ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

RECENT THEATRE.

Clark Gable, a.s v screen lover,,.' has a masculine stWo uhic.il, 11 uncumcntjouiil, Is none, tiic less ullcetive, and in "No'Jlan of 'Her Own," the new picture at the Ilcgent Theatre, he Is as exasperatlngly fascinating as ever. The tide of the picture ia somewhat difficult lo understand from ihp story, for the central woman In the niece certainly secures, ihu exclusive/, rights of a man rver whom no .woman hiis previously been able to gain a secure hold. Clarke Ciuble y is .cast 11* Bnljc Stewart; a 'man-übuul-towiij whoso "racket1 is card-stacking, which he applies to poker with decidedly remunerative' results. Moon after thu story opens he ciex-ides to suver his connection with Kay ■ Kverly (l)orothy Maekall), ono of his accomplices, and, in order to escape complications, retires to a country village. Here.ho meets Connie Randall (Carol Lombard), a pretty blonde librarian eager to break' from her quiet rural oxlstrne'e. His wooing' is swift and successful and, losing Hie spin of a coiji, lie marries her and introduces her to his New York apartment. It is not long before Connie discovers hqr husband's source of Income, and seta her wits to work on a scheme to win him back to. respectability. Lively verbal passages of arms between Stewart and his wife are a prominent feature of the clever dialogue running through the production and this, combined with excellent acting by a well-chosen cast, make the picture'entertainment well above the'usual standard. Elizabeth Patterson, J. Ka'rrclHMaclionald and Grant Mitchell also have prominent parts, and carry them through with distinction. The supporting programme is of tho high order generally associated with the Jte'gent, comprising an Australian uewsreel, featuring the Sydney Royal Show and the recent women's walk from Liverpool to Sydney; world news features, among which are an appeal 'by President Roosevelt fop the confidence of his people in their banking institutions, and tho scene at the League of 'Nations Convention when the Japanese'deloj gates withdrew; aud two sound, cartoons.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

One of ilie greatest events in • the ■ British sporting world is the cup final at Wembley, and the enthusiasm It arouses is difficult to imagine by those whose experiences have been confined to • this end of the world. In , "Up lor the Cup," tho ■ Sydney Howard comedy | which commenced its local season at the Grand Opera House yesterday, the audience ia led along a humorous trail which gives a li,-.'ht-h«u-ted blit none the less effective Insight to the excitement caused among . the followers of the flnaljsts before and chiying tho I>le annual Association football final at the Ihiko Wcinblcy Stadium. Sydney Upward lias Joan Wyndham as his partner at the head of tho cast, and the story follows the adventures of the pair 'when they travel south from Lancashire to sec the'local .heroes, do or die before the King and nearly one hundred thousand of his subjects. The northcountry couple discover that all thikt lias been said about roguery. in London is npliarcntly justified, and, after being parted from his fiancee and robbed of Ills nioiiey, John William is nble to get to the mutch only in tifuo to see tho finish. There'- is another interest in the plot, however, as John . William is the- inventor of an improvement In cotton mill machinery, and, although at first its success is doubtful, it later provides the means of ending the story on a happy note. Good wholesome fun runs all the way through the picture, and while ono sympathises with John William, one cannot avoid laughing heartily at him aud with him. In addition to newsreels and comedies, the supports includo items by tho Rowland sextet, who appear on the stage.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

A dramatic and moving tale of medicine is contained In "Humanity," the Fox Films release starring Alexander Klrkland, Ralph Morean, and Boots Mallory, which is screening at the De Luxe Theatre this week. "Humanity" tells the story or tho life of service of Dr. William J. Jlacdouald, honoured in the later days of his career by the whole medical profession, and of the change that comes in his lifo whan his son returns from medical schosl. It has been the dream of Macdonald that his son shall assist him in his practice, that they shall work, together to attend the needs of the squalid quarter where the Macdonalds live. But the son has other plans. He has met a girl belpnging to a different world, he is caught in the social whirl and ho wants, first of all, money. The means he takes to achieve his ambition of becoming a successful practitioner and'the manner in which his father,, saves him from tho consequences of his acts are revealed' in a film well produced and finely acted. In support there is a highly; entertaining British comedy, "The Dark Hour," which is concerned with the quest for some' stolen emeralds and is produced by the Fox British office, a Fox Australian newsreel and, other reels showing the newest in overseas; events. At tho organ Mr. Paul T. CiUlen' plays and sings a sheaf of outdoor and tramping songs, adding an ingenious version of his own. The programme will be repeated until Thursday evening next.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

