ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 25, 29 July 1933, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. In "The King's Vacation," George Arliss gives an outstanding performance. His sympathetic and delightfully humorous rendering of the part of a king who, while desiring to be treated as an ordinary human being, is forever treated as a king, Is consummate, and Arliss at his best. The story tells of Philip, a king seated on a throne which is tottering. Ho realises that the country is on the brink of revolution, and signs a Bill the harshness of which he feels will, hind the country together and bring about a bloodless revolution. His plan succeeds, and he is forced to abdicate. His queen, Margaret, played by Florence Arliss with fine understanding, sends him back to his former wife and daughter to seek the peace and happiness he has so long desired. His return to tho cottage of Ills youth and dreams is not all that he thought it would be, but Fate, by a dexterous turn, succeeds in showing howhe may regain his former happiness, and "the picture closes on this note. The supporting cast lias been well chosen. Mrs. Arliss, as Queen Margaret, proves a perfect foil for Helen, his former wife, played by Marjorie GatesonT The juvenile and ingenue parts, played by Dick Powell and Patricia Ellis respectively, while small, show them In a very favourable light. Altogether the picture reaclfcs a very high standard. "The King's Vacation" is supported by an excellent gazette which shows, among other things, Perry and Hughes playing Borotra and Brugnon in a tennis match bptween England and France. Other attractive' supports are a very good travelogue of the road from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, a "Mickey Mouse" comedy, and a musical novelty in which catchy negro melodies are sung. Another attractive picture deals with the popular sport of trotting in the United States. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. ' Seldom has the cold impersonality of talkie actors and actresses been so stressed and brought Into vivid contrast with the warmth and sense of intimacy which the legitimate stage can, give as in 'IRain," Ihe feature picturo at the Grand Opera House this week. As a stage play, "Rain," written by the famous author Somerset Maugham, was an outstanding box-office success, but in Its plcturised version its most dramatic moments convey a sense of unreality which clearly shows the differences between the technique of acting for the stage and the screen. Briefly, the'story deals with a girl, Sadie Thompson (Joan Crawford), admittedly not an angel, who finds herself stranded for a few days in Pago Pago. With her are a doctor and his wife, and a sententious and posturing reformer and his wife. The action centres around the efforts of tho reformer to save I lie girl's soul. First she is defiant, but later she succumbs to a strong and masterful character. . There is, however, a typical dramatic Maugham denouement in which, as is hispractice, the playwright leaves the audience to make up its own mind about it all. "Raih never was a great play in an artistic sense, and It requires the most expert acting to make it convincing. Miss Crawford plays the part of Sadie Thompson sympathetically, although her languid style hardly suits some sections of the part. The supporting cast is exception- j ally strong, especially the philosophical storekeeper. An Australian newsreel, a MickeyMouse cartoon, and a .short in which Jack Dempsey Is featured and does a little boxing, make up the programme. DE LUXE THEATRE. A long and interesting programme is presented by the De Luxe Theatre this week, the bill being headed by Fox Movietone's "The Warrior's Husband," a picturlsatlon of a famous play dealing with the kingdom of the Amazons and its conquest by the Greeks. The Amazonian legend was that the power of the race reposed In a girdle of Diana which was worn by the queen Hyppolite, and that the loss of the girdle would mean the end of the kingdom. In the Amazon land, of course, woman was dominant and In the film m,an is relegated to the housewifely duties which' today he will not concern himself about. The film tells the story, of the attempt by Hercules to obtain the girdle and tho lovo of Theseus for the sister of the queen, and the fullest opportunity is talten to extract fun froni the novel situation. Ellssa Landl, Marjorie Rambeau, David Manners, and Ernest Truex appear in this entertaining film, and the escapades of the warrior's husband in tho days before the final engagement are too varied and unusual to be recounted in short space. The supporting bill is unusually large and excellent. There are newsreels from three countries, including a Naw Zealand film, a travelogue '.'Over the Bounding Main," a cartoon "Ireland or Bust," and a clever gymnastic display by members of the V.M.C.A. gymnasium who perform fine balancing feats. In addition, Miss Iris Mason returns to give some novel organ numbers. The programme will bo repeated until next Thursday evening. