ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 135, 5 December 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. In "Secrets," now ■. showing at the Regent Theatre, Mary Plckford has a thciuo and a part which suit admirably her inimitable style of uctliig. The story is a simple one, telling of the uphill fight of a young couple, the Carltons, from poverty and family banishment to a position of prosperity and power. The scene of the story shifts from the quiet and austere atmosphere of a midVictorian New England homestead, across the prairies to the new land of California, and portrays its development through the rise of the Carlton family. The trials of the western trail are 'shown with a vividness that brings to tho audlenco a realisation of tho spirit of tho pioneers. Then follows a struggle for existence, and a triumph which carries with it tho sting of sadness. Tho outlaws are defeated, but the Carltons, bereft of child and home, liavo to start again from the beginning. Tho next stage, after a lapso of some twenty years, shows how tho husband is again saved from danger, this time of a social- and moral nature, by the love of his wife. Thirty years after this, tho old couple, still In love, steal off again to California, to recapture the joys of their early married life. Supporting tho feature Is a remarkable stage act, "Ice Ballet," produced by Mr." G. S. Bright. ... GRAND OPERA HOUSE. A strong story with a very different setting, "f Cover Hie Waterfront," now showing at the-Grand' Opera' House, i has the thrills, romance, and novelty which go to mafco an excellent evening's' entertainment. Ben Lyon, Cliiudette Colbert, aud Ernest Torrcnce have tho lending'roles in a. story which tells of the adventures of a newspaper man assigned to "cover" tho waterfront..of.a city oq tho Pacific Coast of the United States. ' Tho hunt for a. man who is smuggling Chinese inta the couutry is tho central theme of the story., Tho reporter suspects'EliI'Kirk, a clever and unscrupulous old sailor, and the film tells of tho effort to sheet the crime home'to Kirk, of tho romantic Intrusion of Kirk's daughter, and of many other things. The richly varied life of Hie waterfront,' from speakeasy to Customs revenue cutter, all finds Its way into tho film, and tho picture passes from beauty to adventure with battles with giant' sharks, pursuits, and more than one clever trick to cover tho traces of the smugglers' novel cargo. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Tugboat Annie," at tho Do Luxe Theatre, is a triumph for those two firm favourites Mario Dressier and Wallace Beery. In the title rola Mario' Dressier has a trying tlmo with Beery,. who plays tho part of her uncouth, overgrowu-schoqlboy husband, sometimes inebriated, but always ltrepresslbly cheerful. Tho gradual decline of their Uisiness us their tug, tho Narcissus, loses its ■ reputation of being tho fastost tug mi tho waterfront, and their final achievement of happiness as they save their son, and tho liner of which he is captain, in a thrilling storm scene, raako a picture full of interest from start to finish. The hectic days, of post-war stock gambling, the spectacular crash of the stock market, and tho ruin of the idle rich who went down with It, arc depicted dramatically for the first time on tho motion picture screen In "The Crash," starring Kuth Chattcrlon, with Ceorgo ' Brent as.her leading man, which opens,on Friday at the Do Luxe Theatre. The picture, presented with all tho fastidious lavishncss typical' of a film In which Ruth Chatterton is the star,is based on tho succesful novel, "Children 'of Pleasure," by Larry Barratto. It is tho story of a young couple who have made a. fortune* in the market, only to lose it,> like thousands of others, In tho debado fliat ended a nation's gambling for quick riches. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Tho brilliant acting of, Dame Sybil Thorndyke as tho scheming mercenary Mrs. Hawthorn in Stanley Houghtou's play of Lancashire life, "Hindlo Wakes,"' is of a standard not usually associated with .the Picture screen. It Is a compelling characterisation that will not Tio easily forgotten. Another striking performance Is given by Edmund Gwcnn as Chris Hawthorn, tho loving father of the erring Jenny Hawthorn. A,capitally drawn character of tho stroug-wllled Lancashire lass is presented with splendid dramatic skill by the young actress, Belle. Chrystall. No finer JofTcoate, millionaire mill-owner, than Norman McKlnuell's impersonation could bo wished for, and his profligate son is convincingly played by John Stuart. The supporting subjects are films of quality. Their Excellencies tho Governor-(!eno-ral and Lady Bledisloe will be present at tho Paramount Theatro this evening. KING'S THEATRE. Garbed In outlandish nigs, plumed hats, and costumes of the Robin Hood era. Laurel and Hardy are seen' at the King's Theatre, in "Fra Diavolo," as daring brigands whose adventures must certainly be the funniest in which theso inimitable wit shave yet appeared on the talking screen. The picture is based on Auber's famous comic opera, "Fra Diavolo." Tho noted singer and stage star Dennis King plays a prominent part In the