ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 97, 26 April 1932, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

In "Chances," at the Regent Theatre, Douglas Fairbanks, junior, takes the leading role, and he is supported by Rose Hobart, while the Royal Horse Artillery provides a picturesque background for tho story of two brothers who unknowingly love- the same girl. Fairbanks' takes the part of tho brother who knows many women in his time but loves none of them until he meets Rose Hobart, the schoolgirl chum of his youth. He has all but proposed when ha learns from bis mother that his more aerlous-minded brother is in love with the girl, and in order to give his brother a chance he deliberately slights her. To spits him" sho accepts tho other brother's proposal, and the two brothers then go off to the war. It would be unfair to divulge tho plot from then on. The photography in the picture is a revelation, some of the scenes belne very beautiful. Realistic .too are the shots of tho battlefields. One of the features of the dim is the Incidental music played duriug.tbe various.scenes, and here the producer has displayed Impeccable taste. As entertainment the picture represents very fair value for the money. There is a sood supporting, programme, including an interesting Australian gazette, and another of the "Wildest Africa" scries.

;"■"■•• ''Man 'of. MajTair." Taramount's delightful modern society com-edy-drama, "Man of Mayfalr," ' which opeiis ft the Regent Theatre on Friday, is an absorb - ins and original story of a Ipvely dancing star, ■who has to lead a double life, so that her • mother Khan not hear or her success. Jack Buchanan is. the star, in the part of a titled ""man about town," whose love for a pretty ■ dancer leads 'him into some delightfully humorous situations, and Joaa Barry is his leading lady. Nora Swlnburno, heroine of "These Charming People," Warwick Ward, Ellallne Terriss, and Lillian Braithnaite, lioth stage and screen celebrities; Cyril Raymond, Sebastian Smith, Charles Quartormaine, and J. Tisher White complete the brilliant cast. Hailed as a glorious romantic comedy, sparklins with wit and beauty, the production is said to be scintillating with briilinnt scenes of London night life and lilting with say music, laughter, and sons. . GRAND OPERA HOUSE. ■ ,"*?'* Woman/ -a moving- drama with plenty of action on a ship at sea. and "Touchdown," * football picture featuring Richard Arlen, Peggy "shannon, and Jack OaUie, ard the two principal features being screened at the Grand Opera House. The story of "Touchdown" involves the regeneration of a young coach whose problems are important enough to lift the picture out of the pscudo-collegiatc class into real drama. "Touchdown"' avoids the last minute victory "which has spoilt many Pictures of college sport. nichard Arlen is cast in the star role of a player who turns coa.cn and who ,whips a miuor team into such shape that it beats tlic representatives of a large unlverstiy. The coacli becomes unscrupulous after the victory and is deserted by his •fticnds. The climax is reached when durlna game with his old college the coach can, with a word or-sign, -win the match. It "I,- .?."• howCTer. be loses everything else. His \\ oman" concerns the adventures of the captain of a tramp steamer who takes on his ship a woman of doubtful character to mother a baby he has rescued from a drifting boat. Una captain is charged witli the attempted -murder of the mate at the end of tho voyage but the woman, whom he has grown to love, exposes her own position and saves him. "ALIBI" A>D 'TItOXT PAGE." . Continuing tho double-feature programmes at the Grand Opera House, A. A. Milne's mystery drama, "Alibi,", and- United Artists" , sensational newspaper story "Front Pa"c " will bo 3crccned on Friday next. . PARAMOUNT THEATRE. ' Slim Summervillo and Zazu Pitts are ad-"mh-ably paired in Universal's hilarious comedy 'The .Unexpected Father." which heads ■ tho bill at the Paramount Theatre. Tho picture iutroduces a clever child in Cora Suo Collins, a dainty little brunotto wliose acting gives •promise of a bright career. Jasper Jones strikes oil, and becomes a millionaire over-night. Asked. what ho intends to do with his money, he, replies with the single word, "Plenty." And he proceeds to get the'most out of life. A - child, who has been cruelly illtreated by her foster molher claims Jasper as her'father, much to his embarrassment, ■ but also njs secret delight, and there follows a chain of circumstances in ■which a veterluary .-lUrso :.n'ajs an, important and highly diverting part..:.