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A high-speed satire on marital problems as tangled by modern novelists is the framework of "Her First Affair," now showing at tho Paramount Theatre. It Is a film typically English in its farcical sentiment and exploitation of the ridiculous, and more than once a touch of pathos Is added. From start to finish, however, the rapidity of the action does not let up, and it is only when the necessary happy ending is required that the producers put a stop to the burlesquing. A modern maid (Ida Lupino) Inspired by modern ethics as emerging from the pen of 'a n,on-stop all-weather novelist, is the centre of the story. She desires to see this man of men, and does so, much to the distress of her fiance. The subsequent episodes give a fine portrayal of life as a postmodern writer Inclines to see it. Incidentally there arc somo' touching Scenes'of the author himself; writing, always writing, whether noise and bustle surround him or not for, entirely oblivious to all, he plunges on Into the morass of Individual complexes. Tho girl falls in love with him, and the author's wife, to even things up a little, pretends to do the same with the fiance. Only a little juggling is necessary to put the story back on Its feet again. The first part of the programme consists of "A Night in Montmartre," a murder story solved in a strange way. The English casts in both pictures act excellently. KING'S THEATRE. A wide sw-eep of colourful adventure and romance is the outstanding quality that marks "Scarlet Dawn," the current attraction at the King's Theatre, In which Douglas Fairbanks, jun., gives his finest screen performance. All the essentials of good motion picture entertainment are contained In this film; good story, fine acting, and superb direction. The picture contains the Interesting story of a young Russian nobleman who Is exiled by ■ the revolution, and who finally weds his servant girl. In addition to the star, Nancy Carroll, Lllyan Tashman. Earlc Fox, Frank Rcichcr, Sheila Terry, Betty Gillette, Maurice Black, and a host of others appear. Box plans Bristol and theatre. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The latest 8.1.P. comedy now showing at the Queen's Theatre is "The Last Coupon," an adaptation of the North Country comedy which had such a successful run at the Garrick-. Theatre. Leslie Fuller, the Inimitable rubber faced comedian, appears as a coalminer, In the star role. An ardent football enthusiast, he spends his spare time In filling up football coupons, and is successful In forecasting one result for which a prize of £20,000 Is offered. His subsequent adventures as a local celebrity and big-fight promoter arc as hilariously funny as only Fuller can make them. Mary Jerrold also plays a leading role as his wife. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. A sparkling Elstree farce "Sleepless Nights." a piquant musical comedy-romance, and hilarious knock-about, backed' by catchy songs, lilting music, and Irresistible drollery—ls now showing at the Artcraft Theatre. The principals arc Stanley Lupino and Polly Walker, and they are supported by Gerald Rawlinson, Frederick Lloyd, Percy Parsons. Charlotte Parry, David Miller, .and Hal Goodson. "Tile Dally Sketch" sums up the entertainment value of this British production In the words "A bright and tuneful show." It Is being supported by the usual varied' subjects, and will screen until next Monday evening. SHORTT'S THEATRE. In "Night After, Night,", a Paramount picture, now showing at Shortt's Theatre. George Raft, sensational young star, who won his first laurels in minor roles in "Scarfacc," "The Sporting Widow,", and "Dancers In the Dark," has the leading male role—and, incidentally, the first leading role of his movie career. Constance Cummlngs. AVynne Gibson, Mac West, and Alison Skipworth have other leading roles. The second featured picture Is "The World and the Flesh," the story of a swashbuckling sea captain who led his men In riotous assaults on the nobility in the days of Russia's 1017' revolution. