ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 30, 5 February 1935, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

: REGENT THEATRE. Many characters are concerned in the modern theatre x'evue '"Transatlantic Merry-go-round," at! the' Regent Theatre. The background of the story deals with the . crossed skeins of crooks aud the unfaithful wife, ' Anyu ' Rosspn, w.ho leaves New York oh' a palatial linev with Lee Lother, -a. crook. '.-The story begins on the liner with, two pistol shots and the ship's officers :-trying'to break into a cabin.: Then-the clock goes back 48 hours, the time o'£ the ship's departure from New York. It witnesses Anyu Rosson's departure from her husband, after which he quietly steals on board. Then there is Chan Denby and his troupe of revue players, headed Sally Marsh. Lother has one ; of Denby's company in his. power for having atone time forged his'name to a cheque. Sally gets to .'knowof this, and begs Lother to release the boy froin> his power. Lother promises to return the forged cheque to Sally in her cabin after a revue show, and here two shots are fired and Lother is killed. The examination of all those' possibly involved in the murder js being conducted by a police inspector when there is another shot and Mrs.- Kosson falls dead. Her husband, fully alive' to her infidelity, has done what he went on board to do.

DE LUXE THEATRE,

Kay Francis and Warren William have the leading roles in "Dr Monica," now at the De Luxe Theatre. She plays the part, of a woman doctor, specialising-in maternity work, who is married to a happy awd irresponsible author and who suddenly finds herself confronted by. the ruin of all ifcir happiness; The cause o£ this turn of evswts is an attractive young girl, a part played by Jean Muir, .and the course \wHich happenings take after this revelation makes this an unusual and interesting photoplay. The two women plan for the preservation of the happiness'of the, man they both love, and each in her own way-seeks a solution of thsproblera. When the end comes it is in a most unexpected manner.' ' ■ ! Edna May Oliver and James Gleason iare again teamed > in:a thrilling murder mystery, and endow their sleuthing with mirth-provoking repartee, in "Murder-on the Blackboard," which comes next week to the De Luxe Theatre. Cinema-goers will remember the antics of these funmakers in "Penguin Pool Murder.'': .-. ■ : Again Hildegarde and Piper solve a baffling crime, straighten out a love affair, narrowly jniss annihilation by a mysterious killer, and provide incidental comedy. i Mias Oliver is. seen once more as the angular.spinster school-marm who carries a silver-handled umbrella, dresses in Victorian fashion, but has modern ideas of crime detection. • .: ■ • , Prom the pen of Stuart Palmer, "Murder on the Blackboard".takes place in a school where Hildegarde is employed. .A beautiful' music teacher is murdered, and Hildegarde discovers the body. She summons Piper (Gleason).and, together, they find clues, - including a dead ...ant .in a .whisky- glass, a high-heeled shoe used as a weapon, incriminating letters, and a musical exercise written on the blackboard. The picture' winds up with' ]a satisfying denouement. .

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

I With Lee Tracy, Helen Mack, Helen Morgan, and David Holt, aged six, in. the cast, 'JYou Belong to Me," at the Paramount" Theatre, is a human, sympathetic, and enthralling : story about. three.of .life's brave unfortunates. '.Young Holt [is the?- rno'sfc believable little boy the screen'has shown. The story revolves around the .off-stage experiences ot: a. vaudeville teairu Through love for the b'dy,. Tracy and. . hia wife, who have parted, become reconciled; and the trio out to fight the world together. It is .a heart-warming drama o£ three people whose whole happiness "depended upon each other. "Crime' Without Passion" is the' 'story of an unscrupulous lawyer ; who contends cynically;, that; "the, oily crime punished by law is stupidity." ; - "Wharf Angel," which shows at'-i^he 'Paramount Theatre iiext Friday, witli 'Vfictor McLaglen, Dorothy Dell, Preston l?bs.ter, and Alison Skipworth in the featured cast,' is laid -in the waterside - atmosphere 'of San ITrancisco. It reveals the story; of a-tender" romance bet^veen an unhappy girl and:a hunted man, whose love saves .thenji from the perils o£ the notorious San Fi-ancisco-underworld..' George- Bancroft! .returns to the. screen in "Ehner'and Elsie." In this picture which also features IVanbes Fuller,' Koscoe. Earns1, and George Barbier, Biancr.pft plays a blustering, goodnatured "Bfaggart, a'truck-driver, who is totally immune to feminine influence and thoughts of ambition', until: he meets Miss Fuller. ' They are ruarried,i and how his clever, and, engaging wife factually :wins .success for' him,'while permitting him, to keep the illusion that he is' a'self-inade man^ furnishes an entertaining and thoroughly human story for this film.