licnuto Muller, who came info prominence liy her pcrfornianco In 'Sunshine Susie," scores a triumph in "Marry. Me," which opened its Wellington season • when it was ! screened to a . lnrge lioiiso last evening' at (lie Paramount Theatre. "Marry .Me Is 'a Uritish (Gainsborough) picture, and It Is of much the same Kind that . made "Sunshine Susie" so popular. Although Rcnate Muller cannot be claimed as a British actress, she makes a great. appeal to British audiences. The scene of the picture is laid In a Continental town,•'.mid. centres round the efforts of Miss Muller to' marry a fellow worker In a gramophone factory. A matrimonial agency is mixed up lii tho matter, and the part of Goldstein, the proprietor of tho agency, is excellently'played by Harry Green; the celebrated Jewish Impersonator. One of his clients Is George Robey, the famous comedian, and lio is cast as a wealthy pig farmer seeking matrimony. Tho humour of these two is distinctive. The picture,'which Is of more than the-usual, lensth. ends happily. Among the songs sung, by "Miss Muller are "Oh, Will Somebody, Somebody Marry Me?" "Early Birds," "You Are Wonderful "to Me," and ' A Little Sunshine. The supports include views of London, fetrat-ford-on-ATon, Is'orth-Western Australia, and a miscellaneous gazette. The short subjects, ot course, are British, and as such have a strong- appeal to a. New Zealand audience. The views of Shakespeare's birthplace are especially beautiful.

DE LUXE, LOWER HUTT.

The inimitable Georgo Wallace, one of Australia's most noted comedians, and an actor with a large following both in Australia and New Zealand, will be seen at the Do Luxo Theatre Lower -Hutt, .this, .afternoon, tonight, and Monday and Tuesday .nights, in Harmony Row" his most popular offering. It abounds in hilarious fun from start to : finish. "Clianilu, the Magician," with Kdmund Lowe and Bela Lugosh will be screened on Wednesday afternoon and night, and on Thursday anil Friday nights tho attraction will be lho Devil- and the Deep," a gripping drama m which the famous Charles laughton is coitarred - with Tallulah Baukheart and Gary Cooper. Tho supporting bills are excellent.

KING'S THEATRE.

There is a predominating sense of uncanny mystery throughout tiro spectacular and effective screen version- of "The Ghost Train, which commences at this theatre today. The director, Walter-Fordo.-who has kept all the humour and thrills-of the play, .has sue-, reeded in making a film which will make your fiVsh creep even more so than it did when "The Ghost Train" was produced as a silent picture. Tho' characters', including Jack Hulbort and Cicely 'Courtneidgo are excellent. Box plans aro at Bristol and theatre. lucre -U> no extra charge for reserves.

OUEEN'S THEATRE.

Feats of daring and banditry on tlio borderland lead to spine-tingling situations In "Como On Danger," which is now being sliown at the Queen's Theatre. Tom Keene. hero of many successful tales of the great outdoors, is the star. .Playing opposite him is Julio Haydon, cast in the rolo of a gun-woman who rules a renegade- band. Uoscq Atcs provides I.lm comedy relief. In addition, the. stage hit "Jligh Stakes" will bo screened. ■ It features Lowell Sherman and Mac Murray. •

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

. Tin- sparkling comedy "They Just Had; to Got Married,' 'In which Slim Summervile ami Zasu PiUs have full scope for their talents, is 'now beliii; shown at tho Artcraft Theatre. It is the story of the hilarious adventures of a maid and a butler who have btcn left a fortune by their late master. Complication!) aud misunderstandings ensue, and farce and pathos alternate until tho end of .the picture. There is a .good supporting programme.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

