ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 32, 7 August 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "On Secret Service," at the Regent Theatre, is a thrilling espionage drama against a background1 of the Austro-ltalian front. Greta. Nissen and Carl Diehl play the principal roles. The story opens in "Vienna oil the eve of the outbreak of the Great War. An Italian spy, Marcella, meets and falls in love with an Austrian officer who is also a secret service agent. Marcellu's colleague places evidence1, in the officer's rooms which, when discovered, leads to his arrest. He is given the offer of a "gentleman's way out," but refuses to take this course, asking to bo allowed to undertake espionage work in Home to vindicate liis honour. He goes to Italy to obtain information against the country that is of vital importance to his native land, and while there lie again meets Marcella, whose love is put to a terrible test, for it is her duty to-betray him. She pleads with him to leave Italy before she is forced to expose him. There is a tense, climax. , * "Happy" lit the Regent. The next attraction at the Regent Theatre is the 8.1.P. production "Happy," with which it is claimed Britain will set a new standard in musical pictures. "Happy" is a merry, musical melange with a cast of star comedians which might easily grace a Royal command performance, including as it does such names, as Stanley Lupino, Jimmy Godden, Laddie Cliff, Will Fyffe, Gus McNaughton, and Harry Tate. It is a glittering production with songs to catch the ear, beautiful costuming to please the eye, uproariously fast and hilariously funny comedy with fulsome enjoyment to make it the perfect entertainment to please the whole family. Dorothy Hy6on is the leading lady, and is one o£ the most popular feminine stars on the London musical comedy stage, and it would eeem that in this film the British producers have definitely set themselves out to eclipse any and every similar film which has coma out of the London studios. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Grueie Fields, England's . most popular comedienne, plays the leading role in "Love, Life, and Laughter," the extravaganza now at the Grand Opera House. It is indeed a bright production. In her inimitable manner Miss Fields 6ings the song of the same name as the production, on several occasions in different circumstances. Perhaps the most laughable incident is that which takes place on a "royal" and formal occasion, when, asked by "royalty" to withdraw, she departs singing "Out in the . Cold, Cold Snow." The supports are excellent, including a short Maori love theme with a background 'of legend, a fine scenic feature showing the waterways of Venice, and an extremely clever coloured sound cartoon, "Tho Little Red Hen." DE LUXE THEATRE. ''Disraeli" is now making a return season at the De Luxe Theatre. It is firstrate entertainment, full of humour, dramatic situations, suspense, and intrigue, and spiced with a very kindly spirit. The endeavours" of Disraeli to complete the purchase'1 of the Suez Canal shares alread of Russia, the manner in which he fights the spies of that country and rises to meet an emergency with a superb i)iece of bluff, the quaint Victorian setting and excellent casting, all make this an exceptional film. One of the outstanding screen productions of the year, "Sadie MeKee." starring Joan Crawford, opens at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday. With a supporting cast including Franehot Tone, Gene Raymond, Esther Ralston, Edward Arnold, Earl Oxford, Jean Dixon, and Leo G. Carroll, the.story is said to be one of the most gripping ever translated to the screen. "Sadie McKee" is a vivid dramatisation of the average American girl. A cook in a small town falls in love with a carefree young man, who works for her mother's employer. She elopes and tries her luck in New York/ Hardship and struggle await her. Her young mau deserts her. She takes what jobs she can get, and never despairs. She is catapulted into tho luxury of 17,000,000 dollars when in