ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 141, 17 June 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

"Morocco" is the feature at the Regent Theatre. ■ Gary Cooper,' ln an emotional rolo. comes as a surprise, but the role is unusual. Tom Brown lives the life of a Legionary. So little do women mean to him that lift, is a thirsty blank, and even his thirst Is a traitor to his desire to forget the past. Across tha strait the ferry brings another with a past which will not lie buried, equally untold and unguessed, Amy Jolly,' a vaudeville artiste on the voyage known to the ship's officers as the "suicide trip," because the girls never come back. A view of the audience,- neurotic and evil, comprised of every breed from the Levant to Asia, with the scum of Africa thrown' In, helps to a realisation of .'the seamen's grim quip, but it Is there that the penniless soldier and the woman'of the Lost Legion of Women meet and at once love. Adolphe Menjou has the part of the idle painter, rich to boredom, who also loves Amy, and wishes to marry her. Reckless, too wise, with a biting humour and a manner, tliat .hints "f ' and yet disguises .a very-different past,. Marlene Dietrich holdß the attention fast, and so does.Gary hoopers solution of how to play the. game. The sazettes are good. • "The Pest" is a comedy and there is a'very novel cartoon. •■• ■ "ONE HEAVENLY NIGHT."

Old-world romance L and adventure that begins iv Budapest's ■gayest- cabaret ■ andl thep weaves its tempestuous escitement throiigh tne richest colour of Hungarian forest countryside, serves to introduce Evelyn Laye, one of England's best loved and foremost enchantresses,, to the screen, in "One Heavenly Night, coming on Friday, to'the Regent Theatre. Its story, is from the pen of Louis Bromfleld, distinguished novelist, and is his first original screen play. Not since the days ■ of. Jenny Llnd had the New York stage witnessed sti-'Ji a tumultuous ovation as ,that which greeted the debut of Evelyn Laye at'the Ziegfelc! Theatre last year in Noel Coward's' "Bittersweet." Despite her great London popularity, she bad come to America pretty much a-stranger. Evelyn had refused to allow the producers to star ner. But the day after the opening, her name was. on everyone's lips. Tor her screen debut, Goldwyn • not only acquired • the original story of one of America's first men of letters,. prizewinner, Louis Bromfleld, but also gathered to» "ether a cast of Hollywood's most popular players. John . Boles is. the first. ...Americas, bold and handsome .singing, star was engaged as Count Mirko, the: daring hunter,, the fearloss horseman, the chivalrous lover. Leon Errol, one of' Broadway's- grandest- clowns, headed.the comedy battalion, with the lovable Hugh Cameron a close second. Then there Is Lilyan Tashman, more luxuriously seductive than ever, and many other leading players. There are--no choruses,, no ballets, .no en-, sembles —nothing but the starkest kind of real-1 ism in the picture's reproduction of the cafe life of Budapest, where laws aro made for lovers, where sentimental dilly-dallying has all the dignity of a national sport, where cafe brawls are as readily accepted as "an April shower, and of Hungarian country life, with people living and fighting and drinking and hunting as they did in the days of the Third Crusade.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"East Lynne" is now in its second week at the Paramount Theatre. Ann Harding presents a character which has become part of Btage history, and her performance of a difficult role Is above criticism. A number of celebrated English and American actors make up the fine caßt, including Conrad Nagel as Carlyle, the righteous husband, Cltve Brook as Levison, the Infatuated lover; Cecilia Loftus as Cornelia, and Beryl Mercer as Joyce, the faithful nurse. All these have made their mark, and their work, causes the picture .to live and pulsate with emotion. • are several fine pictures in support, - - Greta Garbo will be seen at the Paramount Theatre, starting. on Friday, ■in "Inspiration," directed by Clarence Browu. Kobert Montgomery has the leading male role, and 'an imposing supporting cast includes Lewis Stone, Marjorie Kambeau, Judith Vosselli, Beryl Mercer, John Mlljan, Edwin Maxwell, Oscar Apfel, Joan Marsh, Zelda Sears, Karen Morley, Gwon Lee, Paul M'AUister, Arthur. Hoyt, and Richard Tucker. It seems that in her latest vehicle Miss Garbo returns to the exotic type of role which' made her' famous in silent films. She is seen as an artist's model who becomes the toast of Paris. Surfeited with tho admiration of wealthy admirers she. falls in love with a young provincial student who Is already engaged to be married. The desperate stratogies by which the model attempts to win over the young student, together with a subsequent unexpected turn; of events, make up the plot. The picture Incidentally is conceded to be staged with unusual splendour.

