ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 74, 25 September 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

The"continuing success of "The House of Rothschild" at the Regent Theatre is the proper reward for an outstanding picture production and for the vivid personality infused into it by Mr. George Arliss. One of the most exciting and thought-provok-ing scenes is that on the stock exchange when the buying strength of Rothschild is thrown against the selling panic caused by .Napoleon's advance. This victory of optimism over pessimism has a meaning today (when the tide of confidence _is gradually rising against depression), just as it had in 1815. Credit as well as soldiers was necessary in 1815, and again in'l9l4-18, to keep Europe free, and the underlying theme of "The House of Rothschild" is thus ever fresh, and constantly finds new applications in the life, of today. In support is the "Williamson-beneath-the-Sea" \ episode of the sharks and divers; man-eating sharks are seen taking the . bait and fighting for life, and divers are seen exploring wrecks and killing sea-snakes, than which nothing more thrilling has yet been pictured.

"Those Were the Days."

Will' Hay, the famous English stage and radio comedian, in his first film, "Those Were the Days," as a leading film journal said, "takes -to the screen like a duck to water, revealing all those facets of his personality which have already established him as a great,'favourite in other spheres." It is adapted from Sir Arthur Pinero's well-known stage play, "The Magistrate," and Will Hay has. the role of Posket, the straight-laced but kindly pillar of justice whose wife, having deceived him as to her age, thus compelling her son of twenty-one to pose as a boy of sixteen, is the cause of all the ensuing comical complications. For when Mrs. Posket hears that an old friend of her first husband intends to visit them, and goes, with her sister, Charlotte, to warn him beforehand against mentioning ages, she finds herself at- the Majestic Music Hall, where, in the meantime, Posket \has been persuaded to go by the bright boy, his stepson. Unfortunately there is some disturbance', which results in the two ladies, the gentleman they are seeking, and his companion, being arrested,'whilst Posket and the boy escape. After spending the night on a park bench the Magistrate arrives at-court, where he sentences the four prisoners to seven days without option. The identity of the ladies is concealed under their heavy veils, and he is, of course, ignorant of the fact that one is his wife, but when he finds . out!, The gay and glamorous atmosphere of the "gay nineties" has been recaptured in this film.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

The ways of the famous divorce mills of Reno are revealed in "The Merry Wives of Reno," a gay comedy of marital mishaps at the De Luxe Tlieatre. 'After a series ■of mishaps two wives who are neighbours start a rush to.Reno, followed, though" for different reasons, by their concerned husbands. There they find the woman who is the cause of their journey,, and after that the fun mounts in unexpected ways.,-. "Viva Villa!" Metro-Uoldwyn-Alayers spectacular story which opens next Friday at the De Luxe Theatre, is classed as a great screen masterpiece. Filmefl largely in Mexico, with Wallace. Beery as the star and with an exceptional supporting' cast, "Viva Villa!" has emerged as one of the-truly great productions ot recent years. Its battle 6cenea, including the storming and capture of Mexican cities, which were in the newspaper headlines during the dozen years of Villas turbulent reign, have been classed with the unforgettable march of the clansmen in "The Birth of a Nation," with the chariot' race in "The Ten Commandments," and with the Oklahoma land rush in "Cimarron" as soul-etirring spectacles. Added to its lavishne^s is a fictional romantic story which'runs through the photoplay, presenting Beery for the first time in many years as a lover. With Beefy in the cast appear Leo Carrillo, Fay "Wray, Donald Cook, Stuart Erwin, George1 E. Stone, Joseph Schildkraut, Kntherine De Mille. Phillip Cooper, Frank Puglia, Henry B. Walthall, David Durand, Francis X. Bushman, jun., Adrian Rosley, and Henry Armetta. -'■■'■

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

• Clean, clever, and, altogether wholesome British comedy is unfolded in the picture "It's" a Cop" at the Paramount Theatre. Sydney Howard, the inimitable English farceur, has given many funny farces to the screen,-but'for. unadulterated humour "It's a Cpp" -is probably the best of them all. He receives very valuabje assistance from Dorothy Bouchier, Donald Calthrop, 'and a conspicuously good, cast. The sliort subjects are also good, and Paul -T. Cullen in an added attraction.'

