ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 81, 6 April 1932, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENfT-HEATBE.

"Splinters^ in the Navy,": the hilarious British comedy that features Sidndy Howard, Frederick -rßently, Alf. Goddard/ and Reg. Stone, is attracting: crowded -houses to tho Regent Theatres Brimful of clever, dialogue and catchy melodies,'- "Splinters in the Navy" tells of the adventure's of some British sailors, their sweethearts, and a variety Company which ln-cludej'-thß'.famous "Splinters Beauty Chorus." In this film1 there Is a comicboxing bout which "Is oini 'of' the. mdst; amusing episodes ever screened* JEhere-.is an excellent supporting bill. |!; .;:, -vi^once a; lady.."* Contaencing) at ; the Regent Theatre . next Fridayyls "Once a.Lady," which features that famous; star ■R'uthiChatterton. "Once a Lady" tells -the t'tld story of a woman who, after being;jhe;idpl';of' an adoring worldi became a sociali: outcasts % Later sho flghts , the world in aria endeavour.to /capture true love and bappinpss...-Although Miss Chatterton has been surro^ndea. iwjth. a/; notable ■ and gifted cast, it Is again the. royal senso of dramatic values whichtijthe star possesses which carries off the honours. Is of a Russian adventuress^; transplanted from Parts. The changed environment; with the 'husband's disapproving family • alienating the affection of a daughter from her" jnother, and- a moment of indiscretion with a "former admirer on the eve of an Important 'election in which the young man is Interested,^: provokes . a break-up. Reported killed-In ta train! wreck, the outcast wife remains; "dead," becoming a famous butterfly in Paris;;but"'jealously watching the career of her daughter from a distance.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

The •Immortal -Sherlock Holmes is seen.ln "The;, Speckled Band," a picturlsation •, of the famous LConan Doylo thriller which is now being-shown at the Grand ' Opera House.. .The -film i» ah eerie story of the happenings. of > death in an isolated aud gloomy/Country manor. A young girl'ls about *to, marry, and a mysterious death comes to her. -.-.Dr.. Watson, Sherlock, Holmes's famous;-cbnSd&nt, attends the scene, but Is completely baffled, and.it Is only when, a year later/the feime^f ate threatens another girl that Sherlock;";96lmes -Is called in: The; cast lnr' eludes'LVri Harding, Athole Stewart, and RaymondjMassey. .;'....:" . * '

•THE BARGAIN.

"The Bargain," which comes to tho Grand Opera House- on Friday next, is a bargain in entertainment; value. It is the sort of domestic dramas -which.- might -occur ;in any home. A father-and his son are caught Jn the same conflict between marriage ' and the desire for a career;., Those—featured ...aw ..Lewis Stone, Evelyji' Knapp, Charles ■ Butterworth, Doris Kenypn;"John -Darrpw, Oscar Apfel, Una llerkel, and Nella' Walker. "A further attraction will be "dty,i ?trcets x " a: fascinating story of, two young" lovers, who. are threatened by the sinister intrigue "of; powerful gangsters.:- -■ ■

DEyLUXE THEATRE.

"Frankenstein," the astounding production at the Do Luxe Theatre, tells the story of a scientist who .seeks to create human-life, and •who forgets the. power of God. The story opens with the- scientist and his dwarfed assistant robbing a grave in search of a body.- on which to experiment Collecting a limb' here and a limb there, and- finally a human brain from a medical school, the Scientist," who. has discovered how to produce a life-giving ray of life, succeeds in endowing his composlto figure with life. tnß'Tnonstftrv-forisuchils the robot figure, gradually realises its own power, and. since It contains an abnormal brain, its sole thought is to destroy life. Heading the cast In the film is Colin Cllve, whose vivid acting and gripping jVoice.place him on tho^topmost rung.ot.tWa laddep" of fame.' The work of Boris 'KarlpiT> ad the monster Is: nothing short; ot marvellous/-and iiae Clark makes a dellehtfurherolrie;; ~.U: : ■ .: . : ■

