ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 111, 13 May 1933, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

-,'■ , \ ~•• . RECENT THEATRE; ... : . ; ,; , . •;,':Hitilrilng; -aU the pathos and, drama of the opera,, with as little, as possible deviation from Ihe .original story,1 "Madame Butterfly,"' now showing- at1 tho Regent Thfcatre,; is a pleasant relief from the frequently mutilated American' versions of classics.' In tlitmie the story is: exactly the same; as m Puccini's opera and almost throughout the picture la acted against: a background of music largely from the opera itself. The producers have spared uo jmlns to obtain the-correct setting for "Madame Butterfly," and some of the garden and house scenes are really excellent. The story of Oho-Cho-Sanls one of the faithful love of a little Japanese girl'for a lieutenant in the American Navy, and ..as the Oriental raald Sylvia Sidney gives" a brilliant performance. She interprets the* difficult part with admirable taste. Not only does she look and act the part, but she, provides' with it a drama that is as affecting as it'is simple. There have been a few innovations by the producers, but these are mostly of a minor nature, and bo far from de-tracting-from the picture only add to its com-; pletcness..'Charlie Buggies plays the brief and humorous.'■'. pavt ■of Lieut,; .Barton, a co-, sailor with the "Honourable lieutenant B. F. I'inkerton/the;'whole, works," as Cho-Cho-Sau expresses it.' The -plot is based on the shore-! louve affottionsi. of Pinkcrton for the geisha Ultl,- Butterfly, while the* fleet, is in Ja'puu.' Then'he is forpeS to leave.' when the ships ,return to America, and ■..leaves Butterfly- to Wait for. him "until .the Robins nest.I. But it; is three years before he returns, and It Is' how with his American wife. With flue artistry Miss Sidney portrays the pathos of this discovery and finally dies by her father's Bword.. It Is a fine picture, finely acted. : J'here is a 1 good supporting programme. ■ . . : \< GRANi* OPERA HOUSE. \'\ . ..A ■picture that 'can 'wholeheartedly. be recon^ meiided is "Mr. Robinson Crusoe'.' at the Grand Opera Housi. ■ The "star is Douglas Fairbanks, who was-v most popular in the days, : of; silent pictures; but he is surprisingly good ln;f "Mr 'Robinson Crusoe," which; while being very entertaining for adults, is especially suit* able for children. Fairbanks is almost the whole box of tricks in this picture. He is east as a man! who for .a bet tries to duplicate; the existence of Robinson- Crusoe, tho odds; against him being that he will probably be roasted by cannibals. With a dog as his companion, he swimaifrom-a yacht to an island in the South Seas. Here he Introduces all the comforts of civilisation. Some of his efforts ev.oke gasps of wonderment from the audience. At the end of tho picture one of, the characters compares Fairbanks with Mussolini for his achievements, but a better comparison would be with Kdison, for the modern Robinson Crusoe makes a radio set and a most comfortable housq, shakes cocktails, and plays, golf over a nineteen hole course. He has a goat that provides him with milk, monkeys pick coconuts for him, and his dog flshea. A turtle is harnessed for turning a wheel. A savage visits tho Island and tries to exterminate Crusoo, and although the white man tries to persuade him (with wrestling holds) to stay, he docs not want to bo Mm Friday, and departs. But a beautiful native girl (Miss Maria Alba) itays, and the consequence is a very pretty Island romance. There Is much excitement in tho close of the .picture when tho cannibals arrive, and Fairbanks, quite in the styje of the old days, outwits them. The supporting players arc William Farnum, Earla Browne,, and many native chiefs, tribesmen, and Blrli. The supports include a Mickey Mouse picture, "The Klondike Kid," >a U.F.A. gem, "Gold-diggers In'Roumania," and an Australian newareel. The Roland Sextet appear on the stage, and play most acceptable Viennese melodies. OE LUXE THEATRE. Tho main featuro at tho Do Lu\c Theatre this week is furnished by that unique pair, of comedians, Laurel and Hardy,, In Metro-Goldwjn-Mayer's "Pack Up Your Troubles." Laurel and Hardy arc both masters of the art of strenuous living and if any -feared that their downright and forceful art would be scimewhat, ovorpowerlng In a long film that doubt was swept away last