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Tho Son-Daughter," co-starring Ramon Novarro and Helen Hayes, will be serened at the Regal Theatre this evening. This MetroGoldwyn special Is a colourful and spectacular expose of. the Inner workings of Chinatown, and the struggle that exists between royalists and revolutionists. Tho plot is unusually thrilling, and provides excellent entertainment. Special supports, including a Mickey Mouso cartoon, will be screened. BRITANNIA THEATRE. For those who like red-blooded action In addition to the comedy and pathos of a heart drama that stirs the audience to tears, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer offers Wallace Beery In "Flesh " now showing at the Britannia Theatre. "Flesh" Is more than a wrestling picture. It is drama that goes behind the scenes. Beery, a great hulk of a man, is a wrestling waiter in a Berlin beer garden. There he meets Karen Morley, an American dancer whose partner has involved her in a crooked deal which lands both in gaol. When she Is released Beery befriends her and puts her up in the house where he lives with his friends who own the beer garden. BROOKLYN PICTURES. Geneva, the centre of International conferences and intrigue, provides the background for "Six Hours to Live," which will be seen and heard at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight. .Warner Baxter has the featured role, and the Supporting cast Includes John Boles,. Miriam Jordan, George Marlon, Beryl Mercer, Irene Ware, Halliwell Hobbes, Edwin Maxwell, John Davidson, and Dewey Robinson. , ■

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The story of how two crooks of the gentlemanly disarming type meet their match in another pair of whom the directing brain is a woman's is told In "Diamond Cut Diamond, the principal attraction at the Majestic Theatre. Claude Allister (star of "Three Live Ghosts J, and the ever-popular Adolph Menjou, head tne cast, and'arc first seen in exile as a disreputable pair of beachcombers on a South Sea Island. The robbery of a valuable pearl enables them to transfer the scene of me" activities to London, where, in the guise or an Oxford graduate and a French nobleman respectively, they set out to live by tneir wits.' Alllster's nimble fingers keep them supplied with small change, and Menjou s gtt of impersonation produces bigger game in tne form of a £2000 bracelet. In an attempt to rid themselves of Incriminating evidence when danger threatens they make use of a pretty girl whose innocence is more apparent tnan real. Further exploits include the lifting from a safe of a precious emerald, but it proies more difficult to keep their spoil than to secure it. Benita Hume is cast as the female lawbreaker, and Important parts are also taken ny Kenneth Kove and Shayle Gardner. The plot is constructed on light lines, and the production as a whole is excellent entertainment, in support there are newsreels. a comedy, a soima cartoon, and an exceptionally interesting feature dealing with fishing for tunas off the American Pacific Coast. " ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Hell Below," which is now In its second week at the St. James Theatre, is a rem.trKablo picture in several respects. The co-opera-tion of the U.S. Navy Department was given to its production, and the photography is splendid. The hazardous life of a sudmarine crew in time of war Is faithfully portrayed, and there are many gripping scenes, particularly those dealing with the torpedo ill, of enemy mine-layers, the bombing of the submarine by a squadron of aircraft, the desperate efforts to bring the big underwater Boat to the surface when the air pumps jam, and the climax In which the submarine, laden with explosives, blows up important "arbour fortifications. There are scenes of sacr nee and gallantry which hold the interest throughout. "Hell Below" Is not, however, entiruy a war picture. It has a charming love interest and not a little humour, the cast being a particularly strong one, includin„ Walter Huston, Robert Montgomery, Madge Evans, Jimmy Durante, Eugene rallette, ana Robert Young. There are good supports ;> comprising newsreels and a "Flip the Frog cartoon. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "The Big Broadcast," a romantic comedy set against the background of a radio station, is now showing at the New Princess Theatre. It is the story of a complicated but amusing love affair which keeps Bing Crosby from being at the studio in time for his broadcasts so frequently that he loses his job. Then Le la Hyams, infatuated with him, gets Stuart Erwin, a jilted lover, to buy the station and network to restore Crosby his job. Krwin accedes, but Crosby remains as irresponsible as ever." is only after a big broadcast, In which all the radio stars are featured, that the Crosby affair is finally straightened out. 'The Road to Reno is a divorce story. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Cecil B. Do Mine's "The Sign of the Cross" opens at the Kilbirnie Kinema today. m tills great play. Mr. De Mille has taken history; an epoch, flaming with soul-stirring incident, with fire and sword, with heroism and treachery, with death and life-eternal. It Is a story of a love transcending life and death that attains fruition on the sun-baked, blood-red sands of the.Roman arena, in the fearless' advance hand-ln-hand of a man a.id woman, Christianity's early martyrs. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER.HUTT. "Trouble in Faradise," featuring Miriam Hopkins, Kay Francis, and Herbert Marshall, screens at tho De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, tonight and on Monday night. . Marshall is seen as a uper-crook whose activities are doubled after he enters Into a professional and romantic union with Miss Hopkins, his feminine counterpart. But their attempt to swindle Kay Francis leads to humorous complications when Marshall's Interest In the victim develops Into something resembling love. Others in the cast are Edward Everett Horton and Charles Ruggles. Screening on Tuesday night Is The Guardsman." Clara Bow will be seen in Call Her Savage" on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and "Sleepless Nights" will ho^ shown on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and night, and Monday night. Box plans are at the Peter "ran Lounge or telephone theatre, 6d-Mi. SEASIDE PICTURES. Delightful comedy, with a liberal allowance of drama, makes, "Infernal Machine, at the Seaside Tictures tonight, one of the most enjoyable talking pictures offered to local audience's in some months. Chester Morris and Genevieve Tobln head the cast, and both give exceptional performances. The picture centres around a situation aboard a luxurious ocean liner when a wireless message is received about an infernal machine which is concealed on the ship, and tho passengers are doomed never to reach port. MARANUI DANCE. All those attending the dance to be held tonight in the clubhouse of the Maranul Surf and Life-saving Club can be assured of a very enjoyable evening's dancing and entertainment. In response to numerous requests, It has been decided to include old-time numbers in the proirramme, so that all tastes will he catered for. Music and supper of the usual' high quality will be provided, and prizes will be given to the winning couples In a Paul Jones, Monto Carlo, and a StatueMilitary Two-step. DOROTHY SEYMOUR RECITAL. Miss Dorothy Seymour had every reason to he proud of her students at the recital .she gave on Tuesday evening last at St. Giles Hall, Kilbirnie. A large and appreciative audience thoroughly enjoyed the varied programme of elocutionary and vocal items by these versatile young people. The mounting and staging reflected great credit on Miss Seymour, the willow pattern and studio scenes in particular being altogether charming and unique. The assisting artists, Miss Margot Russell, a delightful soubrette, Miss Victoria Newman, a very fine pianist, and Miss Flora MacKenzle In her ever-popular songs at the piano, provided added attractions, and Miss Seymour herself delighted the audience with somo of her Inimitable character sketches. "MISS HOOK OF HOLLAND." The production of "Miss Hook of Holland." which commences on Saturday, August 12, will be welcomed by all lovers of musical comedy. This play Is full of musical gems and humorous dialogue. The ballets are also being made a special feature. The whole production is in the capable hands of Mr. W. 8. Wauchop, the well-known Repertory Theatre producer. In the South Island he has an enviable reputation for spectacular shows, and tho Wellington Operatic Society is to be commended on the choice of Us producer. "Miss Hook of Holland" will prove a most delightful show, everything being designed to harmoniso with the Dutch atmosphere. There are nearly 150 performers conneated with the production. Dates have