ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 113, 15 May 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

It is difficult to determine whether Tom Katz and his saxophone band or the British International picture "Meet My Sister" Is the principal offering at the Regent Theatre this week, for each, attraction is a show on its own. Together, and accompanied by a series of short pictures of moro than usual Interest, they form the acme of entertainment value. The saxophone band-^a novelty in Wellington—shows by Its playing why the saxophone, in spite of the many who decry it. Is one of the most popular musical Instruments In the world. Tom Katz and his five supporting artists give melodious renderings of every type of music from the evergreen classics of the past to the infectious syncopation of 1934, and in every piece, their technique is a delight. "Meet My Sister" Is a much-improved version of the well-worn story in which the handsome young bridegroom-to-be finds a charming but strange young lady in his bed on the eve of his wedding. His desperation and confusion in explaining everything away provides some seventy minutes of hilarious fun. The plot is complicated by the fact that the hero suddenly has two sisters thrust upon him, and these, in addition to his genuine sister, cause bedlam in the house of the young man's prospective father-in-law. Clifford Mollison and Constance Shotter, In the leading parts, and every supporting artist give a polished performance.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Getting back to the reckless days of 1890, "Frontier Marshal," now showing at the Grand Opera House, is a picture filled with action of the exciting and spectacular kind associated with the ''Wild West." Michael Wyatt (George 0 Brien), on his way to the town of Tombstone, experiences a coach hold-up. On arrival at the town O'Brien discovers that the pretty girl who sat next to him on the coach journey is Mary Reid (Irene Bentley). who learns from Mayor Melton (Burton Churchill) that her father has been murdered. Melton is Reid's partner and exercises a fatherly interest In the daughter, as also does Michael Wyatt. . Wyatt, in recognition of a spectacular coup in arresting a dangerous gunman, is made marshal of the town. The position of marshal at Tombstone demands the utmost courage, resource, and straight shooting. Wyatt displays all three virtues to the achievement of a desirable end. The supporting programme is an interesting one, including two newsreels and an Ideal sound, magazine.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"Queen Christina," at the De Luxe Theatre, tells the unusual story of the "bachelor girl" who was the daughter of Gustavus Adolphus the conqueror of Europe. Christina, who was reared as a boy, was an unlucky queen, born with the ability to perfect the arts of peace, and condemned to live In a warlike period. Interested In the finest things of life, and destined to spend her existence In a country rough. and unlettered. It is this curious, unhappy creature that Greta Garbo plays with all her abundant vitality and strange beauty. Romance comes to her with the visit to Sweden of an ambassador from Spain. The girl finds in him all the things of which she has read and for which she « y*?™ed for yea"- The conflict of nationalities, the call of duty, and the demands of love set the stage for ar absorbing drama.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Gordon Harker, the popular comedian, Is seen tor the flrst time in a starring role in "This X the Life," at the Paramount Theatre. He is happy in having with him Binnie Hale, a captivating star of the London stage, who lias a most pleasing appearance and sings and acts charmingly. The two work together with laughter-raising effect. Preceding "This is the Life" is "Kamet Conquered," depicting the Smyth Expedition's great feat in making the ascent to the highest point of the Himalaya Mountains. Smyth, the leader of the expedition, accompanies the unfolding of the picture with a most Informative description of the journey. Musical items are contributed by Lallite Lees on the harp, and Paul T. Cullen at the Wurlltzer.

KING'S THEATRE,

An outstanding programme of two first releases Is now showing •at the King's Theatre In the first Irene Dunne, Charles Bieltford, and Gwill Andre give a new- verve to the eternal triangle with the vitality and realism of their performances in "No Other Woman." Based on the phenomenal stage success by Eugene Walters, "No Other Woman- is a realistic drama of modern marriage and morals, full of romance, conflict, intrigue, and, humour. ' The second picture ta "Excess Baggage," a scintillating comedy starring Claude AUister, Betty Astell, and Frank Pettinge!!.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

Tho story of "To the Last Man," at the Queen's Theatre, is based upon an actual feud in the Tonto Basin of Pleasant Valley, Arizona, in tiie eighties, in which both factions were wiped out, literally, to the last man Zane Grey brings the story back to postCivil War days and two feuding families In' the mountain fastnesses of Kentucky. The Hayden family, determined to end the killings, forces tho Court to put Jed Colby, their enemy, in gaol for the latest killing, and moves to the West. The second attraction Is the allBritish mystery drama. "The Burton Mystery."

