ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Issue 122, 26 May 1933, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Georso Aiiiss, whimsical, shrewd, and iurarlably polished, has perfected to a much greater degree than the majority of screen actors the subtle art of attracting tho lion's share of attention, even when he is not the central figure of a. film scene. In his latest picture "A Successful Calamity," which opened today at ' the Regent Theatre, tho characteristics which have made him immensely popular the world over are much in evidence, with the - result that tho film, tic mean production even without Sir. Arllss, is assured of an enthusiastic reception. As with ' the majority of Arllss pictures, "A Successful Calamity" is a combination of commonsense narrative and delicate humour, with Just enough sentiment to allow the principal actor to display his unquestioned skill in representing such moods. The supporting cast is particularly good. In particular, Mary Astor is excellent as the youthful wifo of a decidedly unusual millionaire. Arllss has tho rolo of a wealthy man who returns home after a prolonged absence. His family, while ploased to see him, make it apparent that his return cannot interfere with their social obligations, and tho millionaire flnd3 himself a stranger in his own home. He therefore adopts the scheme of pretending lo.be financially ruined, partly as a test of his family's affection and partly to try their loyalty. The results are surprising, and hare been cleverly handled to mako tho subject-matter of a delightful picture.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Excellent entertainment has been secured for the Grand Opera House, where "Man Wanted," Kay Francis's first starring plcturo for Warner Bros., will commence today. Tho picture was especially written for Miss Francis by an. anonymous author, with her particular charms,'talents, and characteristics taken into consideration and given full play. David Manners and Kenneth Thomson are seen as tho leading male supports of Miss Francis. Manners appears :.tn the role of her secretary, with whom she falls in lovo after tho infidelities of her 'husband, played by Thomson, are brought to light, ■-.....

. "CINDERELLA." Pantomime will arrive at the Grand Opera House on Tuesday in all Us glittering appurtenances. , It is "Cinderella," replcto with ugly sisters, and tho cat and legend of tlio glass slipper, which J. C. Williamson, Ltd., claims is the best pantomime staged during tile, past ten years. It even has the fairy ooaeli, a dazzling affair in silver, which Georgo Musgrave built for the late Nellie Stewart over thirty years ago. - The coach's new passenger is Miss Josie Melville, who charmed New Zealandcrs iv "Sally" some years ago, and who now returns to charm as Cinderella, a part sho played, with1 great success In Sydney, last year. ; The company is particularly strong as regards' comedians as the cast Includes Mr.Georgo 'Wallace,who will'appear as Buttons, Mr. Sydney Bock wi)l take the rolo of tho Dame, Mr. Maurice Barling will be Baron Hardup, Mr. Billy; Maloacy the Ugly Sister, Maurice Diamond the Cat, Murray and Walter the dancing horse, Fred Webber tho Klua Bat. Miss Miriam Lester will appear as Prince Charming, Miss Dorothy Dewar as Dandinl, Jlalda Jones as Goldy Loclss, Lily Molloy as Minnie Mouse, Cliff O'Keefs as the Demon King, and Miss Zara Stackpole as the Fairy Queen. The afternoon'; performance will ho an exact replica of that to be staged in tho evening, and lower rates will be charged, children'being' admitted'at half-price. Altogether, there, are over 80 paopl* in tha production, • including a full orchestra under the direction of Walter Beyaolds.-' ' ; . . ;

DE LUXE THEATRE. Theatre patrons will welcome the decision of tho management of the Do Luxe Theatre to'extend, the season of "Grand Hotel," which will commence its second week's.screening today. The popularity of the great picture will be realised when it «ls pointed out! that it is two and a half years since the management had to cope with such a hc;#!' demand for seats. After seeing "Grand Hotel" one is forced to tho opinion that the first rank of America's actors and expert photography can, when properly used, in a suitable 'Scenario, produce ' a film In which nothing may bo found to be lacking. The plot, which is tajien from Vicki Baum's novel, is one of human emotion. A handful of people take rooms in a great Berlin* hotel, people with tho rational instincts of their various typos— and the story/is launched. How they react to circumstances is skilfully told as the vivid scenes unfold. Greta Garbo as a Russian dancer has douo no better work, aa:l none more difficult. I'aul T. Cullen plays items on the organ that are very much to everybody's liking.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. When most of London's millions are sleepIng there is strife ami turmoil going on hidden from the eyes of. the tourist and the curious, and only at times visible to the custodians of tho }aw who guard the greatest metropolis in tho -world. The- latest British film which opens at the Paramount Theatre today, "When London Sleeps," is said to bo one of tho most "vividly entertaining picture plays of recent months." The English' beauty Diana Beaumont, is tho heroine, the Queen of Lambertl's Circus, and she with Beno Kay supply the feminine charm, whilo Harold French Is tho dashing hero, and that, great character-comedian, Ben Field, as "Laraberti," looks after the humour of the piece. There Is a sensational fire secne which is described as being realistic in the extreme and the escape of tho circus girl orer the telegraph wires Is another thrilling episode. The play will be introduced by an atmospheric prologue arranged by Mr. Paul T. Cullen, during which' the popular baritonemusician will be heard to greater advantago than ever in Harry Da cro's ballad hit of other days "While londori Sleeps." Pour supporting subjects will precede the main feature..