been arranged for Saturday, August 12, and the four following nights in the Grand Opera House. SUNDAY BAND RECITAL. "Trooping the Colour" will be an attraction at the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow (Sunday) evening. In this the music of the ceremonial at the Horse Guards Parade on the occasion of the King's Birthday will be reproduced, pipers, drummers, and buglers co-operating with the band. There should be over fifty taking part in this pleasing production. The hand of the Ist Battalion, the Wellington Regiment, has established a reputation for presenting excellent programmes, and at each recital, in addition to the best vocalists available, some novel items are Introduced. Two pretty features, "Harmonic Glasses" and "The Metalaphone," give Miss Gwen Edlin an opportunity to display her skill in producing sweet music from a number of crystal glasses and from metal pipes. The vocalists engaged are'all of a high standard, and are sure to delight the audience with their respective items. Miss Myra Sawyer, a soprano with an exceedingly pure voice, excels in oldtime ballads. Some of these she Intends to sing tomorrow night. One of them will be "Carry Me Back to Old Vlrglnny" with chorus off stage. Mr. Trevor Thomas (bass-baritone) has selected "The Corporal's Ditty" and "The Pride of Tlpperary" as his numbers. : Another Singer who never tails to Impress.is Mr. Austin Blackle. A good judge in musical matters considers that at present he Is in better form than ever before. He has been asked to sing "Dream Boat" tomorrow night. That clever little chap, Bruce Maxwell, who used to be so popular on the stage, will appear again. The Pipe and Drum Bands will play marches, strathspeys, and reels, some of which are not often heard by the public. "Munlochy Bridge "Sandy Duff," "Brown-haired Maiden," "Miss Drummond of Forth," *\nd "Mrs. MacLeod or Raasav" are amongst Ao tunes to be rendered. The band has prepared lively marches, and tho selection "Gems of Italian Opera," in addition to "Trooping the Colour." Miss Dorothy Splnks is the accompanist for the evening. Jtor the benefit of early arrivals at the theatre a selection of records will be given by courtesy of Kemball Theatres, .Ltd., per medium of the Do Luxe Amplifier. KILBIRNIE SCHOOL COMPETITIONS. A competition festival for the, pupils attending the Kilbirnie School Is to be held next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings In St. Giles' Hall, opposite the Kilbirnie Recreation Grounds. Sections have been arranged, according to ages, for vocal, Instrumental, elocutionary, and dancing classes, anil to Indicate the Interest that Is being shown by the children entries have been received from over 100 competitors. The purposes of these competitions arc two-fold; firstly, to encourage art amongst the pupils, and secondly, to raise funds for the benefit of the school. The entertainment Is being organised by the Kilbirnie Home and School Association, which has prepared an attractive souvenir programme, and the objects they have in view are deserving of a good response by the public. The adjudicators will be Madame Eugenic Dennis (Paris, London) and Edwin Dennis, A.R.C.M. (London). MAORI SINGERS,. The Methodist Maori Choir, composed of representatives from all over New Zealand and from the Chatham Islands, is to appear in the Wellington Town Hall on Tuesday, August 8, for the one night. Admission prices are to be nominal, to suit the times, and the proceeds are to be used for the distribution of literature in the backbloeks and Maori pas.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. One of the greatest casts ever assembled is to be seen In "State Fair," which Is showing at the Capitol Theatre tonight, featuring Janet Gaynor, Sally Kilers, Louise Dresser, Will Rogers, Lew Ayres, Nl man Foster, Frank Craven, anil Victor Jory. "State Fair" caters for all tastes. It deals with the adventures ot a country family at a great fair, In which some members find sweet romance and human drama, ' and others laughter, excitement, gaiety, and mirth. WELLINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. The Wellington Symphony Orchestra will present another of lis enjoyable concerts In the Town Hall next Thursday evening. The Symphony will be Tchaikovsky's No. 6 In B Minor ("The rathetlque"). Music lovers should not miss Hheinbcrger's Concerto for organ and orchestra (No. 2 G Minor), with Mr. C. V,'. Kerry at the grand organ. This magnificent work is new to Wellington ; in