hamilton are in the ■Wading" roles. "Qlrls Demand Excitement," ?. collegiate comedy,' and Round 7 of ■' the "leathOT" Pushers,"' ate-the supports.' : ; ■ fiEGAL THEATREi KARORt. To-nleht, at the Regal Theatre, Karorl, "The Big House" will be presented. ■It deals wltli tlie degradation and hopelessness of prison lifo under ■'■ overcrowded conditions. Goaded on, the men rise, and overpowering their 1 keepers -take possession of rtho 'gaol. -The. military aro then called in, arid there is ahl'exciting climax. Tho featured players are Wallace ."Beery, Chester Morris, Robert Montgomery, and , 1/eila Hyanis. The supports .include .\a special jPox Movietone . News, a: dog, comedy called Who Killed Rover I" a travelogue, and a • Metrotone.Newsreel. ■; . . ' ' '../..,.: SUNDAY RECITAL. „ , , The .Boyall Naval Volunteer' Reserve Band has beon attracting full houses at its recitals £t tho De Luxe Theatre. . To-morrow evening the band will'■■offer1 a special attraction in the shape, of a party of Maori entertainers, highly trained vocalist 3 and musicians, who appear in Native dress. Included in their items are the ever-popular poi dance by the girls of the party and several maori choruses by a choir of eleven voices. Messrs. Tnhlwi,' Nikora, Jficholls, and Werata form a quartet which has i established'!! reputation for flno concerted singing. "Maori Folk Song" is thoir number tomorrow' evening; Hone >Werata: is to play Hawaiian! airs'on his guitar, and Henli Rlkii liana,' 'An. ablo violinist, will render1 "Here KatL" Hcnare Tahiwl, well known from his gramophone records, is to sing. "Song of the locust," by Alfred Hill. Miss Eileen Grenncll, a gifted Maori soprano, ,wIU bo heard in ono of her particular successes, "Krelsler's Cradle ' Song." Another young Maori who is the possessor of a good voice, Duve Nlcholls, will sing "Homo, Little Maori, Home," by Alfred Hill. Community singing under the leadership of Mr. Owen Pritchard will again be featured with Mr. Frank Crowther at the piano, the band accompanying some of the numbers. The members of the Maori party are also expected to assist. The band has prepared several bright pieces, Including selection f'Chu Chin Chow," fox-trot, "The King's Horses," waltz, "Down the River of Golden Dreams," and two marches. ORPHEUS MUSICAL SOCIETY. ' Tha Orpheus Musical Society has "a very attractive programme for 1931.- The opening concert has been fixed for. Thursday next In the T.W.C.A. Hall, Boulcott street. Two works will be presented, "England Expects" (The Ballad of the "Victory"), a nautical suite for ■baritone solo and chorus, and Sir W. Sterndale Bennett's Pastorale Cantata, "The May Queen," which will provide a delightful contrast both In the spirit of. the work and the type of music. The soloists are Miss Kathleen Ferris (soprano), Miss Christine Young (con-ii-alto), Mr. Sam Duncan (tenor), and Mr. G. If Gr.-iy (bans); Mr. Gray; will also alng the suln in, "England Expects." Miss Ava Symons ■ 'will pia.V two violin polos,, "iarghetto" from S"cond 'rtonata'. by Barbelia, and Kreisler's ■vlinrmln" "Canrii-c ;'\'lenuols." Tor its'second :iml third concerts, in \n; given lv September | \ nnil Dei-ember. Hie society will present Bach's •Toffee Cantata" (for I hi- llrst time in Nf.w Zrnlnnrl) ;iml a concert arrangement of Verdi's ■'II Trovatorc." •

MAJESTIC THEATRE.. Modern; human, and iWt.cnlertaininE Is tho Hetrb-Goidwyd-Maycr picture, '"Men Call •it Love," which.was shown for tlio first time at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. Tho film ia baaed on the stage plity, "Among the Married," which was noted lor: Its clever dialogue and its unconventional- situations. Many of the complications In tho picture are brought about by a young married woman named Helen (Mary Duncan). She comes' between a happily married young couple and nearly succeeds by direct and Indirect means, of. stauinc their divorce. Adolpho lleniou Is cast as a none too particular member of a fast, and fashionable sot into whose meshes the married couple nrc also drawn. He flirts with the,, young wife, but In the end .