ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 17, 20 July 1931, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "Chatley's Aunt" is showing st the Decent Theatre. Charles Ruggles as "Charley's Aunt", gives the usual characterisation, ills burlesque is excellent, anil his impersonation of ;the aunt from. Brazil—"where tho nuts - come from"—is delightfully fumiy. The two conspirators, Charllo Wykcham and Jack Chesney, whose fertile brains hit ,on tlie idea of the impersonation which causes such a inlx-up, also start oft' in approved English manner, but gradually change into their own argot. The part of Stephen Spetligue is taken by Halllwoll llobbos, and his, acting of tha scheming old man who, iv his- search of a fortune, turns himself into a priceless fool, does much to add to tha general humour. A chaperOne being necessary at a luncheon they are giving to tho girls of their hearts, Chesney and Wykehara persuado Lord Faucourt, Babberly to impersonate Wykeham's aunt from Brazil, who has been unavoidably detained. Babberly does, and his subaequetit antics as an unconventional old lady aro ludi-crous.-While It will novcr achieve tho remarkable.popularity it had when first played many years hgo, this modern version of one of EngX land's most successful farces provides excellent fare for a later generation. There is a good supporting programme, including some particularly interesting views of modern Constantinople. GRANO OPERA HOUSE. No spectacular American historical -film yet shown here has touched the high tide level of ■"Cimarron," at the Grand Opera House, Tanco'Cravat (Richard Dix), lawyer and editor, an1 able Idealist of parts cursed with the wanderlust, wedded to a tenderly reared Southern girl, tears.up her family roots and takes her. to Osage, after ho has been beaten in tho historic "run" for free land on Bear Creek. Starting out with the intention of printing all tho news, aud championing the weaker cause whenever it is right, tho ."Osage Wigwam", lands him straightaway into the defence of llfo and ideals in a town of 10,000 that has grown up in six weeks. His first clean-up is the murderer of the previous editor, and he ends his fourth successful year by wiping out the last of- .the bandit gangs.. Then commences the fateful "cross-poll" of wanderlust versus wife and family, and he disappears for flvo years, snatched away by old comrades, • to rot'urn to appear as counsel for Dixie Leo, a beautiful unfortunate of the streets, to win a verdict by one of tho. most remarkable addresses to a Jury ever' heard. During his absence his wife, Sabra, lias carried on the journal to prosperity. Cravat eventually returns to die.dramatically at tho crown of her triumphant career as a Congresswoman. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Girl of the Golden West," showing at the Paramount Theatre, is a simple story. Ann Harding is cast as Winnie, the girl who owns the Polka. Saloon, and who manages the rough men by her natural charm and commou-sense. Wheir on a Journey to tho saloon she meets! Kamirrez, an outlaw, who is on his way to rob her saloon, but does not know she is tho proprietress. At the saloon they meet again, but this timo he is- Dick Johnson. Winnie repulses the attentions paid to her by Jack Ranee', the sheriff, played by Harry Bannister, and falls in love with Kamirrez, and ho meets her in tho evening. While he is with her Banco conies to arrest him, and while attempting to escapo Ramirrez is wounded. Winnie 'Plays poker with Banco for the outlaw's life, but although she; wins, his troubles are not over, and to appreciate tho ending ono should see the picture. James Eennle plays the part of Bamlrrez. Another feature picture, "Wedding Bings," is a high society drama of unfaithful wives. This picture is noted for a remarkably flno and realistic wedding scene. DE LUXE, THEATRE. ■Lupino Lane, the acrobat comedian, Dorothy Seacbmbc, and Warwick Ward have tho leading roles in "The Yellow Mask," tho talkie adaptation of Edgar • Wallace's woll-kuown thriller, "Traitor's Gate," showing at the Do Luxe Theatre. Tho film, concerns tho doings at the Tower of London during a daring raid, on tho jdweis: by tho servants of an Eastorn prince; ;it has to do, too, with tho kidnapping: of a young English girl, tho treachery of a ronegade'Eugllsli- ' man and all the weavlngs of loverbrlgandage, pursuit, and rescue. The final scenes are played out in the Far East and are colourful and dramatic, with patches of pure farce that concern the agile doings of Lupino Lane, who plays a comic reporter and who has a breathtaking scene where ho bests an army, of Orientals by aid of a series of secret panels. A lastminuto rescuo saves both the famous diamond, which'-as been taken from the Tower, and the girl who has been drugged and kidnapped. The Do Luxe Orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. L. D. Austin, plays attractive music, and Mr. Paul T. Cullen, at the organ, has a solo and song in his best vein. . . KING'S THEATRE. "Just Imagine," the Do Sylva, 'Brown, and Henderson Fox Movietone comedy with music, is showing at the King's Theatre. Tho authors of "Sunny Side Up" have looked far Into the future'in this production, and projected on the screen their Iceas of tho world and romance in • IPSO. Famous for .