ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 34, 9 August 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

In the rolo of a very human king, whose natural bent is towards the understanding companionship of other good fellows, but whom tho eternal and unvarying semi-worship and etiquette drive very uearly frantic, George Arllss continues to draw delighted audiences at the K«x«ut Theatre. His throne is insecure—indeed, the country Is on tho brink of revolution —and, heartily sick of the position, he pushes through dictatorial legislation which con have only one effect, to causo a universally weleomo revolution, so unanimous that there Is no fighting Florence Arliss, a3 the queen, has always realised his real sympathies, which liv with very ordinary mortals, and when he has abdicated she sends him back to his former wife and daughter. In the old homely atmosphere, where he formerly lived so happily, things have changed a good deal, and for a while it looks as though lie would be in tho unfortunate position of having a freedom which he cannot enjoy as he would have wished, but 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. ■ "Discord." . The English have been noted for their plays and comedies. But for sheer excellence of plot, for the charm of its execution, and for tho beauty of its, music, > few, it is stated, come up to "Discord," which is to bo screened at the Regent Theatre next Friday. Owen Naies as a composer, Benita Hume as his wife, and Harold Hutli as the other man, are the trio of principal pluyers who are In the picture, which is the adaptation of E. Temple Thurston's last play, "A Roof" and Four Walls." This play tells of the striving of a young composer to provide for his wife. Love and happiness are -a foundation stone that it would seem is not to bo shattered. But she makes good on her own In an unexpected way, and earns more than her share of money, and discord shatters the home. A big stage novelty will be presented in the form of the TozerNickels Krazy-Kwllt Revue.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

There Is tense acting at the Grand Opera House in the picture "That Night in London," which deals with the night life of the greatest city in the world, visited by stealth, and well nigh- to disaster, by a country bank clerk, embittered by unrecognised services In tliu humdrum drudgery of village business. Armed with a fairly large wad of the bank's money he .means, to see life for a night, and, then end it all. In his railway carriage is an international crook who has designs on the wallet. He has particularly good reasons for leaving England behind him'that night, too, but Eve, his "sister," whom he employs as a decoy, rather spoils tilings by taking a fancy to the country boy. The girl' makes such aii efflecHvo hand amongst the crooks that the boy Is finally ■ persuaded to retrieve his foolishness, and finds himself back again at the bank .in the morning. In this character Robert Donnt Is very natural. The plot hinges, however, on the versatility of Pearl Argyle, as Kvo, tho clever actress kept at cabaret dancing to suit tho aims of the rogues who have a hold on her young brother, and whoso alternate flro, scorn, and winsomeness are eclipsed by her wonderful dancing. Miles Mandcr and.Roy Kmerton are other successes in a strong cast. ,

DE LUXE THEATRE,

The attempt' to bring to tho screen such a drama as "Strange Interlude" must necessarily bo ambitious^ but the picture which is presented at tho Do Luxo Theatre this weett Is no unworthy effort to express the changes and strained emotions of Eugeno O'NelU's play. The story concerns 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 (hat this way of escape is barred to her, for there | is insanity in tho Evans family, and she dare i not have a child. She finds another way out, however, and dedicates her life to the aid of Evans, whom ehe judges to need her most. Whether ho plays a crook or a clubman,1 a detective or. a criminal, William Powell is invariably the punctilious, perfectly mannered gentleman. Whatever his record in the eyes of the police, his standing in the drawing-room is perfect. This is strikingly demonstrated in "One Way Passage," the thrilling and absorbing Warner Bros." production, which opens at the Do Luxo Theatro on Friday, with Kay Francis again cast" with Powell. Not only is Powell a lawbreaker and a fugitive from justice in this romantic drama, but the crime of murder has crowned his misdeeds, and he is in headlong flight around tho world iv an eltort to .escape justice.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Last night's performance at the Paramount Theatre was screened in tho'presence- of the Governor-General andtLady Bledlsloo and a party from Government House The audience derived enjoyment from the vivacious acting and singing of the delightful' Jesslo Matthews, Fred Kerr, A. W. Bascomb, Basil Sydney, and Claude Allistcr, in the vastly entertaining musi-cal-comedy "The ' Mldshipmald," which will close its successful season tomorrow night. Yet another outstanding British comedy success "It's a King" will begin at the Paramount Theatre on Friday. It brings with it a great reputation.: Concerning it the, London "Referee" writes:—"Thank heaven'for Sydney Howard—the tannings- of Jest; In this riot of a film lie manages a masterpiece of grave and dignified imbecility with which there •is really nothing to compare. 'It's a King' is a king among comedies. In the world of comedy It marks as great an advance on the general standard of production as- 'Rome Express' has done in the .world of drama. It carves out a new film-standard."' " :;';'"■:■'■■

KING'S THEATRE,

'An engrossing story of three girls, staring as classmates in the same public school, and the 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 Bette Davis, which Is now showing at the King's Theatre. Three more widely differing girls than the trio portrayed in this drama would be hard to Imagine. One is the class beauty, a girl of wealth and position ; tho second is tho honour girl of her class; the third Is the school "bad girl," tomboy, hoyden, and mischief-maker. There are the usual supports. 1 Brilliantly mounted, gorgeously costumed, and setting a new standard for screen acting, "Rasputin and the Empress" commences at tho King's Theatre on Friday. Is'ot only is "Rasputin and the Empress" dazzling because of its imposing cast headed by the celebrated Barrymoro trio, John, Ethel, and Lionel, and Diana Wynyard, in their first joint appearance In films, but because of its tremendous sweep and scope, its gigantic reproductions of the magnificent ceremonials of the pre-war Russian dynasty, its powerful dramatic structure, and the wide diversions" of striking characterisations. Box plans at Bristol and Theatre.

