ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 130, 29 November 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

,. T T, 5, who have enjoyed Michael Arlen's Mly Christine," and also those who have not made, the acquaintance of the book, will appreciate the screen version of the story now being, shown at the Kegent Theatre. It was probably, owing to the part that Arlen played m making the picture that the story has been followed very faithfully, the only modification of any moment coming at the end of the picfure when Lily Christine, instead of being killed when she is run over In tho street, recovers consciousness to find Kupert Harvey waiting for her. Corinne Griffith gives a finished performance In the title role, which she interprets in accordance with the character the author endeavoured to create. Colin Cllve,. well known for his performance in "Journey's End," is cast as Rupert Harvey, and It would be difficult to imagine an actor playing the part with greater success. Margaret Bannerman, who toured "ew Zealand when playing on the legitimate stage, takes the part of Mrs. Abbey, the actress who for two homes being wrecked, and Jack Trevor plays Ivor Summerest, Lily Christine's husband. An excellent supporting programme comprises newsreels, a comedy, and a sound cartoon. Thrills, pathos, and an ample measure of comedy are contained in "Sky Bride,' a com-edy-romance of the air, which will open on Friday at the Regent Theatre. While during recent years there have been a number of air pictures, most of which; have had as their background the war,years. It Is said that there has been none that has possessed such dramatic interest as "Sky Bride,' chiefly because the story is one which rings true to human nature. The stars are Richard Arlen, Jack Oakle, Virginia Bruce, and Louise Closser Hale. .

GRAND OPERA HOUSE,

In. more ways than one the Douglas Fairbanks picture, "Around the World in Eighty Minutes," shown at the Grand Opera House for the first time on Saturday, is a remarkable one. It does not follow the lines of the usual travelogue. It Is a racy' travel picture, educative, but packed also with Incidents off the heatentrack, with adventure and thrills, and with a running fire commentary, spiced with deft touches of humour, supplied by Fail-banks himself. Other features, are some remarkably fine and clever photography and the agility of Fairbanks, reminiscent of his silent thrillers. Hollywood Is the starting point of the tour, during which -Fairbanks breezily whisks his audience to Hawaii, Japan, China, the Philippines. Indo-China, Slam, and India. The new programme provides another feature film, "The Age for Love," starring pretty Billlc Dove. It is a modern story of a woman with grand ideas about life and freedom. She married, but also remained wedded' to a career, only to find out too late tho great mistake she had made.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"The Dark Horse," at the De Luxe Theatre, deals with the excitements of a political ■ campaign. An attempt to stampede a party convention results in the choice of a "dark horse" for Governor, and the problem of getting him elected seems almost insuperable. But the supporters of the dark horse find a new campaign manager, and the comedy is fairly launched.. When the first begins complication follows complication, and in spite of .everything it appears that the campaign management of the "dark horse" is such that he is sure to be elected. Then' the opposition plays its trump card and a desperate

Mastery of Yogi wizardry and familiarity with all Egyptian magic since the days of the Pharaohs is demonstrated by Edmund Lowe in the title role of "Chandu the Magician," his latest Fox nijstery drama, opening on Friday at the De Luxe Theatre. Irene Ware, a beauty from the "Vanities," Is the other half of the romantic team. Bela Lugosi, sometimes called the "terror of pictures," enacts an Egyptian scoundrel, Boxer, whose devilries have long excited radfo audiences. There will be good supports. .

PARAMOUNT. THEATRE.

The reigning programme at the All-British Paramount Theatre, which Is screening to unusually large and appreciative audiences, is picture for'picture the finest seen in Wellington. The shorter subjects of the first part. "Northern Lights," a magnificent pictorial record of the Arctic expedition to survey an aerial route over Canada, and the superb film dealing with. "Wonderful Westminster," are in themselTes well worth seeing. Then in the second part is Gainsborough's record-breaking success, "Sunshine Susie." It is a musical comedy, but a musical comedy of considerably moro substance and charm than most entertainments that, go by that name. "Sunshine Susie" is about the most refreshingly humorous film that ono could hope to see. Renate Jluller, jußtly dubbed "the queen of happiness," is a veritable "find." Jack Hulbert, tho leadIng comedian, is absolutely natural yet at the same time so amusing that it is difficult to recall any finer characterisation. . Owen Nares is even better than usual, and Morris Harvey Is excellent.

!ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

;.-. HlJarious antics, high-speed action, and a bevy, of. beautiful j chorus girls. provide excellent .entertainment', in "Speak. Easily," Buster ■Keaton. and Jimmy "Schnozzie'.' Durante's new Metro-.^oldwyn-Mayer comedy, which opens tonight, at the Artcraft Theatre. -The two comedians .send the audience into screams of laughter at their mad-cap antics during a wild theatrical venture in New York City Keaton portrays the millionaire college professor who finances the ■ show,. and Darante is Jimmy, an eccentric piano-player who is his companion through the vedture. The two comedians are assisted in their antics by Ruth Selwyn, In tbe feminine lead, and Thelma Todd who exercises her alluring blonde wiles on 1 "stf r and "Schnozzle" with devastating effects. Hedda-Hopper scores in a "mama" role, and Lawrence Grant is convincing as Dr Bolton. The cast Includes Sidney Toler, Henry Armetta, William Pawley, and Edward Brophy.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Unashamed," based on a story by Bayard 7>>l er, is the current attraction at the Kilbirnießincma. It is a thriller of the younger age ot a mystery and a sensational- Courtroom climax. Helen Twelvetrces Plays the heroine and Robert Young the hero nsr«h Caif ?'f.° i"(; llules Le"is ston« and Jean Hersholt, John Sllljan, Monroe Owsley Hobert Warwick. Tho supports include Laurel and Hardy in the comedy "County Hospital."

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

Skyscraper Souls," featuring Warren William, Maureen O'Suliivan, and Anita Page" is to be screened at the Capitol Theatre to-night. This picture, is a spectacular drama in which the-story of the lives of ten thousand people who. work In New York's largest building of 102 .storys is unfolded floor by floor in a series of climaxes. .-. .

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

■ Black Coffee," a British special production will be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. The story concerns the theft of the formula- for. a high explosive and the murder • S? taventor. An all-British cast includes fSS? reI or' Ardianna Allen, Marie Wright, , ?.JS? ard' C( ">Per. On Wednesday and Thursday ''The Sentimental Bloke" will be screened

SEASIDE PICTURES.

'_ The Pararaount'a production, of the famous Frederics Lonsdale play, "Aren't We All." to be shown to-night-at the Seaside Pictures is unquestionably one of the best pictures to emerge from England. Lavishly produced, with an attractive array of London stage stars, it nas achieved success wherever it has been shown. -.Hugli Wakefleld, Owen Nates, andGertrude Lawrence are tbe principals, and Harold Huth plays the "villain.:'

KING'S THEATRE,

The. plot of "Hat Check.Girl," the current feature at the King's Theatre, .provides screen entertainment of unusual calibre.? With Sally Ellers, Ben Lyon, and Ginger- Rogers In the leading roles, the characters of .the intriguing story are brought to life with unusual sharpness. The supporting cast, a notable one, Includes Monroe Owsley, Arthur Plerson, Noel Madison, Dewey Robinson, and Harold Good-

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

The plot of "Tbe Bat Whispers," now screening •at the Queen's ' Theatre, is taken crts .mn»h s"ccessful '. »lay by Mary Roberts Hmohart and Avery- Hopwood, and n° rf. 5 a successf°n of iramatic, ny'stjfylho comedy moments are splendid.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

' "D!figible," a graphic tale of courage high ?he ?a£nV n? hazard°us endeavour, in 'which Fr?J??? 5 of Jack Holt' Ralnh Graves, and , «£„ .f. pra m are combined, is now showing th P w«tS f T^ eatre- Fay Wray appears in nl?hf™ rE^ mlnlno ro!e- The main tllem<* of the "' ">.» rivalry, between heavier-than-alr tcrest A a K ?,?M^ Si 1I. ed J dirlEibles- and IOT° ln-i wrest is suitably introduced into tho story. BRITANNIA THEATRE. tre ?s h° P ?, 10, bll l' !l tUe Britannia Theaand "Thi m cd =v ,Danc "s in the Dark." las tm C-i audette Colbort and Molvyn Dougprinc^au n 1 na f Shma^ ana« WilUam Boya are "he on Clrrtl S. V l." other fllm' whlch is founded on Clyde Fitch's Dlay, "Her Confessions." NEW.PRINCESS THEATRE. leJdta/S 0" 11131 talktog edition of "The JIIs gw%rc yess aThll? r r'« 13 8' 15! OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Lovers of comedy can prepare for inmp sr.iiri "An°nX n,t- at iw °V r » Th'atre tSSiShC" when Annabßlle s Afialrs" will be shown. Victor PrSclnS 1r n and ,f c,anette McDonald have the principal roles. It is a merry matrimonial mij:D?ov o oki CnT P CaM° n3. that lead from one rairll'Smt? I 8 situation to another. Excellent supports comjiletß the programme.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

"Rebound." the- R.K.O. sparkling comedy at the St. James Theatre, features the popular stage star, Ina Claire. The film was adapted from Donald Ogden Stewart's stage success which delighted New Yorkers for an entire season and achieved popularity throughout the country. In the cast are Robert Ames, who plays opposite Miss Claire. Robert Williams, Jlyrna Loy, Hedda ' ftoppef, Hale Hamilton, Walter Walker, Louise dosser Hale, and Leigh Alien. ■ . .

