ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 71, 25 March 1933, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

WELLINGTON PLAYERS.

REGENT THEATRE.

••Bveninßs for Sale," now showing at the Kegent Theatre, is one of tho best starspangled versions yet produced of the "Blue Danube. Tho producers have set the main portion of- the picture in Vienna, whore, with tho assistance of a penniless count, the clcsirablo maiden, and a rich widow with too much ■ money, tho conventionally logical conclusion is reached. . It Is a plcturo of many laughs,, a touch of pathos, and an excellent ciist. An American widow who is seeking her Ideal. of. the "Merry Widow" Vienna and ts romantic assoclallons wifh Strauss waltzes Is fluely played by Mary Boland. She meets a penniless' gigolo-couut in a cafe whero he' has found a job, arouses his sympathy, and , finally saves the old family castlo from being sold. For somo reason, ut the beginning of the story, tho count chose to go to a maskedball instead of shooting himself In a . dark moment, as he had . Intended. Shaken from Ins idea, of' disposing of himself, the count accepts a position as a gigolo. It is then that ho meets the widow, who tes-' cues "the family traditions" by buying the castle. . I.n the meantlnio his- girl has changed her mind about him on learning that he is a gigolo; she consents to marry someone else, again changes her mind, and regains her original' status in the passions of the count—now to be made a partner in a hotol which is to be- formed of- his castle. The widow, after some, tentative inclinations to amours with- tho. count, finds she is a grandmother ■ and departs and1 leaves the pair to Hvo happily ever, after. . There is an excellent supporting programme.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

A crook.'story in which 'all, the principal .characters, are trying, each in his own way, to circumvent ths driving of ;the Devil, for money, at all costs, ia "The Devil is Driving," at the Grand Opera House, an unusual, Bu,pet.bly.acted ■ story that grips all the way. bet in a 'flfteen,-storey garage^ respectable and even elito on. the-ground floors,'-.but devoted ■to car , thieving and • dlsgi\lso on ' the .upper'floors, the, swiftly-moving tale concerns 'itself chiefly with the workers there somo- ignorant and: honest and others who stop at nothing. Beef Evans (James Gleason) lias uoen driven into the- dishonest side of the trade for Ills 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 lovo. Some of the snappiest repartee heard from a film for somo time comos fromtheso two. As the story progresses one sees the fevered chase of stolen luxurious, ears;., through the streets, .the swift turn, in, to the secret cntranco' to the enrage,' this,rapid bllnib at Alziy speeds to tiio. safety, ''of/**: ;ste.<sl .curtained -room on . tho .top flopr,' where an- array of .experts rips , the car to bits;-';repaints' It, and, Ijy maiiy; /lightning .changes, "even to parts of the .machinery, have It ready within the few moments before the police' arrive. The 'Cllriaxial^killing, insepar-1 .ablb from American ■ stories, starting with i the' pushing- ofr a, dead drlvori killed -because he: knew too mucli, down tho circular 'drive tothtf street,, and, propped up .with; a cigarette eummed to hia; lips, Is lollbwed'by a terriae flght' on. the top;floor, and ff head-on.c'oiUstoa on the twelfOt^ffloor; which ;wlpes out -'the: Jslllersi bdth cars breaWnijtbriSugh-tho wall and-crasW y.?,odpAy^ tho UEht.wsH-ia the- cbiitro of, thq builaing.' "'' .' " • . "■", *'■• • . ', ■ ■•■■ • :

; 1 BE LUXE:THEATREr ': .-■ !

