ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 124, 21 November 1931, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Against a comic-opera Viennese background, Maurice Chevalier plays the leading part in

"The Smiling Lieutenant," which was shown ■before a very largo house on its second screening at the liegont Theatre last evening. Those who have admired Chevalier in his previous pictures will acclaim him in this, for he Is Ideally cast .as. tho romantic, singing; csseulially maseulino soldier who is loved by the ladies. There is v delightful air of unreality about tile picture that adds considerably to Its charm. In ninny respects it is genuine comicr.perarin all, that is, except in tho last scene, when. ■ tho denmro priucoss1 changes' Into a modern miss, and awakes lovo for tho Hist time in her wayward lieutenant lover... As in 1 other of Chevalier's pictures, Boyalty figures largely, .although jn a--rather, suspiciously American way.'• Chßvalior is- cast-as a lieutenant' in tho Guards who is in lovo with Franzl (Cluudetto Colbert), who leads a ladies' orchestra In a toecr garden. When tho king of a.,neighbouring kingdom and his daughter Anno (Miriam. Hopkins) visit Vienna, the princess intercepts a. wink passed by Chevalier to Kranzl, and the ensuing complications result in a marriage being arranged in which tho unfortunate lieutenant has no say. The lieutenant is loved hy tho princess, but he loves Franzl, with whom ho sings some catchy songs on the theme of love and tho army. After a quarrel, in which the rivals for the lieutenant's love shin each other's faces they make it up,' and Franzi tolls tho timid and old world princess the secret of charm, and departs with tho philosophical saying that "those who are asked to breakfast seldom stay to supper." The lieutenant discovers the woman in- the princess, so all ends well. Tho supports aro excellent.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Xever was the role of the versatile, goodheartcd showman,: vagabond- to- tho core, but true to his own code o[ manliness, placed In better hands than in those of Robert Woolsey, as Dr. ,T. Dockweller Droop in. "Everything Rosie," at the Grand .'Opera House. Drifting .from one carnival to another with takedowns, h« has not a care in Jho. world so. long as there; is a chanco of scene every, day or two, until- he is- appropriated by ltosle, a charming -kiddies of three, lovely despite, hor dirt and -"tears. "Doc," always particular about his appearance, goes in for the higher grades of the. confidence game. His racy patter makes Jiim an easy Hrlng. and Ratio improves imiil at 'seventeen she turns tho world upside down for.-Billy Lowe, a young lawyer. The dinner at tho Lowes'' home, wheco all tho society of tlio*-village: is invited', to meet, the minor royalty that, royal liar vtliat: ho: is, "Doc" has-'maele himself out to be, is onq of the cleverest things that has been staged for Kome time.- Ills unfailing now of wit sails very near the "odso of decorum at times, but It Is such, nndenlablo humour thai even the upliftcrs have to laugh, and his native .sense and tho knowledge of human nature gained in his "profession" malic him so afrreeablo lhat his table ' ceccutiricitics aro pardoned. Trials and tribulations show the fine temper nf the man beneath- tho professional clown, and all ends well. Anita Louise, as Rosie, is charming and natural, and tho rest of the cast is good. Amongst the attractions of a vef:y'"Ebod 'introductory programme aro "Swim or Sink,'? a Grantland .njca Bportlight of tho oxdtine game of water polo, which is evidently- -a. .mixture, of -underwater wrestling ana flam flight, and an excellent news, featuring the Schneider Cup race and the capslzo of Kaye Don in "Miss England" In America.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"The Phantom of Paris," the Metro-Goldwvn-Wayer production which- began its screenings at the De Luxe Theatre yesterday, is taken from the Gaston Leroux story "Cherl-Bibl," and presents John Gilbert in tho best role that he has had for a long time. Cherl-Bibi'is. an "escape artist," a mystery man of the theatrical world, and it is his lovo affair with a society girl that Introduces the most tragic and happlesf-tlme of his life. Her father disapproves of the marriage, and because of that disapproval and also of tho fact that otbor influences, sinister in intent, are at work, Oherl-Bibi meets his match for once. Where aft much, depends on tho element of. surprise, discussion of the story would hinder enjoyment of the film, but the plot Is dramatic and permits of striking moments being piled one on top of the other even to the last. The cast Is one of tho strongest, Gilbert being supported by Leila Hyams, Lewis Stone, Jean Hersh.olt, ■Natalie • Moorhoad, and lan Keith, a notable assembly. The • programme is completed by a beautiful' colour pfcturisatloii of the'worldfamous Albertina Rasch Ballet, now adorning the Ziegfeld Follies, in "A Night at a Cabaret," a mirthful two-part comedy played by the Boy Friends and titled "Mama Loves Papa" concerned with the efforts of two families to prevent a marriage; and. a Hearst Metrotonc Newsrccl which features all tho latest world events.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