KING'S THEATRE;

"Dark: Hazard,"; starring Edward G. Robinson, supported by'Genevieve Tobin and Glenda Farrell-, isnow showing at the King's Theatre, and for the first time shows dog racing as the background for what is stated to be a dramatic picture. The theme of the story deals with a man's passion for gambling, which cost him love and home. Robinson is the gambler. Genevieve Tobin has the leading feminine role as- his unhappy- wife, who ultimately hopes to reform him, while others in the cast are Glenda Farrell as Robinson's former-girl friend, and Robert Cavanaßh. James Cagney,' Bette Davies, and Alice White are starred in "Jimmy The Gent," a comedy romance; in .which fake heirs are found to- collect large unclaimed estates. " "Jimmy 'The Gent" commences next Friday afternoon at the King's .Theatre. . r

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

Arina St'en plays the 'title role in ?Nana," Emile Zola's great story of a courtezan of Paris in the seventies, at Shortt's Theatre. The "written story is a classic and the film version k not less so in, its sphere..; Anna Sten's characterisation' is a wonderful one which has placed her : among the first-rank-ers in the studio world. Spencer- Tracey and Jack Oakie, with Constance Cummings, Arline Judge, and Judith Wood, take the leads in "Looking For Trouble," the comedy selected as a balance to the tense drama and pathos of the Zola story.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

Universal'B "Million Dollar Ransom," the; principal attraction at .the Britannia Theatre, is- full of . exciting situations, racy.dialogue, and suspense. Heading a -Jong and important cast are Phillips' Holmes, Mary Carlisle, Edward Arnold, Wini Shaw, Andy Devine, and Marjorie Gateson. The:', supporting feature is a brilliant satire on Ruritania,; "The Queen's Affair," with Anna Neagje and Fernand Graavey^ Drama, comedy, spectacle, and romance are all blended in this picture. Among the supports is the fourth chapter of "The Red Rider." . '

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Two excellent comedy features are being shown at the Princess Theatre. "The Oldfashioned Way" is the leading attraction. This comedy, which has for its theme the adventures and mishaps of an old-time ■vaudeville troupe, presents W. C. Fields as the manager, romantic lead, and chief support of a hungry troupe of players who are always one jump ahead of the sheriff and three weeks behind in their pay. A snappy musical comedy entitled "Happy," is. also presented. There is an entertaining selection of short, subjects.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

■ "Song of the Plough," which: commences at the' Palace, Petone, tomorrow, is a sincere story of a struggling farmer. There are some magnificent incidents of a sheepdog contest and many beautifully photographed scenes of the countryside. Stewart Rorte, one of the best British screen personalities, is in the cast.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE,

TV. C. Fields and Alison Skipworth, the two lovable rascals, are together at last in a Paramount picture called "Tillie and Gus." It will- be shown at the Grand -Theatre, Petone, commencing tomorrow. Richard Aden, Judith Allen, Sir Guy Standing, Charley Grapewin, S. Matsuh and William Frawley compose the cast of "Hell and High Water," also on the programme, _

ST. JAMES THEATRE. "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," at the Bt. James 'Iheatre, reaches a standard rarely attained on the screen. Those who saw the play here about three years ago will readily -admit that this time the screen has scored a distinct triumph over its older rival, and that without departing to any great extent from the idea of confining the action to Elizabeth's sick room. The reason is largely to be found in the exceptionally fine cast. Charles Laughtori as the hypocritical, pompous, and overbearing father, gives a performance which will long be remembered. Nprma Shearer has never been seen to better effect/and Fredric March gives'probably the finest characterisation of his career.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

"The Return of the -Terror," EO w showing at the'Majestic"Theatre, opens with the trial of Dr. Redmayne. (John Halliday) for the murder, of,;patients in his sanatorium.' > The "doctor's lawyer (Irving Piokel), on the .advice of- his colleague, Dr. Goodman (Lyle Talbot), enters a plea of insanity in order'io gain time. It is accepted, and Dr. Redmayue is incarcerated in an asylum. He escapes, and in and about the -'sanatorium on a wild and stormy " night are : congregated a queer collection of people. The eupposfd maniac flits about among the patientß; hunted by Dr. Goodman and various others' How his name is at last cleared and how the real malefactors are brought -to book forms the subject of a most intricate and entertaining story. ..

