ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 93, 17 October 1934, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. A gripping detective drama is being shown at the Regent Theatre under the title "Scotland Yard Mystery," with Sir Gerald dv Maurier heading a notable cast. The story opens with v meeting of the board of directors of a big London insurance company, the principal subject of discussion concerning the sudden deaths from heart failure of four men who have recently been insured for large amounts. A motion of censure on the company's doc- | tor is passed, but the latter, whose fiancee is a daughter of Inspector Slantou, of Scotland Yard, is able to induce the Yard to institute inijniries. The results are sensational, the exhumation of the| collins of the policy-holders revealing that they arc filled with books. At liust l.oJy-suutcking is siwpceted, but further developments cause suspicion to fall upon a doctor in a high position of trust. Everything works up to a powerful climax in which the culprits are brought to book. "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back." "Bulldog Drimimoml Strikes Back," featuring lionald Column, will be introduced at the Kegcnt Theatre on Friday, per sinnn Colman made the earlier talkie ' Jiulldog Drummond," the (ihu-going public have retained a fond memory of the dashing Captain Hugh Drumniond, whom he first portrayed in that picture. Drummond also holds a fond place in Colman's heart, for it was in the creation of this character that he scored his greatest screen hit. The story is based on the latest novel by EL IC. McNeile, depicting the further exploits ' of the lovable adventurer. The excite- ' ment starts when Drummoud attempts Lo unravel a completely baffling mystery for i a beautiful young girl whose uncle dis- ] appears strangely in the London house cl a sinister Oriental prince. Lorctta Young portrays the girl, Warner Olaud plays the ; Prince, Charles Butterworth is seen as Drummond's not quite bright friend Algy, j aivd Una Merkel appears as the bride whom Alcy deserts on her wedding night <t> • dabble in mystery with Drummond. ; GRAND OPERA HOUSE. ] Lack of knowledge of some of the most • important facts of life has been and irresponsible for an appalling number of wrecked minds and shattered bodies. Shrouded in a cloak of fake modesty and prudery, dangerous infectious diseases, sometimes called social diseases, have been permitted to prey upon humanity, when frank enlightenment as to the facts , would have proven an invincible weapon against them. "Damaged Lives," the picture now at the Grand Opera House, emphasises the necessity for wholesome education about this sinister menace of both ancient and modern civilisation. | Sponsored by the various social hygiene , associations of the world, which for years | have waged an unceasing battle against . the mistaken policy of secrecy where vital , facts are concerned, "Damaged Lives ia ( at once an intensely dramatic talking pic- . ture and a forceful inllueuce that cannot j bo ignored by those who see it. A supplementary film depicts with startling realism the scientific phases of these diseases. , DE LUXE THEATRE. j Myrna Loy plays beside George Brent in , "Sta'mboul Quest," a dramatic story ot in- j tri"iie in the Orient, at the Do Luxe Theatre. It deals with couuter-espion- { ajje, and reveals the thrilling story or ( the journey to Constantinople of a beau- . tiful secret agent of the German Government who goes to test the loyalty ot a hi"-h Turkish officer. But before she goes she commits what is almost a fatal error; she falls in love. On the brilliant stage of Constantinople a drama is played out which might almost decide the fata of the war. The picture is full of excitement, and not without a liberal spice of humour. ~ ... The musical drama, "Wonder Bar, will be shown for the first time in Wellington at the De Luxe Theatre on I'nday. Kay Francis plays the leading feminine role opposite Al Jolson, who portrays the proprietor of the "Wonder Bar." Kicardo Cortez and Dolores Del llio have the parts of two dancers, while Dick Powell and Henry Kolker have the roles of an American composer-orchestra leader and tne husband of Kay Francis respectively. Hal Le Roy, Guy Kibbee, Hugh Herbert, Ruth Donnelly, Louise Fazenda, Robeit Barrat Fifi d'Orsay. and Merna tienneuy are also starred. "Wonder Bar" proved an international sensation a few years ago. It played for months in all of Europes capitals. No production since lne Miracle" has been so generally and so generously welcomed in America. _ A tew months ago First National acquired the screen rights and proceeded to make extensive plaSs for its presentation as the greatest film spectacle of modern times. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The last two nights of the season at the Paramount Theatre of Edmund Gwenn in the mystery play. "Warn London, m which 'he is ably supported by Leonora Corbett and John Lodcr, are announced. This gripping drama is shown in conjunction with Sydney Howard's clean and clever comedy. "Girls Please." a divertin- humorosity which shows Howard s adventures in a young ladies seminary. The world-famous stage play and hauntins melody which have won. popularity; in many countries are woven into the iwickenham version of "The Broken Melody, which will be screened for the first time in New Zealand.at the Paramount Theatre on Friday. The story of Paul Verlainc, the gifted composer of a broken melody o i-are charm, who is .wrongfully accused of murder and transported to the dreaded Devil's Island, is one that will never lose its appeal. Produced in a' way that is highly creditable to British film production, and acted by a brilliant cast of singers and players, it is winning conspicuous success as a talking picture. John Garrick, -who as Reginald Dandy, is _ well remembered here as the leading baritone of the "Rose Marie" Opera Company, and who recently scored heavily in "The Lily of Killarncy." is Paul Verlaine, and his singing of the charming broken melody is said to captivate. Margot Graliame is Simone St. Cloud, the operatic star, Merle Oberon is the faithful Germaine, and Charles Carson plays Dubonnet, the superintendent of Devil's Island. A feature of the programme will be the appearance after an absence of six months at Christchurch and Dunedin of the popular singer and organist, Miss Iris Mason. KING'S THEATRE. Paul Lnkas and Wynne Gibson in "I Give My Love," and Lee Tracy in "I'll Tell the" World," are the current attractions at the King's Theatre. The Paramount picture, "Search for Beauty," for which the studio staged an international contest embracing every Eng-lish-speaking country in the world in order to find fifteen perfect men and fifteen perfect women, comes to the King's Theatre on Friday. The thirty winners, including Colin Taplcy, of Duncdin, and Joyce Nielsen, of Wellington, have been given parts in the picture, which is not merely a pageant of beauty, but a hilarious comedy romance featuring "Buster" Crabbc'. Robert Armstrong, Ida Lupino, I and Jinnes Glcason. Box plans are at j the D.I.C. mid Theatre. I QUEEN'S THEATRE. Thrills below the surface, on the sea. and in the aii combine to create a sensational background for a stirring romance, "Hell Below," at the Queen's Theatre. John Gilbert has the principal role in "Gentleman's Fate." At the Queen's Theatre on Friday a picturisation of "Tiiry.nu the Ape Man will be screened, lohiiny Weissiii'illfr enacts the role of Tarzan; Maureen O'Sulhvan appears as Jane Parker; Neil Hamilton as Harry Holt; C. Aubrey Smith as James Parker; and Doris Lloyd as Mrs. Cutten. The story recounts how Parker, an ivoryseeking F.ir.\lishmnn in Africa, is determined to lind the mythical elephants burial ground, with its ivory treasure. He recruits the aid of Holt, another Englishman, and Parker's daughter, Jane, insists on going. The party encounter a herd of apes, led by a giant white man, who carries Jane away. A love springs up between Jnno and Tarzan the ape man. Jane is subsequently rescued by her friends, but is unable to forgot Tnrziiu. The adventurers niv ab'p'it to be put to death by pygmies when Tarain comes to their .lid with a herd nf elephants. One of llio animals is wounded and starts for the burial ground to die Parker, although fatally wounded, follows, with Tarzan supporting him, to discover where the ivory is located. Parker dips in Bight of his goal, and .limn decides to stay in the jungle with Tarznn, find Holt Icavnf: thi'ni. giving up thp girl when 11.7 sons Hint she ronlly loves t ho In-el.op protector.