evenihg when an enormous audience paid tribute to the popularity of the .foremost comedians of the screen.. Laurel, mournfully defeated again and again by his own stupendous foolishness and Hardy, whose alertness of mln* is penalised by his physical lack of adjustment, combined here in what must pass as one of their best works. Few who sco this film' will bo able to forget tho scene where Laurel suddenly, sees two Hardies., or where 'llardjr is doing tho housework, of where that small genius of mimicry, Jacouio Lyn, tells a- bed-time' story untll Laurel falls asleep. The picture reveals the adventures of the unluoky pair during their term In the army during" the Great War, and also during the search > for the parents of a dead comrade whose child they have adopted. This Is one of, the richest comedies ior months. The supporting bill is of interest, containing the latest newsrccls, with a special Him of the California earthquake, a picture showing the world's dances, an "Our Gang" * comedy, "Readin' and Writin'," and a remarkable picture of a billiards champion In action. At the organ Mr. Paul T. Ctillen plays' and sines many songs, including some parodies of his own. "Grand Hotel," to bO'S^own next Friday at tho De Luxe Theatre, la f distinct triumph of the talkies. ■ The complete, product, viewed a* a whole, ,is ,bigger itharj,its amazlni caiit^ story, directorial effort,, fnd production! 'H Isquite the most artistic and worthy offering tho screen has known sinco tho advent of talkies, if not Inclusive of tho silent days. If for only the cast, boasting such stars as Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford, Wallace Beery; Lionel Barrymoro, Lewis Stone, and Jean Hersholt, tho picturisatlon of the famous Vlckl Biium novel would have, much to commend It as an outstanding picture. But, in addition to the magnificent characterisations, it has the superb mounting of imposing sets, splendid photography, and admirable direction by Edmund, Gouldlng. She film version cannot bo called a mere copy of the stage play. It Is Vastly more than that; i* 'act. It Is a combination of the original Mm and .the best that the theatre piece contalaed. It moves swiftly and permit* an unlimited scops of action, yet It never' goes outside the hotel In which the,entire story is, unfolded. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. For sheer brightness, and ' entertaining capacity It would ,be difficult to better Gainsborough's frolicsome musical «omedy, "Marry Me,'' now showing to bis attendances In the second week of ilta successful' season' at tho All-British 'Pwajnount The»tre. The piece is proof that In-the construction -of brilliant music and talking comedies tho English producer can more than hold his own with others. In "Marry Me,"; the humour and the incidental ljrics which »r« tuneful and catchy, are of the real British brand, Kcnate Muller, the lady Mar, is a firm favourite on account of her acting .ability, her nwect singing voice, and her most unusual personality. ' Harry Green is a great laugh producer in the character of "Bernstein," proprietor ef a marriago factory where matrimonial matches are made on short notice, and George Robey, as his principal 'client, a farmer, in search of a -wife with a fondness for. pigs, adds fuel to the fun. A 'decidedly food supporting programme is shown with the main -feature. > KING'S THEATRE. ''Jack Hulbert is featured In "Lore on Wheels,!' the current attraction at the King's, Theatre. This film Is a quick-action comedy full of racy humour and charming song num-1 ber». It is not difficult to Imagine Jack Hulbert's comicalities when one thinks of him as* a shop assistant in a. big store, whose particular job is to be fired whenever a customer cu-nplains. He desires to get on in the world, and one day to th« astonishment of the general manager, flres himself. The one-time shop assistant does eventually get a good position, but not before the onlooker has been treated to some very amusing incidents. Gordon Harker has an important role in this film. The box plans are at The Bristol and theatre. ' ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Nagana," featuring Tala Birell and Mel-: vyn toouglas,. which will be shown tonight at the .'Artcraft Theatre, is a vibrant thrilling love.'Tomance with a background presenting the picturesque interior of Africa as few pictures have done. No picture ever made has presented moro thrilling wild animal sequences, .and when a hundred ferocioiis beasts, including lions, leopards, and panthers, are, confined in' a singi* flimsy laboratory erected.in a native; rlllage, there follow hair-raising scenes, whichmust bo seen to be ■..,,; j

