ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 108, 10 May 1933, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. In "No Man o£ Her Own," which Is at the Regent Theatre, Clark Gable is proving his popularity. As Jerry Stewart, a gambler for high stakes, who lost only when he wanted to, he gives a splendidly thought-out characterisation that must rank with his best efforts. The action is swift moving. Carole Lombard, as Connie Candall, the girl he falls in love with even to the extent of renouncing his unlawful ways, gives him excellent support in a most charming manner,- and Dorothy Mackaill, looking as beautiful, as ever, completes a triangle which brings the complications of love for the first timo into Stewart's life. The plot is simple in its essentials, but always iuteresting, and the dialogue is particularly good, full of the deftest touches and bright humour. The well-chosen supports includo an excellent Mickey Mouse, cartoon and a "bouncing ball" song scena. "Madame Butterfly." Paramount's "Madame Butterfly," with the wistful-faced Sylvia Sidney in the title role, will open at the Kegent Theatre on Friday. Miss Sidney is "Madame Butterfly" to the life. Her performance is always completely engrossing in its simplicity, conviction, and restraint. There is ■no doubt that the Hollywood salons, in making the year's best-acting awards, will give more than a passing thought to the actress who i.pv brings this immortal classic to life for tae millions of nlmgoers. I'aramount has set the story against a lavish background of music from the Puccini opera, and has given it a thoroughly competent cast. Cary Grant, the dark-haired, stalwart young leading man, who made, such an impression in "The Blonde Venus," is cast as Lieutenant B, F. Finkerton. Charlie Ruggles has an effecti7e comedy role, especially written into the picture for him. Irving FUchel Is a convincing 'menace," and Sheila Terry:—a newcomer, but quite easy to look upon—Edmund Bree.se, Helen Jerome Eddy, Sando'r Kallay, Judfth Vosselli, Louise Carter, and Dorothy Libaire, late of the Broadway stage, are uniformly effective. Marion Gering directed from the story by John Luther Long.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Sydney Howard, tho inimitable comedian, and Joan Wyndham, are in the star roles' in "Up for the Cup." which is running successfully at the Grand Opera House The story tells of the experiences the couple have when they follow the Lancashire team to the cup final at Wembley. In- the first place, John William loses his Job at the mill, where in the course of his work he has invented an Improvement In a machine. He offers his invention to another firm, and meanwhile eoes tc-ijjjondon for the cup final. From then the drama is well worked out, and the humour is delightful. Tho supports include "Partners" (ai comedy), and some musical items by the Roland Sextet of violins, 'cello 3, and piano. "Mr. Robinson Crusoe." Douglas Fairbanks appears as a modern Robinson Crusoe in his new starring vehicle, "Mr. Robinson Crusoe," which will open at the Grand Opera House on Friday. This production deals with the experiences of an adventurous sportsman who isolates himself on a South Sea island to win a bet. With nothing but a toothbrush and his faithful dos, he comes to grips with Nature in the rough, encounters cannibals, and no end of harrowIng experiences.

DE LUXE THEATRE. The story of "Humanity," which Is at the Da Luxe Theatre, Involves the contrasting environment of tho very poor and the very rich. Through all runs an unusual romance. The key of the plot is blindness to the high professional Ideals of his physician father in a young doctor. The cast, headed by Balph Morgan, Boots Mallory, Alexander Kirkland, and Irene Ware, excellently portrays a vivid group of characters. The long supporting programme, including a full-length picture, "After Dark," is very good. Mr. Paul T. Cullen sings and plays at the organ in fine style. The popular refrain, "Pack Up Tour Troubles In Tour Old Kit Bag," and "Smile, Smile, Smile," will assume hilarious proportions when Laurel and Hardy shuffle aimlessly on the screen of the De Luxe Theatre on Friday, in. their latest feature comedy, "Pack Up Tour Troubles." It does not seem possible that two men. Idly ambling' about with nothing to do, could continuously arouse roars of laughter. Tet, they perform -the trick neatly and with dispatch. It is no mean feat, from what has been said about comedy production, to maintain a steady pace of fun- throughout seven long reels. Yet that Is exactly what Laurel and Hardy accomplish. Perhaps ln^rio other feature made since the advent of lalkies is ther« as little, dialogue as in the latest Laurel and Hardy full-length comedy feature." The comedians believe in using dialogue sparingly, and only when pertinent to the actions.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The British musical comedy, "Marry Me," Is delighting large audiences nightly at the Paramount Theatre. There is a freshness about this piece that is invigorating. It has Us dramatic moments, but these are overshadowed by Its numerous fun-producing seclions which are frankly devoted to entertainment. Kenate Muller, the popular acting and singing star, Is the life of the show, and her sweet rendering of .the funeful melodies, "Will Somebody, Somebody Marry Me," "A Little Sunshine in Your Heart," "You Are: So Wonderful to Ms," »nd "Early Bird," find great favour with her »udiences. Harry Green, as Bernstein, the proprietor .of a matrimonial agency, who exhibits would-be brides to prospective husbands per medium of the screen, and George Kobey, as a farmer in search of a wife, who "must be fond of pigs,' together with Billy Caryll, all contribute towards making "Marry Me" the enjoyable show it is. The supporting subjects are also .good.

