ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 114, 16 May 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Ft Is tlimcult to determine whether Tom Katz' and his saxophone band or the British Inter- I national picture "Meet My Sister'- Is the principal offering at tho Regent Theatre this week, for each attraction is a show on its own. Together, and accompanied by a scries of snort pictures of more than usunl Interest, they form the acme of entertainment value. Tho saxopliono band—a novelty in Wellington—shows by its playing why the saxophone, In spite of the many who decry It,- is «no of. the most popular musical Instruments In tho world. Tom Katz and his live supporting artists give melodious renderings of every typo of music from the evergreen classics of the past to tho infectious syncopation of 1034, and In every piece, their technique is a delight. "Meet My Sister" is a much-improved version "of 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 2 s,, tw° sistel' 3 thrust upon him, and -these, in addition to his genuine sister, cause bedlam in tho house of the young man's prospective father-in-law. Clifford Mollison and Constance Shotter, in the leading parts, and every sunPorting artist give a polished performance. "The Love Nest." When British International Pictures decided to make "The Love Nest," which comes to the Uegent Theatre on Friday, they determined to Rive the popular star Gene Gerrard a supporting comedy east capable of assisting him in dispensing the limitless laughs in the story. Gene himself needs no introduction to picture patrons. He gave- the screen one of tho greatest comedies ever produced in ".My Wife's Eamily," and he followed up that riot of laughter with other screamingly funny pictures, such as "Out or the Blue," "Let's Love and Laugh," "Brother Alfred," "Lucky Girl," and others. But critics are said to be unanimous that "The Love Nest" is the funniest of them all, with the possible exception of "My wife's Family," although some go so far as to say it is even funnier than that picture. Camilla Horn plays the feminine lead opposite Gene. In the course of her screen career this beautiful star has Played many notable roles in big Continental and American productions. In addition to her good looks, Camilla is noted for her charming iiersonality and great histrionic ability.

GRAND OPERA" HOUSE.

Getting hack to the reckless days of IS9O, * "Hitler Marshal," now shWing at the Grand Upera House, Is a picture filled with action or the exciting and spectacular kind associated (Vii V?■ "W"u West" Michael Wyatt (George OBricn), on his way to the town of Tombstone, experiences a coach hold-up. On arn'rM. a\ V l6 ,tOwn °'Brien discovers that the pretty girl who sat next to him on the coach journey is Mary Reid (Irene Bcntley). who learns from Mayor Melton (Burton Churchill) , y, .IF t:lther llas been murdered. Melton if, Kel. d ? Partner and exercises a fatherly X" lo •he daughter, as also does Michael Hjatt. Wyatt, In recognition of a spectacular coup in arresting a dangerous gunman is made marshal of the town. The position of ™,r™ Tombstone demands the utmost Wvifterti r,csouree- an<i straight shooting. Wyatt displays all three virtues to the achievement of a desirable end. Tho supporting programme is an interesting one, including two newsreels and an Ideal sound magazino Two popular Hollywood scfeen artists brllto^e her"" i" i t"eir OWn ri£llt' aro '»'»«««' S Bf},f m A r"ssP°rt to Paris,"- the new comef tr. In' erna,tlonal comedy-thriller which comes to the Grand Opera House on Friday. Ihls breezy, adventurous story tells the hectic axhentures of a happy-go-lucky young man, YUlly who, after a "night out," finds him-1 an ln?» ,< "'T" 5 flilt' and ls mlst«ken for an International spy. Ho received £500 "A lassport to Paris," and Instructions to proceed to Paris, and there to make love to a blonde Countess. In a spirit of bravado he continues the deception and makes his way b!in?, Stif t. h A.<^ an, ncl' where he cneounters the beautiful Molly Malone, an out-of-work actress who is posing as the Countess with whom he is supposed to have machinations. They become enamoured of each other, but it is not until the gang arrives hot-foot on Wally's trail and the adventurous couple find themselves whirled into the vortex of Hetzelburglan politics, that they realise they are both playing the same game. The fact that the realisation is made when they are lined up before a firing squad adds to tho thrills of ho story. How they dodge the bullets" and live to fight again, side by side, in matrimonj', is just as funny as it is exciting. Full of gay adventure, comedy, and action, "A Passport to Paris" should prove to be a most popular screen hit. Sally Eilers and Ben Lyon are the principals, and there are also Harry late, the famous comedian, and H. F. Maltby, the well-known author.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Queen Christina." at the De Luxe Theatre, tells tho unusual story of the "bachelor girl" who was tho daughter of Gustavus Adolphus, the conqueror of Europe. Christina, who was reared as a boy, was an unlucky queen, born with tho ability, to perfect tho arts of peace, and con?n emn, e« fl° H TpJ.n a Wilrlike period' interested in the things of life, and destined to spend her existence in a country rough and unlettered. It is this curious, unhappy creature t'f'nf reta P arbo p)ays wlth a" hec abundant vitality and strange beauty. Romance comes to her with the visit to Sweden of an ambassador from Spain. Tho girl finds in him all the things of which she has read and for which she has yearned for years. . The conflict of nationalities, the call of duty, and the demands ..™ve set the staEo for ar absorbing drama The Silk Express," Warner Bros, latest mystery thriller, opens at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday, with Neil Hamilton and Sheila Terry playing the leading roles, supported by a perfect cast. For entertainment, for novelty of pint and locale, and for cleverness of solution, "Tho Silk Express" proves to bo one of the most engrossing pictures seen in a long, long time. It lias for Us setting a fast, hcavilvguardod silk train which, wo are told, has tiie right of way even over the Presidential special, as it speeds from Seattle to New York, laden with three million dollars' worth of raw silk, brought In from the Orient. Contracts for this silk make it Imperative that tho train reach NewYork on time in order to break a corner in silk that had been engineered by unscrupulous speculators. "The Silk Express" has all the elements of a mystery thriller without the socalled horror atmosphere.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Gordon Harker and Binnie Hale are very popular at the Paramount Theatre in the English musical farce comedy, "This is the Life." This story of the "Singing Kettle Inn," set amidst beautiful English scenery with a changeover in the later section to fashionable London society, is one of the very best of its kind. "Kamet Conquered," which pictures the Smyths Expedition's wonderful ascent of the highest mountain in the Himalayas, captures and holds the attention of the audience from beginning to end.