Majestic theatre. The Cohorts and the Kellys are seen in new surroundings at the Majestic Theatre. Kelly, having side-tracked tlio lady he married and divorced in eight hours, is settling down as master of a. harbour tug .with his daughtor ! Molly (Maureen O'SuMvaW; whfen Cohen, rich i and prosperous in ' all' ways, comes on the ■ seeno andVrevives the old rackety friendship, ,On tho very first night ashore they run lnt<j> i' the former Sirs Kelly, and the reason" for , the divorce Is made apparent, From that I moment onwards tlio fun is fast and furious1, ; and is intensified by tho rocky moving of Molly by the officer of a revenuo cutter, Kelly's natural, aversion for whom seems to bar the wedding. Kelly and Cohen conceive the brilliant Idea of chartering a millionaire's yacht on which to stage a plot to matry a half-wit Swedish deck hand, who is dressed up and presented as a fabulously, rich commodore, to the tireless lady in search of tha back alimony. When this falls flat, they lock the lady and Uio captain of a rum rummer below deck, and escape in a speed boat, in which Cohen starts oft so suddenly that he leaves Kelly behind on a dinghy. The hairbreadth escapes as Cohen dodges tho shipping vM\ Kelly doing a surf-board stunt astern provide ' some of theTnost exciting incidents in a stirring comedy. When all Is dark and the juieo has run out they Bteal a launch full of liquor, and Kelly Js ignomlnougly rescued by,Maureen s suitor. Amongst tho supports are "Single or Ma«ied,"J a musical sketch, and "The Lumber Chaftp," cartoon. "in the Wake of the Bounty," the outstanding- Australian production which will be presented at the St. James Theatre shortly, contains some exquisite views of tha South Seas. The picture vividly depicts tho glamour of irresponsible old Tahiti, Its beauty, its thrilling' dances, its quality of enchantment; with the drama of the mutiny of the Bounty jtist suggested sufficiently to give ft rear picture of Bllgh, the unfortunate commander, and Fletcher Christian,' tho misguided leader of the mutineers. »'ln the Wake of- tlio Bounty," "which is an extraordinary departure from the ■accented travel picture, was a, year In the .making. A beautiful beacli In, the; historic district of Faa was rented, with palm grove* and coral 'reefs complete, and it was here that the olden day*, when the names of Wallis, Cook, Bougainville, and Bllgh were syuonyt mous with this exotic Isle beneath the sun, were made to live again. The arrival at Pitcalrn was made- in open boats during a storm. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Constance Bennett is not always lucky enough to secure a good story for the pictures she Is put into, but in "Two Against the World" sho has a splendid story, nn appealing leading man (Xell Hamilton), and excellent support. In fact, St. James Theatre has secured a really good picture, In which the star is able to do herself justice. Bob Hamilton (Allen Vincent) shoots Victor Llnley (Gavin Gordon) on the plea that Llnley has dishonoured his sister. So Linley has, but not the sister that Bob thinks. Linley has dishonoured Corlnne (Helen Vinsen), to shield whom Dell (Constance Bennett) takes the blame But when tho bjame not only for dishonour, but for the murder itself, points in Dell's direction, her true lover, as the prosecuting attorney, -faHsto press the case and: thereby Incurs legal disgr&ee,-- but wins' Dell. Needless to add, tho l&wyer^loyer is flayed by Neil Hamilton. Wa; melodramatic •"trial, -scene" "picture like this.