KING'S THEATRE.' There Is' a predominating «en*« of uncanny mystery 'throughout the spectacular and effective screen Terslon of "The Ghost Train, which Is bciOß shown at the King's Theatre. The director, Walter Forde, who Has kept all the humour and thrills of the play, has succeeded In making a film which will make your flesh creep even more so than It did when "The Ghost Train" was produced as a silent picture. The characters, Including Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtncidjc, are excellent.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Feats of daring and banditry on the borderland lead to spine-tingling situations In "Come On Danger," which is now being shown at the ■ Queen's Theatre. Tom Keene, hero of many successful tales of the great outdoors, is the star. Playing opposite him Is Julie Haydon, cast in the role of a gun-woman who rules a renegade band. Rosco Ates pro-. Tides tho comedy relief. In addition, the stage hit "High Stakes" will be screened. It features Lowell Sherman and Mac Murray. More than 50 aeroplanes take part in the spectacular flying sequences of "Sky DeTils," which will be shown at the Queen's Theatre on Friday. Spencer Tracy, William Boyd, and George Cooper play the title roles in this spectacular air-farce, and Ann Dvorak is the leading lady. Tola D'Avril and Billy Bevan are in tho supporting cast.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Michael and Mary," from the play by A. A Milne,, and starring Edna Best and Herbert Marshall, will be shown tonight .it the Artcraft Theatre. This picture, which Is »ti outstanding film from any angle, is regarded as having definitely lifted British screen entertainment to a new height. The story contains a moral which is brought to the screen with the freshness of * spring morning. It li a picture which everyone will understand.

PRINCESS THEATRE. "I Take This Woman," in which Gary Cooper and Carole Lombard play the leading rol««. Is now being shown at th« New Princess Theatre. It is the ttory of a society Klrl who tricks a carefree Westerner into falling In love with her, and then dlscorers that she has fallen In 16t« with him. The second feature is a British picture, "Insult," starring Elizabeth Allen, Hush Williams, and John Glelgud. It 13 a dramatic story of a handful of whites In a naUre colony. .

SHOBTT'S THEATRE. The principal picture now showing at Shortt's Theatre, Is "Ebb Tide," featuring Dorothy Bouchler, Jean Barry, and George Barraud. It Is fin absorbing drama of London's waterfront In which two girls fight for the lov« of one man. The second attraction is "The Conquering Horde," in which the chief roles are taken by Richard Aden and Fay Wray. The story concerns the stirrinz days after tlio American Civil War.