^leases hit 'from her1 promise to leave her husband and marry him when he discovers that, though her, husband has madn her bitterly unhappy, no one else can really take Ills place. The- performance of fAleiiiou.-ris, tho.ivreckcr of homes' is excellent, ..' Leila Hy-mans also does well as tho disillusioned wife-jvho tries Jier contrito hut erring1 husbands-ways in a vain effort to re-dlscover'her happiness. As -tho vamp. Mary ■Dun'r.an also'gives a Rood > performance, while Norman rosier is very convincing as the yoflng husband.. mc settings are lavish - and in close keeping ■ with.-. ,tho modern nature^of the story,: a \ country golf club Tending an air of romance to many sequences. Although the picture is a drama, It 1s not without its humorous situations, llie supporting, .programme Is excellent, and includes a Metrptoiie News, a colourtono noveltj entitled People," and an ,Our Gang Comedy. . , . * sf.Oames theatre. Constance Bennett Is a charming actress, and she plays very sweetly the leading-role.in .bin Takes a Holiday," the new plcturo at.the St. James Theatre.: V. Sin Js represented- by /two men "and a. w.omap, ; ftnc} amid them ~a ll Constance Bennett■ plays"shining virtue; and she does it quite ' uuprlgglshly and with pertoct naturalnoss and grace. In fact, her playing gives tho story a reality that, in leas capable hands, it might lack,- -Beginning as.the ; hardly pretty, and, poorly-paid .stenographer of-a >ew York lawyer named Staiiton (whom she secretly loves) she is paid by him to go through the form of marriage with him, in order to "clioko off"-a-divorce-hunting wife .who Intends Stanton.to'be co-respondent and her next, husband. One of the conditions of the marriage is separate living, and the-contract is for one year. Towards the close thereof, Miss Bennett^returns from Paris as her beautiful self, and Stanton,of course, discovers that he loves his wlfe-of-convenience. - Sho spars with him cleverly, also with -her, would-be seducer,, Duraut, and there is"quite' a' deaT of. Intrigue, mixed with true love; before''the latter's devious course is nm'tb'thc.inevithblc coal. .. Kenneth M'Kcnnii pfuys the lawyer-husband Stanton as a pardonablo- sort of sinner, well worth rescuslng by boaitty "Jrom vice-; and ,Basil Rathbone makes Durant •a-,handsom'eDon 'Juan not without glimmers of a Better- self.' The third sinner,, the. woman looking, for. a.., corespondent, is played-by:'Bite Le Roy. ' "Sin Takes a Holiday" is, a' much'better picture .'than its-title suggestsj.'the.story,js.',consi.s'lent, and the actInglsf'gbod: -,;An Australian .news gazette is notable .-.for, some- : remarkable.' • micro-photo--graph/, showing the voracity of the larva of the mosquito during, its water life. There is ft talking-cartoon"; (Little.Bed Biding Hood), and an Audio Review. /'■•;..•

■ '•■.-• '' ■:-\jb'|E/4MXE THEATRE. .. Bagdad, lives again:'in: }ts olden splendour, thanks to the films. . It-, is., flic scene of the story: of ."Kismet,"-, the first National -picture, which' began at the Be. Luxe Theatre yestetday, -with Otis Skinner.as tlie star... Kurort is a remarkable picture of the year. The scenes, laid in romantic Bagdad, where the amazing beggar, HaJJ, played by Mr. Skinner, makes his adventurous way through scenes of dazzling Oriental; splendour and squalor, are elaborately conceived. Mohammedan temples, mosques-,' minarets;. harems, underground dungfeoXmoonlit gardens, the Caliph's court, the swimming pool of the favourites of the w_azir, mlkl a; panorama of beauty and mystery. Hajj, the beggar; ..on. the temple steps, plots with another beggar to divide the .alms received from a Teilea sheik who has just ; entered Bagdad finds his'way to favour, is under'sentence of 3,"anA-is exiled all hv one,day. , ."Kismet" was.adapted Trom the famouS ( stage'• success by EdWard Knoblock, and presents Mr. b^f ia his first talking picture_ role. . -Thel p.cta« £ a-gorgeous1 panorama, with Ot s Skinner H J, the stormy whining, hypocrite, doing violent deeds in the name of Allah, a part to .remember. In support are a topical. Budget, aMUphone' variety number, "And ■ How, -and a Looney Tune entitled "Box Car Blues," which concerns railway adventures. The programme will be repeated, until -Thursday evening next.