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, depleting the most recent. adventures of Quirt and Flagg. Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen, who have made Quirt and Flagg world-famous, appear as the lovable scallawags. They discard their marine uniforms and, in evening clothes, preside merrily over gay night clubs. The exotic and dynamic Lupe Velez portrays the leading feminine role, and a feature of the production is her singing and her alluring dancing. The first release attraction, "Freighters of Destiny," featuring the popular Western star Tom Keene, "will be screened at the Queen's Theatre on Friday, together with the big mystery drama1 "Lame Dog Inn Mystery," starring Dorothy Jordan and Eric Linden.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE.

"The Secret of Madame Blanche," with rene. Dunno heading a stellar cast, Is tha feaire attraction at the New Princess Theatre. Tho tqry covers a period of thirty years. A young idow is left with a baby son, but tho unympathetic father-in-law takes the child away rora her by process of law. During tho Vbrld War she unexpectedly finds her son uring a cafe brawl. A man Is killed in-the racaa. and to shield ■ her son, the . mother lioulders tho blame without revealing ' her lentity. An unexpected turn brings tho story j a close.;

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

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

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

"Flesh," with Wallace Beery as tho star, is tho big attraction to be screened at Our Theatre tonight. The supporting cast is headed by Karen Morley and Ricardo Cortez, who give vivid performances as a pair of American dancers. The story starts in Germany, where Beery Is a wrestling waiter, and concludes with his crossing to America to seek tho world's title. There are excellent supports.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE,

"Marry Me," tho most contagious musical comedy ever seen or heard, is now being shown nt the Artcraft Theatre, featuring . Eenate Muller, the screen's new sweetheart, with those two prize fools Harry Green and George Robey. These three musketeers of laughdom give a 'performance outshining Heir "Susie" in this comical conglomeration of musical nonsense. The whole programme la a real gloom-chaser, studded with tuneful melodies, snappy in action, and full of fun.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

A game lull of thrills is promised at the Hoyal ICollcr lUnk, Vlvlau Street, this evening, when a representative hockey, match between irawke's Bay and Wellington will be played. The match Is scheduled to commence at 8 p.m., and those desiring a thrilling half-hour would bo well advised to witness this game. A full programme of a bright and varied nature has been arranged, and there should not bo a dull moment. The "Strollers" Dance Band will supply the skating music, as well as providing a special item during the Interval of tho match. Ample accommodation is availablo for onlookers, and light refreshments can be obtained In the cafeteria at a trifling cost.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

Somerset Maugham's "Our Betters" Is now being shown at St. James Theatre. Tills "sophisticated" play has for Its star tonstance Bennett. She divides honours with Violet Kcmball Young, who is a Duchess and a vamp of an oldor typo than Constance. Lafly Grayston, as played by Miss Bennett, has some sense of the rottenness of the society or which she Is pivot, but the Duchess plays tno game with a real belief In 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 tne Duchess, and Minor Watson, plays an old blooci who foots the bills for Lady Grayston. Ihe play is full of satire and comedy, mostly in the direction of tearing passion to tatters.

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 patnos 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. Unaffected, and with a tine comprehension of the difficulties to be faced, he provides a brilliant study of personality. Ilia plot is taken from Robert Burns's autobiography. That well-known and popular romantic leatl Ramon Novarro appears iv "A Night in Cairo, which comes to the Majestic Theatre on Iriday The film is full of action, with a background of glamour, an Ideal subject for Novarro to show his prowess in his particular sphere of acting. In "A Night in Cairo" he sings several ballads, including "Lovo Songs on the MH, which has been extremely popular, among auuiences in other parts of the world.

SEASIDE PICTURES.

"Diggers," the story of the Australian soldier, a lovable chap, who has justly earned tie plaudits of the world for his bravery In we field of battle and remarl;ablo sense of humour when not grappling, with the more serious things in life, will be shown tonight at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall . Bay. The action of the picturo centres mainly about the lighter side of things. It Is comedy, with occasional pathos. It is the exploits of two carefree soldiers through the Great War, their continual brushes with those iv authority, aud their antics while on leave.

