ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 51, 29 August 1934, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

In "Palooka," at tlio Regent Theatre, Jimniie. Duranto appears as Knobby Walsh, a crook light promoter and manager. S\icccss went to Pete !'alooka's head when lio won the boxing championship, and his wife, Muyme (Marjorie Rambeau) leaves him and starts a. small road house. Here the story opens years afterwards, wheu Knobby discovers her son Joe Palooka (Stuart Envin). Joe interferes to save Knobby from being beaten up by a boxer. Joe "puts the pugilist to sloe))," and is persuaded to Sl3ll Knobby's routraet in his place. Joe has womlcrful luck in meeting a champion just after the latter has had dinner with Nina (Lupe A'elez), and is' seeing double. Nina annexes Joe, who finds it easy to follow in father's footsteps. What the Press and the radio leave untold of all this is easily guessed by Mayme, who cornea to New York to put things straight. Lupe Velez so overwhelms Joe that Knobby tries to exert his personality on Nina himself. The erstwhile bibulous champion stages a quarrel with Joe and forces him into a second fight. Joe lasts out half a dozen rounds, but is badly beaten, and the story ends with all the Palookas reunited.

"Return of Bulldog Drummond."

One of "Sapper's" Bulldog Drummond stories, "The Black Gang," will commence on Friday at the Regent under the title, "The Return-of Bulldog Drummond." A fast-moving thriller, with exciting incidents following in rapid succession, this film follows closely the plot of the book, and the characters also are remarkably akin to those described in the original story. Drummond this time is portrayed by Ralph Richardson, a comparative newcomer in his first leading role. There have been several Bulldog Drummonds, two of tho best remembered being the late. Sir Gerald dv Maurier on the stage and Ronald Colman on the screen, but Mr. Richardson's rugged masculinity is said to be more suited to the role of the do-or-die hero than some of his predecessors. Supporting him are Ann Todd, Fraucis L._ Sullivan, Claude Allister, and Joyce Kennedy. There arc many ingeuious twists in this story of tho popular hero's final encounter with tho evil-inten-tioned Carl Peterseu, the leader of a gang endeavouring to promote war in order to bring profit to armament firms in which they are interested.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE,

Thrilling episodes from Australia's bushranging days provide the theme for "When the Kcllys Rode," at the Grand Opera House. The story is built about the career of Ned Kelly and his band of followers, a gang which spread terror in many parts of Victoria and New South Wales, incidents depicted include the robbery of the Enroa Bank, the raid on Jerilderie, and the attempted destruction of the police train at Glenrowan. In the early days of their exploits Ned and Dan Kelly were cattle stealers, but latar they were driven' into the bush, where they shot and .wounded a policeman who had been sent to arrest them for horse-thiev-ing. From this time on their worst criminal ventures date.

"The Ninth Guest."

Genevieve Tobin, Donald Cook, and Hardie Albright enact the three most important roles in "Tho Ninth Guest," a thrilling New Columbia; production, opening at the Grand Opera House next Friday. Others in the east are Edwin Maxwell, Edward Ellis, Nella Walker, Samuel S. Hinds, Helen Hint,. Vincent Barnett, and Sidney Bracey. All the action hinges on a penthouse party attended by eight persona who dislike each other intensely. What happens when they meet in close quarters, with a mysterious "ninth guest" in attendance, constitutes the plot of what is said to be the most thrilling drama yet filmed.

DE LUXE THEATRE. Hans Fallada's world-famous novel, "Little Man What Now?" at the De Luxe Theatre. It ia a story of the depression and of the love of a boy and a girl who face life in a world of chaos. The tale of little Pinnebnrg, the shop assistant, and of Lammchenis the story of countless thousands in the world ■■■today, but it is presented .with such -'drama'and with such wealth of incident and fine acting that it is made into a fine picture. The film gains further strength from the acting of Margaret Sullavan. ■ Out of the pages of history has come another great motion picture theme, "Operator 13," which opens at the Dc Luxe Theatre on Friday, is an exciting Robert W. Chambers story which Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer-Cosmopolitan presents as Marion Davies's newest starring vehicle. It is a story of espionage and intrigue, and throws a new historical light upon the most dramatic of all America's conflicts— the Civil War. Of comedy there is plenty, supplied by Ted Healy in the role of a spy masquerading as a medicine man. A secondary romance is supplied by the charming Jean Parker and Henry Wadsworth, a juvenile newcomer to the screen.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

Thet bright British musical comedy, "That's a Good Girl," is running merrily along at the Paramount Theatre on-the closing days of an 'extended season which will finish tomorrow evening. Jack Buchanan, king of English comedians and dancers, appears with Elsie Randolph, Vera Pearce, and a chorus of over 50 in what undoubtedly is his biggest hit to date.

