ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 56, 4 September 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

In "The Return of Bulldog JJruinmond," now showing at the Regent Theatre, the famous character invented by "Sapper" comes back to iight the concluding round of his battle witli Carl Petersen, Ins archenemy. Hugh lhuminond, ostensibly leading the life of a young nuui of means about London, is the head of an organisation which has as its' object the expulsion from England of a gang that is seeking, in the interests of armament linns, to foment war. The clan sends to its victims notes regarding its intentions, and carries out its work garbed as aviators. The head of the armament propaganda gang is one Zabolcff, who, with Inna, his beautiful and quick-witted consort, succeeds in kidnapping by a rather transparent ■ ruse; Phyllis, Drummond's charming wife. Drunimond, 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. In the end, virtue gains the upper hand, the gang is dispersed, and Zaboleff (who is, of course, none other than Carl Petersen), meets a fitting end on his own high-volt-nge wire.

GRAND* OPERA HOUSE,

An intriguing newspaper melodrama, "The Hell Cat," and a thrilling mystery story, "The Ninth Guest," are. at the Grand Opera House. Miss Ann Sothcrn is 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. The story lias as a background a big American newspaper. 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, 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 assembled guests that they are to die in the order proportionate' to their right to live. The story has a really thrilling climax.

DE LUXE THEATRE,

A colourful story of the American Civil War, "Operator 13," at the De Luxe Theatre, is a triumph for Gary Cooper and Marion Duvies. The blonde star plays two very different parts, a favourite actress in Washington and a coloured maid working as a northern spy in the Southern States. "Operator 13," which affords ample opportunity tor the display of the attractive fashions ofseventy years ago, reveals the flower of Southern chivalry in ballroom and battle, and is full of drama and comedy. Lighter sides to the film arc provided by Ted Healey and the Four Mills Brothers, the famous radio stars.

The Sound City production "White Ensign," which was produced with the cooperation of the British Admiralty, will have its premiere at the De Luxe Theatre next Friday. "White Ensign" presents a stirring tale of the silent service. The featured players are Molly Lamont, Ivan Sampson, and Anthony Kimmins. In addition, on the stage, a special added attraction, "The Roland Sextette," juvenile musicians who have just returned from a world tour, will play haunting melodies.

KING'S THEATRE.

"She Made Her Bed," at the King's Theatre, depicts a dramatic romance between Arlen, racehorse trainer and one-man medicine showj and Sally Filers, as Lura Gordon, the wife of » 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 Arlen and his true love more away into happier surroundings. The second feature is "Eight Girls In a Boat." An exceptionally fine double-feature programme is scheduled for screening at the King's Theatre on Friday. Irene .Dunn and Joel McCrea will be featured in "The Silver Cord," and Warner Oland and Stuart Erwin in "Before Dawn."

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

The elaborately staged and excellently acted society comedy-drama, "Four Masked lien" isat the' Paramount Theatre. John Stuart, the leading man, has- never been seen to better advantage, while he a.nd his heroine, Judy Kelly, the Australian beauty girl, who has done so well in England, team capitally together. Miles Slander, as a villain suffering from nerves and remorse, stands out conspicuously. High-class comedy is contributed by Richard Cooper as "Lord Dicky," n wouldbe detective. Two Pathe Gazettes, a fine subject in two reels entitled "Derby Day," and Paul T. Cullen at the organ round off the show.

The musical comedy romance' "On the Air." which will open at the Paramount on Friday next, is heralded as "something different and therefore refreshingly new." It is a comedy of "airs, arias, and area belles" in which all the most popular British radio and gramophone slurs appear. Included in the cast are Boy Fox's famous Band, Davy Burnaby. Jane Carr, Clapham and Dwyer. Teddy Brown. Hughic Wright, Anona Wynn, Wilson Kepp'cll and Betty, Scott and Whaley, Derek Oldham, Max Wall, Jimmy Jade. Edwin Styles, and Buddy Bradley's Rhythm Girls.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Catherine the Great" is to be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. The picture is based on the life of the famous Russian Empress from the day of her arrival at. the Russian Court until her ascension to the throne. On Wednesday and Thursday "The Lost Patrol." starring TicMcLaglcn, is to be screened.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"Guilty as Charged," at tho 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. In. the supporting feature, "Shanghai Express," Clive Brook and Marlene Dietrich portray the leading characters.

