ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 143, 19 June 1931, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Old-world romance and adventure that begins in Budapest's gayest cabaret and then weaves ito tempestuous excitement through tho richest colour of Hungarian forest countryside, serves to introduce Evelyn Laye, one of England's best loved and foremost euchautresses, to the screen, in "One Heavenly Night," coming to the Regent Theatre to-day. Its story is from the pen of Louis BromOeld, distinguished novelist, and is his first original screen play. Not since tho days of Jenny Llnd had the New York stage witnessed such a tumultuous ovation as that which greeted tho debut of Evelyn Laye at tho Zlegfeld Theatre last year in Noel Coward's "Bittersweet." Despite her great London popularity, she had come to America pretty much a stranger. Evelyn had refused to allow the producers to star her. But the day after tho opening, her namo was on everyone's lips. For 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 together a cast of Hollywood's most . popular players. John Boles is the first. America's bold and handsome singing star was engaged as Count Mirko, the daring hunter, the fearless 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 ensembles—nothing hut the starkest kind of realism in the picture's reproduction of the cafe life of Budapest, where laws are 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.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Faith Baldwin, well-known writer, who will be remembered for her .novel, "Three Women," caught the modern spirit in a forceful yet charming manner in her novel, "The Office Wife." This story, which, as one of the most popular serial novels, appeared in the "Cosmopolitan" magazine, and later was published in book form, was made into a motion picture at the Warner Bros, studio. This will be presented at the De Luxe Theatre to-day. Of all the present-day pictures, "The Office Wife" is most frank in presenting a, situation that occurs constantly in our modern society. It deals with the secretary who takes care of the husband's needs during the day—who works for him—who gives him advice—and takes care of some personal matters that he would otherwise have neglected, who eventually falls in love with him. Dorothy Mackaill makes a most attractive "Office Wife," and Lewis Stone is splendid as the busy executive. Others in the cast are Hobart Bosworth, Walter Merrill, Brooks Benedict, Natalie Moorbead, Blanche Friderici, Dais Fuller, and Joan Blondell. Mr. Paul T. Cullen will play on the Wurlitzer organ.

The indefinable charm and joyousness of Vienna, the ancient and glamorous capital, is caught and preserved in "Viennese Nights," the Warner Brothers' screen romance, which comes to Wellington shortly. "Viennese Nights" is famous alike for its glorious musical settings, the colour photography that adds so greatly to its. beauty, and the featured ca3t.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"Inspiration," which will open to-morrow at the Paramount Theatre, stars Greta Garbo. It is her third Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer talking picture, and is the first time she has essayed a typically glamorous role in the medium of sound. Her first two talkies, "Anna Christie" and "Romance," were regarded as departures from the characterisations upon which this exotic star rose to popularity, achieving a utUque position on the screen. Clarence Brown, who directed Miss Garbo's first talking pictures, as well as "Flesh and the Devil" and "A Woman of Affairs"—two of her most successful silent films—again served as the director of her new picture, a, highly romantic and daring story of modern Paris. Opposite Miss Garbo appears Robert Montgomery, who, fresh from his triumphs in "The Big House," "The Divorcee," "Our Blushing Brides," _nd "War Nurse," negotiates a new and dashing role, promising to establish himself in the foremost ranks of romantic players. Lewis Stone, always competent in any role, essa.ys another suavo characterisation as a Parisian boulevardier, heading a remarkable supporting cast. "Laughing Gravy," a Laurel-Hardy comedy, will also be shown.

KING'S THEATRE,

Marie Dressier and Wallace Beery, as a character team, provide the central figures for

"Mm and Bill," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's drama of the waterfront, commencing to-day at the King's .Theatre. The story depicts the struggle between a foster-mother and the real mother for the happiness of a girl. Mario Dressier is a dominant figure as Mm, keeper of a waterfront boardlng-houso, aud Beery plays the part1 of her lover -Bill, a ashing smack captain. The acting of both Marie Dressier and Wallace Beery throughout the picture is excellent. Marie' Dressier probably gives the best performance of her whole career. Dorothy Jordan and Donald Dillaway furnish, the lovo Interest as the daughter and sweetheart.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"The Big Trail" commences a return season at the Queen's Theatre to-night, and the story of the pioneers' invasion of the West Is retold on the talking screen. One of the moat spectacular incidents is the Indian massacre, a reproduction of a historical incident at Port Hall, Idaho, where nearly a hundred years ago marauding Indians wiped out a wagon train. A 3fox Movietone News and Leather Pushers are the completing items.