KING'S THEATRE.

In ;'The Right ' to, Love," at tho 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. Later, she plays Naomi Evans, the old and disillusioned wife of a man she has never loved. And finally, she is cast as Brook Evans, Naomi's Impulsive,'romantic daughter, who, like her mother, years before, seeks the love which will make her life full and complete. In.these contrasted roles, Miss Chatterton does the finest work of her career. .~, . ;,. : "..

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"Kismet," at" the. De Luxo Theatre, Is a remarkable picture. The scenes, laid in romantic Bagdad, where the amazing beggar, Hajj, played ;by Otis Skinner, makes his adventurousV way through scenes of dazzling Oriental splendour and squalor, aro elaborately conceived. Mohammedan temples, mosques, minarets, harems, • underground dungeons, moonlit gardens, the Caliph's court, .the swimming pool .of the: favourites of the wazlr, make a panorama of.beauty.and mystery. Hajj, the beggar, on the temple steps, plots with another beggar to divide the alms received from a veiled sheik who has-just entered Bagdad, finds his way to favour, is sunder sentence of death,'and Is exiled all in one day. A bright, sophisticated story lof the present day "The Office Wife," will be presented at the De Luxe Theitre on Friday next. It is a romance In which the office and tho home are conflicting :forcus. The .centre of the drama Is the 'secretary-, to,, a : busy,, executive. There; has (never been • enough said about the place this girl' takei; in tlie'life of her employer—how she advises him and helps him— how she is often thu executive in many matters that-.call- for'real .ability-how «he takes care-.of her employer's. needs. In . short, sho Is tlie Office Wife—and }t ,1s mainly about her that this picture revolves. A splendid cast has been assembled for this : pictures-headed .by Dorothy Mactall' as the- charming and competent secretary, and Lewis Stone :as -the handsome executive. ... '

BRITANNIA "THEATRE.

"Feet First," starring Harold Lloyd, is being Bhown at the Britannia Theatre. His ambitious social climb carries 'him to the top of an unfinished ! skyscrs.per, projects him from a sky-lofty window, makes him a stowaway on an ocean-going liner, and, generally, provides him with enough -dare-devil' comedy situations ..to keep young and old laughing continuously daring the progress 'of tie story. There are excellent supports. ■. .

THE GLIDE SKATING RINK.

Tho management of the Glide .Skating Kink 'to Wakefleld street leaves nothing to be desired., in the way.of catering for the comfort •and well-being of patrons. The commodious bitumen floor, clean and smooth as glass,.excellent skates, .and. attentive attendants all combine to make this rink most popular among the devotees of -skating as well as those who are. learning, the. art. 1 Special sessions for learners are held every forenoon (except Sat-, urdayi from 10 to 11.30, and dally from 6 to 7 p.m.., when expert, tutors are in attendance to advise and assist novices. ,

SHORTT'S. THEATRE,

' '"Prince of Diamonds,".' starring lan Keith and Aileen Prlngle, Is being- shown at Shortfs Theatre Gilbert Eridon and Gilbert Crayle are. rivals for the hand of Eve Marley. Endon wins the girl, and Crayle revenges himself by conniving, with Eve's- brother; Lord Adrian, to send Endon to prison.- In order to save her fiance Eve agrees to marry! Crayle. :.but while the marriage is being consummated Endon escapes ' from the - detectives and makes his way to ■ the Orient: Endon after many picturesque adventures in the Far East realises a fortune, ' and comes back to ■London under the .guise of a-foreign prince. He downs his eneniy arid wins the woman he (oves.: There are good supports.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

"Hide-Out," Universal's all-talking drama, featuring James Murray and Kathryn Crawford, is being shown at Our Theatre to-night. It tells the story of a crack athlete .who. rows 111 the 'varsity crew with the shadow of prison walls closing in around,' him.' Excellent talkie supports i complete the programme.

CAPITOL THEATRE, IHIRAIMAR.

Claudette Colbert, who appeared opposite Maurice Chevalier in "The Big Pond," can be seen to-night at the Capitol ln 'Manslaughter, the dramatic story of a girl who thought she could get. away with' anything, but found she could "nof get away with murder. Frederic March'plays the serious-minded district'attorney who, despite his love for the girl, carries out his duties.' Good supports will be featured. ,

OUEEN'S THEATRE.