' ■. = PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Excellently ;aetea,\produced under the supervislohvOf amaster-directbr, and set. in-scenes of sprendour/."Ben Hur.f the latest version of the.famousfs^prjr- of General Lew Wallace, is screening,at.the. Paramount; Theatre. Finally one se.es Ben Hur challenge llessala, Ms* Roman rival, to the ErEatest: chariot, raca of all time. Itamdn Novarro,'i'rancis X; Bushman, and May: McAvoy, ;head'a brilliant cast. There is a fine supporting'programme.- . . . . :: BegeAeratiQn'through lovo forms the theme of Barbara Stanwyok's latest starring, vehicle "The:Miracle.Woman," W hich will be shown' at the; Paramount' Theatre on Friday. .. It Issaid that; thlti: sensational star plays the most: emotional;- rfll»> of. Jlef-career in this picture.' A large ;Ciist has been assembled^ to' support Miss.Stanwyck.'David Manners plays the leading jnasculirie "role- featured parts ate inter--preted ByJSam Hardy and Beryl Mercer: Others1 include -Kussell^ Hopton, Charles -Middleton ' Eddie. Boland, Aileen Carlylo,'and Harry Tofld.' I'rank:,Capia,, outstanding screen director, responsible for such famous successes as "Submarine,". •Tllght,": .'.'Ladies of Leisure,"/ "Bain: or Shlrie,". ,ahd "Dirigible," handled this production*/ -- .■ ■ ' ■ .

' V;,:; Ring's theatre.* ~;

Grtta,C!arba" achieves the .flaest performance of har-cArter. asitbe heroine at "Susan'Lennox,: Her Fall and Biso," which is now showing at the King's Theatre. It Is of uriusual ihterest because_it marks -tfie-Jlrst appearance opposite her oT ClarS: 'Gable.' The supporting cast is particular]! fine, including such playors as Jean 'Eersholt, John Miljan,^ Alan Hale, Hale Hamilton, Hilda Vaughan, Hussell Simpson, Cecil Cunningham, and lan Keith. Specially selected supporting subjects Include a Metrotone.. News, a Burton Holmes, travelogue, a "Boy Friends" comedy, and a sporting series. "Tennis Technique/ with William T. Tllden.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE.

"Silence," featuring CUve" Brook, Marjorle Rambeau, and Peggy Shannon, la being shown at the Princess Theatre. The absorbing plot centres around Clive Brook, first seen as a young, likeable, and handsome crook whose escapades bring ruin and death to the woman who loves him; later, as the father of Peggy Shannon, he sees his daughter's happiness menaced by,his own bad reputation.

THE QUEEN'S THEATRE.

, Gloria Swahson has an unusually appealing characterisation In "Indiscreet," at the Queen's Theatre. The story provides numerous dramatic situations.! She appears .as Jerry Trent, a modern miss who has her own very definite ideas about the proper "way to dominate men and does not hesitate:to'put them into practice. "Indiscreet,"l'in-which Miss Swanson has Ben Lyon as aqading man, is a De Sylva, Brown and Henderson production. . :■ -;; .- •. Helen Twelvetrees was assigned Hho "leading role opposite Bill Boyd in -.'Tlie;---Painted Desert," a dramatic picture which Comes to the Queen's Theatre on Friday. » By^ her portrayall of Frankie in "Her Man,".. Miss Twelvetrees lifted herself to a stellar position, on the screen, and it is predicted that her role with Boyd in this western drama-will ■ secure her an exalted place in popularity.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

A powerful drama, "Common Clay,"-!s being shown at Shortt's Theatre. The: chief, role is enacted by Constance Bennett, and assisting her are lew Ayres, Beryl Mercer; and Hale Hamilton. The story was adapted.-from the Harvard prize play; and has created a tremendous impression wherever it has been screened. There is a., splendid supporting programme.

ARTCRAFT. THEATRE.