desperation she marries a drunken millionaire. Saving his life from alcohol, she seeks to save her own soul by escaping. Another man comes into her life. Yet she still loves her small town friend, who meets a. tragic -fate.. The conclusion holds a tremendous, surprise. ' KING'S THEATRE. •'The "Song of the Plough," .at I tho King's Theatre, is the story of English farming, and it is ' also a beautiful picture of Nature, of man's everlasting struggle with • Nature, and of man's allies in that struggle, the patient animals of the farm. There is romance in the domestic life, in the devotion of the mother to her men-folk in the hour of their economic stress, and in the mutual affection of the tiny daughter and her faithful sheep-dog. This farm picture is really a farm poem.. In the supporting programme, "London" blends the spirit of Westminster Abbey with the modern might of "the world's commercial centre. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Warwick Deeping's famous story, "Sorrell and Son," excellently done in talking picture form by British and Dominion Films, continues to impress patrons of the Paramount Theatre. The story, of the warbroken officer who faces adversity and toils as a hotel porter to provide a future for his son is a noble theme. H. B. Warner's "Sorrell" is unforgettable. The cast Includes Winifred Shotter, Hugh Williams, Peter Penrose, Margot Grahame, and.Donald Calthrop. The last three nights of the extended season are announced. The big sensation, of the London film season has been the first, appearance in pictures of that sterling British actor and London favourite, Lewis Casson (husband of Sybil Thorudike). Mr. Gasson does remarkable work in "The Night Club Queen," a play of unusual power in which Mary Clare does brilliant work as his leading lady. The picture will begin at the Paramount Theatre next Friday. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "The Women in His Life" is the main picturo at Our Theatre tonight. It is the story of a spectacular trial lawyer who always wins. the. cases.. >£or hie. clients, bo they guilty or innocent, and who lets a woman of his past wreck his future. "Little Orphan Annie," starring Mitzi Green, deals with the heroic attempts of one little orphan to care for another. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. ___ One o£ the strangest aud most exciting thrillers, "The Myste/y'. of tho Wax Museum," will open at tho Kilbirnie Kinema tonight, with Lionel Atwill, Glenda Parrel I, Frank JUcHugh, and Fjy Wray heading a large cast. The story deals with a series of mysterious disappearances of both living persons and human bodies and the appearance of a terrifying monster. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Spellbinding' mystery, sophisticated humour, and . the engaging romance of a master criminal and the.feminine spy who is hired to track him down, are expertly blended In "Arseuc Lupin," at the Queen's Theatre, starrii\ John and Lionel Barrymore. John Bavrymore gives one of the most delightful performances of his career, while Lionel Barrymore has never been seen to greater advantage. The second attraction, is the comedy. "Stepping Out." PRINCESS THEATRE. In "Walls of Gold," at the Princess Theati'e, Kathleen Norris shifts her pen to the problem whether a girl should accept love unquestionably or take the matrimonial offer of the highest bidder. Sally Eilers has the featured role, with Norman Foster in the masculine lead opposite her. The supporting cast includes Ralph Morgan, Rosita Moreno, Rochelle Hudson, and Frederick Santley. "The First Mrs Fraser" is the second attraction. BRITANNIA THEATRE. In "Every Woman's Man," at1 the Britannia Theatre, Max Baer, the famous boxer, plays the part of a young boxer who in a, speakeasy attracts the interest of a trainer. By slow stages he rises to championship form, but then comes the debacle. Women interfere with the serious business of the boxer's life, and a wife knows the torture of jealousy. But love always wins out. There is n. thrilling fight between Camera ami Baer.

