ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 31, 5 August 1933, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

In the role of a very human king, whose natural bent is towards the understanding companionship of other good fellows, but whom the eternal and unvarying semi-worship and etiquette drlvo very nearly frantic, George Arllss continues to draw delighted audiences at tho Regent Theatre. His throno Is insecure—lndeed, tho country Is on tho brink of revolution —and, heartily sick of the position, he pushes through dictatorial legislation which can havo only one effect, to cause a universally welcome revolution, so unanimous that there is no fighting. Florence Arllss, as tho queen, has always realised his real sympathies," which lie with very ordinary mortals, and when he has abdicated she sends him back to his former wife and daughter. In tho old homely atmosphere, where he formerly' lived so happily, things have changed a good deal, and for a while It looks as though he would be In the unfortunate position of having a freedom which he cannot enjoy as he would havo wished, hut after all he is shown as a very lucky fellow, and ends his days In a mellow companionship which fully repays the stormy, uncomfortable days of his kingship. The great range of other characters necessary in a' play covering such wide scope in settings Is well attended to. Helen, tho wife to whom he returns, Is M course a very different person from the queen. Marjorlo Gateson plays this part well. Younger parts aro laJicn with success by Dick Powell and Patricia Kills. The supports Include a gazotto with topical tennis, a travelogue (Bethlehem to Jerusalem), a negro musical novelty, and a Mickey tho Mouse comedy.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.-

There is tense acting at Iho firiintl flporn House,ln. the picture "That Nlelit In London," which deals with the night llfo of tlio greatest city In tho world, visited liy stcnltli, nnd well nigh to disaster, by a country linuk clerk, embittered by unrecognised services In tho humdrum drudgery of village Imwlhohd. Armed with a fairly largo wad of Iho bank's money ho means to see lifo for a night, and then cud It all. In his railway carriage la an International crook who forthwith takes him under his wine, determined that tho contents of the fat wallet shall be his. He has particularly Rood reasons for leaving England behind him that night, too, but Evo, his "sister,", whom ho employs as a decoy, rather spoils things by taking a fancy to the country boy. Tho bis eafe-cabaret-theatre to which they steer their victim has everything In the way of attractions, but though there is some very rough work, and a suicide thrown In for good measure, the girl makes such an effective hand amongst tho crooks that the boy is finally persuaded to retrieve his foolishness,, and finds himself back again at tho bank in the morning. , In this character Robert Donat is very natural. The plot hinges, however, on tho versatility of Pearl Argyle, as Eve, the ' clever actress kept at cabaret dancing to suit the alms of the rogues who have' a hold on her young brother, nnd whose alternate flrc, scorn, nnd winsomeness are eclipsed by her wonderful dancing. Miles Mander, as the crook, wanted for murder, and Roy Emerton, as the sinister ship's master about to ship him out of the country, are other successes in a strong cast. "Daddy Knows ißest," a rich Mack Sennett comedy, "Rhythm of the River," a remarkably effective darkle musical scenic, a cartoon, and a news reel featuring a stockwhip wlelder who picks gum paper off the face of a smiling assistant several yards away, flu out a Bood programme.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

The attempt to bring to the screen such a drama as "Strange Interlude" must necessarily be ambitious, for the play is in seven acts and takes five hours to perform, but Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer have, on tho whole, done the tiling adequately, and tho picture which 13 presented at the De Luxe Theatre tills week is no Unworthy effort to express the changes arid strained emotions of Eugene O'Neill's work. The author of "Strange Interlude" is America's first dramatist, and probably the greatest playwright writing in English today. In this long and remarkable drama he has drawn a portrait of Nina (Leeds, a neurotic girl whose lover was killed in tho war, and who plunges into a medley of affairs in the attempt to find peace. When she marries Sam Evans she discovers that this way of escape is barred' to her, for there is Insanity in the Evans family, and she dare not have a child. She finds another way out, however, and dedicates her life to the aid of EvanS, whom she judges to need her most. In such a situation, with her own heart urging her first to leave her husband for Dr. Darrell, whom stie loves, and then to remain with Sam because of her fear of what this would do to him, there la a wealth of possibilities, and they are fully exploited. The film is marked by the brilliant performance of Norma Shearer as Nina Leeds. Th'reo men support her, Clark Gable, Alexander Klrkland, and Ralph Morgan. Naturally full use Is made of O'Neill's revelation of the innermost thoughts c.f each character at various stages of the action. There Is a big supporting programme, and Miss Iris Mason plays some attractive numbers at the organ.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

