ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 38, 13 August 1932, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

| ! " ; REGENT THEATRE. ' "t There can'be no denying the popularity of ; !lho Aldwych. Theatre company, headed by Tom Walls and. Ralph Lynn. Their latest farce "A ; Sight Like This" attracted a packed houso ; at, the-Kegent Theatre last night, and judging byth'e way the audience received ■ the offerlnc this :pieture will prove oqually as successful as its'-'EXJdecessors both from entertaining and box office- points of view. . The acting ability of :he stars; is, of course, well established, but they have been singularly fortunate in having the .-services of Mr, Ben Travers to write for them. "Mr. Travers has obviously a keen sense ftf -thiptitentittUtles of his actors and actnessei and the" situations which he makes for theitf-Bu!t their particular type of genius like ; the -prdverbial :,Klpyc. Indeed so much would ; ilr. Travers appear to rely on the cast that he Gomes'perilously near, having not even a semb- . lance; of a plot or story in "A Night Like This." True ■'■ theife"' is somethlhg about a "borrowed" pearl .necklace, but it Is merely an excuso to account" for tho presenco of Ralph Lynn in a ; night club where Tom Walls,. a London con- . stable, ivith a delightful brogue, is also erijoy--sne: hlmselfi while in-search of evidence. While riot so flamboyant in his methods as Ralph Lynn the owner-trainer of the latest Derby winner ■ gets, his laughs in equal share witii his co- ; sstar,.and,last' night the-.audience was kept in ■ -a constant, simmer of mirth by the clever and ■witty" dialogue;. Indeed it is the fault (if it •be one) of these farces that one is apt to mis? 1 «bine"-<)f.'ttijpgobd points in the uproar that fol-i-'-lowß--«ther3;~f-or the- action i& uever allowed .l.ila iJ lag._ iii l\-inifrcd Shbtter js as charming as usual; but the best female success is achieved by Mary Brough. There Is ;m excellent sup- | liorting programme. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. / Two feature films,'botli'iof ;,outstandiue; qual. '--• -fiy,- were-shown at. 'the- Cra'nd Opera House ' 3ast evening, andjbjsffirwoii tho approval of a Jarge audience. "This Reckless; Age" is.i» story -of the efforts of a boy and girl to bring happlness,.to their parents and.so mako auiand.l) for ttieiijj negiect Jn tho past. They succeed, but,'tot-before;many complications, 'amusing and otherwise '.'The castr Is an exceptionally .strong.one, pnd includes 'five- well-known stars "in Charles Rogers, Charlie Ruggfe3, Peggy Shannon, Richard Bennett, and Francis Dee; "The Billing Voice" is another fine picture, mado taoiableby- a gripping story and powerful actfflffo" Tne central figure is Jack Bannister, v^ne. head of. a, milk trust which Is forcing up prices all over -thd ..country. His- daughter, ((Gloria, returns from.Europe, and.on learning ; **tithe manner.Mn which: her father is'treatiue ,'/-W¥.,P°<'?;Sh;e leaves his home arid seeks tho ■ -■\p*sectlon of Mary gtanton, a rich widow. Th» l^Stpry moves, swiftly to'a dramatic climax. Wai■"^tfe^Hustbh givesi'a flhistad performance in tho >BHk* of Bannistar, ■ a.nd others in the cast aro V;^^' 3 Sollll© Doris Keriyon,- David Manners i,*9n.HaUiday, .Dudley Diggcs, Gilbert Emery, Robertson, and Douglas Scott. The l*?Js6?s, mlnei which Is "one that should not W J^BWi^oy all who enjoy good dramaj will b» 'Te.Statoi, to-night and next week. ■ . •• '^Is? DELUXE -THEATRE.' ■ ■ ;: '; / JoaSriSiWford and-Robert irontgoiiiefy; two' !Cf the ;ihost, popular young stars of the screen 'appear together.,in "Letty Lynton," which is , screening at-^hesDe. Luxo Theatre this-week Jhis is a moderrttale-vwblch requires an adult intelligence, and; in it. Joan .Crawford gives her best performance for SomctimE. Sho has a good part, tha£ of a lonely;- unloved elr] • who escapes from the tragedy of-her- lire In a dangerous affair with, a South American— .