The English Press has recently devoted much space to the remarkable success that is being made by quite a number of Australian girh on the screen. Foremost amongst these are Betty Stockfeld and tho beautiful Judy Kelly, who won the Australian beauty competition, went to London, and has reached leading parts at a bound. She will co-star at the Paramount Theatre on Friday next with John Stuart, in "Four Masked Men," which is heralded as "another great play by the makers of that fine Conrad Veidt film 'The Wandering Jew.'" The acting in this piece is said to be "work of the highest standard."

KING'S THEATRE.

<'.Son of Kong," R.K.O. Radio Pictures' thrilling successor to "King Kong," is now showing at the King's Theatre. A huge cast is headed by Robert Armstrong, Helen Mack, Frank Rieeheo, and Victor Wong. Commenciug on Friday at the King's Theatre two first-release features will be shown. Sally Filers and.' Richard Arlen are co-starred in "She Made Tier Bed," a fast-moving story of a girl and two men who share heartbreak and happiness. It is packed with sequences that will keep you on edge from beginning to end. The second attraction is "Eight Girls in a Boat," an exciting story of modern youth, starring Dorothy Wilson and Douglass Montgomery. Box plans are at the D.I.C. and theatre. • •

QUEEN'S THEATRE

"The Champ," which stars Wallace Beery, with Jackie Cooper. Irene Rich, and Roscoe Ates. at tho Queen's Theatre, is a poignant . tnle of a boy's love- for his father —n fallen idol of the prize-ring—his faith mid cheerful courage, and his loyal struggle to help his father win back his former success. The supporting feature, "Flying High," is an uproarious satire on aviation.

"Guilty as Charged," the principal attraction for Friday at the Queen's Theatre, is a serio-comedy mystery, It is just as much comedy as drama—and just as much mystery as drama. It is an unusual story entirely different from anything that has hitherto appeared .on the screen as a talking picture. Thrills are succeeded by dramatic sequences, and these in turn give way to comedy. While the story is tense at all times, the seriousness of a mystery story is relieved with laughter. Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen fire co-starred, with Richard Arlen and Adrienne Ames in important roles. In the supporting feature "Shanghai Express," Clive Brook and Marlene Dietrich portray the leading characters.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"After Tonight," starring Constance Bennett, is to be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. The dramatic climax of a thrilling fitory of Vienna and the danger zone just behind the lines comes when Miss Bennett is forced to choose between the man she loves, a war-time enemy, and her own country. A two-reel comedy, a cartoon, and a Pathe Newsreel complete the programme. On Friday and Saturday .Taiiefc Gaynor and Warner Baxter will be seen in. "Paddy, the Nest Best Thins?."

STATE THEATRE

"While New York Sleeps," now showing at tlie State Theatre-, covers tho life of an American gambler from the beginning of his rise to prosperity and notoriety until his death. At tho beginning he meets a sweet, sincere girl whom he nuiri'ies, and who appears ever afterwards to be his- talisnuw. Although she pleads with him to give up his gambling and bis feud with gamin:; rivals, his relish for sport and his insane desire for money draw him on. At a fashionable gaming-house which he is running he meets a cabaret singer with whom lie conducts an affair, while telling her quite frankly that lie is- in love with hi-; wife. When she hears ut this, his wife decides to obtain a divorce, but is prilled by a woll-p'nnucd lie. After the siugjf is killed in a motor accident in wbiv'i the fjanibli'r is badly injured, _ the wife leaves him. From then on his fortune deserts him, «nd lie goes steadily downhill until he is shot down by a rival gang.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

"Wild Cargo" is being shown at the Majestic Theatre: The picture shows tho daring exploits of Frank Buck, whose livelihood is the capturing of wild beasts for the world's zoos and circuses. Some of tho highlights of tho film are the capture of <i malieating tiger, the death struggle of a python and n black panther, si stampede of water buffalo, and a struggle for life by Buck when he is caught by a python. The programme includes a Russian ballet (evenings only) produced by Dorothy Parlettc. "The New Kiddie Follies," staged by Kathleen O'Brien, is presented at the afternoon session.

