ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 88, 11 October 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT JHEATRE. Like Yicki Baum's play, "Grand Hotel," practically the whole of the action of "Life Goes On," the feature picture at the Regent Theatre this week, takes place inside an hotel. It Is a Paramount British mystery picture with many unusual twists, and its general presentation leaves little to be desired. As the title suggests, the mystery leaves tlia dally routine, of the hotel unruffled, A man is murdered on the very night that a traveller from Africa books into the hotel. The visitor sees the body ad gives the alarm, but when the management comes to investigate there is no body and no man. The plot Is very clever, and the audience will find itself trying to sort out the murderer from several well-doomed patrons of the- hotel. Hugh Wakefleld, favourably remembered for his excellent work in "Aren't We All?" Is the leading man, and he does much to relieve the seriousness of the picture at times. Betty Stockfleld plays the part of a woman whose indiscretions are the cause for all the mystery, and Elsie Randolph has a *pery conspicuous part as a telephone attendant who hankers for personal experience of the romances she hears piecemeal from her switchboard. She gets thrills In full measure before the story closes. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. __.^ Adapted from the sensational stage hit "The Misleading Lady," described as a picture In which a "he-man turns a cave-man to win a good girl who needed a slapping," will open at .the Grand Opera House on Friday. Tho story promises all the elements of • real entertainment, comprising generous portions of romance, thrills, action, mystery, and • comedy. It relates how a girl dupes a man into a proposal, to prove that her sex appeal is worthy of glorification in a certain play role which she cherishes. She gets the proposal, but scorns the proposer. She is kidnapped, chained up in a mountain cabin, and tamed. Unknown to either captive or abductor, the place is the hideaway of a dangerous lunatic, who has been attracted by guns stored there. Two inebriates with a mystery on their tongue-tips, an Irate lover bent on avenging the kidnapping, a determined reporter; and two keepers from a nearby asylum are in.volved in the developments.' The stars are Claudette Colbert, Edmund Lowe, and Stuart Erwin. , DE LUXE THEATRE. ' Gene Gerrard is the star In "Lucky Girl" j at the De Luxe Theatre. Gerrard plays tho I part of a young man who has 'just come to the throne of a pocket-handkerchief kingdom, and goes»to London to raise some money on the Crown jewels. When the new king meets with a comrade of the war they set out together. The rest of the film is devoted to the humorous adventures of "air. Abdullah," as the Mng Is known, and .of his American efficiency expert in the house of a duke. The second big draw of the programme is a film •'England Awake," showing the progress of the Empire after tho stormy decade following the Napoleonic wars. In "What Price Hollywood," which is coming to the De Luxe Theatre on Friday, Constance Bennett i 3 purported to excel the charm and elegance she displayed in her previous film success, "Lady With a Past." With a galaxy of celebrites in support. Miss Bennett unfolds the intricacies and intimacies of the inner and more notable circles of the Film Capitol. Lowell Sherman, Neil Hamilton, Gregory Ratoff, Louise Beavers, and others aid the star to present an authentic portrayal of Hollywood life. The action traverses the thoroughfare of social life coupled with a delightful tale. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The conditions which surround schoolboys who are sent to some private schools staffed by unqualified masters, are frankly and realistically revealed in the British International picture. Keepers of Youth," now being shown at the Paramount Theatre. In this striking fllm, Brentley School is the setting for a story which _ tells of a young man who, fresh from the university, has chosen the honoured calling of teaching In preference to pioneering on a farm in Canada. He Is soon disillusioned. Phillips Holmes, Walter Huston, Anita Page, Lewis Stone, and Jean Hersholt head the Impressive cast of "Night Court," which will be shown on Friday at the Paramount Theatre This picture offers most sensational stories of political corruption. »It focusses Its attention upon a night court magistrate who uses his office to further his activities in the underworld. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Radio Patrol," now showing at the Queen's Theatre, has a lot of forceful human drama suspense, and action. The story • deals with the lives of young men who go .through the police rookie school together and find out later. In poundlne their respective beats, that all of the unpleasant promises of a brusque police sergeant are only too true. KING'S THEATRE. ,^ TS c. Miri c-!f MaD>" Chester Morris and Sylvia Sidney, now showing at the King's iheatre. Is Paramount's powerful picturisa,?«°t Georse M.-Cohan's celebrated drama or flesh-and-blood men and women, sinning, struggling loving, rising from the underworld to tho light. It is a vivid story of human hearts, told on tha screen in scenes of marvellous variety. SHORTT'S THEATRE. \ In "Laughter," at Shortt's Theatre, Nancy Carroll has a colourful dramatic, role. Fredrlc March Is the leading man. 