ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 110, 11 May 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Possibly because of his triumph in "Disraeli," George Arliss appears to bo at his best in a political picture, and, in "Alexander Hamilton," which is now showing at the Regent Theatre, lie appears in a rolo which has many points of similarity with the former production. Arliss gives an accomplished performance as Alexander Hamilton, tlie young man who, as President George Washington's Secretary of the Treasury, handled the task of uniting tha resources and responsibility of tho thirteen States in the Union aud thereby establishing a nation whose credit would hold good overseas. In his political career Hamilton was beset by opposition from all sides, and even his private life could not escape the machinations of his political enemies. With any cast the picture would be a good one, but with George Arliss, capably supported, it becomes an outstanding production. There is a splendid supporting programme. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." In Faramount's rendering of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," which is billed for the next change at the Regent Theatre, the leading role is taken by Frederic March, whoso interpretation of the part is said to be nothing short of amazing. Since ISB7 this great drama-romance has been before the rublic, the original creator of the role of the dual personality being Richard Mansfield, the greatest American actor of his day Later the role was again made famous by Daniel E. .Bandmanh, the German-American actor. Henry Brodribb Irving, son of Sir Henry Irving, also appeared In the part In London. On the films John Barrymore was an outstanding success in the role. Frederic March, the latest ono to play the part, is reported to be every bit as good as all the others. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Two' excellent pictures are featured at the Grand Opera House. Winnie Lightner is at the head of the cast ln "Side Show," the main picture. She Is supported by Charles Butterwortb, who supplies something new In the way of comedy; Evelyn Knapp. Donald Cook, Guy, Klbbee, and others The leading lady takes the part of the right-hand man, or, at least, woman, to the tippling owner of a circus. In addition to these duties she substitutes as a flre-diver, hula dancer, and cannibal in the show. Needless to say, her efforts are uproariously funny. In tho second picture, "becrets of a Secretary," Claudctte f.olbert takes a leading role. Forced to earn her own living, she secures a position as social secretary to a prominent matron, and for the flrst timo she learns what really goes on among the people she has associated with for the most of her life. A news reel completes a highclass programme. "24 Hours." Clive Brook, Kay Francis, and Miriam Hopkins, the pert, vivacious heroine of "The Smiling Lieutenant," play the leading roles in Pararaount's "24 Hours," which will open at the Grand Opera House on Friday. "24 Hours" shows how several people, within two twelvehour turns of the clock, suddenly find themselves embroiled In a dangerous situation, which threatens their lives. From the moment these people aro introduced at a fashionable dinner party, to that tense moment, twentyfour hours later, when ono of the men finds himself unjusly accused of his paramour's murder—with only his estranged wife willing to believe him innocent—"24 Hours" creates and maintains suspense with compelling effect. Not only Is "24 Hours" a flrst-class dramatic story, but it also boasts ot effective atmosphere touches, which add materially to tlio picture's enjoyment. Di LUXE THEATRE. "Delicious" Is showing at tho Do Luxe Theatre. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell are starred. Janet Gaynor Is really adorable in this show. Her acting throughout and her clever impersonation of a Scottish girl place her on tho highest rung of the ladder of fame. Charles Farrell, handsome and romantic, is tlie perfect hero—the typo that looms foremost In the thoughts of practically every romantic young girl. His voice, too, Is most fascinating. El Brendel provides the comedy element. "Hell Divers," which will open at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday, 5s Bald to combine most remarkable aeroplane manoeuvres with a dramatic plot that, with all its romantic qualities, has something heroic ln It. The picture co-stars Wallace Beery and Clark Gable, and prominent supporting roles are filled by Conrad Nagel, Dorothy Jordan, Marjorio Rambeau, Marie Prevost, Cliff Edwards, and John Mlljan. Filmed at Panama during U.S. naval manoeuvres, aboard the aircraft carrier Saratoga, and at North Island, "Hell Divers" has all tlie sensations of the great naval concentration ln which tho entire battle fleet figured.Hundreds of 'planes wheel and dive through breathtaking stunts In formation. The bombing 'planes, known as "Hell Divers," hurl themselves straight down two miles ln less than half a minute, to catapult bombs at a ship target. A giant Zeppelin makes a landing on the battleship dock. The story deals with the rivalry between Beery, as a naval veteran, and Gable, a new style of sailor, and typifies the conflict between old and* new ideas in naval operations. Tho central roman,cq is between Beery and Miss Ramboau, as a keeper of a Panama resort, vvho has waited years for "her man." The original story is by Lieutenant-Commander Frank Wead, with screen play by Harvey Gates and Malcolm Stuart Boylan. A highly spectacular featuro of "Hell Divers" presentation in Wellington will be provided in the appearance of an illuminated aeroplane, which will fly over the city, commencing to-morrow evening, ln connection with a special competition arranged by the De Luxe Theatre in