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

The film version of the literary classic "The First Mrs. Fraser," opens at the Artcraft Theatre this evening. This British Dominions production, with a fine cast, follows faithfully the original story, and Is as successful as was the stage version of the book. The story concerns a young and beautiful wife who tires of her wealthy husband and yearns for a divorce to enable her to marry a weak nobleman. The first Mrs. Fraser is the husband's first wife, and the "book" describes the chain of events that culminate in the divorce and the reunion of the original Mr. and Mrs. Fraser. There arc the usual good supports.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Marion Davies's latest picture, "Cinderella's Fella," now showing at the Princess Theatre, possesses a lavish ' background of merry melodies and scenic spectacles, and Is strengthened by "a tuneful score. Bing Crosby plays the role of a radio crooner who goes to Hollywood to make a motion picture. He sings several numbers, and also shares song numbers with the blonde star. There are many dance ensemble spectacles. In support, the British and Dominions picture version of Monckton Hoffe's famous play, -"The Little Damozel," is being presented.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"The Girl from Maxims" is the main attraction at the Empire Theatre this evening. The story concerns a much married man who through no fault of his own, becomes Involved m a complicated affair with a chorus girl, and his attempts to hide this affair from his wife and also his very rich uncle make exceedingly humorous entertainment. Leslie Henson plays the leading role, and supporting him are George Grossmith and Prances Day. On Wednesday and Thursday "Deluge" will be screened.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

Xow showing at the Kilbirnie Klnema is "Bitter Sweet," the British film that captured America just as thoroughly as it captivated London. It Is a triumph for Anna Neagle, Ivy St. Heller, and Herbert Wllcox, the director, who has adhered as faithfully as possible to Noel Coward's stage play, whilst introducing the finest film technique Into its translation. Anna Neagle lias never looked more beautiful nor acted so' well; hers is natural and gracious acting that in this Him sets the seal on her stardom.

SEASIDE PICTURES.

Richard. Dlx is the featured player in "Day of Beckoning," which will be" screened tonight at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay. Based, on an original story by Morris Lavtne, "Day of Reckoning" is a vivid presentation of a phase in the operation of justice that is seldom considered—the "break up" of a man's family after his imprisonment. Richard Dix scores one of the outstanding lilts of his career, and Madge Evans, as the superficial and extravagant wife, plays her part with vivacity.

SHORTTS THEATRE.

One of tho most highly eulogised picture productions of the last two or three years.

"Reunion," is now the chief attraction at Shortt's Theatre. The story of "Reunion," which was suggested by a real-life story published In "'John Bull," deals with a typical regimental union and the noble selflessness of a major who, although down and out himself, unhesitatingly parts with his last note in order to head a subscription for another • old comrade. "Strictly Business, ' an original story by Jacqueline Logan, depicts London as seen through the eyes of an

BRITANNIA THEATRE

"Counsellor at Law," starring John Barrymore, is showing at the Britannia Theatre. The story concerns a crisis in the life of a great ■ criminal • lawyer. He is threatened . with the loss of his career and hla wife, and at the same time Is willing to help others In distress. He saves from the electric chair a woman accused of murdering her husband, tries to save a Communist from the police, help? his worthless brother, and cheers his mother with his castles tumbling about him As a supporting attraction, "Sally Bishop." with Joan Barry and Harold Huth in the leading roles, Is being presented.

REGAL THEATRE. KARORI

Tonight what Is described as the brightest comedy romance yet made In England, "Heads We Go," will be screened at the Regal Theatre. This production gives the story of the hilarious romantic adventures of two charming mannequins, who, on the toss of a coin, started on a hectic escapade of assumed Identity In a fashionable holiday resort. On Wednesday and Thursday, "General John Regan" will be screened.

"THE CIRCASSIANS."

Tonight at 8 o'clock. In the Town Hall Concert Chamber, "The Circassians," under the bnton of Mr. Thomas Wood, L.A.8., will give their first performance for 1034. "The Circassians" are departing f'/n tradition by appearing In a specially-designed uniform In keeping with their name, A most entertaining programme Is offered, and lovers of bright music are advised not to miss this unique entertainment. The assisting artists are Frieda Meier, violinist, and Dorothy Daniels, In Russian dances. The accompanist is Miss Isa Anderson, L.A.B,

STATE THEATRE.