The trianplo between two men and one ■woman Is dealt with from a new angle In "Up for Murder," a sensational newspaper story now showing at the Paramount Theatre. Against a background of throbbing printing presses and tho racket of newspaper life, a, drama is unfolded when tho cub reporter dares, to love the very sophisticated social writer, already associated with the married .publisher, of the journal. Tho lad will not believe ♦he story of the pair's association, until events prove conclusively the rumour of the office. Manslaughter is committed in the lady s apartment, and tho climax is reached when the lad s own confession assures a verdict of guilty. Circumstances, and the love she finds ■ dawning' for her chivalrous young lover, induce the lady in the case to take part at the, eleventh hour, securing tho young man's freedom at tho expenso of her own reputation. In the rolo of the social writer, Genevievo Tobln' achieves, distinction in acting and frocking, and enacts! her at times, unpleasant part, with finesse. Lewis Ayres.who is cast as the cup reporter whose' serious, application to work, life-, and Ideate brings about the catastrophe, acts with refinement arid dramatic force. The drama ol tho play"• is ■ leavened by tho humour of a bibulous reporter whose forte is two-Tlollar loans from all and 'sundry, but whose innate good -nature comes out when tragedy stalks his ', friend, the: cub. Police methods of evldoneeflnding are shown. In their stark crudeness, and the whole atmosphere is one of sensation. The supporting programme is splendid; views of thl Do-X reaching .New York are interestin?, and topical events are described by Graham.MacNamee In pithy language. An Oswald cartoon Iprovldes humour. . .

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

; Bomance and thrills In plenty go to make the Tfox .Movietone-; production, "Fair Warn-, "me "■"screening-at the Queon's Theatre, pleUs--lirable entertainment.' An adaptation or Max, Brand*.. Western thriller, "Tho Untamed, the ■plcture'is a first Wellington roloaso, and Icat- : ■iires the athletic Georgo' O'Brien, who enjoys considerable popularity. Tho story concerns, -a youth's battle against outlaws, in the wild ■and woolly West.' Louise Huntingdon heads^ a-good supporting east; . , 1

king:s theatre.

.' la these' rather depressing times everyone likes a good comedy, and1 in that category the management of tho Kings' Theatre places_ Its. latest Offering, "The Man'in Possession, which commented a • season . yesterday. Tha star, is Robert Montgomery, who probably will bo remembered for fine work in "Shipmates, 'but sharing-.tho honours with him are Irene Purcelle and- the elongated comedienne, Charlotte Greenwood, who in this picture has one of the finest roles of her career.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"The School for Scandal," :with Basil Gill and Madeleine Carroll in the leading parts, is being: shown at the Britannia Theatre, All the wit and sparkle of Sheridan a famous comedy has been transferred to the talking screen In thi3 Dicture. Tha production—all British—la • elaborately mounted and gorgeously costumod. Sheridan a witty and satirical' dialogue Is used throughout the film, this being the first time a period talking picture has been made using the actual dialogue of tho period ia which it was mitten.

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

■ "Beau Ideal." the sequel 10 "Beau Geste," U being shown at Shortt's Theatre, nalph Forbes heads tho cast, which includes Loretta Toung and Irene Rich. The stoty goes back to -Morocco again and to the flerco savagery of the Arab hordes, to tho courageous Foreign Legion, to the alluring-dangers of tho secret oltles of the desert, to pungent battle drama and poignant emotional drama. There are alt the ingredients of a thoughtful andwellexeeutecl drama of "special" proportions, a real screen achievement.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE,

"Seed." with John Boles,: Lois Wilson, Raymond Hackett, and Oenevieve Tobin in the leading roles, is being shown at tho New Piinresa Theatro. This is Charles G. Norris's enormous best-seller, visualised on the talkIne screon in a picture that is liCe Itself. In support' aro cxcellont -sound short subjects.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

"Billy the Kid," King Vidor's Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, will be shown at Our Theatre to-night, John Mack Brown" plnya Billy, and Wallaeo ■ Beery Is Sheriff Pab Garrett. Kay Johnson has the feminine lead. The picture Is based on the life of William Bonnoy, alias "Billy the Kid," notorious smiling twenty-one-year-old desperado. There are excellent supporrsv

CAPITOL" THEATRE", MIRAMAR.