-Au overbearing prospectivo mother-in-law comes inlo the picture, and the child's persistent cry of "Daddy" causes endless trouble until Jasper hits upon a plan of escaping tfle marriage .knot. The supporting" procrammo includes a Vox riewsreer showing the famous racehorse Phar Lap winning the Aqua Calicnto Handicap, two Universal iVcwsreels, featuring Graham McNaraeo,. "'The Talking Reporter," a short crime subject, -"The Red Shadow," and a laughable comedy "HollyTrood's Half-back." DE LUXE THEATRE. ' Beautiful Lois Moran plays the leading rolo in "Men in Her Life," the feature fllra at the He Luxe Theatre. It is a story of a society girl who is thrown into the company of an adventurous count, the irresponsible "young son of a "United States Senator and .a: racketeer who has- retired from business and gone to Trance^ 'Victor;Tarconi is the Count,. Donald Diliaway the -youthful American:'. boy,- and Charles Bickford" the retired bootlegger. The chain of; events, begun when Julia Cavanagh reveals to - Count Ivan that the Cavanagh millions no longer exist, finally leads to a murder trial, and the most unexpected of denouements, and takes in the passage of the Atlantic as well. Lois Moran acts with intelligence and feeling. Bickford has one of his best roles as the rough diamond. Tho supporting programme includes a Fox Hams of the latest ." events, a "Curiosity" which holds odd things Bathered from far and near, "Hash Jlouse. Blues," which is an animated version of George Herriman's Inimitable Krazy Kat, "Showing Oft," a novelty number, and a Monisy Shine comedy, entitled "Little Beezer," in which a recent gangland film is mimicked by a band of monkeys with much humour. At the organ. Miss Iris Mason plays twice, her entr'acte choico being the "Thais" Meditation of Massenet. • .' . . Janet Gaynor, whose latest production, "fielicious," comes to tho Da Luxe Theatre on Friday, proves again that she is the exception to the "luxury and wealth" rule of tho movies. In this picture, in which she is co-starred with Charles Farrell, she is again annealing as the pathetic little flguro surrounded by poverty and squalour-through which her innate goodness and charm shine brightest. The story of: "Delicious"'is' consistent-witlt this characteristic "of Miss- Gaynor except that her occupation is a little more, ordinarily unusual. She is. of all professions, a marmalade girl. Or' was, before embarking in tho steerage of a giant liner to jail for America to find a homo with an uncle in Idaho. Charles Farrcll as a handsome young sportsman and polo player returning from Europe' with his string of -ponies, makes- tho acquaintance of Janet one day while he is down in the hold working with his horses. "Janet thinks he is a groom, and tells him all about her experiences in a Scotch marmalade factory. Her job, .according to the story she tells the amazed young millionaire, was that of sticking waterproof paper on the " tops of marmalade jars, a prosaic enough calling even for the movies. Ten microphones, strategically suspended over tho various sections of an 80-plece symphony orchestra, were required to record George Gershwin's "New York Rhapsody." This, together with several popular song numbers, aro introduced as complementary incidentals to the plot. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The chief picture- at the Queen's Theatre Is "Kango," made in the jungles of Sumatra. "Rango" not only brings to the screen primitive animal life, but also, in story rform, contrasts human life with animal life In the jungle. The development of the story is 'as interesting and as-fascinating as the very, Idea itself. The second attraction ■ Is "Social Errors," the riotous mix-up of mirth and langhter starring Leon Errol, Richard Arlen, Mary1" Brian; and-:Stcwart Erwin. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Joan Crawford and Clarke Gable aro to bo seen at tho Princess Theatre in "Possessed," a highly dramatic story of a factory girl who, rebelling _ against ,an environment of drab poverty, ends up on Park avenue to.- find that wealth and happiness do not necessarily, go hand in hand. As the box- ' factory employee who gives up a small-town lover to become the mistress of tho New York ' politician, Miss Crawford has her "strongest talkie rolo to date. BRITANNIA THEATRE. '•• Anna May Wong, Warner Oland, and Scssuo Hayakawa, are the featured players in "Daughter of the Dragon." showing at the x>ritcLiiiii& Theatre. Tlio picture carries on the adventures of crafty Fu Manchu, in his relentless pursuit of revenge. It finds murderous followers against Scotland Yard. The action is fast. Tho setting is the labyrinth of London's Chinatown, and- two English country mansions, .connected by secret passages. - SHORTT'S THEATRE. ..". '.. A doubla-featurel programme is being shown at Shortt's Theatre. One woman's loyalty for her erring husband