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

"Prince of Diamonds," starring lan Keith and Aileen Prlngle, Is being shown at Shortt's Theatre. Gilbert Endon 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 flance Eve agrees '. to marry Crayle, but while the marriage is being consummated Endon escapes from the detectives and makes his way to the Orient. Endoa comes back to London as a foreign prince, downs his enemy, and wins the woman he loves. There are good supports.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"Romance" is being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. Greta Garbo is starred. This Is a picture based on the love affair of a clergyman, who Is infatuated with an Italian opera star. The scenes are staged in New York, and Lewis Stone and Gavin Gordon have leading roles. Tho flim is based on the wellknown stage play which ran for three years in London,

SEASIDE, PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

An interesting and instructive programmo for the children will be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-morrow afternoon.

"Siraba" is a thrilling picture of the adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnston in Darkest Africa, and tho scenes of'wild animals in their natural surroundings, the native customs, and dangerous lion-hunting are most interesting and thrilling. A News, comedy, and the final chapter of "Terry of the Times" serial will also bo screened. At the evening session "Simba" and "Oh For a Man," starring Reginald Denny and Jeanetts Mac Donald, will be screened. Seats may be reserved by telephone.

THE GLIDE SKATING RINK,

. Forenoon sessions on Saturdays at the Glide Skatins Rink In Wakefleld screet aro specially set aside for children, and these sessions aro well patronised. Several expert skaters are in attendance to assist and teach thoso children who have riot yet becomo proficient on their skates. The usual "afternoon and late evening sessions are held on Saturdays.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

' ;Kuth Chatterton and Clire Brook, who have been seen together In many outstanding productions, are teamed again in "The Better Wife," which commences at the Capitol tonight. "Sacred Fires," ono of Ihe popular Vagabond Adventure series, and a news reel and comedy will also be shown. "Noisy Neighbours" will be shown at the matinee.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

Drama, thrills, love Interest, and comedy nil enjoy prominent places in "Under Suspicion," Fox Movietone romantic drama of the north-west, showing at the Britannia Theatre. The featured roles are portrayed by Lois Moran, beautiful and charming screen actress, and J. Harold Murray, of musical comedy fame. The supporting cast is headed by that wellknown favourite, J. M. Kerrigan, and Marie Saxon, recently from the Broadway stage.

'VARSITY DRAMATIC CLUB,

On Thursday, "Friday, and Saturday of next week (he 'Varsity Dramatic Club will present a play at '— c Blue Triangle Hall, Boulcott street. Moments of comedy, times of shadow, and a. real philosophy of life are ail In "The Dark Angel," the play to be presented, and it Is felt that this work of an author only now coming to the fore will presage others of an equal value. The play has not been previously publicly performed in New Zealand. Further notice appears In the advertisement columns to-day.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN,

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's all-talking picture, "Our Blushing Brides," starring Joan Crawford, will be shown at Our Theatre to-night. Robert Montgomery plays opposite the star, and Anita Page and Dorothy Sebastian share feminine honours. The story presents a true to life picture of ihree working girls who lons for the luxuries of life, and discover what it costs to attain them. There are excellent talkie supports.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