"Strictlyj. DishohouraDle," utarring Paul liUkas, Sydney Tox, and Lewin Stone, is now being shpWtt~arthe .irtcraft Theatre. The picture has been adapfe'd' from the prize play by Preston Sturges, and Is an outstanding drama. There is an excellent supporting programme.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

A British double feature srogrammc will be shown at Our Theatre to-night. "Fascination," starring Madeleine Carroll, is a story of a. young married man who becomes infatuated with a charming actress and temporarily lapses from the straight and narrow path, but is eventually persuaded to return' to his forgiving wife. The second feature, "Men Like These," is a story of the submarine service.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

; The story of "The Bainbbw Trail;" which Is now being shown at the Britannia Theatre, revolves around the attempt of a cowboy, the part played by George O'Brien, to rescue three people from a hidden, valley in a renegade section of the Old- West; where they secluded themselves years before. There is a good supporting programme.- ■ .

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

"Parlour, Bedroom, and Bath," with Buster Keaton as .the .star, is; the current attraction at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Charlotte Greenwood and Reginald Denny head the supporting oast.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

Fanny Foley Herself" will be screened at the Empire Theatre, this evening. The star is Edna May Oliver, and supporting her are John XJarrow, Hobart Bosworth, Helsn Chandler and Florence Roborts. The produstion is entirely filmed in technicolour, and.ls filled with magnificent settings in their natural colour. The story is one of mother-love, and contains many hilarious situations. On -Friday and Saturday "Susan Lenox'' will be screened.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI,

To-night at the Regal Theatre, Karori, Constance Bennett appears'lfi""Sin TakfcT a' Holiday."; Sp. this production Miss Bennett turns from drama to comedy. The story is one of a man ; who married to save his own face In Kenneth MacKenna, Basil Bathbone, ■ Rita La Roy, and Zasu Pitts, Miss Bennett has one of the most brilliant casts ever assembled in a talking picture. Excellent supports will also be shown. On Friday and Saturday "The Cuban Love Song" will be screened.

JStIDE SKATING RINK.

With the appriaelrVof c'oolei? weather, skating Is as popular as ever, the larger crowds attendirtjf the Glide Skating Kink in Wakefleld street testifying to the fact. During the summer recess this rink has been entirely renovated, and the bitumen floor has been re-conditloned. The rink now presents a. gay and colourful appearance, and there is every evidence that skating will be a very popular pastime this winter. Time-fable for the dally sessions Is given in the advertising columns, but special attention is drawn .to the two lunch-hour sessions from 12 to 1 and 1 to 2 respectively. The healthful exercise afforded by skating ghould prove a relaxation from business worries, jfembers of the Glide Skating' Club are relmindcd of the fact that to-night will be club night.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Over ther HlU";,la tho; big attraction at the Majestic vTheatra:. Maturing-, that,: famous actress, Mac Marsh, who lias Staged a triumphant return to; tho screen, Sally Eilers, -and James ?<??*;* 'Owthe-;n nr; . la a drama, of home J?mi'», V. oty of a famlly asH-grows from childhood to manhood. Thero arc somo moving sequences in the film, bht sentiment has not peen allowed';to dominate 'the production, and tnere are some uproarious scenes enacted. The supporting bill has been specially selected.

SALLY IN. OUK .ALLEY

IhMh^n 1- v^ AUey>"^'coming to the Majestic 2 Srt»^? F 1 Md, a/':(tn RKO radio picture starring Gracie Fields, is a story of beaten track Sfv iSH °n,, oW MUe Knd 'road?t' locality that calls for the portrayal of characters exclusive to this section of London. , Tho characters are ably .portrayed by lan Hunter las George Miles, and Florence Desmond. All the supporting players are people possessing outstanding stage reputations. Grade Fields ma!;e3 her debut on the screen in tho production. Miss Ftelds's popularity on the English wage is remarkable. Her natural manner, blunt humour, backed by a splendid singing voice and quaint Lancashire dialect, have won her a following many big stars-would be proud of. N » In Our AHey" I* an adaptation of tho late Charlos E. McEvoy's play, "The Like 3 of 'Er." '~-.. ■ . ,

