ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 54, 1 September 1934, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

In "The Return of Bulldog Drummond," now showing at the Regent Theatre, the famous character invented by "Sapper" comes back to fight the concluding round of his battle with Carl Petersen, his archenemy. Hugh Drummond has been married since the Jast encounter, and is ostensibly leading the life of a young man of means about London., Actually, however, he is the head of an organisation known as the "Black Clan," which has as its object the expulsion from England of a gang that is seeking, in the interests of armament firms,, to foment war. The clan has a strong enough taste lor the melodramatic to send to its victims votes regarding its intentions, and to carry out its work garbed as aviators. The head of the armament propaganda gang is one Zaboleff, who, with Irma, his beautiful and quick-witted consort, succeeds in kidnapping by a rather transparent ruse Phyllis, Brummond's charming wife. Drummond, after promising to return certain incriminating papers he-has gained, himself wanders into a well-laid trap, and finds himself in a submerged car at the bottom of a deep canal. How he gets out, rescues Phyllis, and calls in the clan to wipe out the rest of the- gang, provides the theme for some fast action. Iv the [end, virtue gains the upper hand, the gang iis dispersed, and Zaboletf (who is, of I course, none other than Carl Petersen), meets a fitting end on his own high-volt-age wire. The part of Hugh Drummond is very creditably taken by Ralph Richardson, whilst Ann Todd acts • the part of 'Phyllis. Francis L. Sullivan makes a 1 very convincing Zaboleff. As Irma, Joyce [Kennedy gives perhaps the most convincing portrayal, if we except that of Claud Allister, as Algy, Drummond's aristocratic henchman. Others in the cast are H. Saxon-Snell, Spencer Trevor, Charles Mortimer, and Wallace Geoffrey. Ihe supports are, excellent. They consist of: gazettes "Deep Sea Thrills," a splendid picture of swordfish and mako shark fishing in New Zealand waters, "Precision, views of the Royal Military College (Canada) students in action, and "Hey, Hey, Westerner," a coloured musical comedy idea of life on a Western ranch.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

Two entertaining full-length pictures are now being shown at the Grand Opera House. They are an intriguing newspaper melodrama, entitled "The Hell Cat, and a thrilling mystery story, "The Ninth Guest." Miss Ann Sothern; ,ia starred in the former film as a young lady who devotes a good deal of her wits and charms to inculcating a few essentials of decorum into a most objectionable (to. her) young man, played by Robert Armstrong. Ihe story has as a background a big American newspaper; one of those remarkable American expositions of bustle* and^ business brilliance. The second film is of a really gripping type. Its plot deals largely with a penthouse party of eight who dislike each other a great deal; but who, summoned by telegrams, deign to take dinner. together. The ninth guest, however,_ia the man who provides the interest He is an unknown interloper whose influence upon the others lends a mysterious atmosphere to the proceedings. He makes his presence known through the radio, which delivers messages telling the assemb led guests that they are to die in the order I proportionate to their right to hve. Before the play is over six of the elight ,are dead. The story has a really thrilling climax; certainly one of the most original yet seen on the screen. The picture is an adaptation of a stage success _which ran for a particularly long season on Broadway Genevieve Tobm and ]}onalcl cook are the leading artists in the drama.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