THE GLIDE SKATING RINK. ' Hundreds of patrons visit the Glide Skating Rink, in Wakefield street, dally, audit appears to continue to grow in popularity;; Every, consideration Is, being 'given to learners and they are specially catered for with a special session from 10- to 11.30 a.m. daily'(except Saturday). Expert tut,or3 are'in attendance at each session to help'novices. . ~ ; . ROYAL ROLLER RINK. Skating, has gained many adherents_ since the, opening of the Boyal Roller Kink in the Winter Show Building-has mado the pastime available in an attracUvc,,enylro.ninent, a JacK, which In'the past;has kept many ( from enjoy-; •Sg the fascination of:. this healthful; exercise. Assite charm becomes "kriojfrn. tl»e popularity, oft the niw rink inrcrease's; and the'learncrs' areas,; Vhich are-secluded from .the main rink, never; SSc. ifitttmal .Competent .instructors, make; ■the- mistering' of 'the art' .atfceasy; task.. A. special •late session is held on Saturday nights.,;.;. ~j ■ '.'■ 'XU'iord..'Mbmijon;;th^musl<»t^«d?'a S t? 1 r" makes a most successfuVjtalkfevdebutJn Al-. most a Honeymoon," the* British- International picture, to be shown 'at JOuclTheatre-tp-uight. It "is a spirkling'vstory. ■ of ..an- impecunious spendthrift's misadventures in letting his flat to '"an.''engaged- icbiiple,..' >, ( Cfiff6rd. Mpllison,' portrays ■ the -part. of fine, .impecunious, spendthrift, Podn Watts has the feminine lead, and.Donald Calthrop• has, the r01e,.0f■ the ..valet.. There aro excellent'tatkie; supports; ■ ; ••.. ; ,v 7 .; : ; .. ' ' EMPIRE: THEATRE, "ISLAND BAY." At the Empire Theatre to-night the main attraction will be ."Remote Control,", an vnusual comedy-drama, starring William Haines. Haines is cast a3 the manager of the defunct radio broadcasting station, who unknowingly aids in the activities of a group of bank robbers wh#se leader directs the hold-ups through clever manipulation of his so-called clairvoyant readings of the radio, Haines finally discovers tho mysterious -plot-and oxposos the gangsters. ■ "Crazy .House," a technicolour revue starring Bonny. Rubin , and Cliff Edwards, a Hal Boach comedy, a*. Burton Holmes traveloguej jftnd a Metrotone NeWsreeX complete the programme. ■■" .'■/, ''" ': '■'-' !, CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

A. apodal doubles-feature programme will 1)0 screened at the Capitol-Theatre ■ to-night. Coustaneo Bennett, th<rbcautlfi)l.star of Common Clay/i will be seen;/.in' "Rjch People." Robert Ames,' and Beglsi. Toomoy support^the star. "Pardon My Gun;'.'' a new type ot Western, with Sally Starr and' George Duryea, is ..the other feature. - ; Li - . ; KILBIRNIE KINEMA. ... \ The bounding nit-wits of "The Ci'tckoos"' are atMtlifgain. Bert Wheeler and Kobert Woolsoy, equipped with an even funnier story, outfitted with a sot of brand new gag3riind tearing wound at a wilder paco than ever.-before, will be seen in their latest feature comqdy howl,. .'!Half Shot at Sunrise," starting to-day at the Ktlbirnle Kinema. This favourite fun team of the talkies is said to surpass all previous achievements in "Half Shot." ' : l - . , . - - SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. - "Kene'gades;" a stlrriiig drama of the JForcign Legion; starring Warner Baxter, Noah Beery, and Myrna I*oy, will be seen at- the Seaside Pictures; Ly'all-Bay,-to-night: The story concerns a man who joined the Legion to oscape the haunting momories of ithe past, only to have the past rise up and confront him Excellent importing subjects will also be screened. ■Seats may be reserved by telephone. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' CHOIR. To-night the Commercial Travellers' Choir Is opening its 1031 season in tho Clncert Chamber. The choir has been working very hard for some time past and, under the enthusiastic direction of Mr.; John Bishop, it should be heard to r-roat advantage, especially as it is now larger and better balanced than at any previous time. A newcomer to the Wellington Concert platformMs announced in the jierßon of Madame Dorothy Cronin, F.T.C.L., a very fine soprano from Auckland. She will be singing an operatic solo in addition to appearing in an excerpt from "Tannhauser" with tho choir. Another attraction will be the appearance Of Mr. Claude Tanneri tho \ talented and well-known 'cellist. The accompaniments will again be In the hands of Mr. (Trovot. .'Kiaher. .Reduced charges arc being made. CLEMENT MAY. RECITALS. Few artists have travelled so extensively as' Mr Clement Slay, the elocutionist and entertainer, who has given his recitals in practically every part of the British Empire. When under engagement to tour the. Bandinan Circuit in India and tho Far East, Mr. May had the unique experience of presenting his programme, by special request, to an audience composed exclusively of Mahommodans, and was surprised to find that practically the whole of his audienco was comprised of Oxford and Cambridge graduates who showed a wonderful-intimate knowledge and appreciation of Dickens, Shakespeare, and many other English authors. During Mr. May's tour of Africa ho was specially engaged to support England s foremost artist. Miss Marie Tempest after he had finished his own series of recitals. On baturday evening next Mr. May will present a programme at the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, and all lovers of the spoken word will have an opportunity 'of hearing some of the master-, pieces from the leading authors of tho day. Tho' associate artist will be Miss Hilda Chudlcy, who will be heard in some fine numbers, including negro spirituals. Mr. Hnrry Brusey will be the pianist. The box plan is now open at The Bristol. '.',. STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. ■ "Tho Doctor's Secret," starring Ituth Chatterton and H. B. Warner, will bo screened at the Star Theatre, Ne'wtown, : to-night. This Is a story of a wife's infatuation for another man and how she vindicated herself. The other picturo is "Stairs of Kami," with Wallace Beery, Chester ConMin, and .renn Arthur iln the leading, roles. This Is a Wostern thriller. I

. "TUTANKHAMEN." "Tutankhamen," a lyric of. Old-Egypt, commenced, at. a special, children's matinee this afternoon,'and continues to-night'for-a season of five nights in the Grand Opera House. To Mr. Bay Kemp's baas voice has been entrusted the stately music of "Tutankhamen" himself, and Itita Kemp's crintralto will sing the exhortations and curses jof the panic-stricken "Tji," Clueen.-motherl Other character.-) are: George Power as Zinnofl, the Pyramid Buildor; JHss Jithel Oldbmy Jones as Annubls, tlie Pharaoh's Queen; Mr. Dudley Alexander appears us (he Israelite Patriarch; Mr. Hobcrt Charlton as Captain Francis; Mi.ss Mabel Turner as js'epheret, the sister of Tutankhamen; Mr. Jim Cook as the Sell Captain of the (luard; Mr. Aubrey BccKford as Iphphou, in tho macaliro part of Chief Embalmer.' Tho chief comedy role lias been allotted Mr. Norman Altkcn* (remembered for his work in "Charley's Aunt"),' who, ".us. George Washington Blatant, espouses the cause of .democracy mid mass production to the bewildered Pharaohs. Grctta Stark, t/10 well-known Wellington snulirettc, plays 1 opposite ■ Mr. Altkcn as tlie American siiprtiiiK-'Enßllsii wife, Lady Veronica. An orchestra of eighteen professional musicians] tinder the baton of. .Mr. John V. Woodward, will -support the items. Tho ' production is under the direction of Mr. Hector Llardet, and the'ballets and ballet'costumes have been arranged by Mr. Joe Knowsley. Box plans for the season are at Tho Bristol. ORGAN RECITAL. ; Mr. Bernard1 P. Page (City Organist) will Cive Ufa woekly. organ recital at tho Town Hall I to-morrow evening, and the programme has been arrangodVas'-under: Pastorale, by ScarlattlPage; Sonata,. No. 8, by Mendelssohn; Im T pression's (Op.* 102), Floweret Pale; Tho Ferryman's Song, and.Valse, by Karg-Elert; Herenade (No. ,5), 'by Couvy-Pago;- Choral (No. 2 in B Minor), Cesar Franck; . Andante (from String • Quartette), by Debussy; Prelude (Act I.),'"Tristan and Isolde," by Wagner.