The pretty and vivacious Jessie Matthews, who scored such a success in "There Goes the Bride," in which she made her screen debut, is the central figure in another production, "The Midshipmald," which was shown for the first time at tlie Paramount Theatre yesterday. Although Jessie Matthews dominates tho picture, she Is delightful, and- displays all the personality which wade her famous on tho legitimate stage. The picture deals with riotous happenings aboard a warship at Malta, where Jessie's father, a pompous and crusty individual, is paying a visit to the British fleet In tho capacity of a naval economist. Jessie accompantes her father, and wliil* tho latter Is poking around seeking ways and means of curtailing expenditure, the former Is malting merry with the officers of the warship. She captures tho hearts of them all, and much amusement is caused when the officers vie with one another in seeking her favour. As an economy move, tho" officers decide to stage a ' ship's concert instead of tho customary ball, and it is this concert which provides most of the laughs.' It also causes complications, for, Jessie, who is to be the star of the piece, Is ordered ashore by her father shortly before tho concert commences owing to his finding her In the arms of the young commander during rehearsal. The determination of the daughter to go on with the show causes many amusing scenes. The element of romance is necessarily, there, but it Is refreshing to note that this aspect is not overdone. It can safely be said that Jessie Matthews Is one 'of the most charming and vcrsiit ilc dctrcsscs on the screen toojiy• »iip~ porting tho star-are Basil Sydney, Fred Kerr, A. W. Bascomb, Nigel Butler, and many other well-known players. There Is an interesting supporting programme.

KING'S THEATRE.

An engrossing story of three girls, starting as classmates In the same public school, and tho varying fortunes that cause their paths through life to Intersect ten years later, Is told In a fascinating manner In "Three on a Match," featuring Joan Blondell, Warren William, Ann Dvorak, and Bctte, Davis, which is now showIng at tho King's Theatre. Threo more widely differing girls than.the trio portrayed In this drama would be hard to Imagine. Ono is the class beauty, a girl of wealth and position; the second is the honour girl of her class; the third Is tho school "bad Elrl," tomboy, hoyden, and mischief-maker. There aro the usual supports.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

Action, comedy, beauty, romance, music, and surprises are deftly blended in the comedy,

"Hot Pepper," now showing at the Queen's Theatre, depicting the most recent adventures of Quirt and Flagg. Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen, who have made Quirt and FlaEB world-famou3, appear as the lovable scallawags. They discard their marina uniforms and, In evening clothes, preside merrily over gay night clubs. The exotic and dynamic Lupo Telez portrays the leading feminine role, and a feature of liio production is her. singing and her alluring dancing. She is assisted by a chorus of beauties that must certainly have been hand picked.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

Norma Shearer returns to romance in "Smilin1 Through," which' is now showing at the Artcraft Theatre. In this production she proves again that she is one of the screen's best dramatic artists. It is a dazzling film, both as. to beauty of production and acting. It could be called the flncet acted picture of the year. Besides Norm* Shearer there are Fredrlc March, Leslie Howard,- 0, P. Heggle, Ralph Forbes, Beryl- Mercer, David Torrence, Margaret Seddon, nnd Forrester Harvey. .Miss Shearer and March-have-dual roles in this haunting and unusual story, which is' fraught with moments of' poignant drama.

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

Tho hilarious comedy, "The Cohens and Kellys In Trouble," is now at the Britannia Theatre. Throughout the picture George Sidney and Charlie Murray gallivant in sea-going togs through a night club, a yacht, a restaurant which they wreck, a rum boat, a couple of speed boats, and a little seaside cottage. "The Impatient Maiden,"' a startlingly frank comedy-drama, fs also being shown, with Lew Ayres in the starring role of a young Physician and Mac Clarke as the maiden In the case.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE.

"The Secret of Madame Blanche," with Irene Dunne heading a stellar cast, Is the feature attraction at the New Princess Theatre for the next six days. The story covers a period of thirty, years. A .young widow Is left with a baby son,-but- the unsympathetic father-in-law takes the child away from her by process of law; • • During the World War she unexpectedly finds her son during a cafe, brawl. A .man Is killed In the fracas, and to shield her son, the mother shoulders the blame without revealing her Identity. An unexpected turn brings the story to a close.

BROOKLYN PICTURES.