KING'S THEATRE. Showing twice daily, 2.30 and 8 p.m., at tho King's Theatre, is "Smoke Lightuin," starring George O'Brien. Taken from the Zauo Grey novel, "Canyon Walls," the story deals with the experiences of a roving cowpuncher and his pal who decide to appoint themselves guardians of a little girl after tho death of her father leaves her a wealthy orphan. The appointment does not meet with tho wishes of the sheriff, who covets tho girl's1 ranch. O'Brien is supported in this Western romance by Kell O'Day. The bos plans arc at The Bristol and the theatre.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "State Trooper," an engrossing, fast-moving melodrama of a ruthless petrol price-fixing war, is the current attraction at tho Queen's Theatre. Regis Tooinoy- and JJvalyn Knapp have tho leading roles in this Columbia ttlm. ably supported by a strong east, including Barbara Weeks and Raymond Hatton. The second attraction will be a thrilling railroad mystery1 drama, "By Whoso lfand," starring Ben Lyons.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Salomy Jane," in ' which Joan ' Bennett, Charles J'arrell, and Balph Bellamy have the leading roles, is now being shown at the Arteraft Theatre. Tho utory deals with tho days of California's eoM-mluing era. Farrell, pursuing tho man who betrayed his sister, has. trailed him to tho little settlement, near which Miss Bennett lives with her father. Sha 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 the Vigilantes, and. Miss Bennett's efforts to secure his freedom give rise to the gripping firawa of the climax.

PRINCESS THEATRE. ■ "Sherlock; Holmes,"' which Is based on cue of the later Conan Doyle Btorles, 13 bow being shown at the Princess Theatre. The title role is played by Cllve Brook. The absorbing plot deals -with tho masterly handling of a gang of American racketeers in JLondon by the great .detective. . A brilliant supporting east includes Ernest Torrance, Miriam Jordan, Reginald Owen, and Montague Shaw. There is a good supporting programme.

i BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Tho f hantom of Creslwood," which is now being shown at the Britannia Theatre, is described as the most ingeniouily contrived screen murder mystery over filmed. It is an Interesting bit of writing for several reasons. A beautiful girl Is murdered, twelve persons are suspected, and the mystery is solved without a detective appearing in the action. "The Phantom of Crestwood," which was Radio Pictures' prize broadcast special, features the lovely Karen JlorUy and Ricardo Cortcz heading an able cast of screen favourites.

: KILBIRNIE KINEMA. A drama of a house and tho people who frequent it—dangerous people who live on the ragged edge of the-law, ".Night After Night," featuring George Raft an<t Constanco Cummtngj, will receive its final screening at the KUbirnJe Kiuema tonight.' At the children's matinee tomorrow the attraction ; vfill be a whirlwind Western, "Texas ; Cyclone," ; featuring the screen's most virile personality Tim/McCoy. Of special interest in the ..supporting' programme is a Mickey Mouse,cartoon Jn tcchnlcolour. The feature picture at the evening session will be "Cynara," featuring two of the screen's greatest personalities, Itouald ' Colmau and Kay Trancls.*- - ■* ; < ■ '*■

SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Cynara," starring Ronald Coleraan, Kay i'rancla, and Phyllis Barry, is now being' shown at Shortt'B Theatre. The story concerns Itself with a rising young barrister who, against his: better judgment, permits his best friend to draw him Into an Innocent flirtation which turns out very disastrously for all hands concerned;* , It Is a quiet, human story, one which might have happened to anybody. There arc no melodramatlcs, no villains, no theatricals. There is a good supporting programme.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight a comedy riot, "They Just Had to Get Married," will be screened at the Regal Theatre. ; The -stars, Slim Sumruorvlilo and ■Zas,u Pitts, are cast as domestics who, on nc- ' coming wealthy, embark upon the sea of matrimony. The assisting cast is headed by Roland Younfr." Special supports" will bo Bcreened. On Monday mid Tuesday next "Tho Faithful Heart" will bc'scroeuod.