Next.Friday at the Paramount Theatre. Carl Brisson, who has ranked for the past twenty years as foremost favourite on the London stage in musical cptnedy, will be seen in the fascinating musical romance, "Prince of Arcadia." Carl Bris-son's first appearance in London was as Prince Danillo in "The Merry Widow," with Evelyn La-ye, at Daly's Theatre, and his powers as an artist took-London by storm. His Success extended to "Yvonne," "The Dollar Princess," "The Apache." and the Continental sensational "Wonder Bar." For sixteen years' he has triumphed in his own modern version of "The- Merry Widow", throughout the British Isles. -An 'artist of such ability should receive warnt, welcome in Wellington.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Midnight Mary," a powerful modern drama, with a strong cast headed by Loretta Young, Ricardo Cortez, and Franchtit Tone, at the King's, Theatre, it a thrilling story, of life in the upper strata of crookdom. Loretta Young is forced by circumstances to join a gang of crooks. Events move at lightning speed as the gang gets more ambitious in their operations. Miss Young falls in love with Tone, a successful voting attorney. When the ; gangster leader decides to kill Tone the dramatic tension increases.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

At the Queen's Theatre, John Gilbert, Robert Armstrong, Mac Clarke; Muriel Kirklarid, Vinee Barnett, and Virginia Cherrill appear in the hilarious comedy "Fast Workers," a thriller of skyscrapers and the men who build them. Vince Barnett's clowning on top of a building provides many laughable highlights. The supporting feature, "Prosperity," presents that grand old actress Marie Dressier in what is probably her funniest role, with Polly Moran contributing a generous proportion of thfl laughs. ■

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

A gay, sophisticated Universal; screen play, "By Candlelight," will begin this evening at tbe Artcraft Theatre. El.issa Landi and Paul Lukas, co-starring in this story of high life among the nobility of Europe, head a cast which includes Nils Asther, Esther Ralston, Lawrence Grant, and Dorothy Revier. Miss Landi maid to an Austrian countess, and Lukas, butler to a prince, meet on a train bound for Monte Carlo and convince each other that they themselves are members of tlio nobility, and the- complications which ensue keep all that section of Europe in continual hot water. The fact that the prince is a notorious philanderer only serves to increase the difficulties of the masquerading pair. ' "By Candlelight" is recommended r.s a clever and brilliant comedy. Supporting I'eaturettes will include a musical revue, un Oswald cartoon, a novelty item, and two Graham McNamee .nowsreels.

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

"If I Had a Million," at Shortt's Theatre, is delightful comedy. The story is about an eccentric millionaire who decides to dispose of his fortune to eight persons whose names he chooses at random from a city directory. The reactions of each to the beneficiaries are as unique as is his own character. Gary Cooper, George Raft, Wynne Gibson, Charles Laughton, Jack Oakie, Frances Dee, -Charlie Ruggles, and Alison Skipworth are in. the cast. "Hell- and High Water" is also being screened, with Richard Arlen and Judith Allen.

SEASIDE PICTURES.

'"\ oltairb," which will be screened.at the Seaside Pictures tonight at 7.45 o'clock, is perhaps the most skilful performance George Arliss has yet contributed to cither stage or screen. A fine cast was assembled for this production. It is an amazing drama, spectacularly produced, magnificently staged, and dramatically sound.

STATE THEATRE.

One of the best' Will, lagers pictures to Mate is "David Har'um," . now showing at the State Theatre. Hogers plays the part of a horse-dealer and banker iv a little back-town "in the United States. The story is a complicated one iv which a young man named John Lennox (Kent Taylor) becomes an employee of David Harum's bank. Haium and the young man strike soirfe sparks off one another, and the latter eventually conceives an emphatic dislike of his employer. However, by his subsequent actions David Harum proves himself a trifle more immane'inhis business, wprld than'the other originally thought, and finds the means of introducing the youth to Ann (Evelyn Venable). Ann has/-an interest in John, and after having earned the right to a little of the world's cash, he returns hep affection in the customary fashion. The climax of the film centres upon a trotting horse which will insist upon being sung to in order to win races. By1 tuning in the correct 'melody, which appeals to the animal at the psychological moment, John is enabled to scoop the pool and make sufficient money to propose to Ann —and, of course, that supplies the logical end to the yarn.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. The vivid personality of Kay Francis is seeu at its best <.« "'Mandalay," at the St. James Theatre. The action is swift and exciting. "Mandalay," tells the story of Tanya, a Russian retugee, who is rescued from the Bolsheviks by an unscrupulous soldier of fortune who' sells her into virtual slavery to the keeper of a notorious resort. There she becomes as notorious as the place itself, but she sickens of the life and finally leaves fot^ Mandalay. She meets and falls in love with a young'doctor, and together they escape from the perils and tragedy of the voyage. As -ithe picture closes they are setting vout for the dreaded fever country to give 'their services to' suffering, humanity. Ricardo Cortez, Warner Oland, and Lyle Talbot are in the cast. Paramount Pictures/who brought Bing Crosby before theatregoers a year ago, signed Lanny Ross, a. handsome young tenor, who gives every indication of equalling Crosby's popularity, to a contract. Ross will make his initial appearance at the St. James .Theatre next Saturday in "Melody in Spring," in which he is supported by that reliable comedy team, Charles Ruggles and Mary Bqland,. and Ann Sothern. Ross is a full-voiced tenor, not a crooning baritone, and in "The Open R6ad." "Melody in §pnng, and "Ending with a Kiss," three hits from the production, he has a grand opportunity to display his voice to the best advantage. ■" ' , , '

"THE DUBARRY."