Thrills and mystery combine with comedy and pathos in "The Spy." a Fox movietone melodrama based on life in Soviet Russia, showing at the/ Queen's Theatre. • The fear ■of the dread ' "Tcheka" is over all. Kay Johnson and Neil Hamilton aro featured. "Girls Demand Excitement" Is the other attraction, a 'comedy of college life. Two )Of the many funny episodes are a kiss-registering sceno In a psychology class, and a spirited basketball game between a boys' team and that of the. girls. John Wayne, Virginia1 Cherrill, are the leaders. Bound 7 of the Universal s sporting series,' "The Leather Pushers," i provide a good heavyweight contest, and concludes the programme. .

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"Tfjg Benson Murder Case" is being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. William Powell has a leading role. Powell is called upon to solvo a crime in which all the suspected characters are equally Involved. Each of them had an opportunity to commit the crime; each of them had a forceful motive, and' yet each of them has a fool-proof alibi. Powell sifts and sorts these > conflicting , personalities, > and from tho involved situation points out the heretofore unsuspected- murderer, -There 'are good supports,

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Seldom has a. better acted' presentation of a classy comedy been seen than that of ".Men Call it Love," which is: now nearlng the end of Its successful season at the Majestic Theatre. The work of Adolph Menjou, Leila. Hyains, aud Norman Foster is of a particularly high standard. . The first part subjects round off a most enjoyable programme, which will close Us run to-morrow evening.

The popularity won by that fine delineator of Chinese, characters, Warner Oland, in "The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu," "The Return of Dr. Fu Manchu," and other thrilling mystery .plays, Is in itself sufficient to create special interest in his appearance at the Majestic Theatre on . Friday next in his latest, and it is claimed his greatest, picture, "Charlie Chan. Carried On," in which Warner Oland portrays the part of "Charlie Chan," Chinese detective, as astute son of the Flowery Land who ; concentrates oh three deep mysterious crimes which have baffled Scotland Yard and in the end solves all of them, but not before his chase after the .guilty ones, has taken him to almost every country ln the civilised warld. The play Is said to be one of terrific suspense, for the mysteries, -as in all Earl Blggars' stories, are adroitly concealed right up to the end. John Garrick (who appeared here under the stage name of Reginald Dandy), Marguerite Churchill, Warren Hymer; and Marjprie White are the .leading members of the strong cast. Box plans are now' open at the Bristol. .

ST. JAMES. THEATRE,

Clever. Constance Bennett, who shows to conspicuous advantage in the entertaining comedy, "Sin Takes a Holiday," in the -presentation of which she receives splendid assistance from Basil Kathbone, Kenneth MacKenna, and Bita La Roy, continues to attract and ■ delight very large audiences at the St.'James Theatre. The Play, the players, and the first-grade supporting subjects are vastly popular.with* patrons.'.. The last" two days of the season are announced. .Jlefro-Goldwyn-Jlayer's screen version of the celebrated' operatic drama, "New-Moon," -which in stage form . earned an. enviable reputation throughout the English-speaking world, will b£ screened at the St. James Theatre on ,Friday, A feature of the production is the appearance in powerful combination of the • two international artists, Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett; for- whom is claimed,, the- distinction ol ' being "the, two finest of living operatic singers.' The fine music of "New Moon" Is said to show their truly .■magnificent voices 'to perfection; arid the recording and reproduction is credited with being far in.advance of;: anything previously submitted here in the form of mechanical music. ; The two clever comedians;, Boland Young and Gus Shy, aro'of the cast, as alsc are reliable Emily Fltzroy and over 5.000 others, The production is upon a very exit isive scale and the play is described as containing, .in tin shape ?of music, drama, comedy, and spectacli everything that goes to make':a ■ superlative up-to-date screen entertainment. ' Box plans are at the Bristol, where the demand for scau has already set in. ■

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Showing at tho Kilbirnie Kinema. tonight-, will be "The Silver Horde," with Evelyn Brent and Louis Wolhelm as the stars.' The, film is a version of a Bex. Beach story, and Its action takes place amid the snows; of Alaska. ... . . .

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"The Beturn of Dr. Fu Manchu," a Paramount special, will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. Warner Oland plays the scheming Oriental who . swallowed poison 'to thwart his enemies' plans to take him alive. It 'becomes apparent that the poison was by no .means lethal, and that the sleek, crafty doctor. Is very much alive. The supporting programme consists of an excellent comedy, a talke.rtoon, a; musical ...number, and a special vocal novelty. On Friday and Saturday "The Great' Meadow"'will be screened. j

"TUTANKHAMEN."

