ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 32, 7 February 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

I KEGENT THEATRE. ."Transatlantic Merry-go-round," at the Regent Theatre, concludes its season this evening. ■; .;■■.. ■ ''Great Expectations" commences tomorrow. : ■ DE LUXE THEATRE. : Kay Francis and Warren William .-have the leading roles in "Dr Monica," now at the De Luxe Theatre. Edna May Oliver and James Gleason are, again teamed in a", thrilling..murder mystery, in "Murder on the Blackboard," which opens , tomorrpw; at the De Luxe Theatre. .. Cinema patrous will remember the antics of these funmakers in "Penguin Pool Murder." .Again Hildegnrde and Piper solve a battling crime, straighten out a love affair, narrowly miss annihilation by a mysterious killer, and provide incidental comedy. Miss 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. "Murder on '.the Blackboard"''takes; place in a.school where Hjldegarde is employed. A beautiful music teacher is murdered, and Hildegarde discovers, the body. She summons 'Piper (Gleasou) and,; together, they 'find clues, including a; dead • ant ;in .'a whisky glass,' ,a -''high-iieeled ' shoe 'used as a weapon, incriminating letters, and a musical exercise written on the blackboard. The picture "winds up with a satisfying denouement. S -. v :, PARAMOUNT THEATRE. v "You Belong to Me," at the' Paramount .Theatre, is now finishing its season. ? ■■.'■ ._, "Wharf Angel," which, shows iat > the Paramount Theatre- tomorrow,'.with Victor McLaglen, Dorothy, pell, v Preston Fos- }*?:> ?V^ AKson Skip'wbrthl in the featured cast,: is.laid in the' waterside atmosphere of San ;Francisco. : It-reveals the story, of a tender romance between an. unhappy girl and a hunted .man, whose love saves them from,the perils.of the notorious San lu-aucisco underworld. George Bancroft returns to. the screen in "Elmer and lilsie. In this picture which also features Frances Fuller, Roscoe Karns, and George Jiarbier, Bancroft plays a blustering, goodnatured braggart, a truck-driver,/who is totally immune to feminine: influence and thoughts of ambition, until he meets Miss Fuller. They are married, and how his clever -and engaging wife . actually wins, success for him, while permitting him to keep the illusion that he is a self-made man, furnishes: an entertaining: and thoroughly human story for. this film. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Tonight Wellington will have its final opportunity of enjoying the unusuallyl highclass, revue which Frank Neil's company is.presenting at.the Grand Opera House. The performance tonight will be of a gala) nature, arid" the'happy connections which have been established between members of the company and the public can be, expected to result in a spirit of wholehearted co-operation linkingthose on either sideof the 'footlights. The current programme, which: has" been delighting, large audiences during the week, is "Better1 Times*" and it'goes : with a swing from start to finish. Perhaps because he does most of the work, Joey Porter, the' English comedian; deserves .first mention: 'He is.; especially good as the marvellous Professor Rhino and as the tough gangster, i Another popular artist is Alec Halls, whose strange act of comedy and -musicianship ! is,a gem of its kind; The dancing of Nice, Florio,' and.Lubow is the most eutert&ining that has been seen here for a long time. Their act presents a contrast to the stately performance ■of Les Diamoridos, adagio experts. Quips.,and wisecracks by Hope and Ray are refreshingly original, and the Three Ambassadors bring back old'memories with oldHime melodies. Skilful ballet work and gorgeous lighting, fi-ocbing, and scenery help to' make the show the success it is. : KING'S THEATRE. "Dark Hazard,'.' Edward G. Robinson's latest drama, screens finally tonight at the King's, Theatre. • "Jimmy the Gent," starring James Cagney, will 'be the feature attraction'at the king s Theatre commencing tomorrow atternoon. The picture is based on the hilarious comedy romance' by Laird Doyle arid' Ray Nazarro, and concerns two crooks, each of whom is 'trying to expose the other to impress the girl they love. The story unveils in humorous vein the unique racket of hunting down lost heirs in'order Ho inherit unclaimed estates. And the- two .''..notorious heir chasers,, James Cagney and Alan Dinehart, do not stop at. bribingl persons to-act as heirs .