ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 141, 11 December 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. , Mady critics of British plcturos, while readily admitting and praising Britain's ability to produce comedies of a standard equal to the world's best, have doubted this ability where j drama Is concerned. As if In answer to these critics Britain has given us "The Outsider," the picturlsatlon of Dorothy Brandon's internationally famous stage success. It opens at the Kegent Theatre to-day. The story concerns the beautiful, talented, but crippled daughter of England's foremost surgeon. Dr. Sturdee, who Is approached by Ragatzy, an unqualified specialist, who wants to cure her. Her father, believing her Incurable, hotly opposes the Idea; her flance supports It; and In the end she places herself In Ragatzy's hands, to light for life and lore. There is romance, drama, suspense, with moments of priceless comedy. Harold Huth plays tlio role of Anton Ragatzy, and1 is said to give one of the finest exhibitions of sustained, emotional acting that hasi come from any screen player, and .Joan Barry, as Lalage vHurdee, Is said to score a triumph. ■■.' ' "■■■'.'■ .

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Half-savage Fljlans, who inhabit (hfl Isle of Benga, once a year worship their maker and test their faith by actually walking through a roaring Ore across a bed of red-hot stones. An exact reproduction of these frenzied religious scenes provides the motivating highlights of Radio Pictures' dramatic romance, "Girl of the Port," which will open to-day at the Grand Opera House. There will come to the ear the monotonous pulse-beat of tom-toms, the plaintive notes of a bamboo flute; sighing of winds in tall palmettos; and a weird fanatical chant. Sally O'Neil plays the leading role opposite Sharland, with Mitchell Lewis, Donald Mackenzie, Duke Kahanamoku, Gerald Barry, Arthur Clayton, Barrle O'Daniels, John DUlion, William Burt, Hugh CrumpUn, and Renee Macready supporting.

DE LUXE THEATRE. To-day marlra the opening of Unlrcrsal's hilarious screen comedy, "Ex-Bad Boy," at the De Luxe Theatre, with a ctst beaded by droll Robert Armstrone and the beauteous Jean Arthur. This comic »cre«n play deals with the love adventures of a diffident paint salesman who piques the Interest 0/ his sweetheart by pretending a previous love affair with Lctta Lardo, famous screen star, only to be causrht In his own trap when the ravishing Miss Lardo comes to: the swain's home town for the purpose of making a personal appearance at the local motion picture theatre. "ExBad Boy" is an adaptation by Dale Van Every of the well-known stage play, "The Whole Town's Talking." Two Universal ncwsreels, a "Strange.as It Seems" coloured novelty, "Oswald the Rabbit" cartoon, "The Hunter," and. an hilarious Slim Summervllle comedy, "Bless the Ladles" complete 1 the entertainment. ■

■ / ' i . PARAMOUNT THEATRE. '-.;"'■..}' Edward G. Robinson ..'. takiei to earning in "Smart Money," which opens at the Paramount Theatre to-day. Mr. Robinson plays the part of Nick the Greek, a small town. bar-, ber who runs dice games in the back room Of his saloon—and considers life to be nothing olao than one glorious.round.of gambling and girls. Nick has delusions of grandeur, and to make them come -• true -he goes to the big town to lbok< up the big ihota In the gaming field,: and to begin hl« operations. The first blonde he meets double-crosses him.' She gets him In touch with not the king of the sharpers, as he had hoped, but one of the lesser fry. Twenty-four clearly-drawn characters appear In the play—each a triumph of casting—and James Cagney leads the support as Jack, a barber who follows Nick to the city and meets his doom in trying to defend him from "bulls" and blondes. There will* be good supports. ■■;■.;

KING'S THEATRE. "Guilty Hands," to, screen at the King's Theatre to-day, is said to be the. last word In mystery, thrills. It is baffling and startling from start to finish. Lionel Barrymoro has the central role,, and scores . a great personal triumph.; The story, was .written especially for the talking screen by. Bayard Vclller, master of .mystery drama and author of such theatre hits as "The Thirteenth Chair" and "The Trial of Mary Dugan." Ray Francis, Madge Evans, C.. Aubrey Smith, and Polly. Moran are In the cast.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Picture-goers will find that Buck Jones exceeded himself to meet a great now demand for thrills In his latest Columbia feature, "Shadow Ranch," which-comes to the Queen's Theatre tq-nlght. Expert riding, gun-fights, hand-, to-hand i combats, and > spectacular stunts fill this outdoor,drama, with an unusual love story and a' liberal sprinkling of hilarious comedy.* Jones Is surrounded by a well-known cast of players, Including Marguerite De La Motte, Kato Price, and Frank Bice.

