ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 70, 24 March 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "Evenings for Sale."

The sparkling, romantic comedy of post-war Vienna, "Evenings for Sale," a Paramount picture, begins its season at the Regent Theatre today. Herbert Marshall is in the role of an impoverished nobleman, and Sari Maritza is the very charming daughter of v bourgeois merchant. "Evenings For Sale" is set to music by Johann -Strauss, and takes place in modern icnna against a background of nouvcau riche commoners and impoverished noblemen who now have to work for a living. The presence of Charlie Buggies, Mary Boland, and George Barbier in the cast provides high moments of comedy. The story tells how Franz and Lcla (Marshall and Maritza) meet at a masked ball, and how Franz, who had looked forward eagerly to suicide on the previous morning, finds that he wants to live so much that ho is even willing to accept work as a paid entertainer in a cafe run by his former butler. There he meets Jenny Kent (Mary Boland), an American widow in Vienna for a vocation, and quite innocently the sim-ple-hearted Jenny becomes the third in a strange triangle. Sari Maritza, who plays the exacting role of Lela Fischer, Is said. to be Hollywood's most international actress. Born in Tientsin. China, of an English father and a Viennese mother, this screen beauty is an accomplished liguist, speaking English, Hungarian, Gorman, French, and Chinese. She has already made pictures In all but French and Chinese. Herbert Marshall, the London stage favourite, is cast as Count yon Degenthal, a Viennese nobleman. Marshall made his movie debut in "The Letter," with the late Jeanne Eagles; followed with a role In Claudette Colbert's "Secrets of a Secretary," and more recently appeared with Marleue Dietrich in

"Blonde Venus" and in "Trouble in Paradise." "Evenings For Sale" is the first dim to be photographed with the new "pinkie" film, a negative said to produce far sharper images than has been' possible with motion picture cameras in the past. The arrival of the film from Auckland was delayed by the railway disorganisation consequent on the floods, but through the co-operation of the Wellington Aero Club and' the Railway Department the management was able to get the picture to Wellington in time for the commencement of screening at the usual time today.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

A crook story in which all the principal characters are trying, each in his own way, to circumvent the driving of the Devil, for money at all costs, Is "The Devil is Driving," at tho Grand Opera House, an unusual, superbly-acted story that grips all the way. Set in a fifteen-storey garage, respectable and even elite on the ground floors, but devoted to car thieving and disguise on the upper floors, the swiftly-moving tale concerns itself chiefly with the workers there, some ignorant and honest and others who stop at nothing. Beef Evans (James Gle.ason) has been driven into the dishonest side of tho trade for his family's sake, while "Gabby" (Edmund Lowe) his brother-in-law, knows nothing until he and the boss's girl Silver (Wynne Gibson) fall in love. Some of the snappiest repartee heard from a film for some time comes from these two. As the story progresses ono sees the fevered chase of stolen luxurious cars through the streets, the swift turn in to the secret entrance to the garage, the rapid climb at dizzy speeds to the safety of a steel curtained room on the top floor, where ,an army of experts rips the car to bits, repaints it, and by,. many lightning changes, even to parts or the machinery, have It ready within the few moments before the police arrive. The climaxlal killing inseparable from American stories, starting with the pushing of a dead driver,, killed because he knew too much, down the circular drive to" the street, aud propped up with a cigarette gummed to his lips, is followed by a terrific fight twelfth floor which wipes out the killers, both cars breaking through the wall and crashing down the light well in the centre of the building. The lover story is humorous and tense in turns, and the whole thing is realistic to the end. The supports include several excellent subjects, including outboard motor racing and jumping;

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Heralded as one of the outstandina pictures of the season, "Face in the Sky" is being presented today at the De Luxe Theatre. Spencer Tracy,' Marian Nixon, and Stuart Erwin have the leading roles in this tale of a travelling young signboard artist whose dreams of marrying an heiress fade when he falls in love with a little country girl. Whimsically handled details of farm life, a free-for-all fight between the painter and his helper against the farmer and his son, a kidnapping unawares, tho "rescue" of thogirl by a vengeful bridegroom, her escape and desperate search for her lover, and a- unique reunion all punctuate the progress, of the story.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Notwithstanding the blockage of road and rail communication between Auckland and Wellington, which barred the passage of Gainsborough's musical comedy, "Love on Wheels," the film reached ■Wellington through the good offices of Captain Stedman, who flew north and brought the picture back with hirii. In

