ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 130, 5 June 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. In "The Successful Calamity," tbe^George Arliss picture which is being screened for a further week at the Regent Theatre, the popular star Rives a performance in keeping with his great reputation. He plays aa the central figure la n very human story of a financial wizard who adopts a subterfuge to recapture the home companionship of which Ills riches have robbed him. The whole thing Is excellently done, and is entirely convincing, with the supporting players skilfully following Arliss's lead. Mary Astqr appears as Arliss's wife, Kvaiyn Knnpp as his daughter, and William Jsinncy as his son. David Torrence has an important part as n business rival, anil Grant Mitchell is a likeable character as the butler. The supporting programme Is unusually {rood, and athletes will be particularly Interested in the pictures of George Metcalfe, the record-breaking Australian jumper. The scenario of the film "Tonight Is Ours," which has been a great success wherever shown, is by Noel Coward, the famous author of "Private Lives," and "Cavalcade." In this Paramount picture, commencing next Friday at the Regent Theatre, the stars are all of the highest rating and they are Frederic March, Claudotte Colbert, and Alison Sklpworth. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. With the charming .Tosie Melville In the title role and a team of comedians headed by t.eorge Wallace and S.vd. Beck, probably the two most popular vaudeville comedians 'Wellington has known, the success of the pantomime Cinderella" at the Grand Opera House is assured. A packed house on Saturday night enjoyed to the utmost a show in which there was never a dull moment and in which rich humour, gorgeous settings, clever dancing by a beautiful ballet, and numerous special turns followed in rapid succession. The nursery story of Cinderella's royal conquest 13 used to secure a measure of continuity in an exceptionally fine vaudeville presentation. Josle Melville Immediately captures all hearts with her winsome charm, and the other principal parts are also excellently filled. George Wallace is seen at his best as "Buttons," and the return of Syd. Beck with his drolleries and mispronunciations is responsible for roars Qf lauphter. Thrilling acrobatics by a party of four, and the singing of a male quartet, are two outstanding specialty numbers. The show will bo continued during the week, with matinees daily. DE LUXE THEATRE. One at the soundest pieces of entertainment seen in Wellington for years Is "State Fair," now at the De Luxe Theatre. It Is the screen version of a novel which had sensational success, and it presents one of tho richest and most human rlcr tures that the screen has made. This story of a farmer who takes his family to the State Fair, and of the events which happen to each of them during their week at the Fair ground, is admirably conceived and excellently produced. Humour abounds in the picture, and the cast Is a splendid one. Will Rogers gives one of his very best portrayals as Abel Frake, and Janet Gaynor, Sally Eilers, Norman Foster, Lewis Ayres, and Louise Dresser complete a cast full of rich things and giving a lively and entertaining picture of a side of American life which Is remote from gunmen and penthouses. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A crowded audience on Saturday evening revelled in the mirtli and merriment of the breezy British entertainment, "There Goes the Bri.de." This brightest of shows introduces to Wellington audiences Miss Jessie Matthews, the most popular artist on the London stage today. It is small wonder she has charmed Londoners, for she possesses everything that makes for success in her art, and her performance is a most winning one. As the run-away bride-to-be she scored an immediate success. Her singing of the comedy song, "I'll Wait for You," is very catchy. Owen Nares, who stars opposite Miss Mattlucws, has never shown to better advantage. His performance Is a masterly one. From the time the "bride" begins her flight the fun becomes fast and furious. The second feature is "The Murder at Covent Garden," a solid story with an ingenious plot showing how African diamonds were smuggled into London. KING'S THEATRE. A thousand stories concentrated into the drama is unfolded on the screen at the King's Theatre. It is "Twenty Thousand Years in Sing Sing," said to be in many ways the most remarkable dramatisation of human emotions ever attempted. The screen play is taken from the hook by Warden Lewis E. Lawes, of Sing Sing prison, at Ossinlns:, New York, and while it deals with grim facts, lias been hailed as a. realistic document that is far more fascinating than the most colourful fiction. The picture condenses into one story the most dramatic and spectacular incidents in Mr. Lawes's career as warden. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Miracles on horseback, a fino cast, and a strong, exciting plot are features of "Silent Men," the new Tim McCoy-Columbia Western romance now showing at the Queen's Theatre. "Silent Men" follows tho standard of compelling plot and perfect casting upon which all the McCoy pictures are mounted by Columbia. McCoy flings himself in and out of the saddle, beats a couple of villains to the draw, and gets himself involved in one of the wildest and most thrilling battles of the screen. In addition there is being screened "The Blonde Captive." SHORTT'S THEATRE. Tractically every human emotion is visualised in "The Silver Lining," at Shortt's Theatre. In selecting a story, A.sr. Crosland has mingled the poor and lowly with the aristocratic, and blended happiness with a pathetic touch, humanising every element and individual In the story. He sought realism above all else. Maureen O'Sullivan, Betty Compson, John Warburton, Montagu Love, and Mary Doran head the cast. The second feature picture is "Ghost Valley/ described as "something new in Westerns." Tom fceene Is starred. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Zane Grey's "The Golden West" Is now at the- Britannia Theatre. Throughout this tremendous drama of the winning of tho American West runs a strong current of romance, of deep and enduring love, or self-sacrifice and devotion. Pathos, affect on that lasts through life until death, lovers inseparable; husbands, wives, and sweethearts pitted against tho terrors ot the frontier; the burning love of red man for white woman. The cast includes Janet Chandler, Marion Burns, Edmund Brecse, Emmett Corrigan, Bert Hanlon, Arthur Plerson, Julia Swayne Gordon, and Onslow Stevens. PRINCESS THEATRE. The thought of a prison football team is perhaps funny enough. But when it is carried out to the extreme in absurd equations, when the entire prison is given a collegiate atmos-) phera with bands, cheering sections, and an enthusiastic alumni with quaint and original methods of obtaining new gridiron talent, the basic idea easily becomes a laugh riot. Just how funny the whole nonsensical whim can be is demonstrated by the RKO-Radio picture, "Hold 'Km Gaol," now showing at the Princess Theatre, with Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Edna May Oliver, and Rosco Atcs in the leading roles. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. The. Samuel Goldwyn production "Cynara," with Ronald Colman and Kay Francis in the principal parts, is at the Artcraft Theatre. It will be shown for the last time tonight. •'The Faithful Heart," starring Edna Best and Herbert Marshall, commences at the Artcraft Theatre tomorrow evening. It is a film of the eternal triangle—with a difference. Written by Monckton HofTe, the play, destined to be regarded as the finest stage production of its year, had been declined by practically every manager and actor-manager in London. By a happy chance it fell into the hands of one or Monckton Hofrc's fellow authors, who, alive to Us possibilities, decided to produce it ot his own risk. Its success was immediate, Waverley Ango, the young ship's officer who trod the primrose path of dalliance, is played by Herbert Marshall. Edna Best takes the character of Blackie, the romantic barmaid,: and later of Blackle's daughter. Mignon O'Doherty Is Miss Gatterscombe, proprietress of tho Reindeer Inn; Diana Oughtcrson, the flanceo who Insists that Waverley shall choose between herself and the memory of his old love, is Anne Grey; and the Major and Sir Gilbert Oughterson are played by Lawrence Hanray and Athole Stewart respectively. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "They Just Had to Get Married," Unlversial comedy, concludes tonight at the Kilblrnie Kincma. This picture serves to bring together again as stars of the Mcture that clever comedy pair—Slim SummervHlc and JSasu Pitts. Summervllle's awkwardness Is a perfect foil for Miss Pitts's lackadaisical nervousness, and as man and wife they are the centre of a swift succession of hilarious situations. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A special benefit programme for the Bcrhampore. Free Kindergarten will be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. The principal attraction is "Night Raid," starring Eddie Quillnn and Sally Starr. The story is a decidedly humorous one, revolving around the hilarious adventures of a young man who finds he Is the guardian of a small baby. The cast Includes Frances Upton, Ben Bard, and John T. Murray. The supporting programme Includes a two-reel comedy, a special featuretto, a Patho Review, and an excellent neivsreel. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, "Cynara," starring Ronald Colman, will bo screened. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Peach o' Reno," the latest Wheeler and Woolsey comedy, will be shown at Our Theatre to night. It Is a unique burlesque satirising tho Reno divorce colony and demonstrates how lucrative can be the business of two enterprising young lawyers who advertise perfectly legal and satisfactory divorces for fifty dollars and no questions asked. Excellent supports complete the programme. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Face in tho Sky," an entertaining Fnx production featuring Marlon Nixon, Spencer Tracy, Stuart Erwln, and LUa Lee, is showing at the Capitol Theatre tonight. It Is the story of a travelling signboard artist's romance with a wistful llttlo country girl, and offers a brand new form of entertainment.