Tutankhamen," a colourful musical play of old Egypt, which Is being presented by the Wellington Operatic and Theatrical Society,, is continuing to draw large houses at the Grand Opera; House. The production is bright, the music catchy, and its scenes are very novel. The play Is of New. Zealand origin, and the subject, an Inquisitive American's experience in the newly-uncovered tomb of Pharaoh. Although the scene is laid in modern Egypt, an excursion is made into the past when the Israelites were in bondage. There Is a wealth of colourful scenes, and- those which depict the splendour of the courts of ancient. Egypt are very, well dove. A pronounced feature of tho production is tho dancing, while the comedy work .carries the play, along smoothly.' The final, presentation of the play will bo given to-morrow uight. . ' The season has been extended till - Saturday evening next. . . ■

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

"Let Us. Be Gay," starring Norma Shearer and Marie - Dressier, will be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night. The story is an amusing talo. of a woman-who loses her husband's affection because she neglects her appearance. A: few years in Paris, however, teaches , her a number of thlng3 she had never thought of, and she leads her husband a dance. A'Metro News, Laurel and Hardy comedy, and Burton Holmes travelogue will also be screened.-Seats may be reserved by telephone. ; ' •• ' . ' i

CLEMENT MAY RECITAL,

."All- lovers of a.'..'good/story will, have the opportunity of ;hearing Mr.-Clement May at .the^Concert 'Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday evening next. The programme will consist of'some of the gems >, of -modern English authors, Including such well-known names !as John Masefleld, the Poet Laureate; A. A. Milne, Kipling,' and De la Mare. He will also bo heard in Stephen-Leacock's and O. Henry's stories, and will Introduce to a Wellington audience two items from the works,of Don Blanding, a new author of whom tbe Tress has the highest'opinion, ln this recital Mr. May will be seen for the first- time in the character ,of Shakespeare's "Macbeth," In which he will have the assistance of Miss Madge Thomas, who w 1 play tho'part of Lady Macbeth; this Item will be in costume and special setting. Mr. May s associate artist will be Miss Hilda Chudley. who will bo heard in some now numbers and negro spirituals. . Mr. Harry Brusey will bo the pianist and accompanist. The box plan is now-open at the Bristol. .

RADIO-GRAMOPHONE RECITAL.

Messrs. Ernest" Dawson, Ltd.. will present another recital in the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, next Wednesday evening, 24th June. The latest model of "His Master's Voice radiogramophone win be used, and the programme will include some of the finest of recent recordings. In addition to" the records, items will he-given by .Madame Evelyn de Ma«ny (pianist) and Miss, Zillah Qastle (violinist). Admission will''be free, and seats may bo reserved (without charge) at the Music Kooms, 40, Manners street. ,

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

The all-British talkie, "Canaries Sometimes Sing," will be. screened at.the Regal Theatre, Karorl, to-night. The story deals with the matrimonial tangles of two friends, who after their marriage discover that each is married to the woman most suited to the other, iheir efforts, to disentangle themselves and for each to gain his soulmate are highly amusing, xne supports include a'special Fox Movietone News-reel,-a cartoon, "Jumping Beans," and a comedy, "Lions Roar."' "The King of Jazz will be screened on Friday and Saturday.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

Skating has gained many adherents since the opening-of the Boyal-Boiler Rink- in the Winter Show' Building has made the pastime available In-attractive' environment,. a, lack which in the past has kept many from enjoying the fascination of this healthful exercise. As its charm becomes known the popularity of the new rlnK increases, and the learners' areas, which are secluded.from.the main. rink, never lack patrons. Competent Instructors mafte the mastering ot ■the art--.an easy task. . -A special learners session is'heldl from"s;4s to 7 p.m., when a full staff •of Instructors is available tor instruction : purposes. Now that many devotees of skating have mastered the art, the management- are to commence' the first of their ■regular .weekly competitions, and,on Thursday evening a special event- Is' to be introduced, .when;a Monte Carlo competition will be held, for' which the management are offering suitable prizes. ■ '

Like the old woman who lived in a shoe, New York's statue o£ Liberty looks about her and finds that she has so many naughty children she doesn't know what to do. At Willacoochee, Georgia, however, the municipal authorities have solved the problem; new bylaws provide for almost every mischievous contingency. • Particularly the Jluyor congratulates himself on the ruling that no married man is "to be caught riding or driving with' any single girl or girls/ on pain of being interrogated by the marshal as to his intentions.