"Lovo on Wheels," now at the Paramount Theatre, one Is able to visualise and appreciate the cleverness of up-to-date production. Gainsborough came to an arrangement with Selfndge's, the most famous department store in London, and on several consecutive Sundays many scenes were shot in the celebrated Oxford Street emporium. One sees Jack Hulbert in the role of Fred Hopkins, assistant in the. store, dancing about between the counters, with his famous grin and twinkling feet. Jack Hulbert is supported by the most brilliant cast ho has ever worked with. It includes Cordon Harker, who gives a fine study of a Cockney bus conductor with a lively sense of humour, and Edmund Gwenn, a aplendid actor and there is a new British film "find" in the charming Leonora Corbett, who dances and sines delightfully.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Looking on the Bright Side," an A.R P musical comedy, starring the inimitable Gracie Fields, and now screening at the King's Theatre is the bright side of screen entertainment, and another great triumph for British productions. Gracie Fields Is Irresistible. She sings and laughs her way into one's heart and then gives an outing of sunshine and happiness. For years Gracie has been the acknowledged Queen of British stage entertainers, and her talents aro such that after only one screen appearance in "Sally. in Our Alley," she easily topped the poll in a star popularity contest recently conducted by the "Daily Mail ■' Bos plans are at The Bristol and theatre.

SHORTT'S .THEATRE. The romance and drama of this ultra-modern age and the marriage problems which all modern couples encounter, are beautifully and poignantly portrayed in "The Age For Love" which opened at Shortt's Theatre today. Among other delectable features, it brings back to the screen, after more than a year's absence the beautiful Billle Dove. She brings a new histrionic personality, dynamic with brilliance, polish, and sophistication. It is without doubt, Miss Dove's finest performance. A new leading man, Charles Starrett, makes a bid for fame in "The Age for Love. A ■ comedy extravaganza, "Cock of the Air," is also- showing. It is a sizzling satire, involving the reckless and romantic episodes of an American aviator during the World War, and culminating in a torrid and hectic love match with the queen-siren of Paris.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

On Our Selecion" heads the special weekend programme at the Empire Theatre this evening. AH the original humour of the famous play has been retained in the equally famous talking picture. The well-known scene when an enraged bull breaks up "Dad's" app ome is a positive scream. Bert Bailey Plays the part of Dad. and Fred MacDonafd the part of Dav,e. The larce supporting cast includes Llllias Adison and Willie Driscoll. This programme will also be screened on Saturday afternoon.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

A double-star programme is now being presented at tho Queen's Theatre. The hilarious comedy-drama, "The Big Game," starring Ben ?n n{. Tll elma To(J|J. and Constance Cummings, will head the bill. The second attraction will ■?£„," Lee Tracy as a mayor who put the it in politics. The picture is "The Night Mayor, a Columbia attraction with a large supporting cast that Includes Evalyn Knapp, Eugene Pallette, Barbara Weeks. Warren Hymer, and Donald Dillaway.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

Air Mail," Universal's great drama of the men who wing their way across tho continent with the Government mail, opened at tho Britainnia Theatro today. This exciting picture tells the story of heroes to whom lacing death and danger is just a part of the day s work. Events centre around a desert airport mail relay station, where a group of flyers of different types of character and various pasts are gathered to "put tho mail through," regardless of all obstacles. Tho drama of their lives In the constant shadow of a flyer's death, and the clashes of personalities in tho isolated station provido tho Him with unusual power and excitement.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

A gusty adventure-story of the hectic days during the Russian Revolution provides a vehicle for George Bancroft in tho new programme at tho New Princess Theatre. Bristling with tenso dramatic thrills, "The World and the iesli' provides tho ebullient Bancroft with Ills most sensational characterisation since Tho Mighty," according to preview critics. On the same programme is presented "Personal Jlald. featuring Nancy Carroll, Tat O'Brien, and Gene Raymond.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

A special announcement in this issue draws attention to the opening of the 1933 skating season at the Royal Roller Rink, Vivian Street tomorrow, at 7.30 p.m. The main hall has been completely redecorated, and the settiiiK out of the orchestra in a specially decorated rostrum conforms to the latest idea in modern cabarets. A feature of the rink is the musical Programme supplied by the "Strollers" Dance Band. Special attention has hecn paltl to the lloor surface, which is the largest in Wellington, and the absence of noise and dust permits ,£ ae. .n an ldeal atmosphere. An expert start nf Instructors has been engaged to render service to those desirous of mastering the art or skating, as well as giving attention to the more proficient skaters.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Dealing with the hilarious adventures of a newspaper reporter, Ciuy Ruyner. In search of a story from a notably reticent millionaire. Sleepless lughts," an. exhilarating and Irresponsible musical farce, commenced at the Majestic today. After a series of '-BleepIm^'^lgm^o'f^fbutilr^^^rins from retiring in the early hours of the morning by the appearance on the scene of a beautiful maiden in distress, who, having been locked out of her apartment tries to regain an entrance via Guy s bedroom, and is thus caught In compromising circumstances by both Guy's boss and her father—Guy's millionaire! Guy "confesses" tho girl is his wife, in order to save her reputation and still badly in need of a nights rest, and so the fun begins. Stanley Lupino and Polly Walker keep the fun fast