production, and the cast also features Thelma Todd, James IHnlayson, Lucille Brown, Arthur I'lerson, and Henry Armetta. QUEEN'S THEATRE. At tho Queen's' Theatre : Tom Kecne, the popular Western i star of today, la seen in his greatest success, "Son of the Border," a real thriller of the great open spaces, a romance with plenty of action and hard, riding. The second picture is the sophisticated dramatic triumph, 'A Woman Commands," featuring a brilliant cast, including Po'a Xegri, Roland' Young,: Basil', Rathbcue, and H. B. Warner.. ■:•.,. • • ■ , PRINCESS THEATRE. i; ."There. goes .tho '.Brldo/'rnow- ■ ht the Prlnqesa Theatre,- is, a musical melange starring that very popular1 ornament of the London revue and' musical comedy stage, Jessie Matthews. She sings two very catchy songs, "I'll' Stiiy 'With You" and "Looking For You," in which she has,the assistance of the Savoy Orpheans Orchestra. ' "I'll Stay With You," apart from its, intrinsic charm, is put over by tho star In such.a fashion that It Is Impossible not to. be'carried away by Its unmistakable allure. Miss '■ Matthews plays opposite OwenNares in. this..engaging;story, BRITANNIA THEATRE. "A Lady's • Profession," :-at tho Britannia Theatre, ia tho, amusing, story of" 'a couple of titled, Britons, who decide to recoup, the family fortune by opening a night club In New York. ■ Their principal difficulty is.not with the 'law, !but > with ; tho bootleggers who. supply them their stock. The latter, terrified at.the thought of joining the breadline once Prohibition Js ■ repealed, insist that the night, club owners take far. nioro liquor than they .can-dispose of. But the English ,pair, in, a series of highly amusing Incidents, succeed in beating' tho bootleggers' at their ' own game. - > ' ' • . ■ ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Winifred Shotter and Owen Nares.head the cast'of "The Love. Contract," due at-tho Artcraft Theatre tonight. ' "The. Love Contract" is a light comedy, and Miss Shotter is seen in it as .a . rich . young woman < who suddenly loses all her money and is subsequently employed as chauffeur, by'tho man,who buys up her house. . The p.lot includes musical numbers; written by: Ralph Benatzky, the famous composor of the music of "White Horse Inn" and "Casanova." '"The" Love. Contract" is bright and amusing entertainment. ' BHORTT'S THEATRE. A railroad. romance with more than its share of thundoring thrills, wild rides on runaway trains, plus a . delightful romance, is Dangerous' Crossroads,"1 a melodrama at Shortt's Theatre. Chic Sale, Jackie Searle, and Diane Sinclair .appear. in tho principal roles. It ia full of action, and contains laugh after laugh, largely because of the homely and likeable characterisation of an old engineer, presented by the ever-popular. Chic Sale. The second picture is'"State Trooperi" a picture of fast action, with moments of tense drama and romance as well,as moments.of humour. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Patrons at the Empire ■ Theatre this evening are assured of .excellent entertainment. Tho principal attraction, is "The Lovo Contract," starring Winifred'Shotter and featuring a powerful'supporting cast. The' production is a delightful and mirth-provoking comedy. An excellent, programme of short subjects prccodes the main attraction. On Wednesday and Thursday "Out All Night," co-starring Slim Summervlllo and Zasu Pitts, wiil bo screened. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. A double-feature • programme is to bo presented- to Our Theatre patrons tonight. Eddie Qulllan and Robert Armstrong are co-starred in "Tire Tip Off," a tale-of a young man who battles the underworld for love and winds up with a climax which Is hair-raising. The">secbnd feature, "Goldie Gets' Along," stars LIU Damita, and Is an' inside story on the'bathlng beauty contest racket. ' , CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "The" Sliver Cord," featuring Irene Dunn, Frances Dee, Joel McCrea.'Erlo Linden, and Laura Hope Crews, fs screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight for the last tune. Irene Dunn, enacting a modern wife, contributes a splendid performance against a background of elaborate settings arid1 splendid '• photography. - As Christina, she rises In magnificent wrath against the insidious tactics ■ employed by . a selQsh mother, ~..'' ', J A BALLET FANTASY. Booking is proceeding apaco for Dorothy Parlette's "Ballet Fantasy," to be .shown in the Concert Chamben tonight.l This year's show . promises' <to. bo- bptter than over, and tho addition, of three male 'daiiccrs and Dorothy Parlc'tle (in' person) should be an added attraction: Some of. the' outstanding numbers will bo; a '.complete Tschalko,wsK}' suite by tho' junior pupils, a Spanish scena which Includes two traditional dances to correct music, a ' senrt: ballet • with a gorgeously patterned-colour theme,' a quartet of tappers In an unusually clever arrangement, a stirring Russian ballet; a delightful "Blossom Time" ballet In which :hbth Dorothy and Edward r.nrlelto will appear, and.tlio enchanted garden ballet. Danco-lovers aro promised a generous feast of new ideas'in colour, movement, and melody. ' ■ ' .

ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Beauty for Sale," at St. James Theatre, is a daring version of tho sensational novel "Beauty." It is a drama of modern city life with a particularly intimate locale behind the scenes in a fashionable beauty salon. Heading an impressive cast are Madge Evans, Alice Brady, Otto Krugcr, Una Merkel, May Robson, and Phillips Holmes. A triangular romantic situation is developed between the characters played by Miss Evans, Miss Grady, and Kruger. "Beauty for Sale" is cynical, full of epigram, well dressed, well acted. Coming to the St. James Theatre on Friday is the new Fox film, "The Power and tho Glory," the production that has been he.ralded throughout the motion picture world os the film that will revolutionise movie making. The plot concerns the evolution of a simple, poor, uneducated young trackwalker into one of the most powerful railroad magnates in the country. It shows him as ho leaves a life of slmplo wants and small pleasures and enters a life of intrigue and romance, that sidetrack him from his main purpose, that of becoming richer and more influential. ' MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Waltzing Matilda," at tho Majestic Theatre, must go .down as one of the most exhilarating Australian pictures to date. .Briefly, the story tells of two "cobbers," who, under tho Impression that the; police aro seeking them for assault following a drunken orgy, take to the road with their "matlldas." By a coincidence a private detective is looking for one of them to inform-him that a deceased uncle has left him.a small fortune. It is this misunderstanding concerning the detective's inquiries that causes many of the comedy situations. Joe Valli and Pat Hanna are responsible for most of tho comedy work. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Moonlight and Pretzels," acclaimed by movie critics as one of (ho ,m'os.t tuneful and cleverly produced musicals over flashed upon the screen, is tho current atiractiqn at tho'Klihlrr.ie Kinema. Roger Pryor, Leo Carillo, Mary Brian, Lillian Miles, Alexander Gray, Bcrnlcc Claire, Jack Denny and his, orchestra, Herbert RawJinsoii, Doris Carson, William Frawloy, and the famous Frank and Milt Brltton band aro featured. WELLINGTON REPERTORY THEATRE. Everything points to a: most successful season for "Alice-Sit-by-the-Flre," the delightful Barrie comedy which thtf Wellington Repertory Theatre will present at tjie Concert Chamber tomorrow night and on tha three nights following. Record bookings have beou made, and rehearsals Indicate a polished performance. Scenery and costumes add a picturesque note to the production. Tho play is charming, and the cast is a strong one. Alice will bo played by Mrs. Vera Hortbn, an actress with an English reputation; Amy by Hazel Wells, one of the society's most popular performers; tho Colonel by Mr. W. S.lmm, a well-known Barry enthusiast; and Steve by Mr. T. V. Anson, a local favourite. Among those making first appearances aro Misses Edna- Furdie (In an | amusing character study), Imelda Meadows, j Phyllis Batten, Mrs. Belle Campbell, and Mr. Alan Howard, a versatile young actor. The production is in the capable hands of Mr. W. S. Wauchop. Intending patrons are advised to book early. DRAMATIC RECITAL. Mrs. Menard aims at a high standard with her work, and her; dramatic and elocutionary; pupils always present''an. excellent entertainment at the end of the year. Tho large audlenco at