ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 36, 11 August 1934, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

A gay inconsequential farce under the appropriate title "Happy" is the new attraction at the Eegcnt Theatre. Stanley Lupino is the leading light, and he has Borne able lieutenants in his laughtermaking campaign in the persons: of Will Fyffo, Gus McNaughton, Jimmie Godden, Ilarry Tate, Laddie Cliff, and Dorothy Hyson. "Happy" is also the name of the theme song, a catchy air-which, for the purposes of thj? story, proves sufficiently .successful to lift its composers) from penuriousuess to comparative affluence as the leader and pianist respectively of a Parisian orchestra. Stanley Lupino as the man with a baton in a jazz orchestra is sufficient to make any evening a success, but when he has to pretend to be the owner of a chateau at which the orchestra has been engaged to provide the music for a party, and still keep his musicians going, he is what may be described as a positive riot. The deception is made necessary by the fact that Lupino is endeavouring to sell to an American insurance magnate a device to prevent motorcars being stolen, and is at the same time pressing his suit with the magnate's daughter. Though the plot plays its part by enabling Lupino to be placed in the situations in which he fieems to revel, it is subordinate to the ever-flowing stream of merriment which is kept moving at a fast rate by an admirably-selected cast of English players. The supporting programme is right up to the usual high Regent standard, a topical feature showing the All Blacks practising in Sydney. There is also a coloured sound cartoon telling in a new way the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. I

In deference to the rilling craze for Walt Disney, the Eegent Theatre management has,, decided to present with next Friday's change of bill the entire first half of its programme with Mickey Mouse Cartoons and Silly Symphonies. Mickey Mouse, the Chaplin of the screen cartoon, is an international figure. Like the mournful Charlie, he is a fate-buffeted creature, always* on the edge of disaster, with nothing to save him except his wits. His tv'orld is as full of menaces as Charlie's is full of policemen.. Mickey will be presented in "Trader Mickey" and "Mickey's Pal Pluto," and the Silly Symphonies will be "Three Little Pigs," "Birds in Spring," and "Father Noah's:' Ark." In the second half of the programme "Looking For Trouble," starring Spencer Tracy and Jack Oakie, will be presented. Tracy plays a hard-working "trouble shooter" who prefers danger and thrills to sitting around the parlour with a young lady, much to the young lady's annoyance, while Oakie, as lite assistant, is described by his sweetheart as "a young man ' with strictly dishonorable' intentions." There are said to be thrills, action, romance, and an abundance of laughs in this picture. At every afternoon and evening session during the currency of the programme Jean McDonald and her living marionettes will also be presented.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE,