A colourful story of: the American Civil War, "Operator 13," which came to the De Luxe Theatre last night, js a triumph for Gary Cooper and Marion Davies. The blonde star has never been given a chance to display so many sides of character as in this film, in which she ha's to play two very different parts, a favourite actress in* Washington and a coloured maid working as a northern spy in the Southern States, and Gary^Cooper makes an excellent foil for her. "Operator. 13" which affords ample opportunity for, the display of the attractive fashions, ot seventy years ago, reveals the flower ot Southern chivalry in ballroom and battle, and is full of drama and comedy. The adventures of this northern girl. seeking to aid her chiefs in the jvar are maintained at a breathless pace, and the story is written in his usual full and varied manner by Robert W. Chambers. Lighter sides to the film are provided by Ted Ilealey and the Tour Mills Brothers, the famous radio stars. The picture is certainly one of the outstanding productions of the year, with fine acting, splendid drama, and beautiful settings. In the supporting cast are Jean Parker, Russell Hardie, Knthenne Alexander, and Henry Wadsworth. ihe programme includes a 6erics of newsreels of interest, a "Goofy Movie," and the musical and amusing "Rhapsody in Brew. At the organ Mr. Paul T. Cullen scores a success- with, his cleverly arranged "Challenge of Love," contrasting the love songs of years ago with those of today.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"Derby Day" and "The Four Masked Men" are the two most prominent teatures of this week's programme at the Paramount Theatre.. The latter picture, although it sounds like the story of a hold-up and robbery, contains many pretty society scenes' and humorous incidents of high life in England. Included in the cast are such prominent actors as John Stuart (as Trevor Phillips), Athole Stewart (Colonel St. John Clive), Miles Marnier (Rodney Eraser), and the stage beauty Judy Kelly (Patricia Brent). On the eve of Arthur Phillips's departure for 'engineering work in Peru via, his brother Trevor, their friend Lord Richard Clyno, and Rodney Eraser, a somewhat mysterious man-about-town, gather for a farewell bachelor party in London. In Peruvia, young Phillips and his partner are invited to the President's ball, where the former meets Patricia Brent. When the ball is at its height the dancers are suddenly confronted by four masked men. The four masked men make their way to England, where they are unmasked arid their operations come to an end. With such sterling actors in the story it may well be supposed that the play is an excellent one. "Derby Day" contains many .scenes connected with the classic racing event of England. There are two particularly fine Pathe newsreels, in which are presented a number of pictures of sport, including one of the Test cricket matches, Australia V. England, two racing events, and recent tennis championships. .

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"The Last Round-up"• is being shown at the Britannia Theatre. The story is based on the thrilling adventures of the "border legion," a,band of outlaws in California during the dangerous ?old-rush days of 1870. The film features Randolph Scott, Barbara Adams, Monte Blue, Fred Kohler, and Fuzzy Knight. The second attraction is "Midnight Club," featuring, Clive Brook and George Raft. ! The picture is based: on the famous E. Phillips Oppenheim story.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

"This Side of Heaven." is the big attraction showing at Our Theatre tonight. The story deals with the shadow of imprisonment that hangs over Lionel Barrymore, who has been innocently involved in an embezzlement in his firm. The English comedy, "Excess Baggage," is the second feature.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR,

The story of "Lady for a Day," showing finally at the Capitol Theatre,, tells of an apple, seller ■whose daughter, in a college in Spain, believes her mother is one of the social lights of New York.'-When it is learned that thf daughter is bringing home her fiancee, a Spanish Count, the mother seeks the assistance of some of her wealthy clients, who install her in a mansion and make her a "lady for a day."

NEW ROYAL ROLLER RINK

Two special attractions are advertised for the late sessions (7.30 to 11 p.m.) at the Royal Roller Kink this evening. At 8.30 o'clock the 1934 skating >ballet of nineteen performers will be finally presented, and at 9 o'clock the annual interprovincial hockey-on-skates contest between Auckland and Wellington will be decided. A fine skating programme has been arranged, with competitions and prizes. Feature numbers will be played by the Koyal Orchestra, • ~

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Seldom has Hollywood turned out such a rattling good murder mysteiy as "The Thin Man," now at the Majestic Theatre. If all detectives were like Nick Charles and all detective's wiyes like Mrs. Charles ciime would diminish, for anybody more human and' understanding than either would be difficult to .find. There are three murders in "The Thin Man," beginning with that of an elderly scientist's paramour, and concluding with the finding of an unknown body in the shop of the inventor. The humour of the plot is whimsical, and William Powell as Nick is- his old suave, humorous self, while Myrna Loy as his wealthy wife, is delightful. Nick Charles is living a. life of luxurious retirement when the daughter of an old friend comes to him to help solve the mystery of her father's disappearance. When the paramour is, found shot, and two subsequent crimes are committed bearing on the first murder, suspicion falls on the inventor, whose quarrel with the woman had been overheard. Nick is able to point out the triple murderer—the climax of a dinner party to which all suspects have been "invited" by force. Ihere is a tender romance between the inventor s daughter (Maureen O'Sullivan) and Henry Wadsworth, a young Hollywood recruit, and the minor characters are exceedingly well played. The supporting programme includes a lavish stage presentation ot Maori-Hula melodies, in which a ballet from Miss Kathleen O'Brien's studio and Ed. Silver and his band take part.