The principal picturo now showing at Shortt's Theatre,, is "Ebb Tide," featuring Dorothy Bonchier, . Jean Barry, and George Bamuul 't is nn absorbing drama of London's waterfront In which two girls fight fur tho love' of one man. The second uttractlnn is "The • Conquering Horde," in which the chief voles are taken by Kichard ■\rlcn and Fay Wray. Tho story concerns the stirring days after tho Americau Civil War.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

The Hi-cat Dtrcislou," starring William Boyd, Chic 'Sales ami Dorothy Sales Is now being shown at tl]o ; Britannia Theatre. It is tho story of lawlessness in a small .town and is crammed with action and excitement. The second big pieturo is "Are These . Our Children?" featuring Eric Linden, Mary I\orman, and Arllne Judge. Tho picture contains many'powerful scenes and is splendidly acted by a talented cast; . ■

PRINCESS THEATRfc

"I Takd 'This ■•■'Woman," In -which. Gary Cooper and. -Carolo Lombard play the. leading roles, Is now being shown at tho . New Princess Theatre.- It is (lie story, of a society girl who tricks a carefree. Westerner Juto falling in love 'with, her, and then discovers that sho has fallen in love with. him. The second feature is a British picture, "Insult," starring Elizabeth Allen, ' Hugh Williams, and: John Gielgud. It is a dramatic story of a handful of whiles in a native colony. r ' '

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

As (lie quick-tempered and impetuous daughter of tin old sea captain Janet Gaynoi" hns the most picturesque, role of her screen career iv "Tcss of ■ the. Storm Country," the current feature at Our Theatre. Charles Farrcll, as tha millionaire's son, is co-starred with her in this lrox Films romance. Excellent supports complete the programum. "' ...

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

KiTtms redolent of the. East, with fakirs .pH'funiilng ..fciUs of mugio in the streets; ■scenes in a nimtntaln campaign in .which British ■soldiers play a courageous part; and scenes in a quiet . town lo -which comes the terrible power of a monkey's 'paw, provide audiences, at the Majestic Theatre with thrills aplenty during .tho screening of the YV. W. Jacobs's story, "The Monkey's raw." The drama -of East and West with its occult slam is powerfully acted by a competent cast of British actors and actresses, including Ivan .Simpson *'. Aubrey Smith,-. Netty Lawford, Louise Carter, and Hramwell Fletcher, and has-a romantic ■ flavour as well as its mystery aspect. When a British soldier, is handed a ■monkey paw. charm by a little' Indian girl ho has. befriended (her wish to die is-Immedi-ately granted right before the eyes of the soldier) he dare not dwell ,011. the potentialities for evil, that the small hmnan-llke1 hand has Ou his return to England It comes Into the possession of old friends of Ills, with dire ■effect on the lives oE the mother and father, son and fiancee. The producers maintain the thriiJs to tin) end, and the-'denouement is too good lo reveal. Suffice it to soy that the .plot Is iiitrlguliin, and the story provides the maximum of excitement. The sinister little hand has power to grant three wishes. The crux of the drama is in the itranllnc of these wishes, the uncanny Influence of tho l.ast invading the quiet chnrm of a small hnglish town. There Is a fine supporting programme, Including A reissue-of Charlie .Chaplin's "Easy Street" laughter riot, with its hilarious situations, synchrojilsed with, sound effects. Scenes in (lie 'land of Gandhi; Nature studies; liralia'ni MrNnmee news specials; a funny cartoon of clrcut life; and fashioned displays in which mannequins famous. In Hie States display male attire, are included in tho programme, which Is one of the .best shown at the Majestic Theatre.' '

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

The continued success .of the romance, "Smilln' Through," at St. James Theatre has resulted In the season being extended another week It is a picture of a ■ rather singular type in the modern days of triangle intrigues, for Its plot is based extensively on the sentimental themes which characterised earlier drama. The atmosphere is that of rural England, fresh and fragrant, where the bustle ot big cities' Is forgotten. Against auch a background is unwoven a story of romance and the sacrifice it can entail. Miss Ivorma Shearer, who acts a dual role, as Moonyeen, the intended bride of Sir John Cartaret, and as his ward Kathleen Sheridan, rises to excellent heights, and renders her parts will feeling and ability. Her acting ia particularly suited to the old English atmosphere aud, partnered with Fredric March, she gives a most convincing performance. The plot is bused on her love for tile sou of the man who murdered Sir John Cartaret's fiancee ou the d;iv before they were married: feir John refuses lo allow his ward to marry the miin whose father brought bitterness itito Ins life and it is only after a dramatic, but finely constrained, scene that the romance straightens' itself out. The picture is a masterpiece of good acting. Tho supporting programme includes a particularly fine short of The Flying Cadonas. three trapese artists whose performances in the air are amazing.