conjunction with the Wellington Aero Club. v PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Devotion" is the principal feature at the Paramount Theatre. It ls a story of the eternal triangle, and Ann Harding makes the story entertaining. Before the story ends matters become decidedly complicated, and some clever manipulating is necessary before the way ls paved for a happy ending. Tliere is a strong supporting programme. To win the race, to save the factory, to win the girl. That was the triple stako hanging on a fast and most thrilling automobile race, the climax of "Racing Youth," which will be seen at tho Paramount Theatre on Friday. In addition to the thrills, tliere are youth, beauty, and personality galore. June Clyde, from "Tanned Legs." "The Cuckoos," and "Hit the Deck," is worth going to see all alone, aud Frank Albertson, of "Born Reckless" and "So This Is London," is the boyish hero aglow with youth, pep, and romance. And then, there ls Slim Summervllle, this time shown as a stuttering automobile mechanic, and Louise Fazenda, star of many pictures. KING'S THEATRE. Gorgeously produced, with scenes in technleolour, "The Cuckoos," now showing at the King's 'Theatre, stands alone as a brand-new type of screen entertainment. It is an extravaganza of delirious nonsense, starring the mad wags of "Rio Rita" fame, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolscy, and boasting a notable cast of featured players. Box plans are available at the Bristol and the theatre. Commencing on Friday, "Strangers May Kiss," with Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery and a great cast of supporting players, will be shown at the King's Theatre. Miss Shearer comes .to the screen more gorgeous than ever in a dramatic love story that is greater even than her unforgettable success, "Let Us Be Gay." A special added feature ou this programme is "Beau Hunks," with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Box plans are now available at the Bristol and Theatre. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "The Gay Caballero," featuring George O'Brien, Victor McLaglen, and Conchita Montenegro, is showing at .the r Queen's Theatre. The story relates a tale of pre-sent-day conflict. Intrigue, and romance along the colourful Mexican border. The supporting cast includes Linda Watkins, C. Henry Gordon, Weldon Heyburn, Martin Garralaga, Wlllard Robertson, Juan Torena, and many others. Romance, thrills, laughs, and pathos walk hand in hand In "Sweepstakes;" RKO Pathe picture, starring Eddie Qulllan, commencing at tho Queen's Theatre on Friday. Laid against tlio glamorous background of the Turf, It is said to be one of tho devest romances brought to the talking screen in recent months. The story concerns a young jockey who is in the midst of a blissful romance with a cabaret singer when he comes face to face with disgrace and is branded as a dishonest rider. The girl ultimately helps him to overcome the handicap. In addition, tho special William Fox's news of the Aqua Caliente Handicap, showing Pliar Lap winning his last and greatest race, will be screened. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Love Lies," starring Stanley Lupino and Jack Hobbs, Is being shown at tbe Princess Theatre to-day. Tho story, which tells of two uncles, two nephews, a wife and a vamp, is developed on farcical lines, and theso characters are swept along on the crest of uncontrollable circumstances, which, though undeniably drastic, supply the onlooker with continuous cause for merriment. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Caught Plastered," starring the two funsters, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, is showing at the Artcraft Theatre. 11l this picture they apjiear as two drug store boys who somehow or other do more in- the bootlegging line than in dispensing medicine. The supports are good. KILBJRNIE KINEMA. Nancy Carroll ls in tho title rolo of "Personal Maid," which will bo shown.at the Kilbirnie Kinema to-night. The picture, made from the best-seller novel by Graco Perkins, was directed by Monta Bell, with a well-known cast of stage and screen favourites supporting Miss Carroll. A special benefit for the Seatoun Football Club, Joe E. Brown in "Local Boy Makes Good," will be presented to-morrow. Dance numbers on the stage will be given by pupils of Jfiss Kathleen Halre. GLIDE SKATING RINK. That skating is as popular as ever in Wellington is demonstrated by the attendances at the Glide Skating Rink in Wakefield street. Each session Is well attended, particularly tho two lunch hour sessions from 12 noon to 1 p.m.. and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., when many of the employees of city offices and warehouses avail themselves of this healthful exercise. A learners' session Is held every day from 6 p.m. to 1 p.m. Club night will be held to-night.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. i„J,'f„ te'?F lnf Slst, ers" ls screening at the Majestic iheatre. Louise Dresser plays the leading role, and is seconded by Jobyua Hovvland and Minna Gombell. Mrs. Ramsey, the .-.ocUl climber, Is doing it all* for her daughter's ?h,t e\i, v' ***-*-a"ers are complicated by the fact ■*■!?•.,!• d?ushter (beautiful Barbara Weeks) has raiieii in love .on her own account, and with a musical comedy star. What happens In such circumstances may best be imagined when it ls known that Rosie La Man*, the one actively S7°o r,,„f 8 m™**ber °f the old combination of the iv!* P ? g , Slsi era' that* Mrs. RamS h,} sb'***"**- Is a man who has been in the habit of taking her -about. - The supporting •Ivi.l one of wldo ranßetronol Jlar>on Day-<* enacting the role of a mnS.r. ar"St' Clarke S.We that Of a -Jm o J oUng mln'ster, "Polly of the Circus" vliri^. omi? en*r' I 0 a' the Majestic Theatre on n ™i,,'i . , clrcus Performer who marries h *llcr; only to find that sho stands In ,7. i,„f y , happiness, Miss Davies is said rtr-mn*.? * rol° WhlCh gIV<!S h«r eV«n SVCltei* „SS?