.* Face in ■ the Sky,", the Box - Movietone pro-, ductlon which began, its Wellington, season:at th 9, DeLuseTheatrq last evening, is one- of those films of ■Americari life vftth -a'dlfferent ■hackgrpund- .from that enoonntored ..by '■:■'., the ordinary person. .Ths story centres around an artist in an • advertising -business who In. the beginning of the, film is travelling around the' country by: motor-.van and- painting '8181131 He bocomqs oinbroUed i n ' tho affairs .'.of ■. 4 farming family,, and finally ha.s an elopement forced upon him, and after that events: move fast... Tho scene of -the,story eventually shifts to.New, York, whero a larger number of things have been -.happening, and- it' is only after an-exciting climax that Joe Buck, tho artist, and Madge, the girl/ho found in tho back ; CQuntry,: are united. Spencer Tracy plays tho cheerful artist, and' Marion' Nixon,' Lila Lee, and Stuart' Erwin all. have importahf roles. , The , supporting programme contains somo good things, notably a' gondola journey through 1 Venice by-, the' Magic Carpet of -Movietone.i.several.t'iJntoresUng :.jiewsrcels, and-' a cartoon coraedy*of originality • and ..humour. '■ Jlr. Paul. T.- Ctillen rounds off the bill.wlth;a sorles of Irish'airs,'and-when ciii cored last..nlKht Bang's; topical'hit' which, was much appreciated. Thevblll will -be repeated until, isxt. Thursday, evening; ' ;- •

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

;-.: "Love on.."Wheels/*, the Gataborough production -at the Paramount Theatre, marks !:another .milestone .In; the :progress of British comedies. Jack Hulbert has a. type of comedy all his,own, and he, is seen. io excellent advantage ml this production. 11 -Tho picture does - nof lag; as did some; of 1 the earlier. British i;productlons;' and; the." humour,'throughput, is toptli original and .'clean. , In'some 'respects, the-'-.plctufe; !is ' a .'musHalv comedy, .-as there Is .plenty of singing, and a'fair bit of dancing; nearly all' .of .it being ■•■inAMr.-, Humbert's 'own eccentric style;i Ho.. is''cast' as. Jiiii Hopkins/ employed', in. a- big " emporium',- and "whenever. anything goes wrong .he is dismissed..,'" He falls In lovo with a girl who travels to town in the';same bus as he patronises, and he decides 'to-'rise in the world. He Is appointed advertising manager of the store. His advertising, ideas are spectacular, and some.pretty girls stage various "selling" ballets. Leonora Corbett plays the leading feminine rolo,: and rises: from: being tlio pianist in '. a burglars' Bjub to a similar. position: in Hopkins's store. Sho looka. very pretty, and acts well. Gordon ' Barker is • cast as a bus conductor, and adviser; to Hopkins on his love affairs. He is not given, as much to do as in'"The Calendar," but he is excellent in the limited scope afforded him. ■■ "Lovev on .AVlicels" should do as well' as .."Sunshine Susle.'V>.T,he supports include-pretty'Scenea.Nof Donegal;, to. the refrain'of the well-khown song, "Night Lights of. London," and ''Plants of tho Underworld." The, .last-named- support is :Jpterosting, and Instructive. It :shqws, the life-and/growth, of members: of'tho fuijgus family* As a sign -of the '■: appreciation ;■: of-"'Britifeh picrtures, each supporting.. film was ,'applauded last night by the - audience. There was, also undoubted appreciation - : of the leading picture.

KING'S THEATRE,

"Looking on the Bright Side," ,an-,A.R.P. musical comedy, starring the inimitable'Graclo Fields, and.now screening at tho King's Theatre, s is the bright side?of screen entertainment, and another, great triumph' for British productions; Grade Fiejds- ia irresistible. L ;.She sings and laughs ier way Jntp". one's heart and then, elves an outing, of sunshine and ■happiness. -For years Gracie has been tho acknowledged-Qiieen of British stage entertainers, arid her ■ talents are such, that after only one screen appearance In "Sally in • Our Alley," slw easilytopped-, the poll in a star . popularity contest recently conducted by the "Daily Mail." Boxsplans are at.The Bristol-and theatre.