The attraction for next Friday at the Paramount Theatre will be British Lion's musical comedy success, "Strike it Rich." The star is the famous English stage comedian, George Gee. who during his sojourn in Australasia established himself as a great favourite especially with New Zealand audiences, when starring with J. C. Williamson's legitimate companies. Since, that, time he scored heavily in London In West End productions, including "Rio Rita" and "Hold Everything." His first part in dims was in the production "Cleaning Up," when he registered an immediate success as a screen comedian. He is now credited with showing to better advantage than ever. PlayIng in support are Davy Burnaby, Betty Astell, Gina Mallo, Wilson Lawson. Ethel Warwick, and Ernest Sefton.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

The story of "To the Last Man," at tho Queen's Theatre, Is based upon an actual feud in the Tontd Basin of Pleasant \ alley, Arizona, In the eighties, in which both factions were wiped out, literally, to the last mau. £?",? .Grey brln Ss the story back to postUvil War days and two feuding families in the mountain fastnesses of Kentucky. Tho Hayden family, determined to end the killings, forces the Court to put Jed Colby, their enemy, in gaol for tho latest killing, and moves to the nest. Tho second attraction is the all•Brltfsh mystery drama "The Burton Mystery." 'Kongo," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayor's drama of mystery and thrills in the African jungle, opens on Friday at the Dc.Luxo Theatre. As "Deadlegs" Flint, Walter Huston, In the featured role, re-enacts the part he first created in scoring one of his biggest New York stage successes. Black Magic, a terrifying plot of revenge, the resentment of the warlike Congo blacks against the cruel domination of a white master, and the fight of the white race against the jungle -lure, form the admixture from which this strange melodrama was evolved. The second attraction will bo Laurel and Hardy in their hilarious riot of fun, "Beau Hunks."

NEW ROYAL ROLLER. RINK,

An attractive programme is advertised for this evening's late session at the New Royal Koller Rink, Vivian Street. Of special interest is the hockey-on-skates championship match to be decided tonight between "Tigers" and Petone teams, both excellent combinations. Tho Itoyal Skating Band, who . c now recognised as Wellington's foremost skating combination, will again present new numbers, including "Roll Out of Bed with a Smile." The specially-arranged skating programme includes "Monte Carlo" competition, "Paul Jones," gildIng partners, etc. Children's sessions are being held daily during the school holidays, commencing at 10 a.m. There is an excellent skating surface on the dustless, silent floor at this rink.

PORT NICHOLSON BAND.

Tho .announcement that the Port Nicholson Band will give its first recital in the De Luxe Theatre on Sunday night will no douht be welcomed by music-lovers. An > excellent programme has been prepared, and leading professional artists have been engaged to assist. Including Kathleen Ferris, Lalltte Lees, Paul Cullen, Dorothy Seymour, Dan Hopa, Jean Cerchi. Tom Ooodall, and Frank Crowther. The band items have been carefully selected, and will include popular items from their repertoire. An admirable programme is promised. Patrons arc advised to be early.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

A double-feature programme will bo shown at Our Theatre tonight. In "The Woman I Stole" Jack Holt portrays the role of an oil King who takes a fancy to the lovely wife of •his superintendent and makes no bones about, the fact.that he plans to take her away from him. Xnncy Carroll and John Boles have the principal roles in "Child of Manhattan," an intriguing story of a dancehall hostess.