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 cold-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 Oppcnheim story.

PRINCESS THEATRE,

. "Gold Diggers of 1933" is now at the Princess Theatre. Two hundred girls in silken helical skirts dance, on a helical 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 blistering floor. Tt is a triumph of rhythm, colour, and beauty. The production has an all-star cast, including Warren William, Joan Blondell, and Aline MacMahon.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY,

"The Good Companions" will be screened at the Seaside Pictures tonight at 7.45. The picture is based on the novel by J. B. Priestley, and there are two fine stars. Jessie Matthews and Edmund Gwenn. and n wonderful cast. It is a story of touring pierrots seeking adventure and. findin<r liapjiiness enriched by the lilting melodies of three bright new songs-

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

"Yon Made Me Love Yon," the musical romody version of the faming of a very modern ami equally beautiful shrew, and eo-starrinir Thelmu Todd and Stanley Lupino. is now showing at the Kilbirnie Kincma. The comedy sets out in a slapstick vein to create laughs and remains in the same lively, boisterous, and exhilarating key throughout.

STATE THEATRE,

A powerful love story with its locale in. romantic Italy and charming' old England is contained m "All Men are Enemies," at the State Theatre. Helen Twelvetrees portrays the role of a boautilul Aieiinewe girl opposite Hugh Williams, an English artist. The him 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 gives up 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 arms of another man the artist leaves home and returns to the scene of his first meeting: with the Viennese girl whom he really loves, with the hope of finding at. least the solace of a glorious memory. Fate, however, plays a strange hand. Tlie couple meet again, and this chance reunion culminates the story of undying love. The picture is wcl! acted and well presented, while the photography at times is outstanding. Included in the cast are Mona Barrie, an Australian actress. Herbert Mundin, Henry Steplienson, Walter Byron. Una O'Connor, Matt Moore, and Halliwcll Hobbcs.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

There are three murders in "The Thin Man," at the Majestic Theatre, beginning with that of an elderly scientist's paramour, and concluding with the finding of an .unknown body. Nick Charles is leading a Life of luxurious retirement when the daughter of an old friend conies 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.

REVUE AT ST. JAMES THEATRE,

The Clem Dawc Revue Company is giving at the St. James Theatre what, muuy people consider their best programme to date, .called "Brighter Days." At the outset Clem Havre puts the audience in good humour -with a burlesque as a. waiter, and this is followed by an equally funny game of cards with a mirror. The show includes one of the cleverest sketches Mr. Dawo has yet put on, "The Eternal Triangle Up To Date." "All Nerves" •is the type of sketch that gives Mr. Dawe opportunity to be funny as a family man, with champagne and claret accompaniment. Among the best things in the first part are "Madame Butterfly" excerpts (Ann Luciano as Madame); "A Venetian Idea" (a lino bit of stage work); and "Songs That Are Gay/ by Dorothy White. In the second part the principal sketch is "The Biter Bit,"

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

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 "Call 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 been long in New York when he has been [relieved of the last £20,000 of his winnings. The other £5000 he has invested lin Sabre, an old cavalry horse which was sold to him as a brother of Scimitar, the horse which brought him in his money. Herbert places his trust in Sabre to retrieve his* fortuities. When it is made to appear that Sabre has beaten the track record in a practice gallop Herbert does not hesitate to get his friends to invest their life-savings 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 itself. What develops from then on must be seen to be appreciated.

RIVOLI THEATRE,

The management of the Bivoli Theatre has selected two outstanding picture successes of. 1934 for the double-feature programme, which is commencing a three, days' season tonight. In "It Happened One Night," Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable are teamed together for the first time. Mi.»s Colbert escapes from her father's yacht and attempts to rejoin her husband in New York by bus. Gable is a fellow-passenger. Their' adventures are said to constitute one of the most delightful of present-day romances. "Too Much Harmony" is a musical comedy starring Bing Crosby, Jack Oakie, Skeets Gallagher, and Hollywood's prettiest girls. Five big song hits are featured, including "Thanks," "The Bay You Came Along." "800 800 Boo," "Buckin' the Wind," and "Black Moonlight." Commencing on Friday, Marie Dressier will appear as "Emma" and Roland West's "The Brit Whispers" will be shown. Next week Man West will be seen and heard in "I'm No Angel," n]ao Chester Morris in "Corsair." Othfr hie attractions coming shortly ineludo "The Masquerader." "The Last Round Up." "Lady for a Day." "Sittin' Pretty," "Alice in Wonderland," "Cradle Song," and "Whoopee."