-their great poßular song hits and stage:'successes; De . Sylvav Brown,.aud Henderson" haVe" provided a generous number for. "Just Imagine." David Butler directed. All served in like capacities in "Sunny Side Up." El'Brendel .heads the cast* which 'aJso has. Maurcon O'Sulllvan, -John Garrlck, 'Mnrjorlo White, and"Frank Albertson. 1 .QUEEN'S THEATRE. "The Lone Eider," a breath-taking, all-talk-ing "Western," with the hard-rldlng Buck Jones in tha main role, is showing at the Queen's Theatre. The.film is a depiction of tho colourful days of '49. Supporting roles in this pr,o- ; duction are played by Vera Reynolds, Harry . Woods, and. George Pearce. Louis King, wellknown director of outdoor action films, handled ihe megaphone. Popular prices are charged. BRITANNIA .THEATRE. "Resurrection," Count Tolstoy's famous dramatic classic, in .film form, starring John Boles and Lupe Velez, is being shown at the Britannia Theatre. The. story has been faithfully produced, and nothing has been spared that could add to its magnificence and realism. '"Resurrection" Is a truly groat picturo, and bids fair to take its place among the superior screen plays of tho decade. ■'" NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. ,Joan: Crawford gives a brilliant portrayal In "Within tho Law," now„showing„at,t„e New, Princess Theatre. As- Mary Turner,:,the,shop , girl who'ls--sent to prison although innocent aiid subsequently becomes the leader of a suavo crook'gang. Miss Crawford offers a surprise to movie-goers who havo seen' her only in. flapper characterisations. ■/. Thqre are good supports and' _ further episode or "Finger Prints,^ the all : lalking serial. ; ARTCRAFT THEATRE. ■':•' "Sarah and Son,'.' starring Ruth Chatterton. Is showing at the Artcraft Theatro:. Sho is seen iv the role" of Sarah Storm," tho impoverished young wife-mother who, stimulated by .'a burning ambition to raise lierself from obscurity and to regain the baby,boy who had been spirited away- from her- by'her -worthless .husband, finally achieves' famo and glory an'operatic star, and eventually is re-united With her, son. There are .good-supports. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist), gave his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall last evening, and the programme was as follows: Andanto and Variations, by Mozart. Overturo to "A Midsummer Night's Dream," by Mendelssohn. Nocturne by Wolatenholm. Prelude and Fugue (on the, name of "Bach"), Liszt. Fantasia in C (Op. 16), by Cesar Franck. (a) Prieve ot Berceuse, Op. 27 (b), Canzonne, Op. 40, by Guilmant. Suite (Op. 87 j, by Nelmaun-Pago. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Iron Man" is showing at Shortt's Theatre. This powerful lovo story of tho prize ring is from tho novel by W. E| : Burnett. "Iron Man" stars Lew Ayres, the youth who made such a sensation in "All Quiet on tho. Western ' Front," in tho rolo of a lightweight fighter who, through the clever handling of his' manager, " played by Robert Armstrong, eventually wins the lightweight crown. "His wife, .the. role taken by Joan Harlow of "nell's Angels" fame, then steps Into tho picture, with disastrous results. : KILBIRNIE ICINEMA'. Scrceuiiig at tho Kilbirnio Kinoma to-day will bo "Plunder," a sensational production, starring Tom Walls, Ralph Lynn, Winifred Shorter', and "Mary Brougli. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. ... "Tho Big Trail," Fox Movlotono's 1931 super Production, will bo screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story depicts the.hardship of tho old American pioneers. It shows how (hey carried 'on. to new. lauds through the heat of the'blazing deserts, Ihe chill of tho snow-sovered country, and the glacial mountain, passes. Thoy-wete faced with the necessity to lot their stock, their wagons; and themselves down a sheer cliff or turn back. The'large cast includes John.Wayne, Marguerite Churchill, El Brendel', Polly 'Marshall.'arid David Rollins. A Fox Movietone News will also bo screened. GLIDE SKATING RINK. Tlie:flo'or of tho-Gllde- Skating Rink in Wakefield street makes one of the best skating surfaces of any rink in New Zealand, and the management of the rink leaves nothing to be desired in tho way of catering for the comfort and well-being of patrons. Tho commodious bitumen floor, clean and smooth as glass, excellent-' skates', and attentive attendants all combine toitiako this rink most popular among the devotees of -skating as well as those who are learning tho art. Special sessions for learn-f ers are held every forenoon , (except Saturday),from 10 to 11.SO, and dally from oto 7 p.m., when expert tutors are In attendance to advise and assist novices. ROYAL ROLLER RINK. The enterprise of the management of the Boyal Roller Kink in filacing before the public skating facilities under such charmong conditions as now exist, at tho Winter Show Building, lies put the sport on an entirely different plahe -to anything which has existed In tho past. Skill and tasto Is manifest la the decoration of the ample interior space,, resultlug In a delightful, setting In which comfort,and .convenience for both skaters and onlookers play a prominent part.- Tho rink is attracting many who havo not-Oiitlierto interested themselves in this .form of jocreation... .An added attraction for to-night Is a Monte Carlo couipotit_m,.for ivhlclt prizes, aro being-offered/ .