STATE THEATRE.

"I Am Suzanne," featuring that delightful little lady Lilian Harvey, is being shown at uiu .State Theatre. The story of Suzanne is a .simple one, with some trace of dramatic jusI tico. Suzanne (played by. Miss Harvey) if •a d.incer, young, attractive, successful bu' ikept from male temptation by her manage! (Leslie Banks). On the other side of the story [Is Uony (Gone rtaymond), who, with his family, conducts a marionette show. One eveniii" lie visita the revue in which Suzanne Is dancing, ■niKl is immediately struck with the idea of making a marionette of her to lend a little more variety to his show. His wish is only gratified however, after he has had a dust-up with the manager and drops In through a skylight to see Suzanne. Complications arise •when the manager discovers the pair while lony is sketching her, and he extorts a promise that she will marry him. That evening Suzanne tumbles from a tightrope, and the manager deserts her when it is found' that 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 lier teet again helping in the marionette show. The manager, however, learns of her recovery and Induces her back to the stage, and Tony is shelved tor a period. Suzanne dances badly on her return to the stage, and only when i'ony and marionettes are incorporated In the revue is the idyllic state of "happily ever after" implied.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"Tho Narrow Corner," at the Majestic Theatre, is good in plot, characterisation, and interest. The opening scene is 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 tlu) captain is forced to go belosj. and duringfwhich 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 tho passenger meets in an English settler's daughter and in tho representative of a Danish firm the two closest friends of his lffe. There also takes place a sweet, wild, and most poignant romance.

"Tlie Countess pf Monte Cristo," a gay European tale opens ttext 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. Eve parti. A grand stairway was specially built at a cost of several thousands of dollars, while tho lighting and other effects were even more costly. Some unusual European backgrounds and panoramas lend a charming foreign spirit to tho pjcture. while many outdoor shots taken at night were particularly difficult and exactIng. Fay Wray and Paul Lukas head a distinguished cast.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"Counsellor at Law," starring John Barrymore, is showing at tho Britannia Theatre. The story concerns a crisis in the life of a great criminal lawyer. Ho is threatened with tho loss of his enrcer and his wife, and at the same timo 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 tho police, helps 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. "Her Sweetheart," based on the play, "The Late Christopher Bean," one of New York's outstanding dramatic hits, opens on Friday at the Britannia Theatre, bringing together Jlarie Dressier and Lionel Barrymore in. their first appearance as co-stars. This new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer offering is based on Sidney Howard's celebrated drama, "Christopher Bean," of a woman who shows a man the road back to honour. The story of "Her Sweetheart" deals with the family of a country doctor and their servant, Abby. They learu that the paintings friended are now worth a fortune. Those they had have disappeared with the exception of one, a portrait owned by the servant. The kindly doctor under the lash of greed becomes a scheming fraud until the dramatic denouement in which lie returns to his better nature under the influence of the kindly Abby..

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Marion Davies's latest picture, - "Cinderella's Telia," now showing at the Princess Theatre, possesses a lavish background ot merry melodies iind 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 taclcs. In support, the British and Dominions picture version of Moncktoh Hoffe's famous play,. "The Little Damozel," is being presented.

Ralph Lynn's asinine fooling is always diverting, and his work in "Summer Lightning " which comes to the Princess Theatre on Friday is no exception. The story is a characteristic burst of P. G. Wodehouse's brilliant nonsense, and concerns a feather-brained young man who steals a prize nig with the clever intention of returning it later to win its owner's consent to Ins niece marrying the schemer. Ralph Lynn makes an ideaMVodchousc liero, trading in that absurdity winch has made the author famous the world over. These characteristic fatuities keep the plot moving at a great pace. The Wndehouse dialogue is witty and extremely amustng, and situation after situation raises a great laugh. 'Jliles XlaHeson, as a butler, is an admirable comedy accomplice to the star, and tho scene where they steal the pig at midnight is one of the high spots of the film. Winifred Shotter and Dorothy Bouchicr are also in the picture.

SEASIDE PICTURES.