BRITANNIA THEATRE. The Great Decision," starring William Boyd, Chic Sales and Dorothy Sales is now being shown at the Britannia Theatre. It Is the- story of lawlessness 1u i small town and is crammed with action and excitement. The second big picture Is "Are These Our Children?" featuring Erie Linden, Mary Korman, and Arllne Judge. The picture contains many powerful scenes and is splendidly acted by a talented cast.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. "A Bill of Divorcement, 11 which will be shown at' the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Pay, tonlEht, Is the powerful story of conflictinj sacrifices and conflicting loves of two women bound to the life, of a man. The. central character of this RKO Radio picture Is played by John Barrymore. Billie Burke and Katharine Hepburn are in support. Others of note are in the largo cast. There is a cood supporting programme.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. One of the finest comedy, teams' of the screen, Slinv Summerville and Za'sii Pitts, with; whom are associated Roland' Young, C- Aubrey Smith, Fill D'Orsay, and Sue .Collins, :wlll be Seen tonieht at th« Capitol Theatre In the most laughable comedy, "They Just Had to Get Married." Slim and Zasti first as butler and maid are funny enough, but when they become the bashful bride and groom the fun and laughter really start, especially when "Slim"' Rets entangled with another woman.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "What Price Hollywood," Constance .Ben-1' nett's 'latest picture, will be shown at Our Theatre tonight. It Is a sweeping panorama of the film- city coupled with the story of the meteoric rise of » waitress to stardom. Jibs' Bennett depicts the waitress, and is ably supported by- Lowell Sherman. Eicellent lupports complete tht programme.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Tho Monkey's Paw," at. the Majestic Theatre, is a dramatic offering that allows the author, Mr. \V. W. Jacobs, plenty of scope to display his talents. The leading roles are admirably acted by C. Aubrey Smith, Ivan Simpson, Betty Lawford, Bramwell Fletcher, and lonise Carter. In addition, there is a synchronised release of "Easy Street," one of the best comedies ever released by that inimitable comedian, Charlie Chaplin. After seeing "Easy Street," one gains the impression that tho groat Chaplin never has had, and probably never will have, either an .equal or a rival The other supporting items, are well up to the standard set by the main attrac°'The Cohens and Kellys in .Trouble," starring George Sidney and Charlie Murray, will open on Friday at the Majestic Theatre. Sidney and Murray have a splendid supporttn" cast, which adds much to the production. Among those who add to the laughs are Andy Devlne, Jobyna Howland, Maude Fulton, and Henry Armetta, while Frank Albcrtson and Maureen O'Sullivan are the vounc lovers. The story concerns Patrick Kelly, tug-boat . captain, and Nathan Cohen, retired business man, who conies to see lunv after an absence of many years. The men are just starting to have their fun when a young revenue officer falls In love with Kelly's daughter, unknown to him—and . Kelly hates revenue officers. Kelly's ex-wife also appears to collect alimony, tho men are suspected of rum-running,, and a general complication starts.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Norma Shearer charms the audience with her ac'tini' lii "Smtlin' Through," at the St. James Theatre. SliarinK the honours with her are Fredrtc March, excellent as Kenneth Wayne, Leslie Howard, who is admirable in the difficult role of Sir John, and 0. P. Heggio as Dr. Owen. "Two Against the World," starring Constance Bennett, which comes to the St. James Theatre on Friday, carries one of the most unusual themes ever presented in either story or picture form. The climax of the plot comes in a Courtroom sequence* In which the heroine's brother is on trial for. murder. The. girl, played by Miss Bennett, Is confronted by the choice of keeping silent and letting her brother pay the penalty of murder, or of taking the blame for the guilt of her married sister who is too cowardly to. confess her contribution to the murder. The girl makes the sacrifice of her own honour in the presence of the man she loves, destroying, as 'she believes, all hope for happiness. She is supported by a cast of noted players, including Neil Hamilton. Helen Vinson, Gavin Gordon, and Allen Vincent. The story is taken from the novel of Marion Pix and Jerry Horwin, which had a popular sale.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Spencer Tracy plnys the loadlns role in "Me and Jly Gal," which is to be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. The story revolves around the romance of a cashier and a young detective. The picture depends, for the greater part, on its comedy, and the dialogue is truly amusing. Joan Bennett heads the largo supporting cast, which includes J. Farrell Mac Donald and Henry B. Walthall. Two special short featurettes and two Fox Movietone newsreels complete . the programme. On Friday and Saturday Gcno Gerrard will be seen in "Lucky Girl."

SPIVAKOVSKY-KURTZ RECITALS. Tomorrow 'night at the Town Hall the renqwned Spivakovsky-Kurtz Trio will give their first concert in New Zealand. Concerts will also be given on Saturday and Monday evenings. These throe eminent musicians have been playing together in Europe for the last two years, and have just concluded a highly succossful season in Sydney before coming across to New Zealand. Commenting on the tlrst performance in that city tho "Sydney Morning Herald" said:—"All three are brilliant executants. They are also fine and sincere musicians. Besides the surface glamour of glorious tone, superb' agility, and impeccable polish, they have that deeper charm which comes from thoughtful realisation of the composer's Ideas. Every movement of their interpretation was exquisitely alive. Where opulence of tone seemed called for, It came forth in full measure. There was infinite variety of expression and unfailing emotional quality, yet everything was done with flawless taste." The Wellington programmes will each contain a proportion of new, or at least unfamiliar, music, and each artist will be heard in a group of solos as well as1 In the ensembles.