QUEEN'S THEATRE

:... "Tha -Big Timer," tho Columbia comedydrama featuring Ben Lyon, Constance Cumralngs, and Thelma Todd, now showing at tho Queeu's; Theatre, Is the story of a small-town

"chump"' who wanted to be a bis 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 discovered, that his heart ns' well as his head belonged to the public.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE,

Ralph-Bellamy, Pat O'Brien, Russel Hoplon, and Slim Sumraerville enact the featured male roles of the rapid action film "Air Mail," with Gloria Stuart and Lilian Bond providing tho feminine leads with expert characterisations. "Air Mail," now at the . Artcraft Theatre, Is a gripping story of fearless sacrifice and devotion to -duty by intrepid flyers of the Government mail. The picture is said to include some of the most spectacular; aviation photography yet brought to tho screen. Tho story is from the pen of Lieutenant-Commander Frank Wcad, who "Hell Divers," ' ■*,

EMPIRE THEATRE, JSLAND; BAY,

""Oh'jOur Selecidti". heads the special, week^ end "prpgrammo-at - tho Empire Theatre this evening; All.' ; the: original.'humour bf.the fam'.'pqs'nlfiy -has"'been retained' in tlio equally famous, ialking. 'picture;*, .;Xhe',well-known-, scene when ar&,'eora.Eed .vrjull" breaks VUP "Dad's" .'appy 'pme'la-i'. posltlye.'scrcrfm.'Bertißallcy iplays the.: part, of pad A vnn9 Ked 7MacDonald the part..9f' Dave. : The large supporting "cast Includes Lillias Adlsonand,Willie Driscoll.- '.'.-

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

: "AlrV Mail," trniversal's great drama of the men - who ( wing ■ their way across the continent ;,w.ith the Government mall," is now being presented; at. the Britannia Theatre, This exciting- .picture . 'tells .the story of ■heroes'.'; ;,to . .whom', facing death ,and danger.; .:is just .'a part of the day's Avork.'.. 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 the mail ■through'," regardless "of V"aUTobsta"cles. The -drama lot their olives in: the constant shadow of. a fjyeri .d,eath, andth? clashes of personalities in the station provide the film with unusual power and excitement.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

A gusty, adventure-story of the hectic day 3 during the Russian Revolution provides a vehicle for George Bancroft in the new programme at the New Princess - Theatre: Bristling with tense S dramatic thrills, "The World and the Flesh" provides the ebullient Bancroft-with his most sensationalv characterisation since "The Mighty," according to preview critics. On the same programme'is presented "Personal Maid," featuring Nancy Carroll, Pat O'Brien, •and Gene, Raymond. .'.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

The romance and drama of this ultra-modern age and tho marriage problems which all modem couples encounter, aro beautifully and poignantly portrayed in "The, Age For love " now being shown at.Shortt's Theatre. Among other delectable features. It brines back to the screen, after more than a year's absence the beautiful Billio Dove. Sho brings a new histrionic personality, dynamic with brilliance polish, and sophistication. It is without doubt. Bliss Dove's finest performance. A new leading.man, Chariea Starrett, makes a bid for fame in, "The Age for Love. A comedy extravaganza, "Cock pi the Air,'! is also skow- ■:'■;;•. ■■ ■ ;__ -;

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

A riot of music, dancing, and laughter, "Sleepless 'Nights," tho new attraction at tho Majcstlo Theatre, must bo classed ua, an effective banlaher of dull care. Thoro is something of a plot, Involving a reporter who is sent to interview an Amerlcnn irllHonalre aboard his yacht at Nice, and ends up by being found under compromising circumstances with the millionaire's daughter, but It is only a skimpy fabrication. In the whirl of light-hearted foolery a carefullywoven story is unnecessary, and tlio audience is fully entertained by the succession of unusual ballet tableaux, step-daiicing of tho principals, and the humour of tricky situations and clever dialogue. Stanley Luplno, tho writer of tho original play, is at the head of the cast, and. his Inimitable nntlcs and expressions have seldom produced better results. He- is first and last a fun-maker. He has a splendid lieutenant In Polly Walker as tho girl with whom he has to carry on a pretence .of being married.-- Her blonde beauty, clover feet, and charming voice make her a great favourlto. Among the supporting players are Gerald ■•• Rawlinson, Frederick Hoyd, and Charlotte Parry. News-reels mid a travelogue dealing with the crossing of tho Sahara Desert by motor constitute Interesting supports.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