Few actresses who have, visited Wellington have shown tlie charm and vitality of Miss Sylvia Welling,.the English star who is captivating Wellington audiences in the musical .play "The Dubarry," at the Grand Opera House. The gorgeous settings of "The Dubarry"' are achievements in .themselves and reminiscent of the O.scar Asclie spectacles "Cairo" and "Chu.Chin Chow," but the merit of the production does not rest on the mountings alone. It is a splendidly-constructed play, enhanced by : delightful music, find brilliantly, acted by a competent castJ The ballet and chorus work are outstanding, and impart a charming atmosphere to the story of tlie rise of one of the favourites of Louis XV. of France. • The Dubarry of the stage is far removed from the character depicted by the historains, but that is'^a minor point.' This musical play might'well, be a milestone in the revival of the theatre, as it deserves the patronage of all who me interested in the best.-the flesh and blood stage can give. "The Dubarry" will be presented again this evening. ' ■ . ,

RIVOL! THEATRE,

No less than 50 British vaudeville stars appear in "Kadio Parade," now at the Kivoli Theatre. Among the favourites are Roy Fox and his band; Tex McLeod in lariat tricks and patter; Keith Wilbur , anim.il mimic; Elsie , Carlyle, a ; charming crooner; Elsie and Doris ['Waters, comediennes; Stainless Stephen in a comedy sketch; lflotsam and Jetsam, the popular so^ig duo; Mario Lorenzo, harpist; Oiapham and Dwyer in another spot'of bother; The. Carlyle Cousins-the harmony' tri<>; Harry:1 Pepper and' Doris Arnold at tlie piano; Staiiclh and Edgar, the* .freak fiddlers; The Houston Sisters; Florence Desmond,' impersonator; and Claude Hnlbert and Gus McXaughtoii, comedians. The whole production is bright, breezy, and scintillating entertainment. The second attraction is "Midnight Club," starring Clive Brook, George Raft,' and AllisoVSkipworth. On Thursday and Friday Claudette; Colbert and Fredric March 'will .be co-starred iiv "Tonight is Ours," and the Four Merry Marx Bros, will'appear in, "Horse Feathers.

OUR THEATRE, NEVVTOWN.

A double-feature programme will be presented at Our Theatre tonight. ' Such Women "Are Dangerous," a comedyTdrama starring Warner Baxter, is the main attraction. The film- combines rqmance, intrigue, and mystery, and,presents Baxter in a role that is .ideally suited, to his personality. Baxter finds himself the target of the love-making, of three charming feminine stare, Rosemary. Ames, Kochelle Hudson, and Mona Barrie, Charles Bickford and Helen Chandler have the featured roles in "Vanity. Street," the second feature. .

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

,"Men in White," at the Britannia Theatre, is one of the most dramatic stories ever filmed, set in a modern hospital. Clark Gable is a doctor in love with his profession, but also in love with an heiress (Myrna Loy), who cannot understand the inhuman demands of his profession. "Six of a Kind" is \a screen comedy, with Charlie Ruggles, Mary Boland, -l George Burns, Gracie Allen, W. C. Fields, and Alison Skipworth in the cast. .

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

Tonight' at the Regal Theatre, Karon, an outstanding picture, "Song of Songs," will be'screened. The leading role is played*by Marleiie Dietrich. On Wednesday and Thursday "Design: for. Living" will be screened. ,

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"When 'New York Sleeps," adapted from Mrs. Arnold Bothstein's sensational story "Now I'll Tell," and featuring Spencer Tracy, Helen IVelvetrees, Alice Faye, and Shirley Temple, is, showing at the Capitol Theatre, tonight. .The story is written around the sporting' and night life of New York in its most exciting years 1910 to 1032, and tells in dramatic fashion the joys and sorrows of a woman of culture and refinement who is thrust behind the scenes.