Greta Carbo will bo seen ia "Inspiration" tit the Capitol Theatre to-night. Hobort Mont"omcry John Miljan, Lewis Stone, and Beryl Mercer are Included in tlio supportliiK cast. A Laurel-Hardy comedy and a news rael completo the hill.. "The Devil to Pay," commences next Friday; ■ ' ■ .

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Madam-Satan,'' to lie scrconed- at the Regal Theatrn, K«rori,- trt-nlght, is a mysterious romance which rises to a great climax as a thousand revellers aro dasherl to earth in an airship;; Kny Johnson, licginald Denny, and "Roland TounK nro In the cant.- A special copy of tho Hearst JXeUotono News and supports will be shown.

EMPIRE.THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

".The -Sleeplns Cardinal." at tlio Empire Theatre, is liasod on short, stnrlpa h.v Sir Arthur Conan Dojl<;. An nll-linglisli cast in-.-hides- Arthur Wontcr, lan Tleminc, Leslie Perrins, and .Tano Welsh. A cornp.rlv entitled "Cnlfl fhlverf," * sound cirloon, iind a nnrelty Icaturctle cnmpletc the programme.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

A highly diverting comedy, liberally splashed with -thrills. Is -'Big Money," tljo principal featuro at the Majestic Theatre. When Eddie Quillan, in tho person -.or a stockbroker's mes-! sage boy, arrived at tlio bunk tOo late to pay. in a big sum of Ills employer's money, and had to retain' possession of It until- tho following morning, lie undertook a responsibility that would have bruught him serious trouble had it not been for his lnfallibio good luck. Endeavouring to escape from gangsters, he runs into a party- of dice gamblers, where his amazing luck..wins him several thousand dollars, and causes him to bo taken into partnership by a hardened gambler. The combination of experience and luck nets tho pair many thousands o£ dollars of easy money, but as- the senior partner remarks at tho beginning, It is a "hard racket," and the youth is In a difficult situation when lie is involved in a fatal shooting affray. Further, lio has not been able to. follow his friend's advice and keep women out of his life, his former employer's daughter coming to mean more- to him oven than gambling and tlio fortune he has'made but of it. Tho. story admittedly Is light, but tho 'aim of the picture is no more tliart to amuse, and it achieves its object very successfully. The dialogue Is extremely clever, and handled by the cast so well that tho sallies exchanged keep the house in rare humour. Miriam Seagor represents the stockbroker's daughter who cannot help loving her father's unusual office boy, and James Gleaaon plays a sophisticated rolo as the boy's gambler friend. . Tlie supports include another comedy and ncwsreels. '

ST. JAMES THEATRE

"Never a dull moment" correctly describes "My Wife's Family," the now picture, which drew to St. James Theatre last evening a large and fully satisfied audience. It is excellent comedy of tho matrimonial error type, pivoting on. the militant mother-in-law. It is also British, and there is something, about Britisn comedy that cannot be confused'with American comedy—a difference not merely of technique, but also of atmosphere. Thanks not merely to Gene Gerrard and Jimmy Godden and Amy Vcness, Dttt to the whole clever.cast .right down to the taxi-driver, .the almosphcro of My I Wife's'Family"--Is electrical, a serios of bright sparks with no blanks, and the "rapid fire continuity is so well maintained that before the applause of "one sally has died away there Is another on the. wing, heard with difficulty against the background of tho audience s laughter. It will' not be necessary to give away the amusing plot, except to say that mother-in-law mistook a baby grand (piano) for a grand baby, and nearly disrupted tho family. Amy Veness presented mother-in-law as a plump fury, not a parchment skeleton, and generated a. full' head of '.stoam. right ■ through the performance. Gene Gerrard was a rapid-speak-ing satirical husband- (quits distinct from tho Ralph Lynn .type of husband) ; Muriel Angelus was'S. •sweet'wifie when not provoked; Jimmy Godden's broad comedy as a bell-toppered adventurer ivas even better than his stage com-edy;-and Charles Paton as the nagged-at old man disclosed a.real punch in the last round. St. James Theatre should. have a winner--In "My Wife's Family." Amona the supports tho Glasgow Orpheus Choir is an artistic success.; • '■ '..'' ■ ■-

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"It's a Wise ;Child," .starring MarionDavies, Is being shown at tho Artcraft Theatre. It is said to he the most mirth-provoking picture of this popular1 comedienne's career. This story- of tho embarrassing "and uproarious effects caused by gossip In a small town has been praisod by dramatic critics' as oiio of tho best farccTComedies of the theatre. There arc excellent supports! ; . ■ . ■..