BROOKLYN PICTURES.

The singing voice of Ginger Rogers is again brought to tho screen in "Carnival Boat, which will be shown tonight at the Brooklyn Theatre. Miss Rogers, in.the role of a show girl, sings the song from the stage of a carnival boat, a colourful sequence In the storj' of loggers, and logging camps. 'Carnival Boat" was directed by Albert"Bogell, with Hobart Bosworth, Fred Kohler, Marie Frevost, and others in the supporting cast.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

"Wild Girl," featuring Charles Farrell, Joan Bennett, and llalph Bellamy, will be shown tonight at the Seaside Pictures. It is a stirrini; tale of tho Californian .mining camps based | on the Bret Harte story, "Salomy Jane's Kiss." . The story hinges on the tempestuous romance between a madcap mountain girl and a Virginia youth who lias trailed his sister's betrayer to the California Sierras soon after the Civil War. There are excellent supports. . . .

.REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

"The Impassive Footman,", the current weekend programme at 'the Regal Theatre, has been adapted from one .of the world-famous "Sapper's" stories. Dealing with the private lives of a famous surgeon and his patients, this picture Is sure to hold its interest right till the last scene. Owen Nares heads an all-British cast. The supports include the latest Fox Australian News and a Clnesound Review.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

The chief attraction at the Kilbirnie Klnema tonight will be "Bobber's Roost," a most exciting story from tho pen of the noted author, Zano Grey. Starring in the wonderfullyphotographed production is, the popular actor, George O'Brien, who has the able assistance of Maureen O'Sullivan. In addition to "Robber's Boost" there will be a specially selected programme of entertaining short features.'

"Hold 'Em. Jail," : featuring- -Bert Wheeler,Robert Wooisey, ■ Roscoe • Atcs, Edna May Oliver, and Edgar. Kennedy, is showing at the 'Capital Theatre tonight for.:toe Ust time. The Itory Concerns Bidemore Drjfsojv .where lour o'clock tea, .band-concerts, motion pictures, football games, aniJ'iraternlslng with tho warders by convicts are Just'a few of the innovations. The five stars finish up in the prison and then proceed to turn' tho place into an absolute madhouse.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

RONA OLSEN LECTURES.

• "Why Death Cannot Be the End of Llfa" is the title of Rona Olsen's address tomorrow, at 7 p.m., In the mezzanine lloor, Dominion Farmers' - Institute... Tho lecture was given In Chrlstchurch recently, and created wide intorest. On Monday, at 8 p.m., Rona Olsen's lecture will be "The Psychological A3pect of World Reconstruction."

(SLIDE SKATING RINK.

'"A very attractive programme for skaters hate been arranged for this evening's session at'tho Glide Skating Rink in Wakefleld Street. A new combination of the popular Metropolitan TSfM will -feature latest musical hits, and novelty items will include a Monte Carlo and the twilight waltz. During the session Professor and Miss Keegan will give a demonstration of fancy skating. Day sessions next week will he as follows:—-The forenoon session from 10 to 11,30 a.m., lunch hour sessions from 12 to 1 and 1 to 2, afternoon session from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m., and the evening session from 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when the session is specially extended to 11 p.m.

SUNDAY AT THE RITZ. I

In an advertisement elsewhore in this issue tho'Ritz, Ltd.. announces that supper will be available at the restaurant on. Sunday evening- and that the well-known Hnydock Quintet ' will play a series,-.of. orchestral selections. In addition. Miss Joan Laird (Auntie Joan of 2ZW) -will make her final appearance here before she sails /or Australia next Thursday. Miss Laird will entertain with a number of items. Miss Jean Ccrchl ("Bonnie"), the juvenile soprano, will also bo appearing.