-.^.^^."SBgltou?..she-does, not kn.ow-until she ■ [meets young man on the way home and-finds herself in love. For the South American will not give her up, and there is the clash of llove and fear as sho tries to wrench herself (free. The ■ climax comes where she goes to Wm TrTrt fl°H SDf- tlie^ letiers sue has Bwrltten 'Jl "?• and-flnds him adamant in refusal From , that moment the film is of extraordinary ten™ slon, and Lctty Lrnton is at tho most dancertfit"^ Sft lSt, ; as it does; it is from a most'unexpectcd nuar■««V , en ft°. flI" en^tfto difficulties ar 9 "than ,h. i! c El] is,headed fW moro happinesa ■iban she has ever had before. This is a film ;Stot a w? ffi inclu<3ln ff My R»bson, LewS Stone Nils Asther, and Louise Closser Hale. vj\ n ls. '^'yvdirected. The supporting pro. .^nations of.,how athl.tils were and how !nL^ \r> °T! e! oncs Aust«H«an nima. At tlie i organ Miss Iris Mason plays some attract v« - jn^^M9^?3ng of 7ts M*'-Caravan"..Js, also heard. PARAMOUNT fHEATRE. A i of merit its local season at the;-Paramount".-Theatre yesterday. Xhe main feature was llie Universal picture, The Radio Patrol," starring Robert Armstrong Lila Lee, June /Clyde, and' Russell -Hopjon; An unusual story df the Americani.'poiice (methods' > of dealing with gang warfare were depicted; in an illustrative manner. *Tho story concerns Pat Bourka anft his friend^Bill Kennedy, two cadets to a police training school, who, having completed their.'training, an?-attached to tho Chicago Police:-Patrol, which: is endeavouring to stamp out ggng warfare. D'Sring their cadet days they both fall In lova with Sue, the heroine of the story, and sho eventually marries Bill. Soon afterwards Bill accepts graft from gangsters whlleUn control of a.', radio-equipped car patrolling .the city. During an attempt by the gangsters to rob the safe, at the Chicago' , stockyards, another policeman is shot, andBill, consciencct3tricken, confesses that he has accepted graft '"from the gangsters and was paid to -teep away from the section of the city in vfhic-i the-jobbery took place..' ']nrthe ensuing battle Bill is shot, this unfortunately coinciding with a critical period inhls married life.. Pat returps to Sue, and the picture, unlike most of its'iind, ends on an unhappy note The supports Include two Universal newsreels a sound cartoonj;and a featurette starring Babe Ruth, the American baseball playerV. KING'S THEATRE. >. - .. Supported by an impressive cast, joau BenJiett now appears at tho King's Theatre in "The Trial of Vivienne Ware." ' She 9 portrays' the featured role of the rich and -beautiful society girl who,is tried for the nSurde? of. her former fiance. Tills role, it is-declared" Bives Miss Betmett unbounded opportunities for the display 'of her inherited histribuic -talent. An added* attraction on this programme USle^D^f- ng'" starriße Pettingell and Richard Cooper. It is a breezy'romance, thtr ;aCCSt tUe Erlstol v'pd the <uiEENM3 theatrCl- v; ; Those who await B.ucli". Jones's . films to' get some honest-to-goodriess'. thrills ■ will get moro thaa;,' file.- usual quota when they see him. . ; .;iij' 'his latest picture, "Border Law/v:, which is now showing at the Queen!g Theatre. Combined with the rip-roaring action of the usual Buck Jones western is a fistic encounter that -is' 'excitlne enough to breakithe thrill barometer.-' appearing with him in>:'.'Border Law" are players who are well known'for thelivfrequent appearances in westerns. Among-them aro James Mason .frank Rice, and Don Chapman. LuDita Tmir plays the femintoe lead. P orai BRITANNIA THEATRE. . The famous American croiediafe.Wlll i.RoKrs Tisits Algiers and. the Sahara-.. Desert ii£his F«nj! storWrproduction.-'BuslnSss . DIL' Pleasure,"i. which is now: behig^abdwn at the Britannia-'-Theatre., TVegtbry.has beSn adapted from the.;*6vel;-"TIio Plutocrat," by Booth Tarltington/.lt details the humorous adventures of a topical Middle Westerner on a Mediterranean cruise. Others in tha cast Include Jetta CFoudal, Joel McCrea, Dorothy Peterson. Peggy Ross, Boris Karloff, Cyril King, and Jed Prouty. There is a fino supporting programme. .;■..'