The change of programme at the Majestic Theatre on Friday will bring to Wellington "The Thin Man," a modern mystery drama in an American setting and centring on a detective's novel method of discovering tho culprit. Myrna Loy has a featured part.

ST. JAMES THEATRE

The Clem Dawe Revue Company is n»w presenting at the St. James Theatre

•'The Music Box of 1934.'' which includes a striking novelty. "A Song of the World Todaj%" a finale, "An Indian Idea," and such features as "The Music Sheet," "The Friendly War," "The Labour Exchange," "A Suicide Episode," "A Study in Black and White," "A South Seas Interlude.." "Fragments from France," "Male Impersonations" (by Dorothy White), and "The Skipping Rope Dance." "Brighter Days" will be the title of the new Clem Dawe revue to be presented on Friday next at St. James Theatre. It will contain a wealth of comedy, song, and dancing. To aid the children's gift matinee on Saturday a real pony, with saddle and bridle, will be the principal present.

PLAZA THEATRE,

As a sailor in the British Navy Jack Hulberfc takes the chief role in "Jack Ahoy" at the Plaza Theatre. Jack Hulbert, who is a descendant of an old seafaring family, joins the navy as an able seaman, and falls in love with the admiral's daughter (Nancy O'Neil). His vessel is ordered to the Far East to check pirate activity. There are complications on tho China station, however, for bandits have seized a British submarine, and not only that, but the admiral, played by Alfred Drayton, and his daughter are kidnapped by designing Chinese. Jack rescues them and they escape in the stolen submarine which no one knows how to work. Unfortunately the navy regards the submarine as still being in the hands of the bandits, and Mr. Hulbert and his companions find themselves attacked. All ends happily, however.

RIVOLI THEATRE

The musical comedy "footlight Parade" again scored a success' last, night at tho Rivoli Theatre. Tho supporting picture, "Wild Horse Mesa," one of the Zane Grey outdoor romances, was also well received. On Friday the change of programme will include Eddie Cantor in "Tho Kid from Spain," and Dorothea Wieek and Alice Brady, with Baby Le Roy, in "Miss Fane's Baby is Stolen," a. picturisation of the novel by Rupert Hughes. Forthcoming attractions during the next few weeks include "It Happened One Night," • "Too Much Harmony," "The Masquerader," "Last Round Up," "Lady for a Day," "I'm No Angel," ".Radio Parade," "Alice in Wonderland," "Ticket in Tatts," "Cradle Song," "Sitting Pretty," and Jack Holt .in "Whirlpool."

SHORTT'S THEATRE

Gracio Fields- is appearing at Shortt's Theatre in •'This Week of Grace," in which she is supported by Henry Kendall, John Stuart, Frank Pettingell, Douslaa Wakefield, and Minnie Rayner. This picture radiates an atmosphere of good fellowship and infectious gaiety. It gives the star every opportunity to exploit her talent and personality, and Ehe sings five catchy songs. The second picture is "Headline Shooter," a drama of a newsphotographer.

ARTCRART THEATRE,

"Xight of the Garter," at the Arleraft Theatre, introduces a new character named Bodger, a butler; imd Bodger, as interpreted by Sydney Howard, seems destined to take his place among the select group of fictional butlers that includes Jeeves, Jenkyn, and tho Admirable Crichtou. Hilarious adventures befall Bodger during tho eventful night in which the action of tho story takes place. "Wings Over Africa, a film dealing with aerial exploration, is also being shown.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"Manhattan Melodrama," at the Britannia Theatre, provides absorbing entertainment. One of the most thrilling scenes ever filmed is tho prologue, which re-enacts the fire and panic aboard the excursion steamer General Slocuin in Xew York Harbour in 1904: —a tragedy in which move than 3000 were killed. It is one of Clark Gable's finest performances. Willian} Powell appears as a district attorney with ambitions for further political honour.", yet torn between love and ditty.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

'.'Too Much Harmony," a sensational musical comedy extravaganza, is at llic Princess Theatre. The cast includes Wins Crosby. Jack Oakie, Skeets Gallagher, Judith Allen, and Lilyan Tashman. The film reveals Crosby as a musical comedy star who is engaged to the wrong girl, a scheming, gold-digging blonde. He falls in love with another girl, campaigns for ber, and finally wins her after an amusingseries of highly-interesting sequences.