Harold Lloyd's new: comedy, • "Movie Crazy," which shows at the Brooklyn Theatre-toulght, Is the 350 th picture In which Lloyd lifts starred since he started Ills screen career more than sixteen years ago. Recently Lloyd'has been making less than one picture a year. In his days under the Hal Roach banner, Lloyd turned out Innumerable Willie Work and Loneisome Luke comedies. After that came the long list of two-reclers, and finally, the feature length comedies. Constance Cummlngs hai the leading feminine part 'in "MotU Crazy."

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Few pictures shown in Wellington have the dramatic sincerity of "I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang," which Is now being screened at the Majestic Theatre. A sense of deep pathos and bitterness runs through the story: a conclusive argument against the horrors faced by condemned men. Few actors could have portrayed with such vividness and understanding the character of James Allen—sentenced to spend ten years' hard labour on a chain gang for an unwilling theft of five dollars—as Paul Muni has done. Muni is a newcomer to the "talkies," and his acting in this picture is likely to remain long in the memory. Unaffected, and with a fine comprehension of the difficulties to bo faced, he provides a brilliant study of personality. Back from the war, Allen seeks a new, outlet for life, but It Is a losing light, and he is eventually workless. Then comes tho. incident which brings with it the chain gang, and the tense sordidness of life under these conditions Is shown tellingly. Then Allen escapes, finds work, and rises to prominence. His secret, however, Is shared by a woman, and in a fit of anger she betrays him. Back he must go to the prison camp, but on the understanding that pardon will be given. Pardon does not come, and, maddened by the stark existence in chains, he again escapes. This time he Is not so fortunate, for he must ever hurry on. mindful of the police. Such In brief Is the plot taken from Robert Burns's autobiography, but (here is far more than this in it. "1 am a Fugitive" is a really fine picture. In addition, there Is a particularly good selection of "shorts." ■ ' .

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

"If I leave you you will have no ono but your husband," said the indignant lover. "No one," she replied, brokenly. "How lonely you will be," he said—and after that he could not find it in his heart to leave her, so they just went on. This Incident is typical of most of what happens in the screen version of Somerset Maugham's "Our Betters," which Is the new picturo now at St. James Theatre. This "sophisticated" play has for Its star Constance Bennett. She divides honours with Violet Kemball Young, who Is a Duchess and a vamp of an older typo than Constance. Lady Grayston, as played by Miss Bennett, has some sense of the rottenness of the society of which she is pivot, but the Duchess plays the Same with a real belief la it, and has come to regard all its hypocrisies as very proper, and Indeed indispensable. Gilbert Roland plays a young blood who lives on the bounty of the Duchess, and Minor Watson plays an old blood who foots the bills for Lady Grayston. An eloquent fact is that Lord Grayston (Ainu Mowbray) appears at the opening of the piclure (his marriage), and is never seen again. The young innocent people who are the counterfoil to all this wickedness are two young Americans (played- by Anita Louise and Charles Starrett), who at last become so shocked by London' that they join forces to go back to New York. The play Is full of satire and comedy, mostly In the direction of tearing passion- to taCters. There 13 a New Zealand gazette—New Zealand Sound Screens— giving glimpses of Egmont skiing, Wellington races, Auckland football, a Whiskers BlakeCount Varga wrestling match, etc. The Edgar Kennedy comedy (fishing) was unusually good, and Kennedy has a girl lead with a voice and laugh worth a comedy fortune. The news gazette presents Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald telling the Americans his hopes for Anglo-Ameri-can accord in a "free flowing exchange," and tlood scenes, and other Items.

, KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

"Rlonde Venus," which opens tonight at the Kllbirnie Kinema, is Marlene' Dietrich's fourth vehiclo for Paramount. She plays a character that is entirely different from anything that she has played before, being cast as a woman who accepts the love of another man so that she can save her husband's life. She-is supported by Herbert Marshall and Cary Grant. There is an excellent supporting -programme.-

SEASIDE PICTURES.

"State Fair" will be shown at thp Seaside Theatre tonight. Janet Gaynor, Will Rogers, Lew Ayres, Sally Eilers, Norman Foster, Louise Dresser, Frank Craven, and Victor Jory are the stars of this Fox production. Miss Gaynor and Ayres are the lovers of a romance between a little farm girl and a dashing newspaper reporter, and Miss Eilers and Foster 'are the principals of another affair, said to be as Intense as It Is unconventional. Rogers has what is reported as the greatest comedy role of his career.