the recent performance at the Masonic Hall spent a most Interesting evening. The juniors presented • a sketch from. "Holly-tree Inn," by Dickens, Marjprle-Osbornc, Joyce Richardson, Tattle Monk, Norah Gay, and Valeric Madden taking the parts. Also Mr. H. Walmers in a senior part. Recitations were Chen by Miss Roma Topp, Mr. J. Osbornc, and Miss Windsor; dialogues by Ruth Stone and Vernon Halliday; songs by Misses Vnlcrio Ashenden and Ngaire Coster; humorous sketch, Mr. L. Searle; classic, Miss M.' Windsor; charactor duet. Misses Ashenden and McLean; sketch. Miss N. Williams, Messrs. Osborne and Searle; one-act play. Misses N. Williams, Betty Menard, Q. McLean, L. Searle, J. Osborno, and B. McConnell. This. last was very cleverly managed,. two quito different scenes being enacted at tho same time.1 . Mr. I/. Muir was the accompanist, and Mr. Creed the stage manager. There wero other items, and the programme throughout was of a high standard of artistry. "MESSIAH." Tho final performance of tho Royal Wellington Choral Union's 1933. season will tako place at the Town Hall tomorrow evening at S, when Handel's immortal masterpiece, "Messiah" will bo performed. Tho pleasure of hearing Handel's glorious chorales' sung by a choir of 400 voices is one that does not come often in Wellington. Mr. John Bishop, who will conduct, Is on this occasion so arranging the orchestra that It will be practically surrounded by the chorus. Tho cast of soloists will be as follows:—Soprano, Miss Alma Clcgg; contralto, Miss Gladys Hlbberd; tenor, Mr. Edwin Dennis; bass, Mr. R. J. Laurenson. Mr. W.Laurence Haßgitt will bo at the grand organ. The final rehearsal will take place at tho Town Hall at 7.30 tonight. The box plan' can be Inspoctcd at tho D.1.C., where Is tickets will be availablo tomorrow. VIOLIN RECITAL. An excellent violin :recHal was givon at the Blue Triangle Hall, Boulcott Avenue, on Saturday evening by the students of Mr. L. Churley Walker, L.A-B. • The work of the young musicians was generally of a high order. The programme included the following items: — Minuet (Boccherlni),. Misses M. Gibbs, J. Oliver. L. Smith, and Desmond Walsho; "Melodic," Raymond Hill; "Simplicity" (Kruez), Mary Barnard; waltz (Graham), Alastair Mac Arthur (pupil of Miriam Gibbs); waltz (Kreuz), Ronald Child; violin sextet. Misses J. Oliver, M. Walker, Master D. -O'Neil, N. Jenkins, R.-Kim:, P. Renal; "Obertass" (Wieniawskj), Marie Walker; "Moto Perpetuo'% (Bohra), Victor Jenkins; "Londonderry Air," boy. soprano, Ronald Child, with violin accompaniment; "Etude" (Lee), Robinson' King-; "Czardas" (Monti), Joyce Oliver; air for. G string, pas de deux (Bach), dancers, Miss.ooari Raine and Thelma Bartholomew; violins,' Misses M. Gibbs, B. McClellan, L. Reecei L.; Smith,' Messrs. L. Harrington, M. Hyman,'D. Walshe.and, 1). O'Noil;

"Song Without WordsV (Mendelssohn), Thco. Meyer; "Caprice" (Trouselle), Sir. I#. Harrington, Miss B. McClellan and Mark Hyman; senior ensemble". (Corelli); Misses .M. Gibbs, N. Jenkins, B. McClellan, R.. Recce, L. Smith, J. Oliver, Messrs. A. Gibbons, M. Hyman, L. Harrington, T. Meyer; D. O'Neill, J. O'Neill. D. Walshe, A. Money; "HejreKatl" (Hubay), Marl; Hymnn; "Allegro ,con fuoco"■ (Veraclni),' Mlria in Gibbs; also, selections .by the combined classes. Tho instrumental items, were accompanied in several cases by dancing by Missos Joan Raine and Thelma Bartholomew (by permission of Miss K. O'Brien). Mrs. Walker was accompanist. . •■ ■ •