A splendid double-feature programme is provided at the Grand Opera House this week. The main picture is "Whirlpool," a powerful drama of a man's sacrifice. The picture is well. produced and well acted, and tho story is original and entertaining. Sent to gaol for 20 years for manslaughter shortly after being married, Buck Ilankin (Jack Holt) forges a letter to his wife (Lila Lee), stating that.he. was drowned while trying to escape. His object in doing this is to enable his wife, who is about to become a mother, to have a bette. chance in life. Bitter and resentful, he returns to the world and becomes a big racketeer. He meets his daughter, who is a reporter, in unusual circumstances, and learns that his wife, whom he still loves dearly, is now married to a famous judge. Not wishing to upset her life,, father and daughter, who become very much attached, share the great secret. As a result of trying to keep his identity unknown, he is forced to "let down" some of his colleagues who arc concerned ,in a court case. Fr.om then on the picture 'alternates, between tears and laughter, and the drama becomes very tense at times. The picture works, up to a stirring and dramatic climax. The first part of the programme is taken up with "Social Register," a highly entertaining picture in which Colleen Moore plays the title role. The story tells of a girl's triumph over others who try to upset the course of true love.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Joan Crawford appears at the De Luxe Theatre this week in what in her best picture for a long time. "Sadie MeKee/' in which the famous young star is supported by Franchdt" Tone, Gene Kaymond, Edward Arnold, and Esther Kalston, tells an. unusual story with every effect of drama, comedy, and fine acting. This tale of a cook's daughter who rose to be the wife of a millionaire, but who loved a stage singer and whose life was twice broken tip by the actions of a third man who loved her, is written' by Vina Delniar, the author of "Bad Girl," and contains excellent entertainment. Production, conception, and all the details of the film aro on a high level, and the dynamic Joan Crawford, as attractive and as emotional in her acting and as stunningly gowned as ever, is sure to win' new admirers for' her work. Franchot Tone gathers further laurels in n difficult part, and at one time Edwad Arnold, playing the role of an inebriated millionaire, threatens to,run off with the honours of the film. The picture, which is not a short one, is certainly one to.see. The supporting programme is of extra strength. It contains a budget of newareels from various countries, a comedy featuring Thelma Todd and Patay Kelly in their adventures as air hostesses, and a special stage presentation of Trevor and Dawn in adagio dances of grace and beauty. In addition, Mr. Paul T.'Oullen, the favourite organist, plays a selection of mclodied. from musical comedies and sings "Girls I Have Met," a novelty number.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Added interest is given to the appearance of Lewis Cassoii in the Twickenham picture "The Night Club Queon" because he recently toured New Zealand with Damo Sybil Thorndike (his wife) and an English company. In addition to being one of the greatest actors on the English stage, Lewis Caseon nearly always produces the plays in which he and Dame Sybil are featured. The Casson family has the distinction of being one of the best known in British stage .and screen circles. The central figure of the powerful story "The Night Club Queen' is Mrs. Brown, whose barrister husband has been crippled in a train smash. 7 As a result she concentrates all her hopes on her eon Peter, whom she desires to follow in hia father's footsteps, although he prefers engineering to law. To secure money to send the boy to Oxford, Mrs. Brown invests in n. tea-shop, which she/ is later persuaded to turn into a disreputable night club. When her shady partner, Hale, learns Hint the haunt is to be raided, he forces her into buying him out. "When the night club queen discovers the truth there is a struggle in which sho accidentally shoots the crook. On trial at the Old Bailey, Mrs. Brown :is defended by her husband, who tells the Court the story of his wife's unselfish devotion to hen son. The photography is of a particularly high order. Mary Clare is the night club queen, Lewis Shaw is Peter, and the supporting roles are eapnbly taken by Jane Carr and George Carney. -Mary Clnre w a well-known English stage player. The Pathe newsreels include pictures ot the first Test cricket match, the English Derby race, trooping, the colour, and other attractive features.

BROOKLYN PICTURES.

One of the largest caste ever assembled for a picture will be seen at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight in "I'm, a Fugitive From a Chnin Gang.,"- Paul Muni has the title role, with Glenda Farrell as the feminine lead, Helen Vinson, Preston Foster, David Landau, Edward J. McNamara, Sheila Terry, and otlier well-known players.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

Tonight the. inimitable Ralph Lynn, together with Mary Broiigh and Winifred Shottci', will lie presented at the Regal Theatre in his. . latest .and by, far bcsli, comedy, "Up to the Neck." * Lynn is cast as n rod-blooded, fearless cowboy. On Monday and Tuesday "Jt'lying J)own to Itio'' will be screeued. * J

STATE THEATRE,

Playing the role of a thief with a sense of humour and debonair audacity, Tom Walls is the centre of interest at the State Theatre in "Just Smith," adapted from Frederick Lonsdale's stage comedy "Never Come Back." Smith is immaculate in society, is fond of women, attracts their attention, and nets as a chivalrous gallant; but above all he likes stealing bonds and banknotes. The Duke of Bristol and Smith exhibit antipathy from the beginning. The duke detests Smith, so Smith extracts the duke's wal'lct. In thi! wallet are bank-notes and a letter addressed to a fiancee whom the duke is on the point of "jilting," pointing the way with valuable consideration. The duke's attraction for Mary Linklcy, daughter of a wealthy American widow, progresses to the stage when, aboard the yacht of Smith's companion in crime, Mortimer, their engagement is announced. That was not before Smith had won Mary's affections but decided to continue in crime. The scene changes to the country house of Mrs. Linkley, where Smith and Mortimer are guests. There the most dramatic incidents take place— the disappearance from the' widow's 'safe of a string of diamonds before Smith and Mortimer can secure bonds, and the appearance of a Scotland Yard party. How Smith saved Mary from'disgrace and outbluffed Scotland Yard in spite of Mortimer's treachery, and how he has the last laugh at the duke, provide an exciting climax. Carol Goodlier. Anne Grey, Hartly Power, and Leslie Perrm are in the qjist.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Weird, but not horrifying, "The Black Cat," at the Majestic Theatre, held enthralled a large audience last night. The cast includes Boris Karloft" and Bela Lugosi, the famous exponents of bizarre roles, in a tale of a mad architect and an embittered doctor who wrestle for the soul of a young bride accidentally thrown into their company on her wedding night. The madman had lured the doctor s wife and child away years before, and after his escape from long imprisonment the doctor is on his way to claim his vengeance when. a novelist and his bride are forced, through a road accident, to accompany him to the architect's house, where strange and eerie things happen swiftly. The'bride attracts the madman, and she is to bo used by him as a sacrifice during Satanistic rites, but i the doctor saves her, the climax taking place with such suddenness that the architect has no escape from the doctor's terrible vengeance. The presence ot a black cat is important to the story, and there are fantastic situations during which moving doors, sliding panels, and winding stairs play their part. The bereaved doctor finds his daughter the bride of the madman, and his fury is fatal to the strange occupant of the uncanny house. David Mariners and Jacqueline Wells as the novelist and his bride, - Lucille land, doubling the roles of Dr. Verdegast s wife and child, and Albert Conti play thenparts faultlessly. "The Black Cat" is not a mystery story, but it is a thriller. Ihe second big feature is a hilarious comedy, "The Poor Rich." Ed. Silver and an augmented band—with two pianos—play the overture and incidental music to a stage exhibition of makeup by Miss Lynettc Stewart and a male partner, and two living models. . . ■ /