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

"The Billion Dollar Scandal," Paramount's latest melodrama, featuring Robert Armstrong, Constance Cummings, Olga Baclanova, Frank Morgan, James Gleason, Irving Pichel. and Warren Hymer, is now .showing at Shortt s Theatre. The story, briefly, deals with the sensational expose of a gigantic swindle, brought about by an ex-c'onvlct, as an act of vengeance against a powerful financier. The second feature picture Is "The Cheat," an absorbing drama with Tallulaha Bankhead in tho star rolo, and Irving Pichel In support.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN,

Edward G. Robinson, one of the screen's greatest character actors, is starred in "The Honourable Mr. Wong," a First National attraction to be shown at Our Theatre tonight. A strong supporting cast is headed by Loretta Young and Leslie Fenton. Robinson portrays a feared member of a tong, whose vowed duty is to carry out tho edicts of the secret society by way of the hatchet, even when it is his boyhood friend who must suffer the death penalty. There are excellent supports.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

"Prosperity," an M.G.M. comedy special, will bo the attraction at the Regal Theatre this evening. Marie Dressier and Polly Moran play the leading roles, and supporting them are Anita Page and Norman Foster. Marie and Polly are mothers-in-law. They battle over tho married life of their respective son and daughter until they almost drive the young couple Into divorce • and the audience Into hysterics.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Flesh," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features Wallace Beery, Karen Morley, Ricardo Cortez, and Jean Hersholt. Wallace Beery has a powerful role, comedy and pathos giving him ample opportunity to display his versatile talents In this story of the wrestling r!ng. The story starts in Germany, where Wallace Beery Is a wrestling waiter, and concludes with his crossing to America to seek the world's title.

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

"Sleepless Nights." an Irresistibly hilarious ail-British comedy showing tonight and on Monday night at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower ,Hutt, .sturs Stanley Luplno. As a young reporter Stanley is instrumental in delivering Polly Walker from a pestering blackguard, and immediately falls in love witli her. Being locked out of her room, Luplno takes care of the damsel, but. they aro' discovered In compromising circumstances by the editor, to whom Stanley Introduces tho girl as his wife. Hot on Stanley's heels come tho girl's parents, who insist on tile newly-marrlod couplo returning with them to their yacht. Attempted blackmail, burglary, and a comedy of errors are but a few of the delights which follow, but emerges triumphant -in tho end. In "Sleepless Mights" there are several musical numbers, chief of which is the popular song, "I Don't Want to ko to Bed." Zano Grey's Paramount picture, "Wild Horse Mesa," screens on Tuesday and AVedncsday . nights, featuring Randolph Scott and Sally Blanc. On the same programme Alison Sklnworth and Stuart Erwin are seen in the comedy, "He Learned about Women." "Evenings for Sale," a Paramount picture starring tiie English actor Herbert Marshall, screens next Thursday and Friday nights. Box plans are at the "Peter Pan" Lounge or 'phono theatre 63-431.

. MHAORJ, MUSIC.

Almost too late for their™ preservation, the •public Is at last awakening to the1 real value of Maori arts and crafts. Prominent amongst those who have sought successfully to preserve and Interpret the haunting and tho weird types of Maori music and other social arts ils (110 Rev. A. J. Seamer, who Is known amongst the Maori tribes as "Te Hlima," and whose Maori choirs have established wonderful reputations. His 1933 choir, now visiting Wellington, commonly known as "The Methodist Maori Mission Choir," has been followed by crowds and enthusiasm everywhere. Maori experts and musical critics claim that, this choir is unsurpassed in Its realistic presentation of Maori customs, games, and music. This party, which will appear in tho Town Hall on Tuesday night, will Include the following visitors.: — Te Ulra Tuteo, of Walkato (nephew of tho Maori King), Akonga Pihama, of King.Country, Hohepa Tutawhlap, of Southland, Tono Tikao, of Canterbury, Hlpera Tainui, of Port Levy, Wl Perehama, of Otakl, Waru Toklkurl, of Thames, Tamata Macho, of Wnnganul, Rlplne Matoloterangi, of Tafanaki. Mori Ellison, of Otauo, Bangl Tawhal and Merlama Kaltala, of North Auckland, Taka Itopata, of Banks Peninsula, Rupe Kerlopa. of Nelson, Hinerangl.Hlkuroa, of Waitotara, Ralha Te Aho, of Whatawhata, Rangtpeka Karamaima, of Te Kultl, and Merl Tikao, of Walnul.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

The third heat of the two-step championship will be held at the Royal Rofler Rink, Vivian Street, this evening, and it promises to be one of the most successful skating competitions yet held in Wellington. Also oh the programme will be a hockey match between the Wellington representative team which met Manawatu on Friday, July 14, and a team picked from the other local players. At the conclusion of this match the final selection for the team to meet Hawke's Bay on Wednesday, August 9, will be announced. The "Strollers" Dance Band will supply a novelty musical programme.

