ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 102, 27 October 1931, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

RECENT THEATRE,

All who are either In, or enjoy being recalled to their childhood days will (lad pleasure in "Skippy," a picture or children In all their moods, showing at tliu Uegi/nt Theatre. Skippy, played by Jackie Cooper, who lives the part in it manner many an adult artist falls to achieve, is the son of- Dr. Herbert Skinner, chairman of the Board of Health 111 the town in which they live. Dr. Skinner's crusade against unhyßlenic modes of llvlns results in a decree bcliiu- issued by whicli 'Shantytown." the slum section of tliu city, Is to be cleaned up and Its inhabitants driven out. Against his parents' wishes Skippy spends his play hours lv "Shantytown," where he chooses his friends among the waifs and strays according to whether they are "fond kids" or uot. Ilia lavourite is an outcast, Suuoky Wayne (ltoliert (Joogan), and the efforts of the pair to raise three dollars to rescue Suooky's mongrel dug from the poundkeeper Is one of the main points of the story. Eventually the money is torthcoming, but in the meantime (he dog Ims been destroyed according to the instructions issued over the name of Skippy's father. This tragedy finally serves to bring Dr. Skinner to an understanding of Ills son that he lacked before, and he is able to make an arrangement satisfactory to all parties. There is an interesting supporting programme.

'Born to' Love.

Constance Bennett's latest picture, ■Born to Love," will he screened lit the Regent Theatre oa Friday. A touching melodrama, the picture is expected to draw big houses.

GRANO OPERA HOUSE

There is a double feature prosranime at the Grand Opera House this week. In the 0m picturf, "The Nipper." Betty Balfour is ideally east as a little waif who docs, "turns" iv a hotel bar. Tersuaded by criminals to assist them in a burglary, she finds that the people whom she has helped to rob are tho oues who befriend her. They determine to make her a "star," but there are complications of a romantic nature, and tha nipper finally goes back to her old life. "Tho Conquering Horde," tho second feature, is a story of open lite in the far Wcsl, and concerns the. troublesome times after (lie war between the North urd I South. Unscrupulous men in Texas h;.ve Hill Iplnv. Because of the imsclllei! condi- ' lions the authorities send Dan M\MiisIters into Texas, and he falls in love with a girl who has been opposing the oppressors. A big cattle drive is iv progress, and tho crooks i set out to do as much damage as they cau. 'The ealtle drive is a fealure of the picture, and Iho photography is remarkably realistic. There are all sorts of complications. Including a threatened attack by Indians and a rescue by the U.S.A. cavalry before the position is] cleared up. The supports are of a high order. "KIM." BrinElnc to the scrceu a picture packed willi laughter, love interest, and droll situations, "Kikf " Mary Pickford's latest Lnited Artists feature, conies to the Grand Opera House on Friday.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

"Seed" is io its second week at tho Varamount Theatre. The picture presents a frank, human story, not removed from tho realms of possibility, and it Is of a type which calls for skilful direction and sound acting. The story Is ivoven round a clerk, Bart Carter, his wife, and live children, into whose lite comes Mildred, an old love of Bart's, who steals him from his family. Inspired by Mildred, in ten years Bart achieves fame as an author, but In the end It Is Pet'Ky. the mother of the live, children who wins out. John Boles, probably better known because of his voico than his ■n-tiu" has the rolo of Bart, arid his performance is far and away better Ihau anything he has done previously. Tho other two members of the Triangle are 1-ols Wilson, as Peggy, and Genevlevc Tobin, as Mildred, each of whom acts brilliantly. Tho supporting programme consists of a Universal News heel (leiituring the popular Graham M'Nameo), an Oswald the Rabbit cartoon, and an entertainluK Slim Sumuiervillo comedy, "Gaieties ol I ans.

DE LUXE THEATRE,

Warner Oland as Charlio Chan, the iamuiis Oriental detective, has to solve a particularly baffling mystery in "Tho Black Camel, acroening at the Do Luxe Theatre. On the solution of a mystery murder ill the faouth beas depends tho solution of the mystery of another murder which happened in the Los Angeles film colony three years before. Sally Ellens, BeU Lugosi. and Dorotbr Kevler fupport, Warner Olaud. Tho We supportins bill includes v Vox. International News and a Fox Movietone News (Australian and New Zealand issue) with many topical events pictured, a Movietone sound scenic which gives glimpses of tho Norwegian fiords, country life, and an nir view of Stockholm, a capital of tho nel«hhourins kingdom of Sweden, "Duffer Swings, I ho latest, of the Johnny Farrell golf scries, this timo addressed more particularly to women players, and "Oh, Darling 1" a Jack White (comedy of mixed rooms and mixed identities, 'played at rapid pace and very amusing.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Ji.iddy Lorfu Legs" is now Ehowins at the KlUK's Theatre. Keplcto witli delirious touches, ailko in romance, comedy, and emotional appeal, it pleases patrons or every age. In x'orlrayal rare pcrfcctitudc in achieved, tor with tlio elfin charm nud tho quaint twsl;y \vhispfirs of Janet Gnynor in tlie rolo of Judy, and tho handsome masculinity of Warner Baxter aa her adored "Daddy Long Less," allied to. (he clever work of the remarkably clcrcr children in the orphannite scenes, but few thlnfes so faithful in (lira characterisation have becu-Bcen here. There are attractive supports.

