ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 142, 19 June 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Success is achieved by Richard Tauber in "The Kml of Die Rainbow," now showing at the Resent Theatre. A simple story serves as a vehicle for Taubcr's artistry. He is seen as a genial innkeeper in a village on the snowcapped Bavarian Alps, and is "discovered" by an impresario and taken to llcrlin, there to achieve a triumph by his singing at the Berlin Opera House. But his home calls him, and, ixnnrinz Ills laurels, he returns to his native village, reaching there just in time to see his sweetheart married to another. Tatiber is heard In seven songs, and his performance substan- j Hates the claim that lie is the world's greatest living tenor." Those who have heard his voice on the gramophone will not be disappointed by the picture. His personality radiates energy and cheerfulness, and though he is supported by a cast of international stats, the picture is his alone. Incidental peeps behind the scenes at tne Berlin Opera House. Alpine views, and quaint Bavarian folk dances lend colour to the picture, which should be seen by every muMc-lover. The supporting programme includes the in:',:; Grand National at. Alntree, naval and military scenes at Portsmouth and Aldershot. and racing in various parts of the world. An absorbing Nature study, and an amusing "Silly Symphony" complete the programme.

DE LUXE THEATRE. A comedy drama with tense situations, sudden humour, and a variety of personalities Is ■•Infernal Machine," which is showing at tho Be Luxe Theatre. A great ocean liner bears thousands of souls between the Old and New Worlds. .Suddenly the captain receives a message that a desperate band of criminals has been captured and that an infernal machine, timed to explode at midnight, lias been hidden on board the ship. The passenders discover what is afoot, and the threatening dancer brines out all that is hidden in everyone's character. A millionaire, a famous scientist, a pritna donna, sliow themselves as they really are. Chester Morris, Cencvieve Tobin, and Victor Jory head tiie cast in the entertaining picture. In support, there is the usual Midget of Interesting ncwsrcels, and a lonu British comedy played with polish, "Taxi to Paradise." At the organ Mr. I'aul T.. Cullen adds to ills popularity. The programme will be repeated until Thursday evciiins next. Unprecedented spectacle, a dramatic plot which reflects world history, and the most notable theatrical family in the world, lend glamour to "Rasputin and the Empress," Metro-tioldwyn-Mayer's super-film, telliiiK the story of the fall of (lie Romanoffs, and bringing together for the first time on the screen, John, Kthel, and Lionel Barrymore. Filmed from an original story by Charles Mac Arthur, famous for "Tho Front Tage," "Lulu Eeile," and "The Sin of Maflclon Claudet." the huge production was directed by Richard-Bnleslarsky, war hern, author, director In the Moscow Art Theatre, and producer of such stage spectacles as "The Miracle" and "The Vagabond King." Rasputin, the Mad .Monk. Is played, by Lionel Barrymore. the 111-fated Tsarina by Ethel, and JYiiK'o Chceodieft* by .Tohn, In the new production, which will open on Friday next at the Do Luxe Theatre.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A splendid house at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday evening enthused over British Dominions Films' massive reproduction in talkinK form of Edgar Wallace's best-seller, j "The Frying Squad," an exceptional production with Scotland Yard's wonderfully organised and efficient radio police patrol as its grippinsbl interesting background. The action of the play is rapid: there are no dull moments and interest in the unfolding of the plot never censes. Harold Hiilli and Carol Ooodner present arresting characterisations at the head of a band of British players that would be hard to better. It is against the colourful settings of hich-spped, wirelpss-ernnppeil motor-cars, the latest advance in tlte scientific fight against the clever criminals of today, that they play powerful roles. Although its clever author is dond there is no doubt that the British producers have presented it along the lines that he would have wished fur. The supporting programme is excellent.

KING'S THEATRE. Norma Shearer In "Smilin' Through." with Fredric March, Leslie Howard, 0. P. Heggie, and other favourites, is the feature now showing at the King's Theatre. "Smilin' Through" Is based on the famous play, and IS'orroa Shearer has the muchcnveted duai role of Moonyeen and Kathleen Sheridan It is said to he a triumph for Xorma Shearer and for the motion ■picture world. Fredric March, who plays opposite Miss Shearer, also has a dual role—Jeremy Wayne and Kenneth Wayne, the former's, son. Another fine characterisation Is that of Sir John Cartaret, played by Leslie Howard. Box plans are at The Bristol.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. A powerful story of regeneration Is told In "Destination Unknown," the Universal sea drama which is now showing at til* Queen's Theatre. Not since "The Miracle Jinn" lias the screen presented such a story in quite so compelling a manner as Is evident in "Destination Unknown." The action takes place entirely aboard the derelict rum-runner "Prince Rupert," adrift In the Pacific following a storm. Tat O'Brien and Italph Bellamy head the fast. In addition, there Is screened a'dramatic play, "Afraid to Talk."