MAJESTIC THEATRE. That-specialViutercst attaches to tho question of the-iiilative; inorits of.British and Amei-ieaii-tulklng films was demonstrated on Saturday evening, when a capacity house assembled at the Majestic Theatro to witness a selected sample of each country's product on the same programme. The British comedy, "Enter the ' Queen," -Is a truly delightful offering, written and acted by .English-speaking artists who acquit .themselves with distinction. The performance of the character of an English butler by Herbert Mundin, who was in New Zealand with the "Rose Marie" company. Is fin especially lino ploco of character comedy acting which raised much laughter. America was represented by ■ "Threo Girls Lost," a comedy of three country ' girls who meet In Chicago and experience many interesting and humorous adventures. The piece is written after the American method, all the characters are American, and it is woll per--1 formed by Loretta. Young, Joyce Compton, John Wayue, Low Cody, and others. Thcro is a Fox News in support, which Includes some brilliant flying and lovely cloud scenes by the British Boyal Air Force. Box plans aro at the Bristol and also at tho theatre. ...' "-ST. JAMES THEATRE. _ Crowded to the doors on Saturday evening, the St. James Theatre re-echoed laughter and applauso from- a thoroughly well-pleased audience. The chief offering of an excellent programme, "A Tailor-made'Maii,"'"is'brimful Of clean and wholesome comply, and there are very effective dramatic sections that hold especial appeal. Always popular, William Haines has never before been seen to such advantage. His acting right through is highgrade, and tho humour ho provides Is delightful. As "John Paul Burt," a tailor's presser, lie believes that "fine feathers make fine birds," "and.'lie purloins a customer's clothes and makes a break into society with great success.' Dorothy Jordan makes a charming heroine, and another performance of quite exceptional merit is the "Huber" of Joseph .Cawthoru, a character actor who is always sure of a warm welcume. The short subjects are most pleasing. Zasu Pitts scores in her comedy, "Let's Do Things," and a Metrotono News shows intimate; portraits of every member of the New Zealand; cricket team now In England. Box plans aro at the Bristol, and also at the theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Blind Wives" .will have its final screening at the Capitol to-night; Leslie Fuller, Britain's new talkie comedian," will be seen In "Why Sailors Leavo Home" at tho Capitol to-morrow night. "The Laurel-Hardy Murder Case" and a newsreel and cartoon will also be shown.. Box plans for ."City Lights" are now open at the theatre. '"- OUR- THEATRE, NEWTOWN. '.- The all-talking drama, "Strictly TJncouvcii--tional," starring Lewis Stone and Cathorlne Dalo Owen, is being shown at Our Theatro tonight. Tho'stofy depicts the"amusing recurrence of .a- domestic situation in tho. second generation of an aristocratic English family. A woman deserts her son to run away with a man she loves more than her husband, and returns thirty years later to find that the wife of her son contemplates' a similar procedure, becauseher husband is more interested in autlque furniture than in her charms. There aro excellent talkie supports. - REGAL THEATRE, KARORI, "Under -Suspicion," tho current programme at the Regal Theatre, Karori, is a, colourful story dealing with the mounted police aud with one of England's flying aces. The natural scenes aro of a standard far above the usual scenic class. Tho featured players are Lois Moran, ,7. Harold Murray, and J. M. Kerrigan. J. Harold Murray- sings three excellent songs. There aro excellent supports, including a comedy called 'Trizo Puppies," a ■ Travelogue, "Gateway to India,"- and a Fox Movietone Newsreel. On. Wednesday and Thursday "The Big Pond" will be screened. PORT NICHOLSON BAND. :A fine programme of vocal and Instrumental items- was-giveif in the Grand Opera House last evening, when tho Port Nicholson Silver Band preseuted its seventh... Sunday night recital. A full house greeted the performers, who all gave a good account of themselves. There were -a number of highly attractive features, including "Amarella," sung by Miss Lilian Thompson, who cava as a recall "I Lovo the Moon"; "There Is Always Something" and "My Idea of a Girl," recitations by Miss Zona Jupp;, "I Bring, a Love Son_," "You Will Bemembor Vienna," iu)d "My Lover Gome Back to Me,''- Mr. Dan Foley;-' violin Solos,-" "Chanson :Arabc" and Mozart's "Minuet,"-. Mr. William' Haydock; "Haviinora," Miss Christina Young, with band accompaniment,-and "Walata : Pol," and another recall; "Nita Gitana"-and "Somewhere a Voice is Calling," Mr. Jack ' Barratt. The band played "Lead, Kindly Light," the audante from the "Pathetic Symphony," "Musical Memories," ' "The Phantom Brigade/- and "Lydncy Park." -The accompanist was Mr.^Fran|c E. Crowthor, and a euphonium^ solo," "Serenade," was given, by, Sergeant* Ron Feuton. ■ & ,