Skating has gained many adherents since the opening of the Royal Roller 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 tiie fascination of this healthful exercise. A learners' session is held from f1.45 to 7 p.m., when a full staff of instructors is available for instruction purposes. The management announce that arrangements have been made for Miss Jessie Toller, late of England, and Mr. Roy Brian, to give a demonstration of fancy skating on Saturday evening.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Warner Oland, the actor who won fame first in "The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu," and added to his laurei3 by his flue work in "The Relurn of Fii Manchu," is sure of a w;irm welcome to-day, when he will appear at (ho Majestic Theatre for the first time in his latent screen success, "Charlie Chan Carries On." Charlie Chan is a creation of Ihe successful writer of mystery plays, Earl Biggers. Charlie is a Chinese detective who, after three ingeniously constructed crimes, have baffled the expert men of Scotland Yard, undertakes to untangle the mysterious skein and bring the i malefactors to justice. This leads him into aJ thrilling man hunt round the world "with the wings of deatli always hovering above," and his adventures form a mystery romance that is altogether different from anything that lias gone before. The cast of artists participating in the enactment of the play includes Marguerite Churchill, John Garrick, Warren Hymer, Marjorie White, C. Henry Gordon, William1 Holden, George Brent, Peter Gawthorne, John T. Murray, Goodie Montgomery, Jason Robards, Lumsrten Hare, Zeffle Tilbury, Betty Francisco, Harry Beresford, John Rogers, and J. G. Davis. Special short subjects will precede the main picture. The late shoppers' sesslou will commence to-day at 5 o'clock and finish at 7 p.m. Brisk booking at the Bristol denotes especial public interest in the attraction. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The Metropolitan Opera Company of New York Is the foremost organisation of its kind hi America, and Its star leads are Grace Moore and Lawrence Tlbbett, who have both won fame in Europe as well as in the United States. These world-famous artists were secured at enormous expense for the screen version of the legitimate theatre success "New Moon," an operatic drama which has won applause in all English-speaking countries, and which will be' screened at the St. James Theatre today. The remarkably fine voices of Miss Moore and Lawrence Tlbbett are said to be eminently suited to the superior music of the "New Mooni" and the reproduction is ■ stated to be "so natural that all mechanical aid is lost sight of and the great singers seem to be standing before the audience singing in tho flesh." The play is one of dramatic power with many exciting: moments, but through it all there runs a big vein of unctuous comedy, the unloosing of which is in the capable hands of those very clever comedians, Roland Young and Gus Shy,' with the dependable actress, Emily Fitzroy, assisting. There is an ensemble of over 500 persons in tho cast and 70 instrumentalists in the orchestra. With the mountings, dresses, and scenic surroundings presented on a lavish scale it is safe to anticipate a performance out of the common. Amongst the short subjects of the first part is "Chickens Come Home to Roost," which is described as "the latest and easily the very funniest farce that the popular comedians, Laurel and Hardy, have given to the screen." The box plans at the Bristol have been heavily patronised, and early application for seats is advisable. CLEMENT MAY RECITALS. To-morrow night, at the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, Mr. Clement May will give the flrßt of a series of recitals which ho has arranged for the winter months. Hla first programme has been chosen to suit,all tastes, embracing such authors as Kipling, John Masefield, De la Mare, Stephen Leacock, and some stories from London "Punch," also two items from Don Blanding's book called "Vagabond's House," namely "Footsteps" and "Baby Street." This author will be introduced for Uie first time on the platform in. New Zealand iv these two poems. Those who love the art of storytelling and can enjoy the gems of the modern poets should avail themselves of being present. Mr. May will sfcpear for the first tune in New Zealand In a brief excerpt from Shakespeare's. "Macbeth." In this Miss Madge Thomas will appear as Lady Macbeth; This scene will be produced in costume and stage setting. By request, Mr. May will be doing a play from C. 3. Dennis's "The Sentimental Bloke." The associate artist will be Mrs. Wilfred Andrews, who will sing some charming numbers. Mr. Harry Brusey is the pianist accompanist. Ihe box plan is at The Bristol. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. To-night the "King of Jazz" opens at the Regal Theatre, Karorl. , The whole of Paul Whlteman's dance band is In the cast, and the vocalist is John Boles. Eight huge numbers are included, "Ragamuffin Romeo," 'Happy Foot," "A Bench In the Park," "Song of the Dawn," "It Happened in Monteray," 'I Like to do Things for You," and.the grand finale "Rhapsody In Blue." These numbers are not presented in the usual way, but are each interwoven into a huge atmospheric setting. The feature is all technicolour. The supports include a special double length newsreel and a vocal item called "Alpine Romance. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "The Great Meadow" heads the programme at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story concerns a young man in whose veins the pioneers' blood courses. The cast includes John Mack Brown, Eleanor Boardman, and Anita Gavin. Tho second attraction is "This is Australia," an interesting .and refreshing peep into tho life of Australia. A Hal Hoach comedy, a Burton Holmes Travelogue, and a Metrotone Newsreel complete the programme.