- some comedy Is Required,. and :,:,. Constance Bennett and Hamilton bring a greats deal of humour and smart;;'repartee . into their Joje-making. Few actresses are as ■clever as ahls one in eiving an < Impression/of sincerity, behind a veil of sophistication,1 and it is no drawback to this type of picture that .the star Is a pretty woman and a good dresser. A quite lengthy cast Is unusually efficient, ■ from the reporters right down to the lift-man, but the director has cut the police out of this murder Dlcture as being something quite unnecessary and a crime story without a detective has the merit of novelty. In the first part of the programme a travel picture, "Rome, was or Merest both ancient an<J modern, and bridged the Kan between Mussolini and the Caesars. "Adventures in Africa," one of the Hubbard series, is more of an aboriginal show, and less of a vdld beast show than usual, though it must be admitted that the aborigines did their best to' outdo the animals In wildness. Tlie Australian Gazette showed somo ■ effective An/.ac Day features and a keenly contested collegian rowing race on the Parramatta. A comPdy, "Stuck, Stuck, Stucco," and a musical item, "Municipal Bard," were also on the ,11st. - BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Wild Girl," In which Joan Bennett, Charles Firrell; and Ralph Bellamy have tho leading roles. Is now being shown a.t the Britannia Theatre. The story deals with the days of California's gold-mlnlng era, Farrell, pursuing the man who botrayed his sister, has trailed him to the little settlement near which Miss Bennett lives with her father. She has little Interest In her suitors, but suddenly changes her mind about men on Farrell's arrival. In attaining his revenge, however, he Becomes embroiled with tho Vigilantes, and Mlsi , Bennett's efforts to. secure,his freedom give rise to the gripping- drama of th» climax. • . SHOUTT'S THEATRE. rcilarllß ChaplUn^ great • picture, "City yUehts," which Ik***; being shown at iSSostt's The»trti\!s..s»ia to; be the last word 3 Irpantomlmlo^tfcnius. ""City Lights" Is■ an original idea and was. written by Chaplin. It Is a simple story of everyday life In any largo city, with a human treatment such as style for which this producer is noted, and, which he followed In his direction. There Is not a human voice used at any time throughout the picture, but the unique manner employed through Instrumental music, is declared to be a revolutionary step in synchronisation. A majority of all the music used throughout the action Is original and was created by Chaplin, and arranged by Arthur Johnston. • DE LUXE, LOWER HUTT. Screening at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, this afternoon,' tonight, and Monday night is "Fast Life," a breath-taking action Mm which has speed-boat racing as a background. William Halnes, Madge Evans, Conrad Nagel, and CHIT Edwards are featured. On Tuesday and Wednesday, William Powell and Kay Francis will be seen in a very modern and sophisticated play, "Jewel Bobbery," one of tho most entertaining films of the year. It is a gorgeously mounted and beautifully dressed show. "Hot Pepper" will be screened on 'Thursday and Friday. This daring'comedy features Victor Mctaglen and Edmund Lowe, as Flaggand Quirt, and'Lupe Velez, more Tlva'cious than ever. The .supports are excellent! WELLINGTON MALE VOICE CHOIR. One of the most successful organisations In the musical life of the city during the past twelve years has been the Wellington Commercial ; Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association Male Voice Choir. This body has now been reorganised and In future will be known as the Wellington Male Voice Choir. - All sections of the choir have been augmented by, the inclusion of new members) with good voices, thus securing a-better balance and blend, so that Wellington audiences are assured that the high standard of part-singing always'attained by this society will be continued and a concert *by the choir will bo a real musical treat. Thn first concert of the present, season and under the new name mill be gi\en In, the Town Hall Concert Chamber on ' Thursday evening next, ' "when a programme which should appeal to all taste* w]]l, be presented. Jor some months, under the conductorshlp of Mr. John Bishop, some Intensive training has been given, so that there have been prepared some very fine part songs which will ' show that the choir is capable of rendering efficiently numbers rangings from difficult grand opera choruses to those beautifully harmonised simple melodies which are always so popular. Amongst tho numbers to be presented are "Sailors" Chorus,' from Wagner's Opera, "The Flying Dutchman," de Rllle's "Hungarian . March," and Mendelssohn's great part song for male voices, "To the Sons of ,Art." ,i group of sea shanties, with Mr. Will Goudie as shanty man, will also be performed. The choir has been fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Andrl Bevin, a New Zealand contralto who has just returned from England and Europe, where she has hart, a very 'successful' period with a number nt musical socintieb. Another artist who will he "heard is the gifted young Wellington \lollnist, Miss Prue Lewis, who, of the yo-inger Wellington . performers. Is creating quite a 1 favourable-Impression.