Is the .theme of "Women Love Once." -Eleanor Boardman plays the feminine .lead.' Paul Lukas plays tho part of the artist-husband whoso philandering nearly wrecks his wife's idealistic-love. "Confessions of a College Girl," the other feature, Is the intimate ■ story of an Anonymous coll ego • cirl taken from her day-to-day diary. It is said to reflect the--actual conditions existing In tho modern American" college. '• '-. ORGAN RECITAL Mr. Bernard f. Page: (City Organist) gave his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall on Sunday evening, and the programme was arranged as follows:—Two Minuets by Bach Prelnd* and-Pugue (on tho name of "Bach") by Llfirt; Improvisation Op. 174 (No. 6) by Khelnberger;'Summer Sketches ;by "Lemare; Khapsodie Op. 7 (No. 3) by Saint Saens, (a) Idyll Op. 76, No. 4, (b) Pax Voblscum by Karcr-Elert, and Prelude, Cantllcne, Scherzando <ie Concert, Op. 29, by Pierne. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Transatlantic," starring Edmund Lowe, and hcadlnjf the programme at the Empire Theatre to-night; deals with a group of passengers aboard an ocean greyhound, and has an exceptionally luciting climax Lois Moran, Jean BeMholt, John Hallidny, and Greta Xisseri'heid a largo nupporting cast. A comedy "Drumming It In," a Magic Carpet of Movietone, and two Fox Movietone Newsrcels complete" tfifi programme. On Wednesday and Thursday "Lonely Wires" will be screened.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Cheaters at Play" is at tho Majestic Theatre. Thomas Meighan has the role of a reformed Jewel thief. On tho big liner returning to Amorlca he meets an old actress friend (Charlotte Greenwood). In a merry burst of slang she tells :--the former thief how she has brought over the Hapsburg emeralds, as ,a . great secret. When they are /stolen tho: old crook finds that It is bis: son, whom he lost sight pf many years, before, who has stolen them, glorying In his profession, with his father as model and guiding star. Then tho story becomes iuterestIng. Owing to a foolish debt with the rich owner, father and son seem to bo at crosspurposes with each.other. • -The son firmly believes that his father Is hoodwinking him by protestations of honesty, and ho plays on the liking of the niece to get tho emeralds for himself. The end is exciting. William Bakewell plays the aon with distinction, and Barbara Weeks is captivating as the niece. Miss Greenwood alternates delightfully betweeu the society dame and the hard-boiled actress, and finally plays no small part in putting everything straight. "Number Please" is an Ingenious tale of the "bell girl" in a big hotel, who solves a murder dramatically. The supports are good, including a brief life history of Phar Lap. Commencing on Friday, "Gipsy Blood," a production inspired by the world-famed opera, "Carmen," will be at- tho Majestic Theatre. Thomas Bush, Marguerite Xamara, and Lance FairfaS are the stars.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Robert Montgomery has never been seen to greater advantage than in "Lovers Courageous," the latest Frederick Lonsdale success screening at the St. James Theatre. His admirers will be enthusiastic over this sparkling romance, in which Madge Evans is the girl of his dreams. They make as pleasing a team that has yet appeared on the screen, and there is a ring of sincerity in their work that is a sheer delight. In the story Montgomery is a struggling playwright who fails in love with the daughter of a British admiral. To break up the affair the girl is hurried back to England and hastened Into a marriage with an carl. However, on | tho eve of her marriage she elopes with Montgomery, and thereupon ensues a struggle for a living. , There- are many trials and tribulations before, "finis" is happily written. The I supporting cast includes Roland Young, Beryl Mercer, and Frederick Kcrr. The first part consists "of "Trader Hound," a Dogville comedy burlesquing the recent jungle film, "Wild and W0011y,"..a sport subject with Pete Harrison's inimitable humorous running commentary, and interesting views of Lindberg's homo and the son who was kidnapped. On Friday next Sir Benjamin and John Fuller will present at the St. James Theatre the TSritlsh International comedy, "The Perfect Lady," which introduces for the first time Elstrce's most beautiful star, Betty Amann. "The Perfect Lady" is considered to' be a riot of mirth a society girl who masquerades as ati alluring actress's maid in order to learn the secret of the latter's charm to all men. Her fiance is a spineless young man, aud his predicament when forced to malte love to tho actress (with whom he has become Infatuated) under the watchful eye of the "maid" is crciiitod with causing much amusement.