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. There was another large audience at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday evening. The message of the main picture, "Prosperity," is that despite bad times, confidence and self-help are assets not to bo forgotten. Marie Dressier is cast as the manager of a private bank, In prosperous times she retires and gives over the control to her son John (Xorman Toster). The picture then switches aver to a most amusing wedding scene, the wedding being between. John and Helen (Anita Page), Helen being the daughter of Lizzie Praskins (Polly Moran), the oldest friend of Maggie Warren (Mario Dressier). Then the trouble begins for Mrs. Praskins is a most interfering mother-in-law. A strong vein of comedy runs throiißhout the film. The end is extremely clever Marie Dressier adds further to her laurels by iier acting In this film. There are excellent supports, including a scene in the local Majestic Cabaret. ST. JAMES THEATRE. In "Flesh" Wallace Beery looks a mountain of flesh, and wrestles like a demon, but he is the big man with tho heart of gold, and strikes the high notes of pathos and tenderness in his passion for Lora (Karen Morley). "Flesh," now at the St. James Theatre, is not only a "triangle" story (with Ricardo Cortez, crook, stealing the heart of the girl that Beery should have had), but is also a rather candid expression of opinion on American wrestling, from which it would appear that the German champion, when he comes to the United States, will get engagements only if he takes win or lose orders from the promoter. John Jllljan makes a good picture of a swindling promoter of wrestling matches. Enough has been said to show that If you want both love and war, go' to St. James. Also, if you want bodyline bowling, In fast . and slow motion, go there and see 90-mlles-an-hour Larwood and hear Arthur Mailey. Zasu Pitts and Thelma Todd appear In a comedy mix-up. Roland Young, the most engaging and polished of British comedians, and Genevieve Tobin, the diverting comedienne, have a hilarious time in "Pleasuro Cruise," • which commences at the St. James Theatre on Friday. "Pleasure Cruise" relates the story, of a young woman who decides to Inject some romance into her married life on ■ one of those liners whose principal cargoes are groups of pleasureseeking passengers. Her husband, a timm and credulous gentleman, is not entirely enthusiastic about his wife's taking a trip for the trip's sake. So, with benefit of disqulse and a somewhat' changed personality, he manages to become a steward on the very ship that is. to carry his wife on her quest for diversion The husband has the dubious satisfaction'of seeing his wife pursued by all manner of men, and of learning that she is not completely averse to the chase herself. There are a number of times when he would like to call the whole thing off, but finds that midocean is a bad place to do that. All the colour and action of a luxurious cruise have been captured In this picture, giving a vivid description of high life on the high seas. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre. Karori, an outstanding British programme "The Calandar will be screened. Dealing with the sport of horse racing, this is one of the most dramatic and entertaining yet produced. Of special interest is the reappearance of the. well-known British actor, Herbert Marshall, and of Edna Best. Attention is drawn to "Emma," which will be screened on Friday and Saturday. SEASIDE PICTURES. "If I had a Million," Paramount's fifteenstar drama which is regarded as the most ambitious undertaking ever turned out by Hollywood, will be shown tonight at the Seaside Pictures. Gary Cooper, Oeorge Raft, Wynne Gibson, Charles Laughton, Jack Oakie, Frances Dee, Charlie Ruggles. Alison Sklpworth, W. C. Fields, Mary Boland, Roscoe Karns, May Robson, Gene Raymond, Luclen Littlefleld and Richard Bennett —these stars, the largest group ever assembled for a single picture, play the leading roles. Comedy, tragedy, irony, and romance are combined in the story, which centres around Bennett, an eccentric millionaire who distributes hU fortune among eight persons whose names-he has chosen at random from a city directory. CONCERT AND JEWISH PLAY. Despite the inclement weather last evening nearly 400 were present at the Caledonian Hall, Sturdee Street, tho occasion being a concert and Jewish play given under the auspices of the Wellington Jewish Social' Club. Amongst those present were the Itabbi (the Key. Katz), Commissioner and Mrs. Wohlmann, Dr. Levy (president of the Jewish Club), and Mr. .T. Meltzer (chairman of the Jewish Club). The concert opened with a piano and violin solo, "Light Rhapsody Fourteen," by Mr. Haydock, senr. and Mr. Haydock, jun., followed by a Jewish recitation by Miss J. Aarons, duet by Mrs. M. Gotlleb'and Miss R. Phillips, baritone solo in costume, solo from "Barber of Seville" by Signor L. Cesaronl; soprano solo by Miss Ella Webster; violin solo, "Kol Nldrel." by Mr. Haydock, junr.; soprano solo, "EH Eli," by Mrs. A. Broit; and a duet from "Rißoletto," by Mrs. 'A. Broit and Signor L. Ccsaroni. All were splendid performances and were enthusiastically applauded. "Der Ames" (The Truth), a Jewish play In three acts, was a story of intermarriage, and introduced drama and comedy with good effect. A strong cast of talented amateurs performed admirably. The characters were as follows:—Mr. Stanton, Mr. S. Cross; Mrs. Stanton, Mrs. S. Klinbcrg; Lida Stanton, Miss Z. Goodman; Teesha Stanton,.; Mr. M. Temple; Christina, Miss Z. Goodman; Lalmach Clntz. Mr. J. Cohen; Sprlency, Jllss E. Goodman; Boruch Gerchonl, Mr. T. Broit; Rosa, Miss J. Aarons; Mark, Mr. M. Xowhouse; Benny, Phyllis Aarons; Judge, Mr. S. Cross; I Court assistant, Mr. B. Zucker; extras, Messrs. W. Franks and D. Helper. The stage manager was Mr. Z. Burlier, and the play was produced by Mr. H. Broit.