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

To-day and to-morrow tho final screenings will take place at St. James Theatre of "The Common Law," which has been transferred to the talking screen with Constanco Bennett presenting : the most brilliant performance of her career. Commencing on Friday next. Sir Benjamin and John Fuller will have pleasure in presenting to-Wellington picture-goers'. "Mata Harl," which .concerns the glamorous career of a most fascinating woman in Paris during the Great War. ..The cast Includes Ramon Novarro, Greta Garbo, Lewis Stone, and Lionel Barrymore. "Mata Hafr'Js more than a mere combination of stars, according to the Press. Produced on a lavish scale, it;boasts of a glamorous romance that Is: said to strike deep, into the sympathy of« audiences. ■ The plot is based upon the life and loves of a famous World War spy, Mata Harl,-rfor< whom men became -traitors- and cowards at- her command. The Oriental dancing of Harl made her the rage of all Paris, gave her the sesame to the" Inner sanctums of diplomatic circles, etc., and cloaked her nefarious espionage 'schemes. The opinion of critics Is that "Mata Harl" is one of the most ambitious, most stirring, and most glamorous productions that these four celebrated screen stars--have yet appeared in. All are cast'iu roles which depart from their general trend of previous characterisations and give them opportunity foe dramatic Work of the highest quality.. Box plans are now open at the Bristol. "

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN*

The farewell return season of the favourito Gilbert and.SulUvan. Opera.Company will cpmmence at the Grand Opera House next Wednesday afternoon with a presentation of tho melodious and : subtle-comic .opera, "Ruddlgore.". It ia 'vyritten in '--.'Gilbert'; best vein, its wit "and humour being rich; and higenious, while the plot and situations are most admirably conceived and constructed. As for tho scored Sullivan, has never done anything better than many, of the. airs arid . concerted pieces which he has scored for this opera. "Ruddlgore" -was- conceived In a spirit of burlesque a,nd satirical "attack, the target In this case being the melodrama of the time with it 3 villain, Its' virtuous. heroine, and Its impossible noble hero. The second great event of this farewell season will be the presentation of the comic opera "Dorothy," with its lilting choruses, and wonderful music settings. Also In response to the plebiscite arranged by the management, one - performance each of "The Yeoman of the ■ Guard," "The. Mikado," and "The Gondoliers" will be given.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

Eddie Quillan, :James Gleason, and Robert Armstrong head the,cast of "Big Money," now screening -at the "Capitol Theatre,. Mlramar. This is a conjedy-drama of- Wall-' Street- and the underworld,, dealing with the exploits of a Wall street 'messenger boy in the .hands"of gangsters acd/his'romance with tHe daughter of hia employer, played by Miriam Seager. ;

CENTRAL ... CROQUET \ CLUB

A pleasant time was spent on the Petone Croquet Central lawns on Ihursday, ; ; 'for I;he'; closing of season. Members and hon. members taking A parfe in the winners', being:'—, ' • .Angles," Mra.; Fox;, crazy croquet, Mrs. Earner; ;'Aunt-SWl.v,' Mrs. Goddard; golf, ■Mrs, ;Pawson; gladder, Mrs. Smith and 'Mrs. Colei (hon, niember;); Jensen Memorial' Cup,-;Me3dames Goddard and AitchesOn> ■• rjrahers-up; ■' Mesdames Elvines.and L.OPomton^ doubles, Mesdames Blvines and L; Pointon, runners-up, Mesdames Goddard :and' Aitcheson; handicap singles, B grade,' Mrs. Wilson, runner-up, Mrs. Bell. ■■;■■■■ ■■'■ •■■■.- During afternoon tea, Mrs. Brockelbank> president, on behalf of members, presented gifts to Meßdames Warner (captain), Paws'on (secretary), and Wild (past president). Mrs. Sharpe (vice-captain) presented a gift from members to' Mrs. and Miss "BrockelbanF. .'