"Kiss Me Again." the screen version o£ Victor Herbert's "Mile. Modiste," will be screened tonight at the Seaside Theatre, Lyall Bay. Taken in technleoiour, the picture is crowded with gorgeous girls and gowns, whirlwind comedy, and officers in reds, blues, and gold lace. The locales are Paris, Algeria, and Italy. The cast includes Bcrnice Claire, Walter Pidgeon Edward Everett Horton, June Collyer, Frank Mcllugh, Claude Cillingwater, Judith Yoselli and Albert Gran.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Now showing at the Kilbirnio Kinema is "Bitter Sweet," .the British film that captured America just as thoroughly as it captivated L'omlon. It is a triumph for Anna Neagle Ivy St. Helier, and Herbert Wilcox, the director who has adhered as faithfully as possible to Xocl Coward's stago play, whilst introducing the finest film technique into its translation; Anna Neagle has never looked more beautiful nor acted so well; hers is natural and gracious acting that in this film sets the seal on her stardom.

ARTCRAFI THEATRE.

The film version of the literary classic "The First Mrs. Fraser," is being presented at the Artcraft Theatre. 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. Eraser.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

uutn Lhatterton. CJcorge Brent, Johnny Stack Brown, and Lois Wilson appear in "Female," at tile Capitol Theatre. The story tells of the daughter of Alison Drake, who steps into her father's shoes as president of the Drake Motorcar Company, and decides to live her life like a man, ruthless in business and in lore. 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.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

One of the 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

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"Deluge" heads an attractive programme at the Empire Theatre this evening. Realistic scenes of the destruction of modern civilisation by a complete inundation of the world by a mammoth tidal wave, and amazing views of majestic structures crumbling to waste before the onslaught of colossal earth tremors, are among tho spectacular sequences of this amazing production. Tcggy Shannon and Sidney Blackmer head a large and talented cast. On Friday and Saturday "Bitter Sweet" will be screened.

KING'S THEATRE.

An outstanding programme of two first releases is now showing at the King's Theatre. In the first Irene Dunne, Charles Bickford, and Gwili Andro 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 Is "Excess Baggaee," a scintillating comedy starring Claude Allister, Betty Astell and Frank Pettlngell. '

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

"Tilly and pus" is a farce-comedy, full of laughs, at tho St. James Theatre. Allson Skipworth's humour is well known, and W. C. Feilds has a brand of humour all his own ; she is a "dame" who can bo acidity Itself, and he Is an Irrepressible rascal. Clarenco Wilson. Jacqueline Wells Clifford Jones, and tho child prodigy Baby le Hoy 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.

RERAL THF4TRF irannni

Tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karori, an all-British programme of special merit, "General John Began," will be-. screened. A specially-selected cast to fit the Individual-role? was arranged for this picture so as to ensure an excellent presentation. Good music and splendid acting make this an outstanding programme. Special supports will be shown.

WRESTLING ON MONDAY

Wrestling enthusiasts will see an exceptional bout on Monday night when the famous "Kins; Kong" of wrestling, Dan Kololl', will make his first appearance in Xew Zealand. His opponent will be the French campion, Uene ilichot, who made such a favourable impression against Dr. Meyer last week. Koloff-is .regarded by many authorities as second only to the champion, Jim Browning, and his record is certainly imposing enough to justify tlie claim. He is phenomenally strong and has been known to throw his opponents from positions which would be impossible for most wrestlers. Last year he was the only member of the team which toured France who went through undefeated, and it is of interest that during the tour he was not matched against Michot, who also was undefeated. The match was arranged and intense interest was aroused, but at the last moment something went wrong and the match was caucelled. Wellington is lucky to get such a bout. It was on the French tour that Kolorf was nicknamed "King Kong"—the picture happened to be showing in France at the time. Michot has recovered from the injury he received in the opening match and it is anticipated that his bout with Koloff will provide some great wrestling. Amateur bouts will be held, commencing at 8 o'clock.

The strangest of all marriage customs comes from Estonia, where brides, when first entering their new homes, throw money .on the fire. The railway bug is a tropical insect, so called because of a red light at its head, another at its tail, and a row of green lines down each side of its body. -

WELLINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,

Those responsible for the Symphony Orchestra must find satisfaction in the greatly-increased Interest that is .being shown in the orchestra at the beginning of Its sixth season. ■" The reserration of seats for the first concert, to ba presented in the Town Hall tomorrow'evening, is larger than ever before, and Intending patrons are advised to book early" tomorrow." The'box plan is at Begg's. The Tehearsals have proved that the orchestra is in excellent order to render the interesting programme that is to he submitted. The Cesar Franck Symphony should prove to be most satisfying to ail music lovers, and the other items on the programme will somewhere contain music that will have an appeal to everyone. It is requested that' the audience be seated by 8 o'clock, as it is important to commence the concert promptly at that hour. The doors will be closed until the end of the first item ("Prometheus") • -