REVUE AT ST. JAMES THEATRE!

Last night at St. James Theatre the Clem Dawe Comedy Revue Company gave what many people will consider their best programme to date, called 'Brighter Days." It is full of clever sketches, and the company has excelled itself also on the musical side, such gems as the fragment from "Madame Butterfly" providing moments that will be remembered: At the outset Clem Dawe puts the audience m good humour with a burlesque as a waiter, and this was followed by an equally funny game of cards with a mirror. "Have You Even Been Lonely?" gave Joe. Shriner a thance to shine as a vocalist, helped by the sun-tanned ballet. "Musi* Hath Charms" was a frolic which centred in a piano that played when it liked and not while Mr. Dawe was at the keyboards. Then .the ballet, which is very dapper and charming at the soldiering game, got a chance to be pretty in "Military Manoeuvres," to the impossible orders of Mr. Dawe as sergeant. That good singer and popular artist Cliff O'Keefe sang "The Stoker" in 'costume and with stage effects. He was followed by one of the cleverest sketches 'that Mr. Dawe has yet put on, "The Eternal Triangle Up to Date," being the quarrel of two "new women" (Dorothy White and Edna Mon j crieff) over an effeminate man, played with rare humour by the comedian himself. Some wisecracks between Clem Dawe and Cliff O'Keefe contained a good hit at the cricket captain Wyatt. "All Nerves" is the type of sketch that gives Mr. Dawe opportunity to be funny as a family man, with champagne and claret accompaniment. Ralph Daly and Muriel O'Malley sang sweetly "'Neath the Shadow,- of a Rose," the sentiment of which was washed down by a draught of Dawe humour ("The' Trial Turn"). Gregory Iv'anoff can always rely on a good reception, and many people were pleased by the violinist's "Lily of Laguna," "Gipsy Dance," ' and (later) "Moods" and "Play, Fiddle, Play!" The dance ; specialists, Halliday and Watson, also favourites with audiences, confirmed previous good impressions in a "Merry Widow" waltz and an apache dance. Among the best things in the first part were the "Madame Butterfly" excerpts (Ann Luciano as Madame); "A Venetian Idea" (song, stately dancing, and spectacle, a fine bit of stage work); and "Songs That Are Gay," by the clever comedienne Dorothy White. In the second part of the programme the principal sketch was "The Biter Bit," with Clem Dawe ill ("bowled by Larwbod"!) in the hope of getting some insurance money. "The T&les of the Bears" was fairy tales up to date. By special request. Clem Dawe sang "Yo Ho. My Lads, Yo Ho!" Muriel O'Malley and Ann Luciano and the entire company were heard in ■ "My Bouquet of Memories." Special dances were danced, with the ballet, by .Edna Moncrieff and Edna Luscombe.

At the special Clem Dawe gift matinee for ladies next' Wednesday afternoon, the main present will be a handsome four-piece bedroom suite. There will be numerous other gifts of household articles!

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"Paddy, the Next Best Thing," stayri'ip Janet Gaynor and Warner Baxter, is at the Empire Theatre. Cast as a lively little ■ Irish lass, Janet Gaynor performs ;in her . usual charming manner. Warner Baxter, as the scion of an Irish family, does an excellent piece of acting.

KING'S. THEATRE.

"She Made Her Bed," at the King's Theatre, depicts a dramatic romance between Arleh, racehorse trainer and one-man medicine show, , and Sally Eilers, us Lurti -Gordon, the wife ot a brutal animal trainer. Grace Bradley, as a vamp, makes love to Lura's husband until he turns an enraged tiger loose in the house. After a'thrilling battle with the tiger Alien and his true love move away into happier surroundings. The second feature, "Eight Girls in a Boat," has Dorothy Wilson and Douglass Mont-, gomery in the leading roles.