« c..*SP portunltles than that of her last »?-,,, ' Flve and Ten*" The story also has ,^!??i .Sl^F momel>ts. for the hoydenish circus thl i ! lst K discovers that ministers are not quite he forbidding persons sho had thought them „«.,„*'- hlle ,u} e small-town parson gets a IIX^T, 1"0 Under the "bl B 'OP*" Higher V*.. the dran,a include the sensational fall or tne trapeze star, the scandal which ensues as a result of her convalescence in the minister s house, the refusal of the board of clergymen to give the minister a church when he ?r«.i il c circus eirl' and tho subsequent r\J£l„ .? tteJ? pt, of the girl to "repair the „i? -Je'., c' Smith has a prominent role in tho production. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Waiting for the Bride," the beautiful allcolour comedy-drama, ls the attraction at the bt. James Theatre. Mary Brian and Marie i reyost are the two very modern Miss 1932 gold-diggers,'* and the wiles and ways in which tbey succeed In trapping a rich young bachelor In marriage with Mary Brian cause much merriment. Geoffrey Kerr as the bachelor Presents a very fine performance. on Friday the management of the St. James theatre will present a picture based on a modernised and hitherto unexploited phase of marriage, and it expounds the unusual thesis that love is a matter of habit and environment. 'Consolation Marriage" tells the amusing story of two young persons disappointed in loye. who contract a loveless marriage for the sole purpose of forgetting their romantic pasts. Ilw situation presents many novel twists and sequences. Irene Dunn, vvho was last seen in Cimarron," has the leading role, and she is supported by such well known actors as John HalUday, Pat O'Brien, Matt Moore, and Myrna Loy. AMBULANCE BALL. An ambulance ball Is to be held In the Realm, Hataitai, to-night. Several excellent competitions have been arranged. An exhibition of tap-dancing will be given by Miss M. Wilton. Miss V. Spiller will give an exhibition of ballroom dancng. There will be a short programme of community singing. Supper will bo provided. The whole of the proceeds are to go to the Wellington City Ambulance. Mr. Hylton,* owner of the Realm, has given tho hall free of charge, and the orchestra have given their services free of charge. " EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Dreyfus," the sensational espionage story, to bo screened at the Empire Theatre to-night, concerns the true life adventures of Captain Dreyfus, -who was sentenced by- a- court-martial for alleged espionage and sentenced for life to Devil's Island. An excellent supporting programme has been arranged. On Friday and Saturday Gracio Fields will be seen ln "Sally in Our Alley." REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Sally in Our Alley" will be screened at the Regal Theatre to-night. Laughs, sobs, and absorbing interest fill this feature from end to end, when Gracie Fields, the most popular star on tho English stage, makes her screen debut. Tlie story is one laid on scenes of the old Milo End road in London, and is excellent In comedy, outstanding In pathos, and thrilling when Grade Fields sings "Fall in and Follow tlie Band" and "Sally." Special supports will be shown. On Friday and Saturday "The Champ" will be .screened. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "The Spider," now showing' at tho Capitol Theatre, is a mystery dealing with the search for a murderer known to be wearing a spider ring. The plot is something quite new. and the cast is very strong, which includes Edmund Lowe, Lois Moran. and El Brendel. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Clive Brook and Tallulah Bankhead are costarred in the Paramount picture, "Tarnished Lady," to bo shown at Our Theatre to-night. Tho play is concerned with a young society girl who marries for convenience, and then, regretting her actions, deserts her husband for a man who proves unworthy of her. There are excellent supports. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Monkey Business," starring the four Marx brothers, is being shown at tho Britannia Theatre. They are cast as stowaways on board a giant ocean liner, and proceed to take over • command of tho ship and run things to suit themselves. One can imagine the rost. There aro excellent supports. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Charley's Aunt," tho famous Columbia picture, starring Jimmy Bonner, is showing at Shortt's Theatre. The story, while tinged with plenty of laughs, has a romantic vein, and tho acting is excellent all through. There are good supports. "ROBIN HOOD." Hatfon's cantata, "Robin Hood," when presented by the Commercial Travellers' Choir under Mr. John Bishop last year, was so popular that numerous requests were received by the committee to repeat it at an early date. It was therefore decided, in view ofthe popular demand, to repeat the work at the flrst concert of tlie 1932 season, which opens in the Concert Chamber next Saturday evening. The same cast has been selected, which will no doubt be very much appreciated, as one and all proved themselves eminently suited to their respective parts. The choruses also are very tuneful, and the choir is expected to give an even better rendering than on the previous occasion. For tlie miscellaneous portion of the programme the choir have been fortunate in securing the assistance of those talented violinists, Eric and Frieda Meier, whose duets will no doubt prove an added attraction, as will also' the vocal item to be given by W. Binet Brown (bass). The box plan Is now open at the Bristol, where reservations can be made at popular prices.