BRITANNIA THEATRE. The first satirical revelation of the great American liquor traffic and gangster methods, "How Dry We, Are," Is being shown at the Britannia Theatre. It presents gangster life In a hilarious vein. Harry Langdon and Slim Summerville were selected for the comedy team, with Bessie Love portraying the character of a cabaret ■ singer and sweetheart of a gang leader.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Reginald Denny, Charlotte Greenwood, Cliff Edwards, and Leila Hyams are all featured In "Stopping Out," the hilarious Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy success, showing at the New Princess Theatre. There aro ' excellent supports.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Charlie Chan Carries On," is being shown at the Kilblrnle Klnema this evening.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "The Prodigal,": starring Lawrence Tlbbett, is being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. It is a romantic picture, characterised by clever and convincing acting. There are good support*.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Romance," showing at the Empire Theatre to-night, and starring Greta, Garbo, Lewis Stone, and Gavin Gordon, presents a dramatic study of,'a foreign opera singer who goes to America on a farewell tour and Is subsequently Involved in a romanco with 9 young clergyman. Ths supports Include a two-reel comedy, a technlcolour revue, "In a Clock Shop," and a Metrotone Newsreel.;! On Saturday afternoon and evening another episode of "The Indians are Coming".will be screened.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. I Kay Johnson, popular screen leading lady, plays opposite Gary Cooper In "The Spoilers," Paramount's Ttalking screen version iff tho.i famous Rex Beach story. Harry Green and "Slim" Summervllle have the comedy roles. It is a story of two women, one good, the other bad, in love, and fighting for the love of one man. Excellent supports complete the pro-j gramme.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. At the Capitol Theatre, Joan Crawford Is to be seen In a dramatic role In "Within the Law," a story of a shop girl sent to prison for a crime she did not commit, and of how she has her revenge. There are good supports, including "Charlie j Chase" in "Rough Seas." To-morrow aftornoon a special matinee programme will be < screened featuring William Halnes in "Telling the World."

GLIDE, SKATING RINK. I This evening a club party will be held at I the Glide Skating Rink, in Wakefleld street, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. This Is arranged for members of the Glide Skating Club, but nonmombors may also join In this special late evening. To-morrow the Saturday sessions will be held, including the children's session In fho forenoon, particulars of which are mentioned in the advertising columns.

DANCE RECITAL. The Concert Chamber was welt fitted last I evening when Misa Cressell Vaughan presented her pupils In: their i annual dance recital, assisted by students {torn Miss Zena Jupp's school of elocution. The performance was a credit to teachers and classes, and from the opening number, VHelgh-ho, Everybody," went with a smoothness and rhythm pleasing to record. Encores were the order of the evening, and any particular talent was immediately recognised, the audience, liking each and every number. The junior class gave a skipping display, the tiny tots being especially charming in their naiveteand enthusiasm. Lorraine Barrow and Betty M'Klnnon were associated a deux in the little dance scena, "Romance"; Master Ralph Wllkin danced a military number with precision and vim J and thoroughly deserved his recall. ' A dainty gavotto ballet was danced by boys and girls, who entered into the grace of the measure ' with understanding ; Winifred Lee and Betty M'Klnnon danced a simultaneous clog to waltz time, which had to be repeated. Ballets were "On Parade"; "At Sunset"; operatic and tap dancing. Mary Wakelln, Joan Maunder, Elva tie Erneste, and Beryl Rose,were encored for their tap dance, and Winifred Lee bad to repeat her skipping dance. Jlarjorie Lee and Kathleen Stevenson pleased with their tap steps to "Happy Days," and had to repeat them also. Lorraine Barrow contributed the solo tap danco to the: "Sunny Side Up" song of Kathleen Stevenson and Warjorle Leo. Kathleen Stevenson's humorous recitation, "Nobody Knows What I Know," was good. Sadie Mallet's musical monologue, "Paddy," was enjoyed; Irma Cavaye recited "Joan of Arc" in character; Gwen M'Donald recited "Rainy Days" with actions; Vera Allen was heard in a musical monologue, "Old Sunshine," and Jack Milligan was successful In his humorous character recital, "Uncle Tommy." An action song, "My Precious Teddy Bear," was prettily done by a class of tots. Among others performing were Peggy M'Klnnon, Phyllis Spierling, Margaret Turnbull, Irene Wilkinson, Lois Coldlcutt, Grace Hodgetts, Valeric Wilklo, Melva Ward, Colene Browne, Lesley Simpson, Vola Walls, Patsy Gordon, Ngalre Ward, Betty Sparks, .Joan Watt, Grace Cox, Nara M'Kay, Leila Langtry, Lydla Scott, Mavis Cox, Winifred Lee, Mavis Hale. Mrs. Lee was a most efficient accompanist, and received a special meed of praise from Mr. M'Lennan, who handed up the floral tributes to the teacher and class at the end of a delightful performance. The solo work was excellent, the ensembles and grouping effective, the frocking charming; the display altogether being a tribute to Miss Vaughan's pntlence and ability, and to the talents of the children. Miss Jupp's pupils, too, were responsible for a consistently high standard of elocution. '' ' "' . I