In "Rockabye," the new Constance Bennett picture at. St. James Theatre, the star is cast as. a woman in search of her soul. The search is ' ths more difficult because the heroine is alßo a successful actress with a history, and ia the glitter of the footlights soul qualities and sex lures seem liable to be a, bit mixed, so the actress that Miss Bennett has to portray in' "Kockabyo" becomes a rather elusive personality. Her candour about herself and her zest In "Intimate", scenes, also her dressing and general audacity, lift the eyebrows of the audience occasionally, but the dramatic strength of her emotional work Is not helped by the :strained situations In which the actress-heroine finds herself placed. ■Nevertheless, Miss .Bennett is always interesting, even when her. lovemaklng is so tempestuou3 as to be comparable with a prizefight or a wrestling-match: It. ia hard to say who is the leading man—there are two men. of course, and the heroine;herself hardly knows which comes first. But Paul Lukas ■Imsl the role of the decent lover,- and Joel .McCrca-'is the other one. Students of the exotic nmonir women and of the erotic nmong lovers^ will find something- to study In "Koekabye, and there is also plenty about babies, .111(1 a gem of a little girl plays the baby ,"■ ,In l'lV" rst part of tho Programme there Is 11 tribute by an American to German technology In tho shape of the Muntch Museum which illustrates the history of mankind s industrialism from A to Z (for instance, from the. : first Plough, to-the latest 55,.i flsu-^ n ■ exampla of the Inflation and deflation,.,-.-, Harry Sweet is the hero' of a' comedy .in. which . thrillins aerial adventures are wonderfully simulated. The Sani'and Jerry. -ffi^^Sr' »°a; the' news-reels *Z

REGAL THEATRE. KARORI,

:.i. At. the Segal- Theatre, karorl;' the wefekond rProgfammo . Is ..headed ;. by ~"The : , Mast of.' *v -. Manohq» L This sdory,.. t]^ a os t tnafr > has hold ■ picture • auaiences ■ spellbound jwhpnoyer ■: screened; 'The r cast is all* that ?an RnV?^ edT'^ d '» *w?loa.by lewis,StoiuTand Boris Karloff, whp plays tho title role. On Monday and Tuesday -an* outstanding' Production;- ."On Our . Selection/'-, will *te ■ screoned.. ~.j t ■■,- . ... ,-■.,. ~' "

CAPITOfc THEATRE,'MIRAMAR.

■ An- exceptionally good. ddubTeJeature -pro. srammo is. to'be.seen.-at:tho:.Capltol,Theatre; Mjramar, tonight, .In "Eofe 00 the 'Spot "a sparkling^ British-musical -play,-adapted from ...Xhree of^Klnd," by :"Sappor,? Richard -Dolr : man-andßpesmary;,Ames are. to-bo-seen in a. tlim.in,which, captivating music, comedy V.and .tuneful ysong.4 predominate. In' "The ' Golden West" George O'Brien, Janet Chandler; and Marion Burns are to bo seen in the most outstanding.. Western ..from', the pen. of- Zane brey, In a mighty spectacle which deals with the settling of the West in the early days a tremendous drama Is enacted In which romance ■life and .death struggles,with Indians; • devotion and self-sacriflce, combined/with riagnii flcent .photography; make this film an •outdoor Classic.- i-., .j; ••. ■■ ■t■■■ - . ....•.-. ..■■••

I" '.-:.'■■ KiLBIRNIEKISEMA. / L

~^ow showing at the Kilblrnie Klnema7,-'vLovß--I.M« Tonight." a' Chevalier film, .with Jeanette Mac Donald in the feminine lead. Is one of tha .post romantic comedies that the French .singing actor has made,- ' The' story' l.a-as! fantasUc •as ; a comic opera ishould rightly be,, but H Jj:also a,good one,,chock-full of.both roman(lo and hilariously amusing situations; The songs include "Love Me Tonight," "Isn't It Romantic?"^.riml." "A Woman.Needs^Some--thing Like That," and ."Tho Son-orra--Gun is Npthlne But a Tailor."' .'-■.'. "..*?■

• OUR THEATRE, NEWTQWN. ' V :, ;VPplly of, : tho-i Circus" y\\\ lead;: the . pro- ?^ m fm 6 Our, Theatre tonight.;.Marion..Davles enacts tlje role of a trapeze artist;" Clark Gable,pUys opposite JHJs-Davles" s^rSSdertt minister, who falls In lqye •; with the circus^ 'P^/prmer^wheii,, shells brought -to.Jitsr'-hpiha, Mmyms.'a trapeze-accident.' Excellent "sup."' -ports- complete the programme. -■'■■

BROOKLYN PICTURES.