ARTCRAFT THEATRE. One of the latest British comedy productions, "His Wife's Mother," Is the star attraction at the Artcraft Theatre. Gin MeXnughton, an English comedian, who has been enjoying a great vogue In recent years, Is at the head of an exceptionally stron? cast, which Includes Molly Lamont, Jimmy Godden, Kenee Gndd, and Jack Hobbs. The marital troubles of nenry Hagen form the basis of the story, and the fun is fast and furious from beginning to end, as may well be imagined when the personnel of the cast Is taken into consideration. There is an entertaining programme of supporting items.

SEASIDE PICTURES. Eddie Cantor, In "The Kid from Spain." will he the main attraction at the Seaside ricturcs, I/ynll Bay, this evening. This picture has been ■ described as the cyclonic musical comedy of Ift.'j:). and Its stars include such' personalities as Sidney Franklin, Lyda' Koberts, and the "gorgeous Goldiv.vn girls." A Walt Disney "silly symphony" entitled "Babes in the Wood" will also be screened.

EMPIRE THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. "Dangerously Yours," starring Warner Baxter and .Miriam Jordan, will bo screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. It. revolves around the adventures of Baxter, in the role of a suave society crook, and Jtiss Jordan as a detective employed by an insurance company to protect its clients' jewels from such 'men. Herbert llundin plays the leading, supporting role. An excellent supporting programme will be screened. On Friday and Saturday "Smilin' Through," starring Xorma Shearer, will be screened.

OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. A double-feature programme Is to h? presented to Our Theatre patrons tonight. In "The rtig Gamble," Bill Eoyd 2nd Warner Oland hare the principal roles. It is the story of a man's valiant efforts against terrific tirlda to revoke the death sentence which ho has imposed upon himself. The second feature, "Ghost Valley," starring Tom Keehc, is a mystery thriller. •

KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Tilly of Bloomsbury," which shows finally at the Kilhlrnle Kinema today, is one of the greatest successes ever to emerge from an English studio. Phyllis Konstam, one of England's most popular and charming screen stars, occupies the stellar role. There is an excellent' supporting programme.

SHORTT'S THEATRE. The main attraction in the new programme is "Men of Steel,", in which the featured artists arc John Stuart, Benita Hume. Heather Angel, ami Franklin Dysll. The . picture is a powerful romance, set In one of the greatest steel works of the country, and there are many dramatic scenes as the thrilling story is unfolded. A second feature on the programme is a. unique sporting feature. In which the popular wrestler, George Walker, is seen In action against Mamos. Karasick and Delton, two other prominent matmon, are also seen in action.

PRINCESS THEATRE. The programme at, the Princess Theatre is headed by another English, production, "The Faithful Heart,' featuring Herbert. Marshall and Edna Best. The story concerns the lore affair of a sailor and a barmaid. Suddenly the sailor is called back to his •ship, and the cirl realises that her man has gone for ever. Twenty years later the sailor has become a famous V.C. He is about to make what Is known as a brilliant match, and then - a little nursemaid reveals herself as his daughter. There are good supports.

BRITANNIA THEATRE. The main attraction In the programme at the Britannia Theatre Is "/Jiggers in Blighty." described as a tornado of merriment. featuring Tat 'Hamia, who is well and favourably known to Xew Zealand audiences. A very strong cast has been brought together for this picture, which concerns ihe jmuslng adventures of three defers on leave in London. As is usual at the Britannia Theatre, there is an excellent programme of supporting films, well in keeping with the high standard set by the main attraction.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "The fcnguln Pool Murder," featuring Edna May Oliver, .lames Oleason. Robert Armstrong, and .Mac Clark, is screening at the Capitol Theatre tonlcht. It is a comedymystery of an amazing murder solved by a persistent schoolmistress (played by Edna May Oliver). A special supporting British featurette, entitled "After Dark," will also be shown.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at tho Regal Theatre. Karori. "WorMly Goods," with .lames Kirkwood, will he screened. It. lells the story of a man who Ihoufrht that any girl coulrl he bought till he met. the one girl. Tomorrow, Wednesday, anrl Thursday, "The Kid From Spain" will be screened. Special supports will kUo be screened. . .