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

The second week of Clem Dawe romedy and revue at the' St. James Theatre started last night with- another bright programme, called "The Whirl of the Town," providing a good mixture of flesh and blood beauty and comedy with film drama. Mr. Dawe and his team put on a new lot of clever sketches, the ballet and the specialty dancers spread new stops and fancies, the singers charmed with new songs, and violinist Ivanoff and the orchestra were at their best. "When Ignorance is Bliss" featured a man (Clem Dawe) in the surgery of a doctor (Erie Edgley) and undergoing preparation by a nurse (Dorothy White) for the doctor's ministrations; just wl*en Mr. Dawe is left with hardly a feather to fly with, they discover that he is not the man the doctor wants. "Two Little Bluebirds" 'serves to introduce Muriel O'Malley and Ralph Daley as vocalists, and Hnlliday and Watson as specialty dancers; the dancing is the main theme of this item, and Halliday and Watson, helped by the ballet, were liberally applauded, after which their posturing act was burlesqued by Clem Dawe and Les White, the latter in feminine attire. One of the biggest hits was the ballet's rhythmical representation of a train, with tlie engine ' beating characteristic time with the driving rod and wheels working in unison; this was called "An impression of the Main Trunk express." In another frolic Clem Dawe and Les White were seen as middle-aged females in a boudoir scene, with interruptions. In "The Biter Bit" policeman Joe Shriner intervened to stop a dispute between Clem Dawe and Dorothy White, and .this intervention had a sequel. "At the Theatre" was a crosstalk spasm between Clem Dawe and Les White (in a theatre box) and Joe Shriner on the stage. "It's Winter Again" saw a pretty scene introduced by a duet by Misses Muriel O'Malley and Ann Luciano, and. leading up to a ballet with a catchy air. In "The Ministering Angel Mr. Clem Dawe was again a patient in the hands of a nurse (Dorothy White) and she made ah extraordinarily good 30b ot him* it might be remarked here that tins lady has developed into a brilliant comedir 'enne. Four members of the company (Uem Dawe, Dorothy White, Les White, and Edna Moncrieff) were called on^ to recite, with some amazing results. .A really pretty picture-scene was 'Trees, described as "a musical poem," with. Misses O'Malley and Luciano singing the song, and with the specialty dancers (Halliday and Watson) depicting the trees in the wood. Another ambitious ensemble was "The Evplution of the Dance, from gavotte down to cake-walk. On the singing, and musical side, Misses O'Malley and Luciano won applause for their several songs; Cliff O'Keefe for "Oft_to Philadelphia"; and Gregory Ivanoff for airs from "Carmen" and "In the Garden o£ My Heart." The first part of the pro- ! gramme cousisted of a picture programme, including "The Finishing School, a cynical play based on "the goings on of the young ladies of the school, abetted by teachers concerned with appearances 01Ne'xt' Wednesday afternoon a special ladies' matinee will be held at which CO coffee-pots, and other household utilities. ware will be distributed amongst patrons. These articles include kettles, saucepans, pieces of hjgh-grade aluminium kitchen-

KING'S THEATRE.

Tho season o£ "The Song of the Plough," the story of English farming, at the King's Theatre, has been extended for a further week. There is romance in the domestic life, in the devotion ot the mother to her men-folk in the hour of their economic stress, and in the mutual affection of tho 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 mi"ht of tho world's commercial centre.

