ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 16, 20 January 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Harold Lloyd's new picture, "Movie Crazy" which comes to the Regent Theatre to-morrow is stated to contain more laughs than any picture he has yet acted in. Eight minutes of laugh-producing incidents have been rolled into one "faction" of "Movie Crazy," according to reports of the picture at different previews. Previous to the magician's coat sequence in "Movie Crazy," which sets the new laugh-making figures, Lloyd rated his greater series of continuous laughter, the football scenes and the basted suit episodes In

"College Days." In "Movie Crazy," one gag rolls Into another, and to the satisfied amazement of Lloyd, neither dialogue not" music is heard in the entire ballroom - situation, which runs virtually the length of an entire reel. There are three, among the numerous laugh factions in "Movie Crazy" which stand out in relief, and it.is going to be difficult to find any two persons who will agree as to which is the funniest. Constance Cumtnings heads a supporting cast that is of exceptional excellence. Her role is an exacting one, and she lives' up to its every requirement. The second male lead is in the competent hands of Kenneth Thompson, and lonise Closser Hale shares honours with the stellar- comedian in the most hilarious of the many hilarious sequences. Lloyd's first big job was with Hal Roach comedy-making company. Next came "Willie Work" and "Lonesome Lake" comedies, in which he was starred. Later, he changed his make-up into the wellknown spectacles trade-mark which he has used ever since, and began the climb to fame, via full-length comedies which he produced himself. - ■ ' GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "The Mouthpiece," which comes to the Grand Opera House to-day, deals with the tragic fate of a great legal light who sends an innocent youth to the electric chair in an excess of prosecuting zeal. He learns his ghastly error too late. In a revulsion of feeling he turns to the defence of persons accused of crime, bringing all the energy and skill that had won him fame as the criminal's nemesis to the defence of those same criminals. It Is powerful drama all the way through, modern and up-to-the-moment in theme. There is stirring action. There is a dominant note of romance all through the story,: the "Mouthpiece" being a man who loves recklessly and is loved by reckless women. Warren Williams takes the leading role, and there is a strong cast which includes Sidney Fox (who plays the leading feminine role) and Aline MacMahon. "The Expert" features' Charles (Chic) Sale. In this picture Sale again portrays an old man, using virtually the same make-up utilised by "The Star Witness." Dickie Moore appears as an orphaned waif befriended by Sale and eventually taken with him into the Home for the Aged, admission to which was gained .by a technicality as a result of a bylaw permitting admission to "gentlemen under ninety." DE LUXE THEATRE. "Tess of the Story Country" will commence at the De Luxe Theatre to-day. It features Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell in the leading roles. Statements from Hollywood to the effect that Janet Gayor has gone in for tense dramatic action as well as romance in her latest pictures appear to be borne out with, the announcement of "Tess of the Storm Country." This Fox film version of the Grace Miller White story is said to have a wealth of exciting action and suspense along with its love affair. The plot revolves around the efforts of a sailor girl and -her sea-captain father to start a new life ashore, only to many unexpected obstacles. In the role of a sea captain's daughter who comes to live ashore for the first time in her life, and who finds both her bravery and her tempestuous disposition severely tried by the various obstacles she meets. Miss Gaynor gives one' of the best performances of her career. Tarrell, as the millionaire's son who is disowned by Ms irascible father because of his' interest in the heroine, likewise comes- through with a flawless portrayal. Alfred Santell's fine direction and the brilliant work of a supporting cast headed by Dudley Digges, Claude Gillingwater, and June Clyde, add to the realism and entertainment qualities of this Fox Film production. "Blow 'the Stan Down," "Kanzo," and other old-time sailor chanties seldom heard in this era of steam and motor ships, will be featured with. the opening sequence of "Tess of the Storm Country." These chanties, picturesque if not always melodious, played an important part in the handling- of the old windjammer, as their surging rhythm aided the crews materially in the arduous work of heaving anchors or furling sails.. With the. assistance of A. L. Laur, captain of the three-masted Metha Nelson, aboard which the Initial scenes of the pictures were made. Director Alfred Santell succeeded in recording' several of these songs as a novel • background to the action. Special features will be "Guardians of the Sky," showing manoeuvres of the Hoyal Australian Air Force/and a picture of. tho second cricket Test match at Melbourne. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. When a trio of London's West End stars such as Jack Hulbert, Cicely Courtneidge, and Winifred Shotter, are found heading the cast of an all-British production, it may be taken for granted that the entertainment will be something right "out of the box." Such is the case at the Paramount Theatre, where these stars..are delighting large audiences nightly in Gainsborough's latest musical comedy triumph, '.'Jack's the Boy," successor to "Sunshine Susie." Lavish thing 3 have been written about Jack Hulbert. He has a great reputation to sustain, and ho does it in the present film by keeping laughter at full flood right through the piece. His travesty of ' a London policeman has .to be seen to be appreciated. Not one.whit less effective than Hulbert is his clever wife, Cicely Courtneidge, who acts and sings in a manner peculiarly her own. Winifred Shotter's artistic methods -fit in splendidly with those of Hulbert, and in song and dance the pair are seen to advantage. The second week of "Jack's the Boy" bids fair to rival in popularity its first successful week. It is an entertainment that should be seen. QUEEN'S THEATRE, What are.; a man's reactions when he has to shoot a friend in the course of performing his duty—a friend who had onca saved his life? This Is the situation which confronts Buck Jones, playing the part of Jeff Douglas, a -Texas ranger, in his latest thrilling '•Western," "Hello Trouble." The picture opens at the Queen's Theatre to-day. Buck Is so affected by the incident that he seeks solace on the Silver Circle Banch in Arizona. Playing opposite Buck as the heroine Is Lina Basquette, the beautiful Follies dancer. Others in the cast are Wallace Mac Donald, Alan Boscoe, Frank Bice, and Bussell Simpson.'Lambert Hillyer, who ha 3 directed many of Bill Hart's best pictures, directed, us well as wrote, "Hello Trouble."KING'S THEATRE. Gus McNaughton, England's popular comedian (the Governor of "Maid of the Mountains") heads the cast In "His Wife's Mother," which Is the- current attraction at the (King's Theatre. When a man, ta order to convince his mother-in-law that he was in a different place from where she saw him, Impersonates a non-existent double, trouble is sure to be in the brewing. Therein . lies the action of this fast-moving comedy-drama. Jimmy Gadden, Benee Gadd, and Jack Hobbs.all admirably assist In making this one of tha best comedies of the year. Box plans at The Bristol and theatre. . . . . - SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. "This Reckless Age," the feature picture of the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, Is Paramount's film perslon of Lewis Beach's stage success, "The Goose Hangs High." It is a sentimental comedy-drama of parents who have dedicated their lives to supplying every. want of their children, who •In turn, following. the jazz trend of this reckless age, give slight consideration to the gruelling self-denial of their parents. Charles ("Buddy") Bogers, Peggy Shannon, Richard Bennett, Charles Buggies, and Frances Dee play the featured roles, supported by a cast of exceptional talent. Frank Tuttle, director of "Dude Banch," "It Pays to Advertise," "Sweetie," and others, directed the production. . OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. A double-feature programme will be presented at Our Theatre to-night. "Beauty and the Boss," which is the big attraction, features Marian Marsh and • Warren William. It is the story of a poverty-stricken girl, outwardly of the bashful type, but with courage written big in her heart. "The' Lady Who Dared," starring Billle Dove, tells of a smuggler's sacrifice to save the honour of the wife of the man who comes to arrest him. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. - The new attraction at the Princess Theatre, is entitled "Women Who Play" And features Mary • Newcomb, Benita Hume, Joan Barry, and George Barraud. In Women Who Play" George Barraud plays the part of a famous author who is in dancer of having his home wrecked by his wife's worthless friends. His daring and original method of 'spring cleaning" his house forms one of the most fascinating plots yet Invented. The part is not a new one to George Barraud, who made a great success in the play of that name in Australia on the stage an.r, ". I s morally acknowledged by critics that his performance in "Spring Cleaning" has never been surpassed. In the Paramount British film of the play, George Barraud Is supported by an all-star cast of stage and screen stars. • EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Charles ("Chic") Sale and Jcakie Cooper play S3. a? tH M^f ATSS- c^tai^huU'rS'th Fo ™"o6-. 1 Hal Roach c°n\"dy. a Flip the Frog" cartoon, a Metrotone news reel, and a Fox Australian newsreel cornS FrU Prt™ etamIT "Whett a Feller Sa noon also screened on Saturday afterREGAL THEATRE, KARORI. The week-end programme at the Bezal Theatre, Karorl, Is of exceptional merit John Gilbert in "Downstairs" is the prlndp.l attraction. The story is a tense drama lala in X Sr r Mhnl? quarte" °J a European castle, with Gilbert as a chauffeur spreading a web of intrigue that enmeshes tha entire household A Hal Roach comedy, a Metrotone newsreel' and a Fox Australian newsreel will also be shown. On Saturday afternoon "The Sky Raiders" will be screened. y

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Wanderers in the earth's forgotten places, Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Scboediack have pooled their knowledge of jungle strategems to bring to the screen "The Most Dangerous Game," which commences screening at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Cooper and Schoedsack, makers of the screen classics, "Grass," "Chang," and "Four Feathers," have Injected into this, their first studio-made film, the same daring and primitive realism that has made their names synonymous with colourful adventure. In an eerie setting—a jungle island of the Caribbean—the film-makers picture the startling theme of Richard Connell's prize-winning short story, "The Most Dangerous Game." A barbarian, who for days has entertained a girl and her sweetheart in the courtliest fashion, drives the pair Into the Jungle. About this situation revolves one of the strangest man-arid-woman themes that has even been screened, it Is said. Leslie Banks, of the London stage, portrays Count Zaroff, whose weird trophy room holds the scalps of his many victims. Robert Armstrong enacts one of the roles—a victim of Zaroff's deadly Tartar war bow. Joel McCreaKand Fay Wray portray the romantic pair. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Described as a milestone in cinema history, the screen version of. Clemence Dane's renowned drama, "A Bill of Divorcement," commenced at the St. James Theatre to-day. This film provides superb entertainment with brilliant performances by John Barrymore, Billie Burke, and. Katharine Hepburn. A shellshocked English veteran returns to his home after a long stay in the hospital. He finds there is little place for him in the worfd that had sent him away with flags flying. His wife has divorced him and Is preparing to marry another man. His daughter knows . him only as a man. His friends have only memories of him; no hands to help In trying readjustment. Making her return to the screen, Miss Burke reveals the glamour and charm which made her a toast of the public. Commenting on the picture, the New York "Herald-Tribune" said: "'A Bill of Divorcement' Is now on display in a sensitive and effective motion picture version. Faithfully adapted by the' filmmakers, produced with taste and intelligence, and admirably acted by John Barrymore, Katherine Hepburn, and Billie Burke, it provides a poignant photograph of a well-written, intelligent, and sanely tragic stage play. Mr. Barrymore, showing surprising restraint, when you remember that he is a Barrymore playing a madman, is splendid as the escaped father, providing one of his finest cinema char^ acterisatlons." The supports are a Mickey Mouse cartoon, a Pathe News, Audio Review, Fox Australasian Gazette, and a travelogue, "Singapore." RETURN OF VAUDEVILLE. Miss Ella Shields, Mr. Georga Wallace, and the members of Frank Neil's Vaudeville Revue Company will arrive from Auckland after an extended record season on Saturday, 28th January, and will present, under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd." the sparkling musical revue, ""Pleasure Bound," which ha 3 just terT minated a record tour of the principal States of Australia. There Is likely to be a large demand for seats when the plans are opened for the first six days and nights of the season. Ella Shlelds's name became a household word in England, America, Australia, and New Zealand, through her brilliant interpretation of the character and song, "Burlington Bertie," but since the days when she first sang this number she has appeared successfully In a number of musical plays and revues, and it Is said that in her latest songs, which she Introduces in "Pleasure Bound," t she has achieved her most noted triumphs. New Zealandera have pleasant memories of George Wallace. It Is said that he Is at his very best in "Pleasure Bound.'.' Mr. Frank Neil has procured for the supports an excellent combination of singers, dancers, specialists, acrobatic performers, and comedians, and a feature will be Maurice Diamond's ballet and show girls. The season will begin with a matinee performance on Saturday week. BRITANNIA THEATRE. At the Britannia Theatre, Buck Jones is featured in "McKenna of the Mounted." Set against the scenic tapestry of green forests and mountains, "McKenna of the Mounted" Is crammed with emotions, riding, fighting, intrigue.- and other elements dear to movie audiences. Buck Jones plays the role of Sergeant Tom McKenna, the stalwart Mountie, who always "gets his man." There has been a series of robberies which has baffled the picturesque custodians of law and} order In the Northland, and Jones decides on a plan to trap the gang of malefactors and its leader. There la an excellent cast, including Walter McGrali, Ralph Lewis, James Flavin, Claude King, and-such a talented leading woman as Greta Grandstedt. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Screening at the Capitol Theatre to-night is "The Roar of the Dragon," which features Richard Dix, Gwili Andre (the screen's latest sensation), Edw»rd Everett Horton, Arltne Judge, and Zasu Pitts.. Played against a background of Manchuria with its bandits and turmoil, this picture abounds in tense drama, romance, thrills, comedy, and fast action. At the matinee to-morrow afternoon at 2.15 p.m., Ken Maynard will be seen in an exciting Western drama, "Senor Americano." Episode 4 of "Detective Lloyd" will also be shown. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. This evening "While Paris Sleeps," with Victor McLaglen and Helen Mack, will be, screened. It marks, the- first feature role of Helen Macfc popular young debutante star of : 1932. Victor McLaglen is featured as her father in the picture, which relates the sacrifice Qf a convict who escapes so that romance may live. William Bakewell Is paired, with Miss Mack in the romantic element of the story. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Sky Devils," featuring Spencer Tracy, William (Stage) Boyd, and -Ann Dvorak, is being screened at Shortt's Theatre . Edward Sutherland, the man who directed "Sky Devils," is considered to be the most successful of comedy directors. He has directed more humorous film hits than any other director in Hollywood. He turned out a succession of outstanding1 comedies, Including the Beery-Hatton features, and/more recently the Eddie Cantor pictures, "Whoopee".and "Palmy Days." "Sky Devils" is considered the triumph of his career. It is the first comedy spectacle of the air. kILBIRNIE KINEMA. Wynne Gibson has attained prominence in the role of Clare Deane, in Paramount's picture drama, "The Strange Case of Clara Dean," now being shown at the Kllbirnie Kinenia. . King Vidor'g spectacular production, "Bird of Paradise," featuring Dolores Del Rio and Joel JlcCrea, commences at the matinee tomorrow.