fact, it has never been performed in New Zealand. Mr. Kerry is an organist of outstanding merit, having been organist at St. John's Church. Wellington, for eighteen years, and prior to that organist at St. George's Church, Melbourne, for ten years, when he succeeded that famous composer, Albert Malllnson. Mr. Harison Cook, the operatic basso, will be the solo artist. He will sing Mozart's arias "Within This Hallowed Dwelling" ("M#.gic Flute"), and "O, How I Shall Triumph O'er You" ("11 Seraglio") with orchestral accompaniment. The orchestra will play Goidmark's overture "Sakuntala" —a graphic and vivid portrayal of a mystic legend of the East, to he performed for the first time in Mew Zealand, and will conclude the programme with Grieg's ever-popular "Peer Gynt" Suite, No. 1, comprising "Morning," "Death of Ase," "Anitra's Dance," and "In the Hall of the Mountain King." TO ASSIST THE V.M.C.A, An attractive programme has been announced in connection with the high-class variety entertainment and community sing in the Town Hall tonight at 8 o'clock. The programme will Include humour and burlesque by members of the Wellington Operatic and Theatrical Society, humorous items by Ray Kemp and Will Jameson, community singing led by Will J. Mason, Owen Pi'itchard. and Clement Howe, and a display of gymnastics and acrobatics by the V.M.C.A. In addition, there will be a concert programme by the winners of the 1033 InterB.C. musical and elocutionary competitions,- including Mr. Harry Mathew, Miss Audrea Lawson, Miss Kdna Parton, Miss Beryl Tunks, Brooklyn Baptjst Quartet, Miss Joyce Myers, Mr. Robert Cheyne, Miss P. Janes, and Serenaders Male Quartet, Wesley B.C. Choir. Mr. Graham Ayson will assist with violin items, and Mr. Clement Howe will offllciate at the organ. The main programme will be preceded by an organ recital at 7.45. .The entertainment is being organised by the combined youth movements of Wellington In appreciation of the community services of the V.M.C.A., and the profits will be devoted to maintain tile essential services of that organisation. Reservations may be made at The Bristol, and there will be one popular price. GLIDE SKATING RINK. Tonight's session at the Glide Skating Rink in Wakefield Street will be extended to 11 o'clock, and the usual novelty items will be Introduced. The popular "Skaters" Band wlllt provide snappy musical hits, and a most entertaining evening is promised. The floor of the rink has been entirely reconditioned, and now has a perfect surface on which it is a delight to skate. On Thursday evening a skating party will be held in aid of Rev. T. Fielden Taylor's Mission. The party will be from 7.30 o'clock to midnight, and the hostess will be Miss Valeric Turner, the Transport Queen. Every skating enthusiast is invited, and a most enjoyable evening's fun is promised. COMMUNITY SINGING AT TOWN HALL. Community singing will take place at the Town Hall next Wednesday evening. The Tramways' Band will open the concert, add Mr. Owen Pritchard will lead the community singing. Miriama Heketa and her ballet will take part. Mr. Alec Mill will be at the organ. Members from the Operatic Society who are In tile cast of "Miss Hook of Holland" will give short sketches, and Misses Gretta Stark, Mary Cooley, Messrs. Drayton A'enables, Frank Hlsted, Doug. Stark, Ray Kemp, Jim Cook, Dudley Alexander, W. McCrae, and Piper J. Morrison will render Items. ROYAL ROLLER RINK. A skating carnival Is advertised to be held at the Royal Roller Rink, Vivian Street, next Wednesday night. A special programme of novelty events has been arranged, and a full band of six players, has been engaged, Including the ever popular plano-accordeon player Jimmy Blackwood, who will be heard in novelty numbers. Two novelty events which are bound to attract attention will be the d'alberta, executed by a set in coster costumes, .while the popular barn dance will also cause muchamusement. In . connection with the hockey championship, a special match has been arranged between the Comets and Petone. To add further to the coster atmosphere the teams are to play as Cheapside and Petticoat Lane respectively. These two teams play hockey of an exceptionally brlgh* and fast nature, and the match is bound to be one of the thrills of the evening. . Special arrangements have been made for a coster supper, which will be given to all patrons free. There has been a steady demand for reserved skates, and Intending' patrons are requested to reserve their skates for Wednesday evening.