STATE THEATRE. "Chnn-jel Crossing" at the State Theatre tells tho story of an adventure of modern life. On board a Channel steamer is a great captain of commerce, Van Kedon, who, facing bankruptcy and a charge of fraud, is forced to intrigue with a pair of lovers for his safety. Matheson Lang is excellent as Van Eeden, as is Constance Cuminings as the girl, while Anthony Bushell is the young man. '"Coming Out Party," with Allison Slcipworth and Harry Green at the head of the cast, is a satire on New York society, and tells o story of young love. MAJESTIC THEATRE. John Boles and Ann Harding are associ;;cd at the Majestic Theatre in a poignant love drama. "The Life of I Vcrjjio Winters" has been one of thwarted altectiou until Johu tJhadwell returns from his honeymoon, and discovers the trick that eeut him into the arms of a social climber. Therefore the couple have no qualms about meetings in secret which result in the birth of a girl to the lovers. The child is adopted into the i-hadwell home, and when Senatorial honours come to the father, scandal also touches Vergie Winters. For twentytwo years Miss Winters knows all the tragedy of the scorned woman. With the marriage of his daughter to a line man Shad well and his wife come to the parting of the ways, and Vergie's future begins to loom happily; but Mrs. Shad well refuses to give him up, and the denouement, while tragic, is yet beautiful. "The Old Bus." In producing "The Old Bus," which comes to the Majestic Theatre on Friday, Jack Percival has gone back to the commencement of aerial history, when liargraves went gliding off tRe ground with , only box-kites to support him. There fol- ( lows a procession of early aviators: Hou- . dini, Guillaux, Hurt, flying in contraptions that few men would dare today. , Then into tho war period when aviation , got its greatest fillip; and after that the England-to-Australia flight by Sir Ross , and Sir Keith Smith. Next come the sen- , sational flights of Sir Charles Kingsford \ Smith in the Southern Cross over the . Pacific, the Atlantic, encircling the globe. ( Up to this point the story is narrated by ( Frank Hanson. Then "Smithy" picks it . up. Following the England-Australia route, tho picture contains colourful shols . of the principal spots along the way. . ST. JAMES THEATRE. In "Registered Nurse," at the St. James Theatre, liebe Daniels has the principal feminine part. The story deals with , the private lives of a hospital stall. Sylvia Beuton, one of the nurses, i has ■' her own problem. Her husband, i a drunkard, is an inmate of a men- ; tal asylum, but he has intervals of 1 lucidityl that prevent her from obtaining : a divorce and finding happiness once more. Finally she is usked to decide whether he shall undergo an operation that may restore complete sanity. Her decision is the i only one possible, but Fate intervenes in i a startling manner. There are numerous • lighter interludes that relieve the tensity ; of the dramatic situations. 1 Nonna Shearer oilers another ot her magnetic and fascinating performances as a modern woman with ultra-modern ideals . in "Riptide," which will have its gala . premiere at the St. James Theatre next , Saturday. Lavishly produced and bnl- i liantly enacted by its star and an impressive supporting cast, this new Shearer : feature stands out as one of the finest productions from the Metro-Goldwyu-Mayer : studios and provides an entertainment ot ; distinction in every phase ot motion picture artistry. It is said that as Lady Rexford, in this daringly triangular Continental romance, Miss Shearer is regally superb i and that never before has she appeared , so beautifully photographed or handsomely costumed. Robert Montgomery and Herbert Marshall are in support. The plot , of "Riptide" reveals Miss Shearer as a very modern young woman who is unafraid of life, entrusting her emotions to an honesty of expression, regardless of consequences. Married to a matter-of-tact English lord, she becomes stilled in an atmosphere of smug oppression. From this sheltered life she finds exhilaration in the mad pursuit of a former sweetheart who willingly renews the chase of earlier days Ensuing situations bring about a marital deadlock which, through unique treatment, of story, culminates happiy. Alr.s Patrick Campbell, the noted British actress, heads the impressive supporting cast Graphic scenes of the tragic Morro Castle fire, filmed in comprehensive and thrilling detail by cameramen who braved hazards to obtain them, will be included „ an exclusive special Metrotone News attached to the "Riptide" programme. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Jean Harlow and Lee Tracy lead an^impressive cast in "Blonde Bombshell at the Artcraft Theatre. It is a hilarious presentation of the myths that have been woven around "film stars and the motion picture industry. Jean Harlow is seen as Lola Burns, a glamorous him star who has been made sensational by the imaginative creations ot her Press agent, Lee Tracy, who has taken advantage of her various international love atrnirs. Her family consists o Frank Morgan, as her father, and led Healv. as her brother, who, with her secretary, portrayed by Una Merkel, make her life one of continual woe. However, after many mirthful happenings, the picture ends on a very happy note. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Australia's great film production, -'The Silence of Dean Maitland," was screened at the Kilbirnie Kinema last night It is not only the best thing that Australia has done, but is spoken of as the best picture of the year. "The Silence of Dean Maitland" will be shown again tonight and tomorrow. On Friday a double-feature programme will be screened, "Tarzan and His Mate" and "Elmer the Great" being the features, with a "Tarzan and ms Mate" matinee 'on Saturday. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Sadie McKee," Joan Crawford's new M G.M. starring vehicle, now showing at Our Theatre, is one of those rare pictures that pleases everyone. Filmed on a lavish scale, the picture depicts the rise of a servant girl who ultimately becomes tnc wife of a multi-millionaire. The supporting cast includes Franehot lone, Esther Ralston, and Gene Raymond. The second feature, "Virtue," is a truthful portrayal of what a pretty girl, without mends or relatives, is up against when she finds herself in a big town without a job. Carole Lombard and Pat O'Brien have the prm- '. cipal roles. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Paramouut's "Cradle Song," starring : Dorothy Wieck, heads the programme at 1 the Empire Theatre this evening. When ' an infant is left at the gate of a convent a doctor adopts it and turns the child 1 over to the nuns for their care, confident ' that in their love for the child they will ' capture the mother love which their vows have denied them. Briefly, that is the 1 story. On Friday and Saturday "You ' Can't Buy Everything." starring May Rob--1 son, will be shown. j REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. | Tonight, at the Regal Theatre, a powor- ! ful programme of universal appeal, iucludi ing "The Torch Singer," will be screened. A dramatic story and splendid acting make this an outstanding attraction. The supports include a novelty, cartoon, and Paramount News. On Friday and Saturday "Cuckoo in the Nest," with Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls, will be screened. PAXACE THEATRE, PETONE. Tho brilliant musical production "'Flyins Do.n to Rio" will be presented finally lit the Palace Theatre, Petonc, this evening. "Hindle Wakes," which commences tomorrow, is a drama of the Lancashire cotton mills, depicting in a tender story graphically the loves and hates of the simple Lancashire folk. Their happiness and sorrows combine to make tins film one of the most thoroughly entertaining pictures in yearn The cast includes Norman McKinnel, Dame Sybil Thorndike, John Stuart, and Belle Chrystal. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. In a story which holds interest from beginning to end, Clark Gable, William Powell, and Myrna Loy are featured together in "Manhattan Melodrama," which opens tonight at the Grand Theatre, l'atonu. Tho plot, has for its background action-filled night life, and for its chari actors a gambler, a district attorney, and ■ the woman whom both love. The narrai tive unfolds tho life of the two men from the time when as boys they are rescued from n steamer disaster to the period when, i .is adiiHs. they tind themselves on opposite sides of the law.

PLAZA THEATRE. | Tho story of "Evergreen," at the Plaza Theatre, covers a period of about twenty-fivo years. It opens with a triumphant performance by Harriet Green, whose dancing and singigg swayed the audiences of King Edwardis time. Her final appearance, at the height of her powers, is greeted by the applause of her public; then she disappears from London to South Africa. After years are gone her daughter comes to England, and_ a producer discovers her natual talent for the stage. She impersonates her mother, whose memory is still green in the minds of the British public and scores a triumph. Janet Gaynor and Charles Fanell score personal triumphs in "Change of Heart," their first co-starring vehicle in eighteen months, which opens on Friday at the Plaza Theatre. The picture is based ou Kathleen Norris's romance of modern youth wresting love and happiness out of a skyscraper world, tho novel "Manhattan Love Song." The story is a drama of epic struggle and inspiring love. It portrays the hardships of four youngsters just out of college, two girls and two boys. Banded together by ties of loyalty, they enter the portals of a big city and begin their brave fight to realise their ambitions. Through all their adventures rjins a complex love situation. The love of Janet Gaynor for Farrell, however, soon becomes the focal interest of the plot. Farrell finally realises his love for Janet, and when Ginger Rogers returns from a