OUR THEATRE> NEWTOWN

"The Right to Romance," starring Ann Harding, is being shown at Our Theatre tonight. It is a story of a celebrated lady plastic surgeon who forsakes a brilliant career in her search for romance and glamour. The second feature, ''The Red Ensiun," is a. stirring drama of the British Mercantile Marine in its fight against foreign .shipping.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

Tonight at the Regal Theatre a sensational and widely-discussed picture, "Finishing School," will be screened. With an exceptionally powerful cast this picture withdraws the veil from the inner scenes in a high-class school, and shows tho loves and intrigues of a girls* college. Tho supporting items include two comedies and newsreels. On Friday and Saturday a. picture with Jessie Matthews titled "Friday the 13th" will be screened.

GLIDE SKATING RINK

Tonight's session at the Glide Skating Rink in Wakefielrl Street will take the form of a games night, and much, fun is promised to all patrons. Several games and novelties will be introduced, and prizes will bo awarded. College competitions will commence next Monday.

NEW ROYAL ROLLER RINK.-

The attraction at tonight's late session at the New Royal Roller Rink, Vivian Street, will be the only appearance in New Zealand of the famous cyclist Hubert Opperman, who will give a spectacular exhibition. A further attraction wilj be a championship hockey match between Comets and Tigers. The Royal Skating Orchestra will render the latest musical numbers, and an attractive skating programme has been arranged. Children's sessions .ire held morning; and afternoon, with competitions and prizes. Next Saturday evening the fourth annual interprovincial hockey-on-.skates contest between Auckland and "Wellington will bo played, ;it the conclusion of the finnl appearance of the 1034 Royal Skating' Ballot of nineteen performers. Seats arid -skates nmy be reserved on application to telephone 5.V242.

REPERTORY SOCIETY,

Thu idea-of Benn Levy's three-act play, "Tin's Woman .Business," which is to be produced by the Wellington Repertory Theatre Society for live nights commencing on Tuesday next, is that no bachelor can survive the intimate association and charms of the opposite sex. and the aim of the author is to show the (iradual strengthening of this feminine inllucnco on a group ot misogynists gathered together in a country house and sworn toabjure woman for a minimum period, of , six mouth.;. Everything seems lovely in their Eyeless garden until n highly sophisticated and scheming young feniali: gains access to their retreat, and a tearful story coupled with a most, ingratiating and chiinnina manner pln.vs such havoc with their compact tlv.it they ngroe to engiiuo hifi- as a general help, but -she is to be looked upon as a male—as just, one of themselves. Within six days she has them "eating out of her hand/ and in six weeks she has the choice, of marrying at least three of them. There is a climax which is as imaginative as it is clever and unique. The box plans open ;it the D.I.C. on Friday.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

Described as a million-laugh riot, "Radio Parade," featuring England's foremost radio stars, will conclude its senson at tho Kilbirnio Kincma tonight. Lady Eleanor Smith's epic romance ''Red Wagon" will be screened on Thursday and Friday. This thrill-packed romance of tho circus was filmed against Britain's panoramic beauty.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

Claudette Colbert and Richard Arlen will be seen at the Seaside Pictures tonight in "Three-cornered Moon/ a picture which concerns the members of the "loone'y Rimplegar family. Their antics, when in their irresponsible way they try to adapt themselves to a "new" way of living, furnish an hour and a half of hearty laughs and excellent screen entertainment. Zuno Grey's romance of the West, "The Thundering Herd," with Randolph Scott and .fmlitii Allen, will also be scon .

THE JUBILEE CHOIR,

Considerable interest is being evinced in the Jubilee Choir concert, set clown for presentation in the Town Hall next Wednesday, September o. The choir was first formed to sing during the festivities associated with the Episcopal Diamond Jubilee of his Grace Archbishop Redwood, and on that occasion its performance was the subject of much favourable comment. Tho choir has now been placed on a permanent footing for the purpose of giving concerts for charitable objects, and its first performance is being given for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, whose work amongst the poor is well known. Amongst the choral items to be presented are "The Challenge of Thor," from Elgar's "King Olaf," and "Hail, Bright Abode," from "Tannhauser." As assisting artist the choir has Mr. Hamilton Dickson, lajo soloist to the New South Wales Conscrvatoriura Orchestra, who will include in his items the first movement of Grieg's Sonata for 'cello and piano, with Miss Decima Hughson at the piano. Mr. Dickson, although until recently a resident m Sydney, is already well and favourably known in this city. The box plan opens at the D.I.C. tomorrow at 9 a.m.