-main attraction at the Brooklyn PicllVß"^ the comedy-drama "This la tlio Night." Charles Rnggles and Lily Damlta ara.ln the principal roles. The scene,of tha story,-,ls , laid, in j Paris, and■■ ;tlio '■■■■ ploturo is pac66|'With, laughs and action,'

' SEASIDE PICTURES,

~ Will, Rogets's newest comedy". "DoWu to Earthy comes to the Seaside Pictures tonight. ThoVstory opens with Rogers as "Pike Peters " li?J?ahoma mill'onairo, back home- again withes -family after a Paris jaunt. '' The ?^?«MWBTket Is shot to pieces, and Peters is gre».tlK:'.worrUd,---, hut his/ wife • has"- an insatiablev;desire for ;soqial honours 'an'4'liis son alqsflier in extravagant spending.■•-How he getsTijuls. family down to earth again forms th,e.yp:asls of the situation. . , ' •

DEJfLyXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

' Screening tonight, Monday, . an«J.^Tuesday nights at the Do Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, is au': unusual motion picture of savage beasla in action. It is "Bring 'Em Back rAlive," photographed by Frank. Buck when; 6earchlng for animals for the world's largest sioos. The more dynamic portions of "Bring' 'Emv Back Alive" show actual combats .between tigers and pythons, crocodiles,;, and . water, buffalo. The picture was filmed entirely In'the Malayan jungle and is; entirely', without fnUe,; Gloria Swanson's latest picture, "Tonight.,ori'Never," shows, ,next Wednesday afternoqni; and on .Wednesday and' Thursday, nights"; \Commencing a - four-night season; next Friday fls the bid and "honoured Australian stage pja'y, "On Our Selection." Box plans are at;-thet VPeter Tan", Lounge or telephone theatre, 68-.431.

OPEN-AIR CONCERT.

Tho Artillery Band will give an open-air concert at the Botanical Gardens tomorrow (Sunday) for which an excellent programme has. been prepared, including tha popular descriptive fantasia, "A Sunday Church Parade," a cornet solo, "The Rosary," etc. A silver coin collection will he made in aid of the band fund. ■ ; ■ ■ \

NEW ZEALAND COMPOSERS.

For the purpose of encouraging the art of musical composition amongst local musicians, the Music Teachers' Association and the British Music Society have decided tft produce a concert of works by New Zealand composers in the Wellington district. The performance will probably take - place ne*t July, and compositions must be submitted on or before June 1. All works submitted will be examined by a committee of musicians, and special steps will be taken to ensure that the name of the composer shall not be known until the final selection is mads.. Pull particulars ,are" announced in another column.

VOCAL RECITAL.

Lovers of good .singing are Invited to attend a vocal, recital by pupils of ■ Thomas C. Wood, L.A.B.,..Wellington, which will be held; in-.the Town' Hal- Concert Chamber on Tuesday, March 28, at 8 p.m. .Stuart Peters.en, the young New Zealand -'violinist;- who' lias just,returned after eight years abroad," will' assist: with violin solos. This^ will bo-his' first appearance in New Zealand since his return. Alma Cbwie, mezzo-soprano, and Ron' Cowie; baritone, will be associated In Squired' tuneful duet, "The Singing Lesson,'.' which' will he given in; character. Twp splendfd. haritflne choruses; "Danny .Deever" - and "Jonathan Jones," will add Interest 'to a. splendid assortment of ballads. Austin Blackie, the Wellington tenor, is assisting ■ with ■ ."You Flaunt Your Beauty in ,the Rose" and ''Lone and Long Ago." Harry-Matthewi.baritone, Is suro'to please, and Frank JEUsted, baritone, Ia also assured- of a hearty reception. Patrons are .advised'to book; early to enaure-admlßslon' The accompanists aro Violet ;Wakelin and Clement Howe. Tho bos plan is "at The' Bristol. . ." ■-, '.'■.■■ "

SO-SO DANCE CLUB,

The So-So Dance : Chib will hold fts secorjd weekly dance at the Trades Hall; Vivian Street this evening. Dancing will be from S to 12 p.m., and the star attraction ■will',be an exhibition of tap dancing by Mlss: Hazel Martin. , , - •■■'

JOHN BROWNLEE CONCERT.