PLAZA THEATRE,

• About the most popular form of comedy that the talking film has as yet risen to is a farce by Ben Travers with Tom Walls Ralph Lynn, and Robertson Hare to interpret it. Tl\ia combination is. now at the Plaza Theatre in "A Cup pic Kindness >J The story is up to the best ' Travers style. , Tom Walls is once again an elderly port-encrusted parent, Major Tutt. The vacuous and monocled Ralph Lynn is his son. Across, the road lives the . Ramsbotham family, hopelessly estranged from the Tutts. But, as might be expected, a love affair develops between young Tutt and the charmiu? daughter.across the road, and when the erring son , is. arrested on the eve of hia wedding, for selling worthless shares, all the ingredients for a first-class farce are at hand. .

"BETTER TIMES."

: Laughter is the keynote of the entertainment provided at the "'Grand Opera House by the J.-C. Williamson-Frank JSleil International Variety Stars in their third revue, entitled "Better Times." The opening chorus prepares one for an enjoyable ' evening's entertainment, and the audience is not disappointed as the turns pass in review. First the star comedian, Joey Pprter, opens out the bill .of fare,' followed in quick succession by Tod Simpson and a delightful ballet, Nancy Brown, Grace Hartihgton, a. charming soprano, Cora Whitwell, Alec Hall, Hope- and-Ray, Kussel Callow, and Lea Diamondos, in a clever dancing adagio, an acrobatic turn by Nice, Florio, and Lubow bringing the first pprtion of the programme to a delightful conclusion. The second part of the entertainment is full of variety, the dancing turns being smart and clever, especially the number by Macdonald' and Graham. The crazy trio—Nice,-. Florio, and Lubow—carry out some rstage acrobatics which are wonderfully, well done, the solo dancing of Miss Lubow being a feature ;of the turn. Music in solo and chorus; helped by quaint, and rhythmic dancing, goes to make the remainder of the programme iright and cheerful, the whole being quick and snappy, • greatly aided by clever stage management which does, not permit the audience to be uninterested for a moment. The orchestra, directed, by (Mr. Harry Lazarus, gives the programme 'the finish which goes to complete a good night's entertainment.

QUEENIS THEATRE:

Heading the current double bill at the Queen's is "Parachute Jumper," with' Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Bette Davis.'; The story.'details the; exciting adventures of-two marine corps air pilots in NicaraT qua and-New Ypybi "where they arejn:volved in contraband. "This brings in many spectacular air stunts; The other picture-.is "The ' Mayor \of HelV' with James Cagney and-Madge Evans'-in the lead. It is a story set behind the walls of a reformatory institution, and is an-indictment of treatment meted out to certain juvenile cases. : . -

RJVOLI THEATRE,

Probably the most ambitious programme yet presented to the Wellington, motion? picture patrons is now screening at the RiyoU .Theatre. "The House of Rothschild," starring George ,Arliss,' Boris Karloff,, Loretta Young, aid V C. Aubrey Smith among its J5 talented artists, traces the rise of the famous . European banking .family from obscurity in jjErankfort, Germany,'.' to,! A p'ositipn of'^international prominence. Mr. Arliss is eeen.'in two roles, first as Mayer Armschel Rothschild, ibe.father'df the five-brothers who made the family name celebrated, and later as Nathan Rothschild^ the': brother 'who founded the English branch of the family. Fredric Mai-eh, Miriam Hopkins, and George Raft head'the cast iiri- Paramount's "Alll of Me,'* which concerns itself'-with the story.'. of a sobiety debutante who learns about'life and love from two lawnrushed- gangsters from the slums, Fredric March is admirable in- his role of Don Ellis, a young, engineer who-falls in love with the pampered society girL (Miriam Hopkins). ' f'Popeye the Sailor":, in • "The Man on the Flying Trapeze".ls.the:bright spot on the -supporting prbgrainihe;: "The Grasshopper and the>' : Ante is-;a; icpl<>ured Silly Symphony, and a newsreel and screen souvenirs complete the .'attractive programme. "Damaged Lives" is to be the next attraction. ,: ■ :