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

Fascinating under-water scenery, thrilling drama, and action, and unforgettable romance aro the ingredients of "The Sea Bat," starring Kaquel Torres, Charles Bickford, John Miljan, and George Marion, which heads the double-star programme now showing at the Queen's Theatre. The second attraction is John Gilbert, with Leila Hyams, Lewis Stone, C. Aubrey Smith, and Jean Hersholt in the baffling mystery play, "Phantom of Paris."

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

: : Greta Garbo appears at the Artcraft Theatre in the title role of "Queen Christina," the story of Sweden's glamorous regent of the seventeenth centui-y who sacrificed her country and her throne for love and religious motives. John Gilbert, Lewis Stone, lan Keith, Elizabeth Young, C. Aubrey Smith, and other popular players are in the cast. The supplementary subjects include Mickey Mouse in "Mickey's Gala Premiere"; a travel film of Venice. "'Goofy Movies," and a Metrotone News.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

In "Design for Living," at Sbortt's Theatre, Miriam Hopkins is shown as a young modern miss who can't decide between two men played by Fredric March and Gary Cooper. The three join forces. Miss Hopkins becomes the boys' severest critic, gets a producer to put on one of March's plays, and gets Cooper an art reputation.' Edward Everett Hpi-ton comes into the scene as a villainous comedian, and tho boys put. up a united front to win back Miss liopkins's love. The second picture is "The Thundering Herd,"-

PLAZA THEATRE,

The usual plot of the male deceiver is cleverly reversed at the Plaza Theatre in "Such Women are Dangerous," in which Warner Baxter,' as a successful writer, is the target for-the designs of many women. Rosemary Ames, as his secretary, has an exacting job in making some of these hysterical ladies give up the quest. Tho novelist goes on piling up tho dollars until Verne (Rochelle Hudson) comes to New York ostensibly to secure his help in her literary work, but while ehe is apparently childish and simple, she docs her best to entrap him into marriage. Tho author finds her at first amusing, and by tho time he has realised her purpose he has made the acquaintance of an operatic singer, a dark and fiery creaturo who makes no bones about the state of her heart. The poetess entices ""him to enter a "dream home," and they are surprised there by the agent in a situation which induces the hero to allude to her as his wife. He gives her a cheque to pay her fare back to the country, taking her impassioned threats to end it all as just so much more dramatisation. Feeling that he has got rather well out of that, he pays a call on the singer, but a husband ho has never suspected comes home unexpectedly. Bored by the fair sex generally, he spends the rest of the evening strolling moodily about, and it is only some three weeks later, when the body of the disappointed poetess is found in the "dream house," and his own letters come into the hands of the district attorney, that he realises he may be faced by: the electric chair, as she has used sleep tablets prescribed for him. He is saved once again by the secretary, after a dramatic court 6cene'. Humour is provided by Herbert Mundin as butler. The featurettcs are good.

RIVOLI THEATRE

"Take a Chance," a new Paramount Musical, a gay bit o£ nonsense-concerning the careers of four carnival sideshow entertainers who become' tired of small-town life and decide to snatch fame and fortune on Broadway, is now at the Rivou Theatre. The cast is a strong one comprising James Dunn, Cliff Edwards, June Knight, Chas. Buddy Rogers, Lillian Roth, and a bevy of Hollywood beauties The second attraction is "Night After Night, featuring Mac West, George Raft, Constance Cummings, Alison Skipworth, and Wynne Gibson. On the same programme the coloured musical, "C'est Paris, will be screened, together with a. newsreel, "Strange As it Seems," Slim Summerville comedy, and a cartoon. Joe B. Brown in "Son of a Sailor," and Marleno Dietrich in "Blonde Venus" are announced as tlio nest .change at the Rivoli.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

Heading tho double-feature programme at Our Theatre tonight is "The Cat and the Fiddle," a musical romantic drama, co-starring Jeanette ..Macdonald and Ramon Novarro. The, story concerns the romanco of two young music students m Brussels! Six now song hits arc featured.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. ■

"Every Woman's Man," screening- tonight at the Capitol Theatre, features Max Bacr, Myvna Loy, Otto Kruger, Walter Huston, Primo Camera, and Jack Dempsey The story, which is of a most romantic nature, tells of a young bartender, Baer, falling in love with a young night club hostess whom he assists in an_ accident, and then as a result coming, into conflict with gangsters of the underworld.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

