ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 136, 12 June 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Unusually well done as regards its acting r and presentation is "Tonight Is Ours," the cur- f rent attraction at the Regent Theatre. The c liicture is adapted from a play by Noel Coward, s aud this fact alone should commend it to film- 1 goers. Cluudetto Colbert and Fredric March ' have the leading roles, and their talents are i exploited to the full. The story centres around 1 the love of a woman of royal blood who has i waived her responsibilities and is pleasure- ' seeking in Paris, and a commoner. The couple s meet by chance- at v ball, and after.au evening spent in chasing around the French capital in a giddy and ecstatic manner, romance begins to blossom. On tho very day of the wedding, however, Fate intervenes. The bride-to-be Is j called back to her country to reign as queen, ( and she becomes a party to a royal betrothal, t .Many complications and unusual situations foi- ; low, and just as happiness seems to bo well ' out of the grasp of those concerned, an un- >. expected climax changes the whole situation, i Claudette Colbert, as the queen, plays her part i with real understanding of .its demands, while > r-'redric March gives his usual finished per- ; forniance. 1 "The End of the Rainbow." Richard Tauber, the world's greatest living '; tenor, on whom is said to have- fallen the ; mantle of Enrico Caruso, is coming to the Itcgeut Theatre on Friday, iv his first feature screen production, "End of the Rainbow." This rarest of rare glittering gems of entertainment, adapted from Tauber's own romantic life, is ' a story of beauty and slrength—a story written for all mankind so that the nations of the : world might know this golden-voiced genius better. DE LUXE THEATRE. Based on the novel by Phil Strong, "State Fair," is now in ils second week at the lie Luxe Theatre. The story is a vivid glimpse of real life as it is lived by the family of an American farmer. To thorn the biggest event of the year is the State Fair. For Abel Jfrake (Will Rogers) it means the chance to realise the ambition of a lifetime—tho gaining of the championship award for his prize Hampshire boar. For his wife (Louise Dresser) it means a chance to display her skill as a housewife, and for their daughter (Janet Gaynor) and son (Norman Foster) it opens up visions of a life they have so far only dreamed of. And so the State Fair realises aU the individual ambitions of this typical family. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The last four nights of "There Goes the Bride," the lightheartcd fllm at the Paramount Theatre, about a runaway bride who' meets a handsome bachelor, is forced by circumstances to stay at his apartment, and finally finds herself posing as his fiancee, while rewards for information as to her whereabouts arc offered, and all Paris is searching for her. Jessie Matthews is admirable as the star. Her singing and her acting are of the highest grade. She receives able support from t Owen Nares and a strong cast. A second ' attraction Is "The Murder at Covent Garden," with Dennis Terry and Anne Grey. Next Friday at tlie Paramount Theatre will witness the first showing in New Zealand of Edgar Wallace's "The Flying Squad," a fine story, and a deserved tribute to the wonderful work of the London police and the up-to-date methods of Scotland Yard. KING'S THEATRE. "^Prosperity," with Marie Dressier as a mother-in-law battling with another mother-in-law (Polly Moran) is the current laugh attraction at the King's Theatre. The story, written especially for the popular comedy team, depicts the amusing events which follow upon a marriage which brings about an intense rivalry between tlie respective mothers-in-law. Fine character work revolves about Miss Dressler's efforts to save hor son's reputation by a tragic attempt to collect on her insurance. Box plans are at the Bristol and theatre. ' QUEEN'S" THEATRE. Tom Keene's conception of the perfect outdoor picture Is his latest starring vehicle, "The Cheyenne Kid," which has scope, action, and beautiful settings and is peopled with natural human beings in adventurous roles. It is now showing at tlie'Queen's Theatre, together with "Girl of the Rio," starring Dolores Del Rio and Leo Carillo iv a romantic story. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Love on Wheels, " now being screened j at the Artcraft Theatre, is a real comic oper- , retta, in which the characters are interpreted with artistry and charm. A plcturlsation of Zane Grey's famous novel, "The Golden West," will be made at the Artcraft Theatre tomorrow evening when the customary bi-weekly change of programme takes place. The film has been described as the Fox Studio's outstanding western picture of 1932, and the first production of its type in which the acknowledged king of western stars, George O'Brien, has appeared. The story'is a heroic classic of the West, with immenso spectacular effect, and a glorious romance. Janet Chandler and Marion Burns have prominent parts. PRINCESS THEATRE. A side of international politics different from the one usually seen is presented in "Six Hours to Live," at tho Princess Theatre. It shows stronger nations 'imposing their will, by force of might, although it may mean the absolute ruination of smaller countries. Warner Baxter Is cast in the role of representative of a tiny republic who battles vallautly against intrigue and plots. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Tho cast of "They Just Had to Get Married," a hilarious farce comedy at the Britannia Theatre, includes many well-known comedians who have been stars in their own right. There are Slim Sunimerville, Zasu Pitts, Flfl D'Orsay, Roland Young, C. Aubrey Smith, Henry Armetta, and James Donlan, all well-known and popular comedians. This picture runs the whole gamut of comedy. SHORTT'S THEATRE. The chief picture on the new double programme at Shortt's Theatre is "The Vice Squad." A modern problem .that has aroused considerable interest is made tho basis of this new Paramount drama. The story casts an illuminating light on a comparatively little-known side of American metropolitan life. Tho second feature is the gripping drama, "Madison Square Garden," with Jack Oakie and Marion Nixon. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The Fox Film's comedy romance "Face in tho Sky" is being shown at Our Theatre tonight. Spencer Tracy, Marian Nixon, and Stuart Erwln have tho leading roles in this tale of a travelling young, signboard artist, whose dreams of marrying an heiress fade when he falls in love with a little country girl. Excellent supports complete the programme. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Two special productions will be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. The first production is "Whiteface." starring Gordon Harker. Adapted from the- story by Edgar Wallace it possesses a mystery theme such as only the great Wallace was capable of devising, Norman McKinnel leads the supporting cast. The second production is "Lord Babs," starring Bobby Howes. On Wednesday and Thursday, "Xagana" will be screened. SEASIDE PICTURES. If a cast consisting of the best combination of comedy talent in British studios Has anything to do with the success of a fllm farce, "His Wife's Mother," which i 3 showing at the Seaside Pictures tonight, should be a riot. Every member of the cast is an outstanding performer. Gus McNaughtou has the starring role of an impeccable valet, Joy, which gives him his greatest opportunity to date. Jack Hobbs, Jerry Verno, Marion Dawson, and Jimmy Goddcu are others in the cast. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "The Flag Lieutenant," starring Henry Edwards, will be screenod at the Regal Theatre, Karori, this evening. The story is about a happy-go-lucky young naval offlcer who gives credit for a heroic action to a friend. British battleships and aeroplanes figure in tho fight scenes, which are full of thrilling action. Anna Neagle and Peter Gawthorno head an excellent supporting cast. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Boris Karloff goes through amazing adventures In "Tho Mask of Fu Manchu," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's film version of Sax Rohmer s thriller, which will be shown for the.last time tonight at tho Kilbirnle Theatre. The fantastis laboratory of the "death ray," the lost tomb of Ghengis Khan in the Gobi Desert, and various other uncanny details play a part in the strange story. MAJESTIC CABARET NIGHT. A special cabaret night, the third and probably tho best of the series, will be held at the Majestic Lounge, and Cabaret on Wednesday evening. Th.o--Jiou.rs between 9 p.m. and 2 a m promise to be one long session of merrymaking and jollity. Many novelty acts will be presented. Gwen Ward, of Sydney, will give a snappy and unusual staircase tap-dancing act and novelty numbers of Dora and Gordon llln'ns, small pupils of Miss Eva Draper, will also be presented. They nrc said to bo the youngest and smallest demonstrators of ballroom dancing in New Zealand. Hazel Martin and her girl will appear 111 new ballet dances, and other items. Tho Majestic Cabaret Band will occupy tho platform. Tables may be reserved at lhe Lounge. DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA. Ou Wednesday evcuing lv the Town Hall Miss Kathleen O'Brien will- present a varied programme of ballet, vocal, and instrumentalItems. The pruceods will be devoted to the Mayor's prosperity week unemployment fund. Dainty toe ballets, spirited tap ballets, and several unusual and beautiful solo .items will bo given. Numerous requests have been received .for tho inclusion on the programme of an item by the baby class, so ten minutes will be devoted to tiny tots. The colourful and artistic frocking, combined with special light. Ing effects and lhe inclusion of vocal numbers by Miss Kathleen Ferris, tho well-kuown soprnuo. and Mr. B. R. O'Brien, the popular tenor, should add extra interest to the. entertainment. Amongst those appearing arc Mr. Ccdrlc Sioliara, Tliclma Bartholomew, Joan llalne, Joan Bciige, Dorothy Danlells, Val Jenkins, I,oinah McKcrcher, Z. Corkill, and Margaret Salmond.. "