. SHORTT'S "THEATRE. A sparkling comedy, "It Pays to Advertise," Marring Skeets Gallagher, Norman Foster Eugene Pallette, Lucien Littlefield, Carole Loinfiara, and Louise Brooks, is now being shown at Shortt's Theatre. Tho story the adventures of a rich playboy son of a soap ... manufacturer who goes into tho. soap business lor himself to show his dad ho is" capable of ■ earning an independent Income. "Kicfe In " featuring Clara Bow, ! will--also,,bo; sho\vn,-,There '13 a good supporttog^rb^rainme.-': .■.:-■■' ' .' . WEw^Pß'NCEss^E;«fifE;;^^;'/. The consummate artistry of Georgo^Arliss' has Seen brought to the screen In "Tho Millionaire " -which is now being shown at ■- the New .Princess Theatre. Tho. film is ; based on tho danger of idle luxury for an active mau.' Arliss Ways the part of a wealthy manufacturer, laced by doctor's orders to give up active work. Unable to stand the enforced idleness and the apparent certainty that his daughter 3s to eventually marry into the idle rich class Arliss finds himself a.new interest In life mrr a partnership with a young man in a garage and filling station. . ARTCRAFT THEATRE. •'The Easiest Way," starring Constance BehDatt, Adolphe Menjou, Robert Montgomery, and Anita Page, i 3 now being shown at' tho Artcraft Theatre. There is a good supporting programme. KILBIRNIE KINEMA.; a. British film of outstanding merit "is "77 t& .the intrI e«lne mystery-romance at the Kilbirnie Kmemn. In this unusual productlon the leading parts are taken by beautiful Betty Stockfield and Denis Neilsen-Terry In addition, there is a particularly attractive supporting bill. ■. OUt? THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The British comedy, "My Wife's Family" '. will be finally screened at Our Theatre to-night Gene Gerrard is starred, and la ably supported' by Muriel and Jimmy Godden. Tho story conceias the confusion into which-Rll the characters are thrown, caused by the mixup of two "babies."- Excellent supports complete the programme. . " guide; skating rink. 10-nlght's session at tho fillde-Skating Rink In Wakefleld street will be the usual Saturday evening session, extended until 11 p.m. Thl3 rink continues to increase its popularity among . skating enthusiasts, and five sessions are held . daily except Saturdays. The lunch hour sessions are particularly popular among city work-. ■ era, who appreciate the opportunity of pleasant relaxation and exercise. Special learners' sessions are held each evening and export tutors are Id. attendance at all sessions.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. A picture that As right out of tbo usual rut of talkie productions, and one that is a real credit to producers and cast alike, is "Alias the Doctor," a powerful drama of the surgical world, now showing at the Majestic Theatre Richard Bartheluiess, always a sound exponent of histrionics, has tho role of his career as tho lovable Karl, Who, shouldering tho blamo of a drunken foster-brother (a fellow student), goes to prison for tho crime—an operation on a girl performed before graduation. Later, passed oft1 by his foster-mother as Stephun, Karl rises to heights of surgical eminence, for ho is a brilliant man, and performs miracles before the masquerade is discovered. Then comes tho dilemma for the board, and in a poignant scene Karl pleads for "permission to proceed with tho operation on his own foster-mother, who lies awaiting his practised hand in tho theatre. The climax is a smashing one, the audienco being taken through the intimate details of preparation and conclusion of a big operation, with all its tenseness and drama. The play is one of stern medical ethics versus humanitarian instinct, while there is a delightful leavening of romance between Karl and his charming