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

The 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-golug togs through a night club, a yacht, a restaurant which they wreck, a rum boat, a couple or speed boats, and a little seaside cottage. The Impatient Maiden," a startllngly , frank comedy-drama, is also being shown, with Lew Ayre3 in tho starring role of a young physician and Mac Clarke as the maiden in the case.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Private Jones," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features Leo Tracy, Gloria Stuart, Donald Cook, and Shirley Grey. Although the title may suggest it, "Private Jones" is not a war picture, but a likeable ana laughable story, of the funniest, laziest, stubbornest, yet most lovable soldier that ever donned a uniform.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

Tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karori, a double-featuro programme will be screened. The main feature, "Pleasure Cruise," is splendid in its entertainment value and has Roland Young, Genevieve Tobin, arid Herbert Mundin in the leading roles. Telliug of a timid husband and a thrill-loving wife,'it is a most amazing and humorous story. The supporting feature is entitled "Yes, Madam." On Friday and Saturday "Flesh" will be screened.

EMPIRE THEATRE. ISLAND BAY.

A large programme is to be screened at the' Empire Theatre this evening. The main attraction is "Diggers in Blighty," starring Pat Hanna, and featuring George Moon and Joe Valll. The story concerns three irresponsible Diggers who receive ten days' lcavo for capturing several German spies. Their attempts to fit into the surroundings in London aro hilariously funny. A feature of the supporting programme is a- two-reel comedy entitled "Oh 1 What a Night," starring George Wallace.

WELLINGTON MALE VOICE CHOIR.

Tomorrow night, in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, the Wellington Male Voice Ciioir will giro its second concert of the present . season. Thoso who attended the first concert a couplo of months ago were, unanimously of the opinion that the choir is now singing better than ever before, and Mr; John Bishop, the conductor; has succeeded in weldIng this body of singers into a well-balanced combination whoso concerts are well worth attending. Tlio programme prepared for this performance maintains the high standard for which this choir is noted, and lias been designed to appeal to and givo pleasure to the most fastidious of audiences. Such wellknown tunes as "Oft in' the Stilly Night," "Scots Wha1 Hae," and the "Soldiers' Chorus," effectively harmonised, , have been included, while that pianissimo work that all male voice choirs can make so beautiful is demonstrated by such numbers as "At Andernach" (Abt) and "Come, Gentle Night." "The Morning Serenade," with baritone and ienor obbligato, should prove a very pleasing item. Perhaps the most popular group will be a set of negro spirituals, which because1 of their fervour, never fail to appeal. Mr. W. Bluet Brown has been chosen as soloist in this group. The choir has obtained the services of Miss Helen Gardner, a soprano well known to Wellington audiences for the excellence of her work. Oil this, occasion she is. to give a little colour to-" the programme, for she Is to sing groups of French and English folk songs in costumes characteristic of the periods represented. Instrumental trios will give further variety to tho programme. Mr. Alec Mill,"' L.A.8., is tho accompanist. • Popular prices are being charged, with special concessions to subscribers..

BRITISH DRAMA LEAGUE,

The second festival of community dramas staged by tho Wellington area of the British Drama League will begin tonight at .the Blue Triangle Hall, Boulcott Street. Twenty-two entries have been received—six more than last year—and six one-act plays by New Zealand authors will be included in those to be presented. The Sir Michael Myers Cup will be competed for; the cup to go to the team securing highest marks during the festival. The "Dairy, Exporter" Cup is for the.best original one-act play by" a New Zealand author, and produced during the season.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

Five stars shine in "Grand Hotel," the spectacular picturisatlon of the celebrated Vluki Baum novel and play, now showing at the Kllblrnle Kiuenu. Tha story, which takes place entirely within the confines of a fashionable Berlin hotel, entwines the lives of a varied group of persons, including an exotic Kussinn dancer whose romantic interlude with a rcckless 4 baron saves her from suicide but results in her lover's murder. Involved Inj tlie drama are a scheming business man, a seductive stenographer, a consumptive clerk, a shellshocked doctor, and the hotel's head porter.

After several ■weeks' work a man at Wyoming, United States, recently finished a model of.a log house on a scale of one inch to a foot. The dimensions are 28in by 38in,: and it contains seven rooms. Poles were used for logs, and window and door frames were attached in the same manner as for a full-size dwelling. The chimney, fireplace, porch, and steps are built of small stones cemented together. The model contains 240' logs and nearly 5000 shingles were used for the- roof.

ACTION FOR DAMAGES

ORDER FOR SPECIAL JURY

Because of the nature of the medical evidence and the size of the claim, an order for a special jury has been made on the. motion of counsel for the dofendant in the case of Eunice Goss and others against James Kussell which is set down for hearing in the Supreme Court, next Tuesday. The claim is for £2000 damages for injuries allegedly received. . A similar order was made in an action for, libel last year. Subsequently it was reviewed by Mr. Justice Ostler and Mr. Justice Blair in n motion .for rescission. In upholding tho order, their Honours stated that it could not bo disputed that unless expert knowledge was required on the part of the jury then the discretion to grant a special jury did not arise. The question as to whether expert knowledge was required was really one of fact iv each case. Having ascertained the nature of tho menta! processes the jury must go through to arrive at their verdict, the question in each case was whether those mental .processes involved tho application of expert knowledge appertaining to some trade or business. If they did so require, then, the case was one where' a discretion to order a special jury arose, but if they did not so require, then there was no discretion ie the Court so to order. .