KING'S THEATRE. "Song o1 My Heart," starrins the worldfamous tenor, John SlcCormack, is now playInR a return season at tne King's Theatre. Every note as clear as a silvery bell, aud the youthful love story Is a sheer delight. Box plans are at tho Bristol and theatre. '$; ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Merely Jlary'Ann" Is showing at the Artcraft Theatre. Janet Gaynor aud: Charles Farrell are sfajred.". peryl Mercer aud .7. M. Kerrigan head the supporting: cast.- There aro excellent supports. KILBIKNIE KINEMA. n'epleto with now songs, beautiful gi.-ls. and comedy, "Flying High"- is at tho Kilbirnie Kinema. Bert Lohr heads tho cast, which includes Charlotte Greenwood aud Pat O'Brien. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Always Good-bye," featuring ElTssa Landl, will bo screened at tlie Capitol Theatre tonight.-. • In -this- .romantic -drama, which is tinged with, thrills, .^intriguing romance, ami suspense. Elissa Landi, ably supported by Lewis Stone and Paul Cavanagh, has ample: opportunity for portraying her exceptional actiug and dramatic* powers. . ■- . SEASIDE PICTURES. LYALL BAY. "Strictly Dishonourable," a most piauant and provocative comedy is to be shown at the Seaside Pictures, to-night. It is adapted from one of the most succesful plays seen in "New York within the past decade. Tho cast of the picture is headed by I'aul Lukas, whom ■Universal borrowed from Paramount, Sidney I'ox, and Lewis Stone.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. In "young As You' Feel," to be screened at tha Regal Theatre to-night. Will Rogers, famous American humorist, plays the leading role. The story is an exceedingly funny one of a gay elderly bachelor. Outstanding among the supporting cast is Fin Dorsay. The supports Include a two-reel comedy, a Magic Carpet of Movietone, and two Fox Movietone Newsrcels. On Wednesday and Thursday, ."Strictly Dishonourable" will,be shown. - OUR THEATRE,' NEWTOWN. The, big attraction to be shown at Our Theatre to-night is the sensational drama, "The Secret Six.? .Wallace Beery is starred, and a fine supporting cast include Lewis Stone, Jean Harlow, and John Mack Brown. Excellent supports complete the programme. PORT NICHOLSON SILVER BAND. ' The Grand Opera House was filled to; capacity on Sunday evening for the second concert of the Port Nicholson Silvei Band's 1932 season. The popularity of the band, particularly since Its outstanding successes at the regent contest in Wellington, was shown in the attendance,, and the appreciation of the audience. An arrangement by Ord Hume, "Roseate ■ Hues," opened the programme, being reverently played by the band, under the baton of Mr. J. J. Drew. Suppe's overture, "Light Cavalry," was artistically treated, and a fantasia on Liszt's melodies, arranged by Mr. Drew, was admirably interpreted. Ord Tlume's Tell" arrangement was another favourite, wlillo tho march, "North Star," set all feet tapping in unison. A .novelty that greatly : appealed jvas "Jliss Trombone", in whichva reliable trio of players, with band accompaniment, scored somo telling effects. Mr.