ST. JAMES THEATRE. In "The Secret of Madam Blanche," at St. .lames Theatre, there is a moment when the middle-aged woman, hardened to scenes of drunkenness, is giving summary treatment to one more drunk, a young British soldier, when something is said that tells her he is her son, stolen from her in babyhood. A moment like this is treated differently by different actresses, but seldom has the situation been handled more effectively than by Irene Dunne, who makes of the name part a great success. .Vext to Irene Dunn's fine performance comes Lionel Atwill's characterisation of her suiciding husband's father, who carries the blame of bringing up tile stolen son without a mother's influenco, fitting him for the disgrace that is to follow. I

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The story of a man who was born in the Slitter, ruse to be a great power, and died In the gutter is "The Match King." a Warner Bros.' production, allowing at the .Majestic Theatre. Warren , Williams plays the role 01' the man who thinks he mov rule lbs world through the . force of money. Like his counterpart in real life, Kreuge'r, his foitile brain and rmhlcssness soon make him a colossal ngurp in the commercial and financial world. Opposite Williams plays LiJi Damlta as the woman for whom he is prepared to give un his wealth and power. He has no control over the heart of tills woman, however, and it is after she confesses she loves another that the crash comes, a crash In which there is only one. way out for him. There is a strong supporting cast. There is much of Interest in the first half of the programme. With a new star heading a cast of outstanding favourites new to the Universal studios, James Whale's latest directorial achievement for Carl Laemmle, "The Kiss Before the Mirror," is to be shown at St. .Tames Theatre on Friday. The new star is Frank Morgan, one of Broadway's most distinguished assets, who. in his few recent screen roles, has made a big Imnresssinn. .Vanf.v Carroll also makes her Universal debut, while Paul Lukas and Gloria Stuart are also starred. Jean Dijon, Walter ridgeon, Charles Orapewin, and Donald

REVUES DE LUXE. If vaudeville in its declining days had kicked with half the kick, ami iiad sparkled with half the sparkle shown by the Frank Xeil (Gcorse Wallace) revues, it might never have declined. Certainly, on the merits of the performances delivered at the Grand Oiiera House on Saturday afternoon and night. It. deserves to stay, because it Is vaudeville de luxe. Consider just one item—the ballet. In colour, costuming, lighting, and danclus, it is gem-like, ever-changing, always throwing out new rays of licht. You never get tired of seeing the ballet; it is never the same ballet, for not only do the dancing steps and movement continually vary, but the variety of costumes Is also endless. One moment- the girls • are stately classic figures in Greek robes, next moment they are brief-skirted romping children, and again they are almost angels. The comedians do fresh and original work. Miriam Lester and the male singers triumph, the acrobats, .ane technically and artistically excellent. The present revue, "The Whirl, of. the World," brought a splendid Saturday .night audience. It will be succeeded on Wednesday afternoon and 'night, by another revue de luxe, "The Laugh Far'ade."

- SUNDAY BANO RECITAL. There was asain a large audience at the De Luxe Theatre last night when the Band of the First Battalion, Wellington Regiment, ssts i another recital. Those present thoroußhly enjoyed the entertainment provided, encores being the order of the evening. A feature of particular Interest wan "Trooping the Colours," In which the ripe Band and a party of drummers joined forces with'the'band. The music of the ceremony at the Horse -Guards parade on the occasion nf the King's Birthday was performed with spirit and precision. Other numbers by the band were the hymn, "Let There Be Light," "A Coon's. Dream of the Fast," "Mad Major," and "The. Great Little Array." All of these were creditably played. There was plenty of variety In. the balance, of the programme. JUss Edith Biickmasfer. contralto, sang most acceptably "There's a Sour Down j Every Roadway." "Arise, 0 Sun," and "Country yolk." A vocalist new to the 'Wellington concert platform, Mr. Eric Doip (bass) made a favourable impression with his rendering of "Route Marrhln'," fully deserting the encore which was given. Mr. Errol Mulr demonstrated that an audience loves a laugh in "Bertram "Hark, Hark, the' Lark" and "When Sons is Sweet." An unusual Item, was provided by a party comprising a banjo player, several mouth organ players, and a youth who kept good time to the music with a pair of metal spoons. .Miss Dorothy Spinks proved an able accora- | p'anist.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK. To those who ' have ■ witnessed some of the thrilllii; jrames presented at the Royal Roller lilnk, Vivian street, there Is no. need to further recommend hockey on skates; hut anyhody who has never yet seen these fast and orient contests the management advises to ■attend this' eveninz, when a further match will be played hetween the Royal Rollers and Comets. Both teams are A pradc, and are very evenly matched. The Strollers Dance Band' will he in attendance, and in their usual manner will supply snappy numbers, as well as. presenting an item durine the' interval of the. hocl;ey match. The session is to he extended until 10.30 p.m., and the usual bright ami varied programme will be presented.