trip, he faces a showdown as to whether he will remain faithful to Janet or be lured away by an old yearning for Ginger Rogers. RIVOLI THEATRE. Three attractions will be presented this evening at the Rivoli Theatre. Claudette Colbert and Edmund Lowe are co-starred with Stuart Erwin in "The Misleading Lady." The story promises all the elements of fine entertainment, comprising generous portions of romance, thrills, action, mystery, and comedy. It relates how a girl dupes a man into a proposal; but she scorns the proposer. She is kidnapped, chained up in a mountain cabin, and tamed. Unknown to either captive or abductor, the place is the hiding-place of a dangerous lunatic. "Sing, Bing, Sing" and Zano Grey's "Tho Thundering Herd," with Randolph" Scott, will also be shown. An after-midnight Sunday matinee will be held at 12.hi a.m., when Eddie Cantor will appear in "Whoopee." SHORTT'S THEATRE. A rare drama is being oifered in "The Lost Patrol," at Shortt's Theatre. A British cavalry patrol loses its officer through an Arab raid. His orders are unknown to any of the party,- and after terrible suffering the half-starved horses and men reach an oasis. On their first night in camp the Arabs attack. Hi.l a sentry, and steal all the mounts. Succeeding attacks follow. At last only the powerful • sergeant remains. An aeroplane reaches the sceue, but the pilot is picked off by Arab snipers. The sergeant (Victor McLaglen) manages to get the aeroplane's machine-gun, and an unusual climax follows. A drama called "Finishing School" is also being shown. "Let's Fall in Love," starring Edmund Lowe and the. sensational new screen find Ann Sothern, ia coming to Shortt's Theatre on Friday. Hailed as one of the seasons most unique and tuneful musical offerings, the production has created much favourable comment. It is entirely different from the run of musiuales which has- flooded screens as its music is worked into the story in a logical and convincing manner. Even without the music it would still be an outstanding dramatic production. The second picture, "The Crimin.-'.l Code," is a superbly-acted, vivid romance of prison life—a gripping, poignant romance, with a plot packed with suspense. AValter Huston, Phillips Holmes, and Constance Cummings play together. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Could '•Frankenstein" have defeated "Dracula" in mortal convbat? The issue has been put to a test by Universal Pictures, which brought together for th« first time on the screen those t»vo terror-in-spiring "monsters," Karloff and Lugosi, in a horror picture, "The Black Cat." A gripping story, full of unusual and unexpected thrills and chills, "The Black Cat," which is now showing at the Britannia Theatre, promises to outdo both "Frankenstein" and "Dracula." "Trouble" is also showing. PRINCESS THEATRE. "Tarzan and His Mate" is now showing at the Princess Theatre. Into the primitive romance is packed a series of animal scenes that have never been equalled m the filming of adventure pictures for the screen Herds of elephants are shown charging members of a safari, followed by a mixed fight between elephants and fifty lions. Other animal thrills include a battle to the death between a man and a man-eating crocodile. Herds of zebras, wunderbeeste, gorillas, ostrich llocks, and many smaller African animals, are also shown. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "All Men are Enemies," s-crcening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features Hugh Williams, Helen Twelvetrces, and Herbert Mundin, and is a delightful romance of two people who fall in love, are separated by war, and after years of hopeless efforts to find each other are by chance reunited. "Love, Honour, and Oh Baby," a hilarious comedy of a breach of promise suit, starring Slim Summerville, Zasu Pitts, and Veree Teasdale, is also screening tonight. The story revolves around Slim as a ne'er-do-well lawyer without a case, and Zasu as n girl without a sweetheart. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. "Captured" will be screened at the Seaside Pictures tonight at 7.45. The strong cast includes Leslie Howard, Doug. Fairbanks, jun., Paul Lukas, and Margaret Lindsay. Although practically the entire dramatic action takes place in a German prison camp during the World War, "Captured" is not a war story. It is a powerful love story. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. The beautiful Bebe Daniels will be seen finally tonight at the De Luxe Theatre. Lower Hutt, in her latest picture, "A Southern Maid," a colourful, spectacular picturisation of the world-famous musical comedy romance of sunny Spain. Others in the cast are Clifford Mollison, Harry Welchman, and Lupino Lane. Commencing tomorrow, for two nights only, is Lionel Barrymore in "This Side of Heaven." This picture presents the problems of a middleclass family—the climactic events of their individual lives. Box plans are at the "Peter Pan" Lounge or telephone theatre, 63431.