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

"A Holy Terror," wll.li Georgu O'Brien and Sally Eilers in the leading roles, is the main attraction at the Queen's Theatre. The story concerns the adventures of a young man about town, who finds his assumed father shot to death and decides to track down tho murderer. O'Brien performs all sorts of hazardous feats in an aeroplane and on horseback. In the end, he finds his man, only to discover ho has been trailing his own father nnd that, the man who was killed in a fair fight kidnapped tho hero when he was a child. There is an adequate supporting programme.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

"One Heavenly Night," a merry, frolicsome, gay, and witty romantic comedy drama with music, is showius at Khortt's Theatre. The title aptly describes the enjoyment of glorious singing by Evelyn Laye, John Boies, and at times by tho entiro cast. In no sense a comic opera, "One Heavenly Night" provides tuneful music throughout, and though essentially modern, there Is a variety of costumiHS that lends colour and brightness to the atmospheric settings. The sceno of the story is Budapest, and its night life cafes and cabarets aro well represented.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE,

An excellent double-feature programme is now showing at the New Princess Theatre. Tho first attraction Is "Kiss Me, Sergeant." starring that inimitable comedian, Leslie Fuller. Jack Ralne, Jameson Thomas, and Eve Grey are to be seen in "Mghtbirds," a thrilling story of London's underworld.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"Doctors' Wives" is being shown at the Britannia Theatre. Warner Baxter and Joan Bennett are co-featured. It Is a tense, dramatic story of the contilct that arises In a young doctor's wife's heart when she foolishly believes that "the patient is the common enemy of every doctor's wife." Both Warner Baxter and Joan Bennett rise to new heights of emotionalism, iv this stirring production.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"The BiK House," ihe main attraction at the Empire Theatre to-night, tells of life in a larga American prlsoi, and a highlight is a massed attempt by three thousand inmates to escape; The main characters are played by Chester Morris and.Wallace Beery. The supporting programme includes a canine comedy entitled "Who Killed Rover?" a Burton Holmes Travelogue, and a Metrotono Newsreel.

OUR THEATRC, NEWTOWN

The new Paramount outdoor romance, "The Santa Fe Trail," starrhg Richard Arlen and Mltzl Green, will bo skown at Our Theatro to-night. The story la tiat of a war between sheep-raisera and cattleneu during the early days of the West just aflir the Civil War. Five added short subjects comp'cte tho programme. .

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI,

"Charlie Chan Carries On" Is the principal attraction at the Regal Tbcotre to-night. Warner Oland portrays the smlihe but keen-witted Chinese detective who "carries on" after a Scotland Tard man Is baffed in an amazing mystery murder. A. comedy, a Fltzpatrlck Travelogue, and two Fox Movietone Newsrecls complete the programme. iOi Wednesday and Thursday "The Man Who Came Back" will be screened. . , .

SEASIDE PICTURES, LVALL BAY.

"Virtuous Husband," starring Elliot Nugent; Betty Compson, and Jean Arthur, to be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Jay, to-night, Is a comedy based on the stage play, "Apron Strings." It tells of a young man who acted entirely according to the instructions and advice of his mother when he married. A Universal News, Comedy, and cartoon will a'so be screened.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRMHAR.

"The Lady of Scandal," the Frederick Lonsdale play, starring Ruth Chaltcrion, will he' screened finally at the Capitol tonight. Excellent supports are featured. "Mm Trouble," starring tho late Milton Sills, conmciices tomorrow.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"A kady Surrenders" is showing it the Artcraft Theatre. There arc no fewer. Jian seven stars In the production, Including Cionovlcve Tobln, Conrad Nagel. Rose Honart, nnd Basil Ruthbone. The picture Is the adajtation of Tohn Ersklhe's novel, "Sincerity," aid Rathbone ts seen as a Continental philanderer, who woos and wins a girl nnd. a? promptly foritcts her when a Parisian actress attracts ];■_; altenitlon. -There- are. excellent, supports