SO-SO DANCE CLUB.

The spirit of carnival will reign at the So-So Dance Club's weekly dance at the Trades Hall, Vivian Street, this evening. Ihe hall has been redecorated. Many novelties have been arranged, and patrons arc assured of ovcry element to make a real night of Joy.;

MARY PRATT WITH HARMONIC SOCIETY TONIGHT.

A musical event of outstanding merit will bo the concert arranged by the Wellington Harmonic Society to' he given in tho large Town Hall this evening at 8 o'clock. This society is noted for the high standard of the programmes it presents, and music-lovers liavo come to recognise that "if it's under the auspices of the Harmonic Society it will be good." The outstanding attraction this evening- is. the appearance Tor the first, time in the North Island of Miss Mary Pratt, .contralto/of Dunedin.' 'Mr. John Brownlce ' (principal baritone of the Paris Opera House), 'now: visiting: New Zealand, heard Miss Pratt siing. and was most enthusiastic In his comments. "There is not a voice , like this in France,", ho said, "T,he. Paris Opera House would receive tier with iopen arms—hors is the typo of voice tlioy have been crying out for for years.. This 'young lady has youth iind all.the attributes of the exceptional artist." Mr. Brownleo added that ho had clone nothing but throw cold water upon tho suggestion.that young artists should go Home tinder present conditions, but then he had not heard such an outstanding voice as Miss I'ratt's. Her, numbers' this evening will lio "My Dwelling Place" and "The Stormy MornIng" (Schubert), "How Changed the Vision" (Handel); "The-Praise of God" (Beethoven), etc. . Xew Zealand papers In places where Miss Pratt has appeared aro unanimous in their admiration of her bountiful contralto ! voice,, as., shown from ;.fhe. following taken at random from many cuttings:—"Miss Pratt has a beautiful contralto voice splendidly produced"; "Miss Pratt has a wealth and a 'reserve, of-, wealth in ii- contralto voice the Ilk-o. of which ive have. not. heard in years fur its comlilnntlon of range, evenness throughout, and immaculate trucness"; "Miss Pratt showed beyond doubt that Dominion talent Is fully deserving of the, praise and appreciation usually reserved for luminaries of overseas -concert platforms." Included in 'the programme will bo organ solos .on tho city 'organ by Mr. H. Temple White, who will play tho" popular "Curkoo and Nightingale Concerto" (Handel), etc., and ,part-sougs, choruses, etc,; by the choir of sixty picked voices; In order to give everyone the'opportunity, of .hearing this outstanding programme it has been decided to -have 500 seats availablo tonight at Is each.- : The doors'will open at J;is \>.m i • ~ . . ■ ...'-.'. ' 'I-. '. '■■■'..

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

A special .'programme-has * been arranged for the. Royal Roller RinK, Vivian Street, this evening, when a aiadhattersf carnival will bo featured; Everyone, will, ho wearing a hat, and a full pfogrannna of bright items will bo presented. The. "Strollers" dance band will present a special musical number; a spectacular exhibition of the latest gliding steps will he portrayed, .and the- evening's fun will terminate , with, a great battle of . streamers. Three prizes iwill he awarded', one for the largest hat. one fo» the smallest, and .another for the most humorous. Parents are reminded of the special sessions for children during the tcrni holidays, when every ichild .-attending (lie rink will:he given free, tuition by expert Instructors..-All care is taken of the juniors, and mtrcnts.need suffer no qualms as .to-their safety. ...

"ELIJAH.

For its first performance of the IK:', season the Itoynl WelthiKtoii Chora] 11111011 will produce .Mendelssohn's "Elijah" at tho Town Kail on .Saturday, .May 20, under the direction of 'Mr. John Bishop. The following soloists have been secured:—Soprano, Mrs. Amy Woodward; wmtnilto. Miss Mina Culdow. Auckland; tenor, Mr. Il;irold Prescott; harilone, Mr. Wilfred Kershaw, Imnedin. The chorus and orchestra of 2SO performers will be assisted hy Mi1. Lawrence Ilaggltt at the era nil organ. A rehearsal will be held next Tuesday at St. John's at S uVloi-fc. _