ARTCRAFT THEATRE,

■ May Robson dallies with high finance, mother Jove, and here and there a comedy interlude, in one.of the remarkable roles of her screen.' career', in the Metrb-Gbld-wyn-Mayer production "You": Can't 'Buy Everything" a', gripping' drama, of a" woman financier oa Wall Street, now playing at the Artcraft Theatre. A powerful dramatic theme deals with the conflict' between a money-mad woman's craving for goldsrand1 love for-:her crippled .son. In addition, there'is the motive of vengeance on a former lover who jilted her in her youth.,- -Also in the cast are Lewis Stone and •.'Jean Parker. "i':There are excellent; supports* VV." .•-,'■..•.;■•.-. ;

I<ILBIRNIE Id NEMA;v

.Tonight the final will be- made at the Kilbirnie Kinema of a double-star programme, "Those" Were the Days," starring Wiil: Hay,-;-sand ."Have. ,;&>,• Heart," starring Jean; Parker and. James Dunn. In keeping .with *the. new-policy,/the mahage-ineht-i-will-5 again offer jtomorrbw-well-balanced" .;-bill.v-,This consists; of Grade Fields in, herplatest comedy,<" Love,; Life, and Laughter/ and "The -Countess 'of Monte Cristo;".' starring Fay Wrarand-'PauPliukias.— ;- ■-,'■

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

The 'principal. attraction at 'the 'Empire Theatre is "Music .Hall." Briefly, the story concerns a retired: music hall proprietor who, learning; that tha theatre has fallen 'on evil days, 'is 'persuaded to take charge again. He, does' so and puts it backi-ou-its-feet.. Songs, music, and dancing as well'as numerous vaudeville acts are featured.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

Diana Wynyard and Clive Brook, who scored- their greatest- successes, in "Cavalcade,"- are again "co-starred- in R.K.O. Radio's brilliant comedy, "Where Sinners Meet,", to be screened finally at Our Theatre tonight. Billie Burke has- the principal featured role in this adaptation of A. A. Milne's popular stage play, "The Dover-Road." The second feature is the mystery story, "By Whose Hand," starring Ben Lyon and Barbara Weeks.

SEASIDE PICTURES,- UYALL., BAY. ''Little-Miss'Marker/Vstarririg th'e'popular .Shirley Temple,, will be .•screened at the-Seaside Pictures' .tonight at A-> Jit tells of. a .little blonde five-year-old girlSvho reveals' the sbfjt-side"bf ; '.a group of very1 hard Broadway citizens. ■"'!'-.",.'■' '•■ .'

regal; theatre, karori

• TonigMrat the 'Regal-Theatre Warner Baxter, Madge Evans, and a powerful cast will appear-in "Grand Canary." ~ Taken from a book that thrilled a nation it tells of a man hated by the world but loved by a woman who happened to be another ™rMi 8Tf VT e: wT(^(r ow and Thursday ".Call It Lucki will be screened,

STATE THEATRE,

Fear, born of fretted nerves and a morbid imagination, was perhaps the deadliest foe that wartime flyers bad to face. Its causes and effects are graphically portrayed in the picture "Hell in the Heavens" at the State Theatre. Warner Baxter has the part of an American aviator in command of a fighting squadron iv France. When Baxter arrives at the chateau where his squadron is stationed, ','The Baron," a skilful ace Gorman pilot', in. a message dropped by parachute, promises him a "brief but interesting stay." Baxter accepts the implied challenge and the war takes on > the aspect of a personal combat between the two. . it all, and now and .then, forcefully exemplified, is the demoralising effect of fearful anticipation | upon', the. flying men's skill and courage. jCoiichita Montenegro is the heroine, with Herbert Muhdin and Andy Devine as the fun-makers.. ... ... ,