foster-sister, played by beautiful Marian Marsh. Norman roster as the fosterbrother, Lucille la Verne as tho foster-mother, Adrienno Dore as the ill-fated secret lover of Stephan, and John St. Polls as a kind-hearted and broad-minded surgeon, play important parts in the unfolding of what must rank as a screen triumph. The supporting programme is one to appeal to varying tastes. There is an interestIng Sports picture; showing a Quaint ball game in Cuba; big-game fishing off Miami; nteresting topical views, showing items of British, American, and Continental interest; a comedy, daggers at tho Dentist"; /Ruth Etting in a song scena not without its unintended comedy; and an exciting travel picture taken in Africa, showing tribes, witch Hoctofs and Jungle animals in authentic settings Tho present programme is recommended' without hesitation, by reason of its strength and ST. JAMES THEATRE. Sl^ \nf, l," n t0"ed < ,tde;llisra Illarl« "Symphony of oli JIIHIou, the new picture at St Tamps hi1!."-* 6* a. nd the' "tlltlfe level the acting i. high: If is a play, with a message, and certainly: it is three times more worthy of public »h^°£M ha.V a "le averaee Hollywood picture, though .that is 'not to say that the support will be forthcoming. However, let the story speak.for itself: Felix Glauber is a little Jew boy who from infancy wishes to bo a doctor aud^ financial sacrifices by the Hebrew family enable him at last to qualify, until he becomes the unpaid healer of the sick in the ■,y lo, rk Ghetto. He re?els in this unflnauclal work until a brother demands some repayment for the aforesaid financial 'sacrilices, which means that Felix, for his family's sake must become "reluctantly the., doctor of tho neuroticv rich. ,ln. this easy affluence he loses his healing message, his owh confidence in himself is undermined, and it breaks down utterly when, under family 'coercion, -and despite medical .ethics, ho operates on/his own father— who dies : under his hand. For weeks "the million dollar hands" of, tho great surgeon are idle; he has become afraid. Then' from out of the idealistic past, and out of.the ghetto comes the sweet Jessica, half-cripple from birth, teacher of ghetto children, secret lover of. J?elix. Back -to his old haunts sho lures him, and he. regains his confidence as a surgeon when, under her command, he operates bnr. and cures herself. Though not all on tho same level, there aro really- great moments in this play, and tho ghetto atmosphere recalls Zangwill.,; The performance of Ricardo Cortez and Irene Dunne; as the doctor (Felix) and as, Jessica,"mak- most of the usual Hollywood star "stunts look very cheap. They are backed up by sterling Yiddish players like Anna Appel- (the mother),-Gregory RatoEf. (tho father), and Noel Madison (the brother). Hollywood has staged several doctors lately, and Cortez - is- easily- the best. Hiss - Dunne plays her part with sincerity, and imparts atmosphere to it. The gazette ,shows horse racing, motor racing, and a sort of polo played with fire hoses. There is an eccentric Comedy depicting events In the grotesque kingdom of Bulvaria, . CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. ■"Delicious," ■ s'tjeenlbe"""" for"' the last time .at the Capitol Theatre to-night, brings together again two of the greatest favourites of the screen in Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, supported by the laughter-maker El Brendcl. Captivating music and real song nits, specially written by George Gershwin, run throughout the film and spontaneous gaiety, much comedy, aud romance arc woven through tho picture. Janet Gaynor plays the part of a Scotch immigrant girl who lands In New Tork with the ono idea of taking everything by storm, but meets with many ups and downs beforo her quest is ended. Charles Farroll as the wealthy man about iown Is seen: at his very best. ■ ~-:-.. SEASIDE PICTURES, I.YALL BAY. promised when "Charlie Chan's Chance" is shown to-night at the Seaside Pictures.