ARTCRAFT THEATRE,

Four of England's greatest comedians take leading parts in "The Girl From Maxim's," a delightful film of the gay nineties, which will commence this evening at the Artcraft Theatre. Frances Day, George Grossmith, Leslie Henson, and Stanley Holloway are supported by one of the largest casts ever assembled. All the sparkling gaiety of the period is recaptured again by Alexander Korda in "The Girl From Maxim's." The dialogue is said to be the wittiest ever written for a. film. The settings are lavish and no pains were spared to make them authentic in detail. Songs and dances of the period are included and a full chorus of beautiful English dancers was specially recruited. The featurettes will include a Mickey Mouse cartoon: a Pathe gazette, a musical gem. "The 1812 Overture." "The Mystery Ship," and a Universal news.

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 a 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

"Wild Cargo" will be screened at the Regal Theatre tonight. It tells a thrilling story of wild life, and is true in every detail, having been made by Frank Buck, the man who made "Bring 'Em Back Alive." On Wednesday and Thursday "Catherine the Great" will be screened.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR,

''This Side of Heaven," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, deals with the shadow of imprisonment that hangs over the head of an American family who has been innocently involved in an embezzlement in his firm.

THE JUBILEE CHOIR,

The first concert of the series to be given by the Jubilee Choir will be presented in the Town Hall tomorrow evening in aid of the society of St. Vincent de Paul. The choir is said to be the only vocal organisation in either Australia or New Zealand which has for its sole objective the assisting of deserving charities in this city, and it is expected that whole-hearted support will be accorded their efforts in such a worthy cause. The society of St. Yinccnt dc Paul, like others constituted for the purpose of relieving distress, does not broadcast its activities. This effort of the Jubilee Choir to assist the society's funds affords an opportunity for charity. The appearance of Mr. Hamilton Dickson, 'cellist, late of the Sydney Conseryatoriiim of Music and 2BL broadcasting station, whose services have been secured, will lend an additional attraction to this concert. Mr. Dickson is a performer and musician of exceptionally high attainments. The box plan in at the D.I.Cj

REPERTORY SOCIETY.

Mr. Bciui Levy's philosophy on woman as enunciated by the five misogynists in his brilliant comedy "This Woman Business will no doubt annoy, scandalise, and surprise, tint it will also provoke a torrent of laughter bespangled here and there with a tear, the latter not always genuine. The Wellington Repertory Society's confidence in the play is manifested in the. anununcemct that it will be given live performances instead of four as lias been the rule heretofore. The season will commence tonight at S o'clock and will lie continued until Saturday. The box plans are at the D.I.C. ■ In such a play, which is the 'exposition of an idea rather than the unfolding of a plot, an extra burden is thrown upon the histrionic abilities of the players, calling as it does fur clear-cut characterisation, .graceful repo.se, polished diction, and a

sense'of subtle comedy, but the director (llr. Leo flu Chateau) promises that the company—Hiss Zita Chapman, Miss Ancttc Slrieklnnd. Dr. Crawford,/ and Messrs. G. Swan, R. K. Pope, .T. B. Yaldwin, Vivian Rhind, E. R Le Grove, and Frank Hayes-Towns, will meet every requirement. Mr. Carl Watson is the stage manager, Mrs. G. H. A. Swan assistant, Mr. Johnstone mechanist, and the Misses Pauline Shotlander, Ailsa Newton, aud Kathlyn Smith in charge of decorations and properties. Mr. .T. W. Conroy has painted a new scene for tlm production, and Mr. College will be in charge of the lighting. The doors will be opened at 7.15 p.m.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

"Olsen's Big Moment," featuring El Brendel. is showing at Our Theatre tonight. The story concerns an apartmenthouse janitor who becomes involved in a romance between a wealthy bachelor and a girl who is not in love with him. The second feature. "The World, The Flesh, and The Devil," deals with the greedy practices of an unscrupulous lawyer.