MAJESTIC THEATRE. ' j To-day will witness the Initial screenings at | the Majestic Theatre of Britain's challenge to , tho American thrillers In "The Flying Pool, I a remarkably flno aviation attraction, released by British International Pictures. The production received full co-ojioratlon from the British Air Ministry and tho Imperial Airways, tho latter placing their fleet of air liners and all tho resources of till) Croydon airport at tho disposal of tho producers. It is a story of a flying detective, stolen jewels, mysterious Paris and London, with an amazing climax of a fast aeroplane In pursuit of a hugo Uentloy racing car along tlio famous Dover road. Henry Kendall, makes his iirst screen appearance in the role of the worlds breeziest "chump," in reality a keen-witted member of tho Secret Service, and Is well supported by an all-British cast of players. Iho late shoppers' session will be hold to-day from sto 7 p.m. There will be a children's special mntineo to-morrow at 11 a.m., and the first <100 children at the theatre will be presented with a jigsaw puzzle. Box plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. An exciting adventure running the gamut of mystery thrills commences screening at the St. James Theatre to-day. "The Spider" is an unusual drainii and students of tho newer modes of mystery fiction, whether of tho stago. screen, or in literature, will flnd every element dear to their hearts In this elaborate talking picture version of a celebrated stage play. The unravelling of tho puzzle by means of a spiritualistic seanco and other magical wonders provide a thrilling angle never before presented on the screen. Edmund Lone, as tbe master magician, "Chartrand the Great," Is said to itivo an outstanding performance, ably assisted by Lola Moran In the loading feminine role, El Brendel and "Little Freddy Perkins as the chief humorists, and an excellent supporting cast. Preceding the main feature is a British featurette titled, "Two Crowded Hours," starring John Longden, and a Fox Movietone News Reel. Seats way be reserved at the Bristol and also »t the theatre.

REGAL THEATRE. KARORI. At tbe - Begal Tbcatre, William Haines appears in "A Tailor-made Man," a dashing comedy of a young man who yearned to do tilings. Dorothy Jordan is the leading lady. A i special comedy, "Let's Do Things," with Thelma Todd and Zasu Pitta, and a iletrotone Newsreel complete the programme. To-morrow a | further episode of "The Indians Are Coming" , will be screened, and on Monday and Tuesday "A Yankee at King Arthur's Court." '

CHILDREN'S THEATRE PLAYERS. The pantomime "Cinderella" will' be pre- ' scntcd at the Concert Chamber to-morrow afternoon and evening by the Children's Theatre Players. As large audiences are expected, par-, cuts would be well advised to reserve the seats, for themselves and their children. Seats ' can be reserved at tho Bristol on payment of a booking fee: of one penny. i

PIANOFORTE RECITAL. Last evening In Nlmmo'a Hall the pupils of Miss Ivy Soars gave a most enjoyable pianoforte , recital. Tha standard of-playlng was exceptionally good, and .all the students gave evidence of sound, musical training. Mrs, Catherine Smith assisted with some vocal solos, which gave great pleasure to the large audience. Those who contributed items were Marie Parry and Dulcle Phillips, Ngaire Ellison, Joan Neil and Joyce Marment, Dulcle Bait, Joyce Edwards and Ngaire Slack, Donald Watts, Beraice Burton, Christine Lindsay, Joyce Smith, Enid Schon, Freda Porter, Doreen Back, Ngaire Back. Gordon Llndsiy, Marjorie Dykes and Donald Watts, Mllllcent Knnis, Jean Brown, Lilian Brooker, Thelma Slack, Jack Glover, Phyllis Resnick, Gladys Lang and Nora Lang, Vlrlenne HUcbmougb, Jean Watts, Marcelle Petrle, Ngaire Neil, Norman Jenkins, I Jean Glbbs, Ethel Lang, Vera Smith, Grace Morris. _______»_■■«» I