-Lyail Bay...,W.arner,..Oland portrays the" role of the brilliant Chinese" detective who solves aniintrl-1 cate murder'mystery, ' and the cast infcludes sueh:;.well-known, favourites as Alexander Klrklahd^Hrß/Waraer, Marian Nixon, and Ralph Morgan. . " , ■■ ; . DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. 1 "Dr. Jekyll ;andiiMrV Hyde," the Paramount picture starrinsr-Fredrtc March, Miriam Hopkins, and/SRcse: "Hobart, will bo shown to-night' and on'iMbnday.-flight at the De Luxe Theatre < Lower.vHutt.- That hometown girls sometimes oyerlook'the real happiness at.their own door-; Step" for the more ■ dazzling promise of the cities is dramatically portrayed by Joan -Bennett iii "She Wanted a Millionaire," Which will be screened on Tuesday night only. Spencer Tracy is featured as the smalltown sweetheart. Una Merkel and James Kirltwood have the chief -supporting , roles. "Shanghai Express," screening at the-De Luxe Theatre on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,with a matinee on .Thursday afternoon, has Marlene Dietrich and Clive-Brdok in the leading roles. It :is excellent entertainment. Bqx plans aro-.at ;the- Peter Panv' Lounge or the theatre...;'. ..-.:-'" .■.'.-.•'■'■ ' .: ■ £i', .-REGAL THEATRE,.KARORI. . „.. j.; .".'Private Lives," starring Norma Shearer and Robert .' Montgomery, heads an exceptionally large; -week-end programme at the Regal Theatre. The'story of "Private Lives" is unusually humorous, telling of two uewly-wedded couples who find themselves in difficult situations when It is discovered that Both husbands were at one time.married to tho other woman. There is a good Supporting programme. On Monday and Tuesday "The Rainbow Trail." starring George, O.'Brleh, will be screened. .-, . "EMPIRE"THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. : "Tarean,- -the- -Ape 'Man,". 1 Johnny Welssm.uUer,.heads;the-week-end programme at thq.Empire theatre this evening. The story of the'-English nobleman who "has been raised by apes is more' or less: familiar to all fiction readers. Neil Hamilton, C. Aubrey Smith; and Maureen O'Sullivan Ijead the supporting cast. A Sitzpatrick Traveloguo and two nowsreels will also bo shown • :■•". ■ "' ;: ;RoVal roller, rink. The flriaiTot-t'h'eT Wellington two-step competition is advertised to take place at the Royal Roller-Rink this.evening. Over 100 couples haya-competed. in .the three heats,, and the nine finalists represent the pick) of. Wellington's skaters. .In"'c'ohhe'ctlon" with the judging of the qqntest; ■ the-^public are to be asked to select ,>the: .champion . couple, while a special prize-is to.be/.awarded .to the couple selected by; the judge. Mrs. Galbraith, New Zealand's champion' Woman skater," who so delighted spec-tators-and skaters alike-two .weeks ago with her dazzling exhibition, is also billed in a novel and spectacular.exhibition. . R.N.V.R. BAND' CONCERT. At the De Luxe Theatre to-morrow (Sunday) evening the K.N.V.R. Band offers another programme of great variety by artists of repute The Love family; which delighted the audience last week and also'took a leading part in the splendid entertainment at the Town Hall on S IC,?, ay"-''a!t;"lvl!1 ."Sain-perform. ..The -cori- ?, ,!.i*, numbers Slven by these Maoris are dei Xl tf"1' the-barraony obtained being of a high order.-Miss'Mona Love has a sweet voice, and also plays tho steel guitar with considerable skill.. Mr.. Dan' Love gives a pleasing accompaniment on his Spanish guitar to the young lady's solos. A fine tenor, Mr. Noho Toki,-Is to give several of his groatest successes, including "Lolita" and "Sweet Early Violets. Another vocalist who has been in demand: since-his arrival here is Mr. Trevor Thomas,'whojhas filled engagements with musical^ocleties.; in soveral cities. Little May Hyain;. tho staging violinist, will sing and play^ Auf Wlcderscuen" (Good-bye) and "Mi Amado, the latter being the theme song by Lupo. Velez In the film