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Constance Bennett has the most dramatic role of her distinguished career In "Rorkabye." now being presented at St. James Theatre .°a^ng the^a, congenial roles for Paul Lukas and Joel McCrea. As Judy Carroll, Constance Bennett is cast as an actress with a strong personality and her first appearance In the film is in Court, where she gives evidence In the witness-box during the trial of Commissioner Howard for embezzlement. The district attorney, who wishes to discredit her evidence, accuses her of being the central figure In a scandal concerning a child whom she wishes to adopt. The accusation has sensational repercussions. Members of the supporting cast Include Walter Pidgeon. Jobyna Rowland. Virginia nammond, and Walter Catlett.

PUPILS' RECITAL.

The Concert Chamber ■ of the Town Hall should be well filled on Tuesday, March 28, at ,p;m" „ occasion" being a recital by pupils of Mr. Thomas C. Wood, L.A.8., Wellington assisted by Stuart Petersen, the brilliant New Zealand violinist. Well-known singers including Kon and Alma Cowie, Austin Blackie, Frank Histed, Harry Matthew, and Thomas C Wood, will take part in solos, choruses, duets etc. Invitations are available from The Bristol and Begg's. The accompanists will ba Hiss Violet Wakelin and Mr. Clement Howe Box plans are at Tho Bristol.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

A large cast, headed by Clive Brook, Lila Lee, Charlio Ruggles, Gene Raymond, Frances Dee, Mary Boland, and Adrienne Allen, is featured in ;'The Night of June 13," which opens tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema. It is the story of the manner in which a man on trial for the murder of his wife is incriminated by his neighbours,l who lie on the witness stand to cover up their own petty delinquencies Included in the supports is a film of special interest to swimming clubs, entitled "Water Jamboree.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI,

At the Regal Theatre, Karori, the week-end programme commencing tonight will be "The Mask of Fu Manchu."' This story, the most thrilling from the pen of Sax Rohmer, is one that has held picturo audiences spellbound whenever screened. The cast is all that can be desired, and is headed by Lewis Stone and Boris Karloff, who plays the title role. Special supports will also be shown. On Monday and Tuesday next an outstanding production, "On Our Selection." will be screened.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Jack's the Boy," a hilarious British picture starring that priceless comedian - Jack Hulbert, with Cicely Courtneidge and Wini?f Ed £ hot'er' ls sheening finally at the Cap. ltol Theatre tonight. Jack Hulbert takes the part of a London policeman, and his efforts produce roars of laughter. One scene in particular, which was taken In Madame Tassaud s waxworks galleries, ranks as an epic in fun. At the matinee tomorrow at 2.15 p m will be screened Zane Grey's thrilling spectacle starring George O'Brien. First episode of "The Air Mail Mystery," episode 7 of "The Last Frontier," and a Silly Symphony cartoon will also be shown.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"The Big Timer," the Columbia comedydrama featuring Ben Lyon. Constance Cumnungs, and Thelma Todd, now showing at the Queen's Theatre, is the story of a small-towiF chump who wanted to be a big time "champ," and nobody believed he had the makings except a girl. The second attraction is "The Night Mayor, a snappy, breezy, comedy-drama about the-chief executive of a large city, who disblTged^Ve'pubUc" WeUaS W3 head

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN,

Tolly of tbo Circus" will lead the Drogramme at Our Theatre tonight. Marion Davies enacts the role of a trapeze artist. ClarkGab c plays opposite Miss Davies as a modern minister who falls in love with the circus performer when she is brought \o his home following « trapeze accident. Excellent supports complete the programme.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE,

Ralph Bellamy, Pat O'Brien, Busscl Honton and Slim Summervillo enact the featured ma?e roles of the rapid action film "Air Mail." with Gloria Stuart and Lilian Bond providing the »6 u Me-," adS wlth expert characterisations? Air Mail commences a brief season at the rt ?.7 k° ,fearless sacrifice and devotion to duty by Intrepid flyers of the Government S li, he Picturo ■is to include some of the most spectacular aviation photography yet brought to the screen. The story if from "Kote 5 Uin av ne trs C" mmander *""* Wead'