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"Viennese Night," showing at tho Majestic Theatre, is an entertainment of distinct appeal. Vivienne Segal, who sings and acts delightfully, has never been seen before to such advantage. Her portrayal needs to bo seen to be properly appreciated. Walter Pidgeon and Alexander Gray render splendid vocal and histrionic assistance, Bert Roach furnishes the best comedy he has over contributed, and Louise H'azenda. Alice Day, and an ensemble that runs into hundreds are eminently . satisfactory. RcautFful teclmlcolour photography embellishes Iho production. Tho Items of the first part are unusually good. Box plans are at the Bristol, and also at the theatre.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

A holiday audience packed St. James Theatre last evening and thoroughly enjoyed the strong play "A Free Soul," in which Norma Shearer scores a distinct emotional success. Lionel Barrymore, in tho role of her brilliantly gifted but erratic father. Is responsible for a characterisation that stands forth as one of the best portrayals seen on the screen. The court secno at the end of the play is one of rare power in which both Norma Shearer and Lionel Barrymore do remarkably fine work. Leslie Howard. In a congenial role, Is good. Clark Cable adds another success to his list, and the supporting players are worth special mention. The short .suhjects of the first part are coorf. Box plans aro at the Bristol, and also at the theatre.

KILBIfiNIE KINEMA,

"My Fast," stavrins Bcbe Daniels, with Ben Lyon and Lewis Stone, is being■ shown at the Kilhiruie Kinfm.i. There are excellent supports:

SHIP'S CONCERT.

A i-cnrcrt 'will be given at the Dominion Farmers' Institute, to-morrow at. S p.m. by a hand of "entertainers from the. motor ship Jjangililvf. The programme will be varied, IncludhiK orchestral Hems, violin and 'cello solos, and songs. Tho members of the company are talented; . and . tho concert should giro more than ordinary pleasure. The concert is being given by permission of Commander H. Burnett. Light refreshments will lie obtainable.

GORDON QRYAN'S RECITAL,

\l Gordon's Bryan's recital at the Concert Chamber Town Hall, on Thursday night, at 8 ~'vioek the pianist is selecting his programme frum representative composers of the classical British, French,' Russian, ""'I >'"lisll school. A recent critic in the London "Times" remarked that the chief enjoyment of the evening came from Mr Gordon Bryan's performance of one of -Haydn's. Sonatas. This particular sonata, "The Quarrel," will be one of the chief items r/Mnlcrcst ill .the forthcoming recital. . After a recital in Barbadoes, British West Indies, Mr. Brviin was described as a fine player who uses ■m" amplo technical accomplishment for musical ends, and who, unlike many experts, possesses a sense of humour, which ho uses in his brief preparatory remarks -before sonio. of his items.

SKATING RINKS,

OwiiiK to dayllsht aavlna arrangements, the manaecincut cf tliu Glido Skating Emk, m WakcQelcl street, has decided, for tho convenience of patrons, to make an adjustment In the times of tho eyenlng Besslona, commenciDE neit Monday. Learners' seasions will bo.held from li 45 to 7.-15 p.m., and tbe ordinary evening sessions will be held from 8 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Monday to Friday and from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays. During summer months, unless otherwise notified, llannels and opennccli shirts- will bo optional at the ovcnlns sessions. On Friday evening a fancy dress masked carnival will bo held from S p.m. to 1 a.m. All sorts of novelties and competitions' will ho introduced, and prizes will be awarded for the beat fancy dress, must original costume, most humorous character, and the mist graceful couplo on sliat.es. Saturday night was n memorable "'"h',,; lt tho St. George Stating Kink, when both Billy Preston and "Spotty" Sniilh lluipheil their cn-(inr-UK-o (rial Hilly Treston, Unl'lrr 'of llic world's olliciiil endurance, stalling record of in6V- lioiiif, brnko his own record hy four niiniri.es llnishlnc four minutes hcfnro mldiil"hl ' Scotty Smith was less fortunate, but for his first endur.inco attempt put up the rcmarkahlo time or 0!l hours r,;: minutes. brcaV:in*7 tilo c.vistini; New Zealand record of 71 hours, established, in Christrhurrii. The third dub nitrht will bo held to-nlghl. There will be a Monte Carlo next Thursday. To-night will be the last opportunity anorded patrons of the Royal Roller Rink (Winter Show Building. John street), of Rkatlng there, as the "eason Is closing. A finnl club night will bo held from 7SO to 12 p.m.. at which a K"od attendance of members is antlclpntnd. The very large floor area araliahlo Elves ampic senpe for Iho Indulwiice uf aildliiK.