SEAS.IDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

1 "Three Girls Lost," starring Lorctta..Young and John-Wayne,- to bo screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night, tells the' story of tho adventures of ..three girls from-a small town who go to a big city, in search of adventuro and romance. The picture is very exciting and amusing. "Enter the Queen," a delightful - comedy starring - the noted British comedian Herbert Mundln, a Fox News, and Cartoon, will also bo screened. Seats may be reserved by tolephonc.

LEX MACDONALD AND HARMONIC SOCIETY TO-NIGHT.

A final reminder is given of the concert to be given in the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, this evening, when Lex Macdonald, a boy soprano from Dunedin, who compares favourably with Ernest Lough (the boy who has made Mendelssohn's "Hear My' Prayer" famous throughout the. jrorid), will appear with the Harmonic Society. With the choir he will sing the Mendelssohn number, and In addition will render "Solvelg's .Song" from Grieg's 'Peer Gynt" Suite. Also on the programme will be Mr. Ernest Jenner, the popular local piano soloist, who will play Glazounov's "Themo and Variations." The choir numbers' are a very varied selection, which should mako an instant appeal to music-lovers—in fact, tho concert Is expected to set a new high water mark In the achievements of this choir. Tho whole concert will bo under tho direction of Mr. H. Temple White. In view of the heavy booking reserved seat holders are asked to attend in good time in order that the commencement may not bo delayed. Doors will open at 7.1j -p-.m.-—-; ■-. •••-■• •;-.::.;■•••■:■•----.■•.-.

GIRLS' CLUB DANCE-

An ciijoyable; dance was-held by St. James's Girls Club recently. Mr.'Thomas (pianist) provided an excellent orchestra, while Mr. Hardy acted as M.C. Between the dances', songs by Misses Phvllis Martin and Isabel Lyons were mueb appreciated. Miss M. Martin-recited and Miss E. Thomas gave/a .solo tap-danco. Miss G Lawrie led a ballet dance. The committee responsible for making the danco a success were' Mesdames Harisell (president). Lees. King, Thomas, Griffiths, Foster, and Miss StuartForbes. The prizes awarded for fancy dress costumes were as follows:—Most -comical woman, Miss Cora Ell 1, Miss Edna Smith' 2: Most comical man, Mr. 3. Nash 1, Mr. M'Dougal 2. Most original, Miss Betty Knox 1, Miss M. Judd 2.- Most effective : costume, from inexpensive material, Miss B. ,Troseder 1, Miss i. Savage 2. Most effective costumo-for a man, Mr. Roberts IV Mr. J.- llair 2.

ST. ANDREW'S CELEBRATIONS.

1 The Bon-Accord Dance Assembly is holding Its annual St. Andrew's Night Dance on 30th November at the Oddfellows' Hall, Clyde quay, when Mrs. Cowle's augmented orchestra will play appropriate music for the occasion. :

PIANOFORTE .RECITAL

Some interesting pianoforte works will bepresented by, Miss Mary Lcnnie in a recital to bo given, in Nimnio's Hall on Wednesday next. Miss Lcnnie is'already well known as-a. soloist and accompanist:. In Wellington,; and1 has been studying for several years past with, Mr. Gordon Short., Of especial Interest on the programme are two concertos, the Mendelssohn in G minor/ and the Liszt: in B Flat, which will' he accompanied by Mr. Short 'on a second piano, while tljcre are also a number of interesting "moderns, "Preludo" (Rachmaninoff), "Walt*" . (Godowsky), "Scherzo"- (Padercvrskl), and "Ballade" (Bocquet). Miss Gretta' Star.fc (soprano) and'the Aooliafi Quartet will assist. , .

KILBIRNIE KINEIMA,

Richard Bartliclmcss in "The Dawn I'alrul" Is the-attraction "to be"screened at the Kilblrnio Klnema this evening. It is described as "the mightiest of ail air spectacles," plus one. of., the greatest stories that the screen has over captured. "Skippy" will bci shown at a special children's ' matinee.

SPECTACULAR "POT POURRI

I A rovlew of the year's work in song, dance, and story aptly describes the entertainment to be given in the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, next Tuesday, at S p.m. The costume plays to bo presented 'by Maude Farrant's juvenile pupils range from infants to seniors, and consist of "Tho Doll Shop," "Tom l.'oe.s to London," "Tho School Scene," "Votes for Women," "Tuli's Dream," also scene from tliy Phiy,""The Sign of the Cross," in which first prlzc-wlniiers lit tlio Wellington Competitions appear as "Marcus" and "Mcrcki." The dancing arranged by David Dcvltt will be a special feature of the programme. The four character songs,'ln which litiJo May Ilyam is the soloist, .should bo very popular numbers. Tlio fact tlia't no less than twelve prize-winners at the Wellington Competitions are Inking parts In plays all entirely new should attract every.lover of juvenile talent..