MAJESTIC THEATRE. In "Out All Night" at the Majestic Theatre, Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts score a laugh record which eclipses even their success In "They Just Had to. Get Married." i Thrown together in the nursery of a department store they immediately become faced by Sllm's mother. Slim is entirely under the maternal thumb. With one excruciatingly funny situation after another there are count- , less opportunities for two of the drollest char- > acters on the screen and the success they 1 make of them is instant and irresistible. Laura Hope Crews fills an Important role as the mother, and the minor characters are also i well portrayed. There is an unusually good , supporting programme. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Pleasure Cruise," now at St. James Theatre, , is cue of the most successful of recent 1 comedies, and is far better than a good many . that have been moro talked of. The excellent ■ acting of two sterling comedians, Roland Young and Genevieve Tobln, is largely respon- : sible for this good result, but in addition they ■ and their able team of supporters have a good , story to work on. Briefly, it is the story of a wife who goes on a pleasure' cruise in a ' luxury liner to the Baltic because her hus- ) band trusts her. The husband (Roland Young) trusts tho wife (Genevieve Tobin) so much that ' he ships in tho crew, disguised as a barber, to watch her; and thenceforward there are . high jinks on that ship. ; "CINDERELLA." The lure of tho pantomime is explainable after one sees "Cinderella" as produced by the J. C. • Williamson Company at the Grand Opera House. There was a large house on Saturday evening, and many people were turned away at tho matinee in tho afternoon. "Cinderella" has an appeal for children and adults. I'ho children appreciate the fairy'story, replete with fairy godmother, ugly sisters, stern father, pumpkin, lizards, etc., and a large, number of clever juvenile daucers take part in the ballets; the adults like the byplay by George Wallace as "Buttons," and Syd. Beck as one of-the. ugly. sisters. Josio Melvillo makes' an appealing Cinderella, whether in rags or in her ball dress. An excellently trained ballet adds to the success of the show. A feature of the show is the number of scenes, and the manner in which they quickly follow one another. No expense has been spared in the scenery, and some startling, and beautiful effects are obtained. The story of "Cinderella" approximates fairly closely to that of the fairy story. There is plenty of humour. Novel touches arc introduced by a clever band of acrobats, and a male quartet. It Is- difficult to say which is the prettiest scene in "Cinderella," but perhaps the. most spectacular is that in the ballroom, where "Cindy" loses her glass slipper. Miriam Lester scored a success as the Prince, and the other artists were up to a high standard. At; the conclusion of the performance Mr. Wallace announced that matinees of "Cinderella" would be held all through the presoht week, but the revue "Whirl of the World" would commence for evening performances on Wednesday. PORT NICHOLSON BAND. \ Tho De Luxe Theatre was crowded.last evening for the Sunday night concert of the popular Port Nicholson Silver Band. The usual, high standard was maintained, and the band and soloists were warmly .applauded. . Miss Julie Russell, the brilliant soprano, was acclaimed for her artistic rendering,of ."If,Love.Were a Dream," and she responded to vociferous demands by singing "Indian Lore Call" and "What Makes You so Adorable?'" Miss Russell was undoubtedly one of the favourites,of the evening, confirming • previous leports of her operatic and concert platform successes. A clover child performer was little Jean Ccrchl, not yet in her 'teens, who has a surprisingly sweet soprano voice and used It Intelligently In 'The Match Parade" (costume number), "The King's Horses," and "In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town." Better known as ''Bonnie" of local radio popularity, Jean made a deep impression. Mr. Bert Hickford, a light baritone who has attracted much notice since coming to Wellington, gave a good account of himself in the delightful "Goodbye" number from, "The White Horse Inn," and was also recalled, when he again gave pleasure -with "Ole Man River" and "Song of Songs." Mr. Thomas c; Wood, a bass-baritone, had a band accompaniment for his: vocal interludes, "The Leader of the Town Brass Band'? and "The Sergeant Major on Parade." Mr. J. J. Drew, conductor of the band, arrangedthe accompaniments. Mr. Clarrie Bell, a xylophone expert, played in "Light Cavalry," "Annie Laurie" (played with four hammers), and "The Muslin Rag." The paper-tearing, chalk talks, and patter of Chun Yuen Tai, the favourite Chinese entertainer, were features of a-delightful programme, further enhanced by the band numbers under Mr. Drew's conductorshlp. These included a hymn, the marches "Dunedin" and "Barter, V.C."; the "Poet and Peasant" overture; "Farmer Boy" novelty; and the "Maid of the Mountains" selection. Mr. Frank Crowther's piano accompaniments to the soloists were a treat in themselves. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. A double feature programme is showing at the Capitol Theatre tonight. In "Rockabye" Constance Bennett and Joel McCrea and Paul Lukas are seen in a picture which deals with the Great White Way and brings out many tender situtions. In "The Sport Parade," Marian Marsh, Joel McCrea, and "Skeets" Gallagher are seen in -an entertaining film which deals with professionalism in sport.