STATE THEATRE. "Devil Tiger," at the State Theatre, tellfl of the struggles o£ a small party <©£ white explorers against jungle perils, chief of which is the "devil tiger." Views are given of terrific fights between a tiger and a crocodile, a python and a leopard, and a hyeua and a Malayan bear.. The film is claimed to Be the first drama of feature length ever made in the jungle proper, and its excellence can be judged from the fact that Clyde E. Elliott, whoiuado it, was the director of '"Bring 'Em Back Alive." Because of its detailed record- of the primeval forests of Asia, and their savage denizens, "Devil Tiger" is one of the most unusual and instructive talking pictures that has even been shown. To balance the programme is a light comedyroinauce, "Ever Since Eve," in which Herbert Mundin, George O'Brien, and the dainty Mary Brian are., combined, with a strong supporting cast. ; MAJESTIC THEATRE. . "Men in White" is . now screening at the Majestic Theatre. As a doctor, Clark Gable plays the part of a man torn between his duty 'to his patients and career and his more personal emotions for an attractive young heiress (Miss -Myrua Loy). The heiress fails to appreciate the demands. of his profession upon the doctor, and in the end the couple are obliged to make a breach. On the stage Miss Kathleen O'Brien's tap specialists give an exhibition of the latest tap dancing, the accompanying music being supplied by the Majestic Stage Presentation Band. Universal's thriller "The Black Cat," with Karloff and Bela Lugosi, will commence next Friday at the • Majestic Theatre. Karloff and Lugosi meet with a lustful desire to wreak vengeance upon each other. An innocent young couple on their honeymoon become involved in their sinister machinations. The story is full.of fantastic situations. Jacqueline Wells and David Manners, the rising young star, eupply an unusual team. Edna May Oliver and Edward Everett Hprton commence their first starring roles together as a comedy team in "The' Poor Rich." an up-to-the-minute laughable show based on present financial conditions, and their constantly comical complications are said to be a veritable source of laughs. Edward's unfailing sense of humour and Edna May's antics are 'supplemented by the work of Andy Devine, Leila Hyams, Thelma Todd, John Miljan, Una O'Connor, and many others. '. . ST. JAMES THEATRE. Reyue-vaudeville is the principal attraction at the St. James Theatre, where Clem Dawe is appearing with a fine- variety team. Dawe leads the comedy element, and his company includes Muriel O'Malley (contralto), Anu Luciano (soprano), Cliff O'Keefe, Joe Shriner, and also (Jeregory Ivanofi: (violinist). The main diet is comedy and ballet. "A Telephone Tangle" is a clever skit ou'telephony, with Clem Dawe leading. "At Sunrise" is the shooting at dawn of the spy Mata Hari, with Clem Dawe, Dorothy Wliite, and Joe Shriner. Quite different in quality is "The Newsvender," iv which Clem Dawe appears as au aged Seller of newspapers, squeaky and garrulous. Other sketches are "The Toyraakers' Dream," "The Schoolroom," and "Plantation Days," The revue is preceded by a picture programme, the centre of which is "You're Telling Me," featuring W. C. Fields. RIVOLI THEATRE. Wellington picture-goers will have the opportunity at the Rivoli Theatre tonight to see George Wallace in "His Royal Highness," which has created enthusiasm wherever it has been shown. "Hi Nellie," a brilliant feature starring Paul Muni, will also be shown, ia addition to an Australian vaudeville variety, featuring such popular artists as Neil McKay, the Sundowners' Quartette, Lou Vernori, Marshall Crosby, and Kathleen Goodall. Fatty Arbuckle will be seen in "In the Dough." "Take a Chance," a musical comedy, with James Dunn, and"Blonde Venus," with Marleno Dietrich, will be screened- on Saturday. ' ' > ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey appear in the depths of the African jungle •in their comedy, "So This is Africa!" which opens at the Artcraft Theatre this | evening. The real perils of the jungle encountered in this instance are not wild animals, but wild women, a highly amorous tribe of beautiful Amazons' led, by Raquel Torres. Wheeler and.Wookey fall more or less ■ willing victims. "So Thy is Africa!" takes, its cue from the numerous jungle thrillers' screened in recent months, and proceeds to show what happens when a pair of intrepid explorers'like'Wheeler and Woolsey try to shed a little light ou the dark continent... The short features will comprise a comedy, a Krazy Kat cartoon, an item of the "Sport-Thrill' scries; and a screen snapshots. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "The Crime Doctor," starring Otto Krugcr, heads the programme a.t the Empire Theatre this evening. A" murder case is unfolded before the eyes of the audience, every step of the crime in the . killer'smind being. depicted from the inception to the final solution of the case. On Wednesday and Thursday Flying Down to Rio" will be screened. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Wheeler and Woolsey, the popular comedians, will again indulge in their sidesplitting tactics at the Regal Theatre, Karori, tonight, when "Hips, Hips, Hooray" will be screened. On Wednesday and Thursday "You Made Me Love You" wil] be screened. . % ' SHORTT'S THEATRE. "The Right to Romance" is now.being shown at Shortt's Theatre. It is a story of a celebrated lady plastic surgeon who forsakes a brilliant career in her search for romance and glamour. Ann Harding appears in an entirely new type of characterisation.' "Long Lost Father,'^ features John Barryinore in a piciurisatioh of (j. B. Stern's novel, depicting the attempts of a father to gain the love--of a daughter twenty years after he deserted her aa an' infant, •' .. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Three on a Honeymoon," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features Sally Eilerg, Zasu Pitts, and Johnny Mack Brown. The story centres round a spoiled and reckless girl who h\s been leading a hectic existence and decides to take a European cruise. HARMONIC SOCIETY. Next Saturday in the Town Hall Concert Chamber the Wellington • Harmonic Society (conductor, Mr. H. Temple White) will give another of its popular programmes. This society always endeavours to include in each programme some numbers whfah have not been given in Wellington previously. One such number on Saturday will be "Death the Leveller," a wonderful conception by Dr. Cyril Jenkins (words by J. Shirley), whose "Storm's Triumph" was so well received tast year. Dr. Jenkins was much impressed with the work of- the choir when he was hi. Wellington in" 1933, expressing the opinion that the . society compared favourably with similar organisations in any part of the world. Other choir items on the programme are "O'er the Meadows'' (Boyton Smith), "The Silver Swan" (Orlando Gibbons). "To Morning," for female voices (Granville Bantock). and a fantasia on Gounod's opera "Faust," arranged by. Challinor. As assisting artists the society has secured the services ot Miss Zillah Castle, ii young violinist who recently returned from' London, and of Mr. Rex Harrison (baritoue). from Christchurch. Included in -his numbers arc Beethoven's setting of "The Erl-King." "Hills" (La Forge), "How's My Boy " (Homer). "The Caravan (Martin Shaw), and "Go From My Window, Go" (Somervell). The plan is now open at Begg's. "THE CIRCASSIANS." The second subscription concert of "The Circassians" will be given tonight at S p.m. in the Town Hall Concert Chamber. "The Circassians," who number 75 chosen voices under the baton of Mr. Thomas Wood, hope to eclipse the good impression made at their first concert last May. The assisting artists are Dorothy- v Seymour in character 13 sketches, and Jack Hannam and James Phillips in novelty tap-dancing. In addition to the many charming numbers to be sung by "The Circassians." some excellent solos will be heard. The box plan is at Begg"s till 5.30 p.m. Admission mny also be (Siined at the doors, which open at. 7.30 p.m. j

PLAZA THEATRE. Varied entertainment of a popular nature is provided in the first programme at the new Plaza Theatre. The feature picture is "Bright Side Up," a satire on Hollywood methods, dealing with the successful efforts of three genial rogues to make producers take notice of a talented,, pretty little blonde. "Pat" Paterson is the blonde, and those who pave the way— mostly by bluff —to enable her to achiev* her movie ambitions are "Smoothie"' King (Spencer Tracy), "Limey" Brock (Herbert Mundin). and "Spud" Mosco (Sid Silvers), each of whom does some splendid work. "Pat" Paterson is an English stage star, blessed with good looks, a winning pcusonnlity, and a pleasant voice. John Boles, as the actor she has . admired from afar and opposite whom, through the efforts" of the enterprising trio, she finds herself playing before long, has a good part, and he has a fine voice. In addition to its rapid comedy, "Bright ( Side Up" introduces four song numbers. There are attractive supporting picture*. COMMUNITY SING. This week's community sing will be held in the Grand Opera House tomorrow at 12.30 p.m., by courtesy of J. C. Williamson (N.Z.), Ltd. The song1 leaders will,be Messrs. Owen Pritchard and Will Mason. Mr. Frank Crowther will be at the piano. The collection will be in aid of the Mayor's Fund for the relief of distress. SEASIDE PICTURES. At the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay; to-' night a double-feature programme will be shown. Cary Grant and Benita Hume will be seen in "Gambling Ship," a tale of the vessels that float outside the threemile limit, beyond the reach of the law, where all kinds of gambling- games are .played without interference from the authorities. Betty' Stockfeld has the lead" ing part in "Anne One Hundred."