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

"Guilty as' Charged," at the Queen's Theatre, is 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 are co-starred, with Richard Arlen and AdviennS Ames in important roles. In the supporting feature "Shanghai Express," Clivo Brook and Marlene Dietrich portray the leading characters.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy are the featured players in "Penthouse," at the Artcraft .Theatre. Warner Baxter gives one of the finest performances of his career. Myrna Loy surpasses her triumphs in previous pictures. Mao Clarke fills a featured role. Phillips Holmes heads the supporting cast as Siddall, a young man-about-town who is accused of the murder of Mimi, a former sweetheart; and whose life ia saved through the efforts of his friend, .Warner Baxter. The featurettcs will include the Zazu Pitts—Thelma Todd comedy, "One-Track Minds," and an entertaining Metrotone News.

PRINCESS THEATRE,

The musical and dramatic spectacle "Gold Diggers of 1933" is now at the.', Princess Theatre. Two hundred girls in silken hellical 6kirts dance on a hellieal stairway in the exquisite "Shadow .Waltz" number. During the dance, the girls play upon,illuminated.violins, winding around the giant stairway, whirling about a glistering pool and an equally glistering floor. It is a triumph of rhythm, colour, and beauty. The dances aiid ensembles were created by Busby Berkeley with, songs by Warren ..' and Dubin. The production has- an all-star cast including Warren William, Joan Blonde!!, nnct Aline MacMahon.

BROOKLYN PICTURES.

"Manhnttan Melodrama" is the'attraction at the B''nnklyn Theatre tonight. Clark Gable. William Powell, and "Myrna Loy are the stars, and the supporting cast includes Leo Can-illo; Nat Pendleton, and Isabel Jewell The nictnre is a fast-mov-inpr story with Gable as a gambler and racketeer, and Powell as district .attorney, his lifelong friend, forced to choose between love and duty. '

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

Greta Garbo' appears at the De Luxe Theatre. Lower Hutt, tonight, and Monday and Tuesday, nights, in the title role of "Queen Christina," a story rich in story value, notins. vitality, and romantic splendour. Undoubtedly this is Garbo's greatest triumph. She is not only every inch the queen, but she has never evidenced so crreat a diversity in moods and she lias never been mpre beautiful to look upon. "Queen Christina" is the story of Sweden's plamorotis recent of the seventeenth century, who sacrificed her country and her throne for love arid religious motive's. The eirnriortins cast .includes •Tnhri GPbert. C>'Aubrrv Smith. andvLrwis Pone. Maurice, Chevalier is seen in ."The Way to Lpve;".snrcenine next Wedpprdi\y nftpHvooti iind night nnd, Thursday nicht. "Hold .Dipffers of 1033."; starring Warren William. Aline MnoMnhon. Joan )>londoll, Tiuby Kceler, Dick Powell, and Ned. Sparks will'commence a throe clays' season next Friday niglit.

PLAZA THEATRE.

The 'inimitably'-droll-*.* Herbert Mundin, with" his..humorously expressive eyes. and mouth, has a role which fits him like a glove as Herbert Biggleswade, a London cabby who wins £25,000 as the result of an investment on the racecourse and then goes to America to increase his fortune, in "Gall It Luck," a hilarious comedy which opened at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. Unfortunately for Biggleswade, his movements are given close attention by a gang of confidence men, and he has not beeu long in New York when he has been relieved of the last £20,000 of his winnings. The other £5000 he has invested in Sabre, an old cavalry horse which was sold, to him as a brother o£ Scimitar, the horse which brought him in.his money. Herbert places his trust in Sabre to retrieve his fortunes. When it is made to appear that Sabre has beaten the. track record in n practice gallop Herbert does not hesitate to get his friends to invest their life-sayings on the' horse. Subsequent developments include the, arrival of the real Sabre, and attempts to have it run in the race, the locking up of Herbert and his horse in a stable, and then the race it-, self. What develops from then on must be seen .to be appreciated, but it is a riot of fun. "Pat" Paterson, an English comedienne, is a charming character as Herbert's niece, and . alsd provides an excuse for the introduction of some novel cabaret scenes. In addition to newsreels there is in support a full-length scenic feature, "Aniakehak," giving remarkable views of the snow-bound wastes and volcanic regions of Alaska. .-'■■■