nm m, Suzanne," featuring that delightful ttlo lady Lilian Harvey, Is being shown at the State Theatre. The story of Suzanne is a simple one, with some trace of dramatic justice. Suzanne (played by Miss Harvey) if Ln. fCCr' you"e' attrac«'re, successful, bun »oi. "i? a} e temP'aH°n by her managei 't 1* Banks). On the other side of the story "J'W < Gene Raymond), who, with his family, conducts a marionette show. One evening be *ts.«" revue in which Suzanne Is dancing, and Is immediately struck with the idea of making a marionette of her to lend a little ™or« T. arif ty to his show. His wish is only Till .!? however, after ho has had a dust-up with ttte manager and drops in through a skylight to see Suzanne. Complications arise when the manager discovers the pair while lony s sketching her, and he extorts a promise that she will marry him. That evening Suzanne tumbles from a tightrope, and the manager i TtZ, her when uls found ">at she will probably not dance again. Here Tony steps in and obtains the services of a doctor who can do the trick, and soon Suzanne is on her teet again helping in the marionette show, lhe manager, however, learns of her recovery and induces her back to the stage, and Tony is shelved for a period. Suzanne dances badly on her return to the stage, and only when Tony and marionettes are incorporated In the revue is the idyllic state of "happily ever after" implied.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

'The Narrow Corner," at the Majestic Theatre, is good in plot, characterisation, and interest. The opening scene is one of mystery. There is a parley between an evil-looking old sea captain and a blustering agent concerning a voyage by a pearling lugger through the Dutch East Indies and a passenger who must never return to civilisation. The lugger steals out to sea. •In a tropic storm, in which the captain is forced to go below, and during which Dr. Saunders, the only other white man aboard, is lying in an opium stupor, the youthful passenger finds his manhood. The vessel puts in at an island where the passenger meets in an English settler's daughter and in the representative of a Danish firm the two closest friends of his life. There also takes place a sweet, wild, and most poignant romance.

"The Countess of Monte Crlsto," a gay European tale opens next Friday at the Majestic Theatre. The story, dealing with the exploits of a little film extra girl, who goes to an exclusive hotel and poses as a countess, features a lavish and spectacular New Year's Eve party. A grand stairway was specially built at a cost of several thousands of dollars, while the lighting and other effects were even more costly. Some unusual European backgrounds and panoramas lend a charming foreign spirit to tho picture, while many outdoor shots taken at night were particularly difficult and exacting. Fay Wray and Paul Lukas head a distinguished cast.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Tilly ; and Gus" is a, farce-comedy, full of laughs, at the St. James Theatre. Alison Skipworth's humour is well known, and W. C. Fcilds has a brand of humour all his own; she Is a "dame" who can bo acidity itself, and he is an Irrepressible rascal. Clarence Wilson, Jacqueline Wells, Clifford Jones, and the child prodigy Baby le Roy are also in the cast. On these six players the farce-comedy mainly depends, but there are some other good character sketches as well. There is not a dull moment In Tilly and Gus," and the farce puts its kick in without the aid of a single chorus girl or professional nudist.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

..nil eanT.P arlow and Lee Tracy are co-starred In me Blonde Bombshell" at Our Theatre. The supporting cast is headed by Frank Morgan and Pat O'Brien. The production is a pictorial record of Hollywood laughing at Itself, a story woven around the myths and rumours that have flown out of the Him capital, and is presented In a composite of humour and laugh-provoking situations. There are excellent supports.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

Ruth Chatterton, George Brent, Johnny "MackBrown, and Lois Wilson are to be seen in "Female," which is showing at the Capitol Theatre tonight. The story tells of the daughter of- Alison Drake, who steps into her father's shoes as president of the Drake Motor-car Company, and decides to live her life like a man, ruthles sin business and in love. Like Catherine the Great of Russia, she selects as her sweethearts any and all of the handsome young men who attract her, mostly from her own office. Her system is to order them to come to her home, ostensibly to talk over business, but In reality to make love to them. A matinee will be held tomorrow at 2.13 p.m., at which "Dangerous Crossroads" will be shown.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

Those who have worked to establish the Wellington Symphony Orchestra are encouraged to find at the beginning of this season a greatly Increased interest in its welfare. Sixty new subscribing members have been enrolled, and the number is growing daily. The booking for the concert on Thursday evening is stated to be larger than ever, and a record audience is expected. The programme will be most enjoyable, including as it does several gems of ororchestra music, and a fine operatic aria by Gluck, which will be sung by the Napier contralto, Madame Margaret Mercer. A special feature of the concert will be" the prominence given to the harp, the harpist being Mrs. Constance Hughes Johnson, of Wanganul. Mr. Leon de Mauny will conduct the orchestra, which now numbers more than seventy players. Copies of the programme are now available at Begg's, where seats may be reserved.