Featuring a. narrative of adventure and beauty in the South Sea Islands, . "Bird of Paradise," which is now drawing crowded houses in Auckland, will have its premiere at the St. James Theatre next Friday. All :the paradisian fascinations of the tropic Pacific Islands, with their wondrous natural beauty and sharp contrasts of gaiety, music, and laughter switched into sudden tragedy by lightning strokes of savagery and natural cataclysm, are admirably mirrored in "Bird of Paradise," which both thrills and.entertains. The story, from the original play of the same name by Richard Walton Tully, Is kept interesting by the glorious island surroundings in which it has been made under the camera, the very fine acting of Dolores Del Hio and Joel McCrea in an exceptionally appealing romantic setting, the thrills of natives simulating the savagery, sacrificial rites, and barbaric customs of their ancestors, and the comedies of the nrimitive mind wrestling with advanced ideas of'civilisation. It deals with the experiences of a party cruising in the South Seas following the rescue of one of the younger male members of the party from drowning by a native princess. Bird of Paradise" will be preceded by a prologue, "An Interlude In Hawaii," in which Frank Tozer*s Ilawalians introduce some beautiful melodies and a Hula ballet gives a spirited interpretation of an Island dance. Box plans are at the Bristol.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The conventional triangle is the basis .of the Blot of the "Marriage-Bond," at the-Majestic Theatre. Tinged with a romantic strain' in the affection of a woman for her drunken husband me picture is perhaps something new in authentic love dramas. Jaqueline Heron (playefi by Mary Neweombe) and her husband 'Xoby (Guy Newell) love each other sufficiently. A pair of selfish children, who tre absolutely convinced of their father's selfishness, contrive to nave their loving mother send her husband away that they may not be disturbed by his Bacchanalian indulgences. Then comes a series of misunderstandings. The children leave home, the mother relents, the father takes a wrong turning. Then comes the climax, and reunion

"HIAWATHA" IN COSTUME.

The first stage performance of Coleridge Taylors Hiawatha" was given at the Royal Albert Hall, London, by the Royal Choral Society, on 19th May, 1924.. The production of the opera was so highly successful that repeat ?0,0° r, ma,nces were Given in 1925, and from 192S it has been-made an annual fixture. Tor the June production this year it is estimated that some ninety thousand people witnessed the Albert Hall performances under Dr. Malcolm Sargent, with Mr. T. C. Fairbairn »s producer. In 1529, the Royal Williamson Chorcl Tjnlon cave-a series of performances of Coleridge Taylor's masterpiece, and although the production on that occasion cost over £90P the venture was an artistic as well as a financial success. Wellington Is the only place outside of the United Kingdom where -Hiawatha has been staged in Its entirety, and with such a fine cast, of principals and 400 performers it is anticipated that for the forthcoming performances, to be given under the direction of Mr. John. Bishop, full houses will result. The box plan for the evening performances will open at the Bristol on Thursday °ef' *** December. The Governor-General ,^ fBI» dl s,Ioe) and 1-ady-Bledisloo will be present at the opening,performance.

A CHABMING RECITAL.

„,•}. charming dance recital was held at' The Realm Hall, Hataitai,-when there was a large gathering to witness Madame Rosina: BUgh's a?n)j al display by her: dancing, pupils. The children large and small, acquitted themselves admirably, the good training in rhythm and S' 11-' most marked. The programme included class .work, skipping, country dances S"f? er£ *h Ws- Russian dances.-- a "Baby Polka, Grecian wort, and a study, "The Life of a-Flower." Ball exercises were given with a.?° lo >jy P^gy Best, and an "Indian Dance," with solos by Enid and Vivian Broad, was a popular item. A recitation, "Grannie," was given by Enid Broad, and another,. "IThe Owl and the Pussy-cat," by Lorna . Tait. Then followed a duologue, with dances, the fairy being Peggy: Smyth, and the doll Kathleen Telford. A little play, "The Sleeping Princess, was performed by Lorna Talt (as Mouse with a solo, dance), Enid Broad (Owl), Tivlan Broad (Prince), June Peachey (Princess), and Peggy Best (Nurse). The children took their parts well, and the programme was highly appreciated. The children served afternoon tea efficiently,-and this concluded a pleasant and interesting afternoon.

SONG RECITAL.

An enjoyable -programme of vocal and Instrumental music is promised at Begg's Music Salon to-morrow 'evening,' when Miss Eunice Meredith, a Dunedin-born soprano- who has had wide experience- in the Old Country, will Eire'a .recital, assisted by Mr.! Richard Maunder, the ■Wellington violinist. Since leaving the Dominion some nine years.ago Miss Meredith has achieved success on many of England s best-Mown concert- platforms and has been acclaimed by critics wherever : she has appeared, and she Is to return to England shortly to fulfil further important engagements Her programme to-morrow night will include songs by Brahms, Strauss, Elgar, and Schubert, and also the aria "Ritorna1 Yincitor," from Jerdls opera "Alda." Mr. Maunder will play Lalo's Spanish Symphony and a BachMozart group. Mr. John Bishop will play the accompaniments. ■ .

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

n.?S" r,Dadu dr will bs screened at the Regal Theatee this evening. Warner Baste? has the stellar role, and supporting him ar» 1"^ KißW.^Sdl? Pavers? fhf «™ m Polvley- The plot revolves about o^r e t r rca nre° of^X^jf^o^^