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

Charlie Ruggles, Mary Boland, W. C. Fields, Alison Skipworth, George Burns, and Gracie Allen, Paramount's leading comedians, are responsible for "Six of a Kind," the comedy .now playing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. The story of "Six of a Kind" concerns the ridiculous adventures which overtake two simple soula who start out on , their second honeymoon. "Manhattan Melodrama," starring Clark Gable, William Powell, and Myrna Loy comprises the second half of the programme. The story, built around newspaper headlines of the past thirty years, moves dramatically and powerfully to a thrilling climax, with Gable, as a gambler and racketeer. . : , . , .

SHORTT'S THEATRE

The comedy-drama "This Man is Mine" is now being shown at Shortt's Theatre. Irene Dunne is seen as a resourceful wife who not only manoeuvres to risk her husband to the tentacles of ii siren, but also fights to recover him when he becomes a victim. How the wife teaches her errant mate an unforgettable lesson gives a" new and unusual twist to the story as well as affording the star an opportunity to display her dramatic talents to the very best advantage. "Ace of Aces," with Richard Dix and Elizabeth Allen, is also being shown.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

Tonight at the Kegal Theatre, "Friday, the ]3th," will be screened. In this picture a bus crashes in an appalling accident. People are .killed and injured, but who knows or cares how fate brought those people to that bus at that moment? On Monday and Tuesday "Wild Cargo" will be screened.

STATE THEATRE,

A powerful love story with its locale in romantic Italy and charming old England is contained in "All Men arc Enemies," which was screened at the State Theatre for the first time yesterday. The film, which is adapted from the novel by Richard Aldington, has a strong cast. Helen Twelvetrees portrays the role of a beautiful Viennese girl opposite Hugh Williams, an English artist. The'film relates the story of how these two meet and fall in love amidst the languorous beauty of the island of Capri. Cruelly separated by war, their efforts to find each other after the Armistice are in vain, and each giives ijp the quest as hopeless. The artist, fulfilling a family wish, marries an English girl, but the union is an unhappy one. After surprising his wife in the iii'inu of another man, the artist leaves home and returns to the scene of his first meeting with the Viennese gjvl whom he really loves, -with the hope of finding at least the solace of a glorious memory. Fate, howevwr, plays a Strange hand. 1 The couple meet again, and this chance reunion culminates -the story of undying love. The picture is well acted and well presented, while the photography at times 'is outstanding. Included in the cast are Mona Barrio, an Australian actress, Herbert Mundin, Henry Step-' henson, Walter Byron, , Una O'Connor,, Matt Moore, and Halliwell Hobbes. Helen Twelvetrees and Hugh Williams rise to new heights in the picture. The supporting programme is o£ a high standard. It includes an interesting newsreel, a travelo guc of Belgium showing the art and crafts of the Flemish people, and a cleverly-pro-duced Terrytown cartoon.

RIVOLI THEATRE

'"The Kid from Spain," starring Eddie Cantor, proved popular at the Rivoli Theatre' last night, when a large audience was kept in fits of laughter. "Miss Fane's Baby," a human drama dealing with the kidnapping racket in the United States, features^Alice Brady, Dorothea Wieck, and Baby Le Roy. "Tee for Two," a coloured musical featurette, will , commence .next Tuesday. Clark Gable and Claudctte Colbert will appear together for the first time in "It Happened One Night," on the same programme. . "Too Much Harmony," with Bing Crosby, Jack Oakie, and Skeets.Gallagher, ■will commence next Friday.

THE JUBILEE CHOIR;

The Jubilee Choir, which earned high praise for its initial performances, and which is now a permanently established organisation, will present its first concert of the series in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for the relief of distress next Wednesday, September £L in the Town Hall. The choir exists solely for the relief of deserving charities in this city, and: the programme to be presented at the coming concert will be varied and. attractive. The inclusion of Mr. Hamilton Dickson, 'cellist, late of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and of principal orchestras in that city, will prove of additional interest. The box plan is at the D.I.C. -