The final concert of Mr. John Brownlee'a season "In "Wellington will be - given tonight in the Town Hall Concert Chamber. Another varied and ; interesting programme will be presented, the principal numbers by Mr Brownlee being "The Prologue" from' "Pagllaccl" (Leoncavallo), ?'Come Let's bo. Merry", (traditional), "The Jolly Tinker" (seventeenth century). Stock's flno setting of Kipling's poem 'Routo Marchtn'," and a- group' of English soncs, including "Sea' Fever" (Ireland), "If I,r.,^ er, e X,'? B" (Tlpton>. an<J "Mvo Eyes" (fiibbs). Mr. Brownloo wilt also bo associated -with miss Rita' Miller in- a number of- operatic duets. M. Raymond Lambert will contribute a number of brilliant piano solos, which, will include the vivid "Rltuel Fire Banco" or Manuel do Falla, Debussy's "Toc- *° a, nd a Broup of Chopin." Miss Kita Miller-will sing the Polonaise from "Mlgnon " and a number of English songs. The doors will open at T o'clock. Concerts will be given next week at Palmorston North (Tuesday), » anganui (Wednesday), and Masterton (Thursday \, after which'-Mr. Brownlea will leave Sjo^shlrtouc:^^e,^outli-jsland,

The Wellington Players will present on Wednesday and Thursday, March J2I) and 30, a three-act comedy, "The Romantic young Lady," translated from tho Spanish by Grauvlllo Barker. It is comedy with a difference. Thcro is plenty of laughter and plenty of action, but it has more than that, as audiences of lasto and understanding have already discovered in Loudon. Elizabeth Blake is tha producer, and the cast Includes Allsa Newton K. Aldrldgc, Alison Klrkcaldle, C. Poppleton P. W. Cousins, and Walter Tuckwcll. The houso Is fully booked for tho Bchools night on Tuesday, March 28.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK. N

Tho opening of ' tho 1933 skating season Is ] sot down to take place at the Royal Roller Rink, Vivian Streot, this evening During the last month extensive alterations and decorations have been carried out in the rJ» k» jvl'lch |f able to take it, place alongstda the leading skating rinks of the world A special feature of the' decorations Is the orchestral rostrum, while onlookers are catered for In a balcony lounge, which has -been completely, modernised. A dainty supper can bo had at a reasonable price. The specially-'' prepared floor is now in wonderful condition and the absence of noise and dust Elves" skating an entirely different aspect The-nro ' SET* ih^ro^rs'^Sce ,££ d'^rfwK L aut\ EUdIDS «*' -*

CHILDREN'S THEATRE,

The Children's Theatre Players will- nrownf:' an/if lnsi. P«t°m«n>6 entitled '^leTry Michael and His Three Cats" In the Town HaUMCon kf 2 -C olm^ er> n? h n S^day.- April rapTg at 2.00 p.m. The pantomime is by Marear<.f Pearson, a Wellington girl, and is fifn i delightful and excitln/ %'ituatfon ■ Tn O3 °e taking part include Girleen Grifflths AnnpHß ; Strickland, Isobel Andrews, Marjorle Arcus^ Kyrsty Page, Eleanor Page, Paula Mathews' Irene Spidy, Garde Wilson. 'Rosalind^ S?ott" Joan Anderson, Natalie. Tartakover : Laifrle !jo»e3-^-Singleton .Smith,-E.'Parlett,-E Stan j hope Andrews, and ; F.;H.. Dawn: --Her^Exicelleucy Lady Bledisloe has signified her.-in.: tentlon of being, present pt the iflrst ■perform-1 a?, cc- „■ The pantomime is . being produc?dt£ i^.Bfyl Earle,- and the ■■ dire^or-^s '