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. George Cooper, whose sensational stuntflying In "Sky Devils" makes audiences gasp for breath, Is a veteran of the World War air forces. While film-acting is Cooper's pro.r. fesslon, flying is his hobby—and between pic"turos' most.of; his time is spent at Southern California airports, and In the air piloting an aeroplane. The daring air/stunts In which Cooper appears in "Sky 'Devils'' were performed by the actor himself, and not by professional stunt-men. "Sky Devils,1' a Howard Hughes production, Is playing at the Queen's Theatre. Besides Cooper,. the cast Includes Spencer Tracy, William Boyd,,' Ann Dvorak, Billy Sevan, and ;Yola D'A'vrll. ' BROOKLYN PICTURES. Tho main attraction at the Brooklyn Pictures, is the RKO special, "Bird of. Paradise,"' featuring Dolores Del, Bio mid Jpel : JlcCrea. It Is a powerful story packed with action,.and together with a. selection ..of ' special supports makes ah. excellent programme.:; ■ '. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY., A double-feature programme will be screened at the Empire: Theatre this evening.. The principal attraction Is a musical comedy entitled "Lucky Girl." Gene Gerrard plays tile leading role,'and supporting him are Ous McNa'ughton, Molly - Ldmnnt, and Spencer Trovor. Gerr«rd plays the part of a young man who succeeds to the.throne of a smalt, and.impoverished king: dom. and : his, subsequent adventures .occur when he endeavours to "raise the wind" on the Crown jewels. Several catchy dance numbers are, featured in the production, :Tho.second attraction, is' "England Awake." A* large and well-varied supporting programme has been arranged. '■■ ■■:-' .■.-•■■• ...; . .-' ';.' ■ '■'.' -. * '.' SEASIDE PICTURES; LYALL BAY. "Me And: Jfy Gal,": the' To* comedy-drama to be shown tonight at <the Seaside Pictures, brings Joan Bennett, and Spencer Tracy to the screen'in.a picture that is-said to be gripping In Its]lntensity,-yet,uproariously amusing, r It depicts.. (he. adventures : of: a young radio'car detective in ;his' quest of;,•>:band of crooks , and his excursion into the: realms of rdniancb. •'' <' '; y' * " ' OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. * George O'Brien and Maureen ! O'Sullivan head the cast In "Bobber's .Boost," the Fox Films attraction to be shown at Our Theatre tonight. It is an intriguing Zane Grey story of a wealthy and an -unsuspecting British rancher,. a rascally foreman, a. fugitive who joins tho foreman's gang of rustlers, and the ■rancher's lovely young sister. Excellent supports complete the programme. KILBIRNIE THEATRE. More than any other living comedian, George Wallace has the faculty for making his face express varying emotions. Yet behind It all there is just the touch of the pathetic which plays upon the sympathies of his audience and makes it like George_as well as laugh at and with him. "Harmony Bow," George Wallace's second starring picture for Efftee Films, promises to be even funnier than "His Royal Highness." He will be seen in "Harmony Bow" at the Kilbirnio Theatre tonight. PRINCESS THEATRE. . "Thirteen Women," starring Irene Dunn and Bicardo Corlez,' which is now being shown at the New Princess Theatre, reveals the harm that can be.wrought by the "predictions" ,of those who claim. they ■ can foresee the. events of the future. A group, of young women;.who had finished, college together, are pursuing the normal' paths Of life when a diabolical Influence creeps into their midst. "The Halfnaked Truth," featuring Lure Velez and Lee Tracy, will: also be shown. • REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Kegal Theatre, "The Ghost Train," featuring Jack Hulbert, will be screened. This picture is one of the most outstanding this cheery English comedian has yet made. The scenes are laid In a haunted railway station. Supporting Jack Hulbert will be Cicely Courtneldge 'and an. all-star British cast. Special Supports :■,will include a Fpx newsreel .anoJva/Clncsoundyilustfallan Review. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Clara Bow.makes a .startling return to pic* tures in 'X'all' Har Savagtil" tyhlch is showing at the Capitol' Theatre tonight for1 the last, time. Others taking' prominent Tiarts in the picture are Thelma Tpdd, Estelle Taylor, Monroe Owsley, and Gilbert. Jtpland,.:,Clara ', Bow in, this film reveals'an entirely-new: personality In a vivid portrayal that takes :her from wild, care? free days on a.'Q'exas ranch to the gay spots' of New Yprk> night We, frpin hectic hours with' a worthless' husband to. the dire■■'necessity o! providing forj ia ; tjlcfc baby ,wh«n. :she In penniless; unknown, wandering 'the-: streets of New Orleans. :-,..' " ;.;., :■■' ■.=■■•■■■.■■,■"■.■.->•■•-'■ ";■'•: ■; .''■■-:;::■■•' :• *■ ■^IBLiMH.^': '-'.''-v-;/-;''.;V'fi Mendelssohn's famous oratorio, "Elijah*l-' to be given in the. Town Ball next Saturday by the Royal Choral Union under the direction of Mr. John Bishop; promises i;:to rival »ome of the best concert* the society-has yet slven. The public will note: with 'pleasure, thin -names of tho. principals who have, been engaged to take the principal pirt«. ;|ir»; .rAm>-Woqd.wWd' Will undortake; the-soprano role.-.Mlsj. MlnaCaldOTF,, of Auckland, li»v:t*>:: siirtain: thjf.' mUsici •wr'Ujenfor:thc'«nttaHb,'Mr#|taj*t<!f ; H»scdtt>':pT-;O»ejft mouuii;»^ho' is : tßgajfflTOi'i^'.flnte-pf^jlie■'BßSi't oTatprr0i:'ien[drsT:.iir--Hiiii;itiiiliilah^.'hM- l 'a'lßA'.t()6ii. engaged, and the baritone part will be in the safe hands of the promising Diinedln singer, Mr. Wilfred KershawJ The mezzo role will be Bung by' Miss Iris Potter, and that of the youth by Master Noel-Jennings. The box plan will open at the Bristol on Wednesday,next at 9 o'clock. A full rehearsal will take place next Tuesday In St. John's Schoolroom at .7.30 p.m. ROYAL ROLLER RINK. '■ A special programme Is advertiaed to r take place at the Royal Roller Bink. Vivian Street, this evening when the first heat of the gliding partners competition Is to ■ take place. Valuable prizes »rebelne awarded for this event, and a large number of entries is anticipated. The Strollers Dance Orchestra wllliSipply the musical programme, and also lead tlife*^ community singing-The programme will also tacludo the usual Monte Carlo, two-step partners, and .reverse partners. Special children's sessions are held every morning and afternoon from Monday to Friday, and the juniors are well catered for at these sessions.,'■ On Wednesday afternoon two .special features are to take place; for the girls, a prize is being offered for the most graceful skating, and the boys will have a chance at depicting their speed in n quarter mile race, for which a prize will also be' awarded. j:• •' ' \ ;; ' ;^'MAJESTIC LOUNGE. ■'■■ ''[, ' , Patrons;of'the MajestiiJ Lounge and Cabaret, who were so'delighted with the first of the special gala flights held recently, will Se interested in the announcement. that the second of the series is to be held next Wednesday night, it will, be in the form ■ of' a "Gtansd Hotel Night," lasting from S o'clock to. 1 a.m., and It promises to. eclipse the success of Its predecessor.' Prizes' will be'offered for the : two J ladles chosen by the judges as most closely ■ resembling the personalities of Greta Gar bo., and Joan Crawford, - the contest being decided-;,not ! ni<rely, on.,,facialv-likenesses, ;but on forms',:of Sress and ' poise >', customary'.'with the stars" concerned^ Guests' will,'have an op-i portunlty of 'signinjf the I'Grand.: Hotel H«» glster/', which" I» to b* forwarded 'to. Miss Joan Crawford in Hollywood. Iheri will be a variety of novelty acts, including dances,: songs, and ballets. The Majestic Cabaret Band will provide the latest dance hits, and-a special "cabaret supper" will be served. From todiy Miss Haze\ Martin's "ttlny Tots' Ballet" will appear at the"afternoon tea" session and will feature throughout, the week. From this evening Miss Martin will be seen In novelty solo dances, and with her, pupils in an Irish scena..- . .■•/..; ~ ; SKATING RINK. .^Tonight's session at tlie Glide Skating Bink, LamMon Quay, will bo th« usual late session, specially' extended to 11 p.m. The Vagabonds ■Band, .a/new-combination of instrumentalists and under new leadership, will feature popular hits. ,N,ovelty items will also be introduced. During the term holidays the usual concession .tickets to scholars sre' available at the ..Glide.''*