"MISS HOOK OF HOLLAND."

The Wellington Operatic Society will present this beautiful musical comedy "Miss Hook of Holland" In the Grand Opera House, commencing with a niatlnee next Saturday. The dresses and scenery are novel and bright, and the ballets and chorus both entertaining and well trained. The principals are very happily chosen, and Include Klta Kemp, Gretta Stark, Dorothy Newman, Ida Gustofson, F. G. HayesTowns, Ray Kemp. Tom Hlslop, Maurice Cachemaille, Doug. Stark, Jim Cooke, Dudley Alexander, and Eric Harrison. The musical gems with which the comedy abounds include "Little Liqueurs," "Cream of the Sky," "Hove Is a Carnival," "Little Pink Petty from Peter," "Little Miss Wooden Shoes," "Soldiers of the Netherlands," "The Cigar He Bought Her,".and "The House that Hook Built." A specially augmented professional orchestra has been engaged, and will be heard to advantage In the incidental music. The whole production Is In the capable hands of. Mr. W. S. Wauchop, wnlcli fact alone guarantees th* artistic success of "Miss Hook of Holland."

GRAND OPERA,

For its second concert of the 1333 season, to be held on Wednesday, August 16, the Royal Wellington Choral Union intends presenting something entirely new-in the form of an evening devoted to, grand opera In costume, with Mr. Harlson Cook as producer and Mr. John Bishop as musical director. The first and second act of "Der Freischutz" will be given, the garden scene from "Faust," the famous sextet from "Lucia," and the cabaret scene from "Carmen." In connection with tho latter scene a very interesting Spanish ballet is being arranged' by Miss Kathleen O'Brien. The principals taking part have all appeared In different parts of tho Dominion, and are 19 in number. Special scenery and lighting is being, arranged at the Town Hall by Mr. Harlson Cook, who will take tho part of Mephlsto in "Faust," a role he has taken on numerous occasions with the famous Carl nosa Company. The box plan opens at The Bristol noxt Friday at 0 o'clock.

WELLINGTON MALE VOICE CHOIR.

Lovers of good part-slnglng will be pleased to know that the next concert of the Wellington Hale Voice Choir Is to be given in the Concert Chamber next Thursday evening. Those who attended the first' concert of this choir voiced the opinion that the reorganisation which has lately been carried out has resulted in a better balance and blend, while the opinion was also expressed that the choir was now singing better than ever. During the winter some hard work has been done under the able direction of Mr. John Bishop in the preparation of the programme to be presented next week. This concert will fully .maintain the high standard of performance for which this organisation has always been noted. A group of Negro Spirituals, which, because of their fervour and Impresslvencss, always make an appeal to an audience, has been included in the programme. The soloist for this group Is the well-known Wellington basso, Mr. W. Binet Brown. Part songs to suit all tastes have been included in the items. Such rousing numbers as "Who Sails With Drake?" and "On the March" will be treated with that energy that they cull, for, while the pianissimo, legato type of treatment will bo given to such beautiful numbers as "Come, Gentle Night" and "At Andernach in Rhlneland." Miss Helen Gardner, one of Wellington's foremost artists, will contribute groups of English and French folk songs, all of which will be presented in costume. A further attraction will be an instrumental trio by three of , Wellington's younger artists. Tho box plan will open on Monday, and patrons are advised to book early.

CONCERT AND COMMUNITY SING,

A concert and community sing will be held in the Town Hall on-Tuesday, August 15. Mr. Owen Prltchard will be song leader, and Mr. Frank Crowther at the piano. The performers of the concert programme will Include Miss Dorothy Seymour. Miss Jlyra Sawyer, the Melodic Five, Messrs. Desmond Lavin, Lawrence Haggitt, Prank Andrews, George Sutherland, Will. Bowman, and Master Sunberg. The Wellington Artillery Band will also assist. A pot-pourri competition, in which a prize of one guinea is offered to the person obtaining the nearest correct number of names in order as played by the band, will be held. A full evening's entertainment is absolutely assured.

GLIDE SKATING RINK.

Tonight's session at the Glide Skating Rink in Wakefleld Street will be extended to 11 o'clock. The session will commence at 7.30 o'clock, and the usual programme of novelties will be presented, ending with the popular snowball fight. The "Skaters" Band will provide snappy music.