'it is the story of a noble-hearted woman who, with a thwarted love In the balance, sacriflco her happiness that her friends may not be dishonoured. The other, main picture Is "His Woman," with Gary Cooper and Claudette Colbert in the lead parts. CAPJTOL THEATRE/ MIRAMAR. One of the most laughable of, British International Pictures, "The Innocents of Chicago," is featuring at the' Capitol Theatre to-night. A burlesque on American gangster methods, this picture will be received with delight by filmgoers who are tired of American, gangster melodrama. The Ingenious plot is brffiantly directed by Luplno Lane, who extracts the last ounce of action, excitement, and laughter. A very strong cast Includes Henry Kendall, Bernard Nedell, Margot Grahame, Binnie Barnes, and Betty Norton. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Kay Francis, Liiyan Tashman, Joel McCrea, and Eugene Pallette play the leading roles in "Girls About Town," at the Britannia Theatre. It is a human, amusing, and often dramatic story of two beautiful, gorgeously gowned girls who ride In limousines without having to pay the chauffeurs. Tha picture Is a combination of swift, witty comedy, romance, and keen human Interest. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Mata Hari," the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, co-starring Greta Garbo and Ramon Novarro, -will be shown at Our Theatre to-night The story is based on the life and loves of Mata Hari, the notorious feminine spy, who was executed by a' French firing squad after a vivid career of Intrigue, which cost the lives of many Allied officers during the World War There are excellent supports. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY."Stepping Sisters" Is at the -Empire Theatre The plot concerns threa retired chorus girls reassembled by chance, at the home of one of their number, who reings as queen of a sumptuous Long Island mansion. On Wednesday and Thursday "Night World" will be screened. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. A double feature programme has been arranged at the Regal Theatre this evening. The principal attraction Is "The Gay Caballero," co-starring George O'Brien and Victor McLaglen. Conchlta Montenegro is the star. The second production Is "The Star Reporter," a British comedy. A Fox Movietone Newsreel completes the programme. 'ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "The Rosary," commencing to-night at the ™Cra a h6*™ B'* l" a talane Picture that will commend Itself to every picture fan. With massive settings and a story of exceptional ayieal, admirably developed, the picture has ifil charm and beauty, while the comedy and aalogue are excellent. The beautiful. Margot Grahame has the principal stellar role, and she is supported by Leslie Perrins. In "The Kosary Miss Grahame is called upon to play a role of tense, stark drama. She acquits herself finely, displaying subtlety and finesse in a part the intensity of which might easily be a stimulus to over-acting in less capable hands. KILBIRNIE KINEIHA. , "The Broken Lullaby," a heart-stirring romance drama of the days after the war, comes to the Kllblrnie Kinema to-night. It 1111 i st ~ry of a French youth who, havingkilled a German in battle, goes to the dead soldiers parents seeking forgiveness, and falls in lore with the dead youth's fiancee. 'seaside pictures, lyall bay. Intimate details of the "cafe racket" are shown in "Night World," to be shown at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night, with a remarkable cast headed by Lew Ayres, and including Mac Clarke, Boris Karloff, and Dorothy Revier in important supporting roles. The entire story is laid in a gay night club In a great city; and all the events transpire in a single night. The screen play reveals the seething undercurrents beneath the surface in the cafe. There is the usual entertaining series of supporting subjects. ROYAL ROLLER RINK. A night of fun is promised those who attend the carnival which is to be held at the Royal Roller Rink, Vivian street, this evening. Many skating fans have availed themselves of the opportunity to reserve their skates, and a record house is indicated. Skating D'Alberfs is a new feature of the programme, this being the first time this number has been seen in Wellington. An advertisement elsewhere In this issue announces other novelties which will be on the programme. Prizes will be awarded to the best female and male Impersonators, also the most humorous female and mala impersonators. Thero will be a special late session, 'and patrons are assured that there will not be a dull moment in the evening. A charming "ladies' " orchestra, under the direction of Mr Jimmy Blackwood. will supply sparkling music, and will also lead the community singing, which is a feature at ihe Royal. Skating society members are advised that the club will meet on Thursday of this week.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.- 7 Murders committed under baffling circumstances, a bouse full of suspects whose actions are mysterious to the point of incriminating, terrifying shadows on the walls and sudden assaults are some of the ingredients of the mystery drama, "Miss Pinkerton, " at the Majestic Theatre. Joan Blondell plays the part of a beautirul blonde nurse, and George Brent that of a police officer. The points of the story are cleverly introduced. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Tmn=f fls 5° doubt,, aa to the quality of "The Impassive Footman," now at the St. James Th«at«; The film is splendidly balanced ™th regard to humour and humorous situations, havng just enough of the dramatic tone to make the p cture definitely a drama without emTh? iSi nf« S2 rdlness or clandestine love affairs. This British product certainly warrants the Snf er^anceTis 2"fe «S J Ellssa Land! is said to give a restrained and compelling portrayal of her role in "Burnt **■ com\ n« ,V> Hie St. James Theatee next Friday. As Myra Carson, a woman of mystery and uncertain reputation who marries a young army officer to save herself from imprisonment in a wartime detention camp she presents a characterisation .deftly done, never over-acted and replete with subtle touches of pathos. The story develops in gripping fashion and reaches a remarkable climax. An outstanding supporting cast includes Paul Luka's Warner Oland, and Alexander Kirkland. LEX MACDONALD. .t" One ,of tbe world's best" was the verdict of the musical critics of Sydney when they heard Lex Macdonald sing, and subsequent hearings confirmed them in that opinion. Others call him "the boy with the golden voice," and it is certain that his ability is not over-rated by these descriptions. Under the conditions pertaining to the concert hall he sings at his best, and Wellingtonians will have one opportunity of hearing this wonder boy soprano In the Town Hall to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock He has had a wonderfully successful visit to Australia, and so many were the engagements offered him that he was able to accept only a small fraction of them. Last week-end he visited Nelson, where he received a tremendous reception unparalleled In that city. The hall was completely filled on each of his threo appearances, and many people were disappointed because they were unable to gain admittance. His singing was a revelation. Wellington has the chance to hear this talented youth to-morrow evening. Associated with him on the programme will be the popular solo pianist,. Ernest Jenner, the Harmonic Society (which is arranging the programme), a male quartet, a duet, and a double quartet party. Lex will appear three times during the, evening, and- ha will be generous with bis numbers. The concert will not be broadcast. Booking is at the Bristol at the popular prices of 4s and 3s. — GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Few stage plays which have been brought to New Zealand have had a greater appeal than "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," which concludes its successful season at the Grand Opera House at a matinee to-morrow. The story of the tragic romance of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett is faithfully told, and brilliant acting gives an added touch of reality. The honours are shared \by Margaret Eawiings, Barry K. Barnes, and E. Beifenden Clarke. Tonight will mark the final: evening performance of "The Barretts of Wimpole Street." "Happy and Glorious." . r The second production of the Margaret Bawlings Company will be introduced for the last two nights of the season at the Grand Opera House to-morrow evening; It will be "Happy and Glorious," which is said to be unlike any other drama that has been performed in New Zealand. It is a play with a stirring message. The points are admirably brought out first In the fight of the suffragettes in England for the votey,and later the part played by men In the Great War. As a suffragette who harangues the mob from the base of the Nelson Column in-Trafalgar Square .in London, and later as the woman helping a war-wrecked man back to a realisation of the truth of life, Bliss Bawlings is said to rise to the greatest heights of her histrionic ability. Mr. Barry K. Barnes, as the warrior In the Great War, and ultimately the hero of the ex-service war, gives a particularly magnificent Interpretation. The dominant Idea running through the fifteen scenes ls that cilivisation can only be saved through freedom In service, with man and woman equal in lifes yoke. The idea is symbolised In the personal histories of two unknown English people, she and he of 1911 and the Great-War and after. '"Happy and Glorious" will be preceded, by "Blockheads in Love," which was written by Gabriel Toyne, and produced at the Cambridge Theatre In London last year. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE." Charles Farrell and Marian Nixon appear In a. T.Z X P.roducU<» entitled "After To-morrow" at the New Princess Theatre. It is an emotional drama of young romance conflicting with sentimental mother love. Minna GombelL William Collier, »enior. Josephine Hull, William Pawley and many others are seen In support. GLIDE SKATING RINK. Elaborate preparations are in hand for to-, nights session at the Glide Skating Rink in Xhn? n str M eeti-Bna tor their big "Back to School Days" Carnival on Thursday evening ??m I? ani gement are' CTerytbJng possible to make these two sessions-enjoyable. To-night" session will be from 8 to 11 o'clock, and a num. her at novelties will be lntrodnced includtaTa hoop race, lucky number competition, serplni %**£,£ mollawfe waltz. The popular Glide *£% ?*■= ilo^i a latest """col hits. The Back to School Days" Carnival as its namo suggests provides an opporSnUy ftr^SSS J° Pass back In make-believe to the days of rosy, and oranges and lemons. Doom for th. "Sing! *" oPen " T' 3o o^oclr DoTThi 3 dty AMBASSADOR CABARET. . ™c Ambassador Cabaret In Bond street v holding a special "Dunedin'» nigh1 on Wedne? day evening, and a* very enjoyabl" ttmTis promised. The splendid jazz band will Blav appropriate music, and there will be TiaSS ?L»Sr el», attracUons- Tbe officers of the Dunedin have epressed their Intention to be »v»rv »The Cabaret Is open eiery afternoon and evening for dancine There is a splendid floor, and. the orchestra Is a most versatile one. In order to secure stating accommodation for "Dunedin" night a table reservation should be marts.