"Roman Scandals," .Eddie Cantor's fourth annual screen -musical comedy, comes to the Kilbirnic Kinema today, with Ruth Etting, Gloria Stuart, David Manners, and Veree Tcasdale.. Eddie will bo seen as a v wistful, brow-beaten lad from West Rome', Oklahoma, who finds himselt in the Home of the Caesars and involved in breath-taking adventures among the beautiful slave girls, the thundering chariots, a^d the conspiracies of the imperial court. There -will be the tisual supporting programme.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Marlene Dietrich appears in "Tlio Song of Songs" at the Princess Theatre. Miss Dietrich is revealed in this production as an innocent young country girl of raro beauty who goes to Berlin, and, jilted by a handsome young sculptor, runs the gamut of tragic experience. Miss Dietrich is supported by Brian. lAherne, Lionel Atwill, Alison Skip worth, Hardie Albright, and Helen Freeman.- The second attraction is the .amusing British comedy "No Funny Business," starring Gertrude Lawrence and Laurence Olivier.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

Robert Montgomery, in the role of Revel, a gentleman crook, is starred in "The Mystery of Mr. X," dealing with a ; scries of" gruesome murders ■in London, at the Britannia Theatre. Elizabeth Allan plays the role of Jano Frensham, the beautiful daughter of Sir Herbert Frensham, head of Scotland Yard. Adapted from the sensational novel""X Versus Rex," this film tolls the thrilling.story.of a duel between Scotland Yard and a maniacal slayer of policemen.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

A Fox comedy heads the weekend programme at the Empire Theatre this evening. It is: "Three On a Honeymoon," and has Sally Eilers, Zasu Pitts, Charles Starrett, and John, Mack Brown in the leading roles. The story centres around a jrcckless, wilful, and very pretty girl who decides to take a solo excursion to Europe.

WELLINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

' Next Thursday- evening (August 10), the Wellington Symphony Orchestra, sixty strong, will present its second concert, of the 1934 season in the Town Hall. Bookings are already heavy, and the popularity of ,the programme means that intending patrons will need to make reservations early. This, perhaps the most popular programme yet offered ; by the orchestra> ■ contains more than one request item—yet it still remains a programme which will appeal to every class of the musical 'public as well as to the general public at large. Such familiar and wellloved items as the "Tannhauser" overture, with its exciting contrasts, the ethereally lovely prelude to "Lohengrin," the swashbuckling Hungarian Rhapsody, No. 2 of Liszt, the short, simple, and tuneful "Clock" Symphony of Haydn, ahd, as modern numbers, the eerie "Dansc Macabre," with its xylophone rattlings of bones, and the lovely "Omphale's Spinning Wheel," both by Saint-Saens. The only soloist on the programme is the 'cellist, Claude Tanner, in the Saint-Saens Concerto in A Minor, a ' comparatively short but beautiful and ever-poiiular work. The box plan is at Begg's.

'new royal roller rink

A vei-y attractive programme is advertised for this 'evening's lato session at the newly remodelled Royal Holler Kink, Vivian Street, The latest skating step, the 1934 Valc'ta, is featured on tonight's programme, in addition to mystery train, Monto carlo, singing trios, fours, gliding, exenso-me 'partners, waltzing partners, Paul Jones, etc. The final heats of the Wellington one-mile championship will ;take place this evening, and a large entry !is expected. The Royal' Skating Band will render new musical numbers. The 1034 Royal Ballet, a bigger and more elaborate production than the successful 1933 ice ballet, will make its first appearance nest Saturday night.

HARMONIC SOCIETY TONIGHT.

; A popular aud varied programme is to be given at the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, this 'evening by the Wellington Harmonic Society (under the conductorship of Mr. 11. Temple White) aud assisting artists. Among the choir's numbers is a Fantasia 'on '• Gounod's opera "Faust" (arr. Challinor), "Scots, who- hac" (Bantock), a group of throe Negro spirituals," "I Got a Robe," and "Steal Away" (Burleigh), and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I See" (Mauney), and for female voices "To Morning" (Bautock). Miss Zilltih Castle, the talented Wellington violinist, who has recently returned from London, will play "Prayer" from "To Peum" (Haiulel-Flesch), '""La Capriocdopu" (Pies), and "Andante" from "Symphonic Espagnolc" (Lnlo) % Mr. Hex Harvison (baritone) will sing "The Soup of the Horn" (Flegier). "Hills" (La Forge), ■'How's My Boy?" (Homer), Beethoven's "The Erl-Tving," Me. Popular prices are being charged, anil there will be 100 seats at Is. ' ' -,