PRINCESS THEATRE,

Real comedy and real music is the lure offered in the spectacular musical film, "Sitting Pretty," at the Princess' Theatre. It shows the inside of.the song-writing business and how Hollywood makes its musical films in many intimate scenes behind the screen Radio stars such as'the Pickens Sisters, Arthur Jarrett, and - Virginia Sale do the big song hits. George Gee appears -in "Strike It Rich," playing^ the role of a penniless young man who has an unexpected rise to fame and fortune, :

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

Tonight William Powell will be seen in his1 latest mystery picture "The Kennel Murder Case," at the' Kilbirnie Kinema. The role of Philo Vance is one in which Powell makes one of his greatest hits. An exceptional cast makes all'the characters doubly vivid. The businesslike District Attorney Mnrkhnm is ably played by Robert McWade. Archer Coe, whose murder is the mainspring of the drama, is most effectively played by Robect Barrat. Mary Astor is a charming and lovely figure »s Hilda Lake, Coe's niece. ' Wrede,' - the dead man's secretary, is characterised by Ralph Morgan. This programme -will be screened for two nights only.

COMMUNITY SING

Tin's week's community sing will be held in the Town Hall ; tomorrofr,. commencing at 12.15 p.m. The. song leaders will be Mr. Owen Pritchard and Mr. Will Mason, with Mr. Erank Crowther at the piano. The guest artist will be Mr. Fred IVebber, leader of the Majestic Rhythm Rascals, who has offered jto.present some of his specialty numbers. The art bedspread presented by Messrs. James Smith, Ltd:, will be raffled. The collection will be in aid of the Mayor's Fund, for the lielief of Distress.

PLAZA THEATRE.

A millionaire's mansion in the midst of the desert is the locale,of the latest exploits of that imperturbable sleuth, Detec-tive-Sergeant Charlie Chan, of the Hoiwlulu police, in "Charlie Chan's Courage," at the Plaza Theatre. Warner Oland portiays the Chinese detective, and the love interest is supplied by Drue Leyton and Donald Woods. "Krakatoa'.' is an amazing picture ot the volcanoes ot the world, traversing Vesuvius and Etna and the fiery mountains of Japan and Hawaii, and reaching a thunderous climax at mighty Krakatoa. "Evergreen," which is coming to the Plaza Theatre next Friday, is more than a musical •• comedy. Tender romance and strong drama are both to be found in it. Its story conveys a more novel idea thnn any that has reached the screen for many a day. "Evergreen" is a romantic comedy with music, and is based on C. B Coehrau's stage production. Jcss'e Matthews, Sonnie Hale, Betty Balfour, and Barry Mackay play important roles. Jessie Matthews is said to1 be amazing in charm, talent, and tender r.ess in the principal role, and Si.mv.c Hale conies out in an absolutely new character. Barry Mackay appears as a fresh thrill in juvenile leads, and Betty Balfoiir plays exactly the kind of role which suits her. .

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

"Design for Living" is at the Empire Xheatre. The story concerns two young men who make an agreement between themselves to avoid women; Qn Wednesday and Thursday "Song of Songs" is to be screened; " ■ . ' .

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

Bing Crosby, the. famous radio crooner, is the star of "We're Not Dressing," at the Jlajestic Theatre. The action of the film takes place on a luxurious yacht and on. a picturesque South Sea island. Bing Crqsby is cast as . a sailor employed on the yacht who has been dismissed for... impertinence. The party is wrecked on an island, and turns" to ..' the. sailor for assistance. Naturally he makes his own terms, one beina that- all must do thpir fair share of work. Miss Lombard, as the owner, resents this, but is finally won over. . . ' , ' • ' . . .

"AMBROSE APPLEJOHN'S . .ADVENTURE." '

Rehearsals . are\ now well advanced and The Thespians are! anticipating a great success with their second production of the 1934 season of "Ambrose Applej'ohivs Adventure." All. goes well in Ambrose ■Applejohn's placid life till by, a.series of wonderful happenings he thinks .he is ,a lineal descendant of the notorious "Captain Applejack," pirate and freebooter. He lives again'as his ancestor and comes back to his home to find the romance he went away, to seek. The .play gives wonderful scope for-", colourful scenery and bright costuming, and great pains have been taken to do justice to the pirate sequences. Among the cast are some of the best-known local players, includingl Misses Hardinge-Majtby:, Marjorie Murray, Ngaire Horton, and'Vida Hiddlestone, Mrs. F. H. Paul, and Messrs. ;T. V. Anson, Warren Toogood, H. A. Painter, Eric Young,. B. R. O'Brien,, and Eepr. Larkin. Mr. Victor S. .Lloj'd, is in charge^of the- production, which will take place in the Concert Chamber next week. :■ ■