success, "The Wolf Song. Miss Irh Mason will play some of her best pieces on the Wurlitzer organ, and the accompaniments will be in the capable hands of Miss Dorothy Splnks. A special feature is to be offered by. the band with the organ, T-and of,; HopeVand Glory." This Introduces a fine euphonium solo by Mr. Wirl Baker. The band will also play, hymn, "Sandown," selection "Glralda," overture ''Golden Cross," and the marches "The Little Drummer" and "Blazeaway." For the benefit bt early arrivals at the De Luxe Theatre'a recital of selected gramophone records will be given. HARMONIC SOCIETY CONCERT. " The second concert of tho 1932 season of the Wellington Harmonic Society, under tho conductorship of Mr. H. Temple White, is to be given in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Thursday; evening next, :.at S o'clock. This society is noted for the high standard which it has set for its -programmes in tho past, and-that to •,bp;-presented next Thursday will assuredly maintain that standard. Tho choir numbers have been most carefully chosen from the society's ■■• extensive library, and will include tho Polonaise with Chorus' "Noble Chief! Thee Wo Hall," from Glinka's "Life for tho Czar"; ColcridgeTaylor's "Tho Leo Shoro"; O Happy Eyes" (Elgar) ; "Awake, Awake I'(Granville Bantock); two folk-songs by Brahms, In Silent Night" and "Lovo, Tare Thee Well";- "Celtic Hymn". (Roberton); a "ChorU Rhapsody on, Welsh Airs" arranged by Percy E Fletcher, and a sotting by H. Balfour Gardiner of John Masefleld's "News f*-om Whydah." Miss Hilda Chudley, the popular contralto, will sing "Hills" (La Forge), "Do Not Go, My Love" (Richard Hageman) and "Cherry Ripe" (Cyril Scott). Mr. Trevor Thomas (bnss-barltone)-- has chosen for his numbers "The Luto Pisyer" (AHltson) and "The Two Grenadiers" (Schumann). Of particular Interest will be the appearance of Miss Elvira Wycherley, a talented young 'cellist from Palmerston North, who will play "Le Cygne" (SaintSaens),. "Arlequln" (Popper), "Orientate" (Cm), and "Guitarre" (Moskowski) The box plan opens at Tho Bristol on Monday next and Intending patrons will bo well advised to book early, as the accommodation is limited.

GALLI-CUBCI SEASON. Of outstanding interest Is the announcement by Messrs. J. and N. Tait tliat Amelita Galli-Curcl, tho world-renowned soprano, will give- two concerts at the Grand Opera House, Wellington on 23th and 27th August. Among celebrities it is difficult to find a more modest, unaffected woman than Galli-Curcl. She does not believe In tho sincerity of tho so-called "artistic temperament." She recognise^ a definite responsibility to her public, and she makes it a point to fulfil, on the exact minute, every engagement arranged by her managers for her. Altogether, she Is one of the ward the traditions established by her most distinguished predecessors. History will enshrine her name among the immortals and only time will be able to fathom the depths to which her art has readied. Future generations will remember her name as tho present one remembers those of the great singers and composers and virtuosi of old time. To hear her is a privilege that will be remembered, aud those who listen to her to-day will, in future years, tell those who come after them how, in earlier years, they heard, in somo famous role, or in soma famous song, no less a personage than Galli-Curci herself. RONA OLSEN'S LECTURES. Kona Olsen will give another. • locture tomorrow evening in the Dominion 'Farmers' Institute Hall, at 7 o'clock. The subject will be "Man's Search for God—the Eternal Quest." Written questions relating to any psychological subject will be answered. TRIO RECITAL. The well-known Maunder-Bafton-'Kyro trio will give a further recital at Nimmo's Hall on next Wednesday, 17th, at 8 p.m. The Arensky snd a Beethoven trio will be performed. Miss Barton will play a Beethoven 'cello sonata with Miss Johnston. Songs will be contributed by Miss Marjorie Bennle.