V OUR THEATRE, NEWToWn, "Call Her Ravage," Clara Bow's Drat starriiiK picture, for Tox Films, will bo shown at Our Theatre tonight. Gilbert Roland heads the supporting cast which also includes Tlielma Todd, Jlonroo Owsley, and Estclla Taylor. It is a. drama of tremendous force and power which unfolds a girl's life against the .-background of America's growth. Excellent supports complete the programme. I

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The thrilling drama, "The Bis Case" Is now being shown at tho Majestlo Theatre. In tho leading rdlo Is tho dare-devil, Clyde Bcatty tho famous trainer of wild animals. One hundred thousand dollars Is the value placed on his animal "act." The forty-three lions and tigers, which tho intrepid Bcatty works in a caged arena, aro insured for tills amount. When Beutty went to Hollywood to mako ills flrat screen appearance in the featured rolo of the Universal circus drama, "Tho Btg Cage," seven experienced animal men accompanied him from tha winter quarters iv Peru, Indiana, to' give scientific care to tho beasts during their stay in tho lllin capital. Zoological curators throughout the country agreo that theso forty-three lions, lionosses, tigers, and tigresses comprise tha most magnificent collection of such animals ever gathered together. Without exception, they aro boautiful specimens,, of Ereat size, averaging more thau GOO pounds In weight.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Tho Sou-Daughter," much heralded cinema version of the great play, with Jlcleu Hayes, heroine of "The Sin of Madelon Claudet," and Ramon- Novarro, is the new attraction at the St. James Theatre. Baaod on a dramatic situation, the" story, a drama of Chinatown, is enacted by an elaborate cast, all playiuj Oriental roles in a thrilling series of plots of revolutionists and tongs; spectacular celebrations, weird catacombs, and oilier authentic Oriental excitement. Bliss Hayes plays a Chinese girl who sells herself in a marriage auction to aid her. countrymen, bhc is magnificent in tho part, scoring a triumph greater even than that In her role of "Madelon Claudet," for which she won the acting honours of 1932. Kovarro, ns the lover, who rescues her from her predicament, suggests the Novarro of "Ben Hur"Mn the virility of his characterisation <if -tho' Chinese revolutionary. Excellent- supporting work'is- done by Stone; Warner -Olahd, Ralph Morgan, Louise Closser Haje, and U. B,; Warner., ■ " -■

ARTqBAFT THEATRE. ' "Jack's the Boy." 'the Gainsborough film, is now showing at the Artcraft Theatre.^ Tl ere has been nothing more breesy, jolly,- and entertaining.- It definitely establishes Jack Hulbert, part-author of its excellent scenario, and Cicely Courtncldge as screen corned ans whose com c inspiration amounts to genius. In them the spirit of true burlesque burns brightly, and with no forced flame.

EMPIRE THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. "War Correspondent/ starring Jack Holt and Kalph Graves, will be screened at the Empire Theatre tills 'evening. Against tho background of revolutionary China it tolls a story of a broadcasting war correspondent and a dating airman, who hate each-other, fight the same enemy, and lovo the same woman, in excellent supporting cast is headed by Lila ice. ane support! ug programmo includes two sound cartoons, a Cinesound Review, a further reel or screen snapshots, a Herald newsreel, and a Fox Australian newsreel. On Saturday arteruoon "War Correspondent" will be screened.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIBAMAB. "Hot Tepper," ii riotous comedy, featuring Edmund Lowe and Victor JlcLagleu in their roles of Quirt and Flagg, the undying marines, will be shown at the Capitol Theatre tonight. Lupe Velez and El. Brendel also take a prominent part in this picture, which,, in addition to providing wonderful comedy, also has a one blending of really clever singing and dancing. At the matinee tomorraw afternoon at 2.1 a o'clock Buck Jones will lie seen in "Forbidden Trail." Also Episode 10 of "Air Mail Mystery and episode 4 of "Terry of the Times," will be screened.^^^ mm __