ORGAN RECITAL,

Mr. Bernard jr. l'ago (City Organist) will give Ms weekly organ recital at the Town Hall to-morrow evening, and the programme has been arranged as follows:—Fragment dune Suite, Bach; Toccato and Fuguo In D Minor (Dorian), by Bach; Romance Op. US (No. 5), by Brahms; Scrcnata ■ Op. 305 (No. -1), Alucniz; -Psychological Toem by IlcbiliofV; Im-provisation-Caprice Op; 37 (No. 2), by Jongen, and Choral (No. 2 hi B Minor), by Cesar Franck: ' ■ •■■ ■

POETRY-SPEAKING

Miss Clodagh Russell, assisted by her VersoSpeaking Choir, students -at Queen Margaret's College, will--give a recital of poetry-speaking and drama at the Art Gallery, Whitmore street, on Tuesday next; at a quarter past eight in tho evening.. Some very .beautiful poems and excerpts have been chosen for a fascinating programme, and those wh6 appreciate the charm of the "spoken word,"' when .the result of expert training, will find something satisfying In this entertainment. Some of the authors to be' represontod are , l?ion;i M'Lood, Keats, Shelley, Blake, Rupert Brooke, Lady Gregory, James Stephens, Beatrice, Mayor, Natalie "Curtis, Edith Sitwell,'V.'Sackvillo West, John Mascflcld, and others, in all ii delightful company. Tho recital . can., be confidently recommended to cultured nooplc, and all those who take an interest in the fine arts generally.

"CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA."

In the Town Hall to-night the Royal Choral Union-presents Mascagnl's greatest work. In selecting this for its third subscription concert the union could not have chosen a more popular or tuneful work, abounding as it docs with melodies so well known and appreciated by music lovers, visits of grand opera companies are of such rare ■occurrenco-that operatic performances by the Choral Union aro always welcome. The opera will bo under tho direction of John E. Bishop; who will conduct a choir ami-orchestra' of '300 .performers. A strong cast of soloist's has been engaged. Miss 'lcresa M'Enroc will bo heard in the part of Santuzza; Miss -Ruth- Perw,. Lucia; Mr... Harold Prcscott will sing the part of Turiddu: Mr, Ernest Short will be. heard as- Alflo; anil Mrs. Ellison Porter will sing the part of Lola. " To meet a definite demand, the union has arranged for 400 seats at the popular prices of 2s and Is, free of tax. The opera will commence at 8 this evening, when patrons aro requested to bo In their seats.' The doors cannot bo' opened except between the numbers.

TENNIS CLUB DANCES.

Combined tennis club dances arc being organised; and -are to be held at the Adclphl Cabaret. The inaugural dance will be hold on- Thursday, 3rd December, in a combined effort by the Wellington Technical Collego Students' Association, Newtown, Rintoul street, St. Peter's, and Brougham Hill Clubs.

SKATING RINKS.

A highly successful skating carnival was held at the St. George Skating Elnk last evening. The rink was prettily, decorated with coloured streamers and lanterns, and those who chose fancy dress added to the paiety of the scene. Competitions and novelties, winch were Introduced during the. evening, were thoroughly enjoyed. Prizes, "which will be presented this evening,-were awarded as follows: Most graceful lady-(this year's learner), Miss R COlHna;. waltzing.competition, Miss I). Beanes and Mr/ K. Williams; two-step, Mrs. h. Taylor and Mr. T. Major; most graceful couple. Miss R. Brennan and Mr. E. Italubow; best fancy dress, gents, Mr. S. Pickles (Cowboy) ladies Miss 0. Burns (Spanish Senorlta); most original costume. Miss S. Langridge {Arabian Princess); most comical. dress, Sir. 11. Roffo (Tramp) A special attraction ths even ing will be a novelty exhibition by "Scotty" Smith aDIn Par resl) Co rnse to numerous rcn.iests; from patrons, the management of the Glide SUtmg Rink in Wakcflcld street, have decided to stago another skating carnival on I'riday, -7th November. On this occasion the management have not forgotten the children, and a special carnival will be held for them on the follow Ing afternoon (Saturday, 2Sth November) Particulars of these .will boadvcrUsed In duo course. Tonight from 10.30 to -1.30 a.m. a special eknting party arranged by the bt.ir Boatim? Club willbe hold at-the conclusion of the ordinary session.