- Hcnare Tahlwi, baritone, ivas enthusiastically received for his singing of Alfred Hill's "Waiata Maori,", and his double encore was thoroughly deserved. His other songs were "Kamate" and "Waikato." Later, in association with Mr. Dave Nicholl, tenor, Mr. Tahiwt sang the ducts "PoKarckari" and "Tlttorea," tho latter being repeated." Their voices blended perfectly. Mr. Kiclioll further proved his versatility''in the guitar solos, "The Rosary," "Nearer My- (iod to Thee," and a third recall. Mr. Hemi Rikihama,-violin-ist, was successful in his artistic solos; De Bcriot's "7th Concerto" and "I'll Bring a Lovo Song," ifroih "Viennese Nights." Miss Oracle Kerr's elocutionary numbers were gems ;6f drama anS light comedy; they were "Life's Roadways," "Reported Missing," and "Proposals'." Miss Mary Bald, contralto, sang "Sheis Far From the Land" and "Fisher Lad," and received a rousing reception; Mr. J. M. Caldwell's deep bass was heard in "Yeoman's Wedding Song" and "Why Shouldn't I?" Mr. Frank Crowther's piano accompaniments were Immensely popular. GLIDE SKATING RINK. With the approach of cooler weather, skating is as popular as eTer, the larger crowds attending the Glide Skating Rink in Wakefleld street testifying to the fact. During the summer recess this rink has been entirely renovated, anfl the bitumen floor has been re-conditioned. The rink-now presents a gay and colourful appearance/ and there is every evidence that skating iWilUbe a very popular pastime this winter. Time-table 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 should prove a'" relaxation from business wories. Members of tho Glide Skating Club aro advised of club night, which will be Lcld tomorrow night. ...... "THE NEW MORALITY." A repeat performance of the very, successful Repertory Theatre Society's play, "The New Morality," has been arranged for to-morrow night, in aid of the Y.W.C.A. Crowded housc3 greeted the performance at the Y.W.C.A. last week. Tho. play went off with a swing to the evident enjoyment of the audience, which laughed heartily throughout tho performance. Zita Chapman, T. V. Anson, and A. D. Priestley gavo excellent performances, and were ably supported by Jloja Hcmpton and George Coopor. The comedy is charmingly staged and dressed, and altogether a delightful cntortainment. WELLINGTON.' SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Next Thursday week,.ln tho,big' Town Hall, the Wellington Symphony Orchestra will be heard'again under the distinguished conductorship of Mr. Leon do Mauny. The highlight of the evening's programme will, no doubt, by many be considered to bo trie special engagement of. Vlnogradoff, the Russian pianist at present touring In New Zealand. Vinogradoff will play with the orchestra tho Second Con-certo-of Rachmaninoff, and this will be a first performance 'In New . Zealand. The symphony will be- Schubert's 'Seventh, in C Major, other orchestral items are tho Overture to Mozart's "Don Giovanni," and , Ktmsky-KorsakofT'3 "Spanish Caprice." Slgnor Lucfen Cesaronl will sing a bracket of songs. The box plan opens to the public at the Bristol next Friday, 29th. April. 1 TANNER-JENNER RECITAL. To-morrow evening at 8 o'clock in Nimmo'3 Concert Hall, Bond street, Claude Tanner (violoncello) and Ernest Jenner (pianoforte) will give a:further recital. Miss Hilda Chudley assisting. The programme fc as follows: Mendelssohn's VConcert Variations," Sonatas for 'Cello and Piano by Jean Hure and Richard Strauss, three transcriptions (tho Prelude from Massenet's "Herodlade," Faure's "Au Bord de L'Eau," and "Andaluza," by Granados). Miss Hilda Chudley will assist with a bracket of Dclius songs,.: "Llttlo Birdie," "Twilight Fancies," and "Cradle Song"; and "I Lovo Thee" and "The Swan," by Grieg. The box plan is at Nimmo's. .-■ In- William lll.'s .roign the Earl of Kornney, Master of Ordnance, marked all military stores -with his own t-vest, a broad arrow, to stop pilfering. The practice tvas retained anrT extended to all Government stores.