--and coaching them- into perjured;, testimony. Bette Davis is the feminine lead. Alice White supplies many of the laughs. QUEEN'S THEATRE. '■ The final screening will:take place this evening at .the .Queen's Theatre of "Parachutft Jumper," with Douglas Fairbanks, jun, and Bette Davis. The story details the exciting - adventures of - two marine corps;; air pilots in Nicaragua; and New York, ■wher'e.lthey are involved in smuggling ■: contraband. ~ • Tomorrow's attractions will be "Alias the Doctor," with Richard Barthelmess, and "Private.Detective 62/' wy;h William Powell..'. '■/■'■-.'.'■,'■ ;...■■. BRITANNIA .THEATRE. "Million Dollar'; Ransom"' -and "The Queen's Affair" will conclude this evening at the Britannia Theatre. Well diversified entertainment will bo provided by the double-feature programme opening tomorrow at the Britannia Theatre. "Convention City," a hilarious comedy, is said to; be a "tip-off" to lonely wives. ' The story •purports to reveal, in humorous vein, actual happenings at-the annual business conventions held by business organisations. The picture is filled-with love tangles which the trusting ■wife at home knows nothing about— that isj none save two who, drop in unexpectedly on their husbands to the embarrassnient1 of all1 concerned. An allstar .cast includes Joan Blondell, Adolphe Menjou,;Dick Powell, and Mary Astor. "The Four Masked Men" is the additional feature. In this exciting mystery :play the principal roles are filled by Judy Kelly, John Stuart, and Miles Mander. PRINCESS THEATRE. Tonight the final screening will be made of "The Old-fashioned Way" and "Happy" at the Princess Theatre. ' _ Bringing to life the famous characters in -Damon Runyon's ■ .celebrated story. "Little Miss Marker," Adolphe Menjou. Dorothy Dellv Charles Bickford, 'and Shirley Temple, together.with a host, of other talented players, are featured in the film version of "Little Miss Marker," which will commence tomorrow at the Princess Theatre. It is the story of _a five-year-old girl who is used as sefcurity for a gambling debt. How she; reveals the good side of numerous wrong-doers, and teaches them the real meaning of love, provides the theme for this really enjoyable picture. '"Bolero," .an additional attraction, with George Raft in the starring role, depicts the private and public life of ' the world's . greatest dancer. An interesting feature of the picture is the first screen presentation nf the sensational fan: dance created by Sally Rand. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. May Robson dallies with high finance, mother-love, arid here and there a comedy interlude, in one, of the remarkable roles' of her screen" career, in the Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer production "You Can't Buy "Everything," a gripping drama of a woman financier on .Wall Street, which concludes at the Artcraft this evening. "Dancing Lady" will commence its season tomorrow with two favourites, Joan Crawford and Clark Gable, co-starred. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre, "Call It Luck," a. special comedy, will be screened.' The story deals with the adventures of a cabby (Mundin), who after winniiig a fortune is fleeced by crooks. A delightful romance is also woven into the plot. Today and Saturday "Tarzan and His Mate" will ba shown. " OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Charles Boycr, Loretta Youns, and Jean Parker head a big en.st in the Fox Film musical spectacle "Caravan" at Our Theatre. Lavishly produced, with Hungarian villages, castles, 'inns, and vast gipsy caravans alternating as backgrounds. "Caravan" tells a romantic story in a delightful ;.e'w .vein. The second attraction is "Student Tour." ■•■'"

\ST. JAMES THEATRE. "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," at the St. James-, Theatre, reaches a standard rarely attained <oir 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 LaughtoD, as the hypocritical, pompous, and overbearing father,' gives a performance which will long be remembered. Norma Shearer has uever_ been seen to better effect, and Fredric March gives probably the finest characterisation of bis career.: MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The Return of the Terror," now showing at.the JMajestio Theatre, finishes its run this evening. . -'.-..: ■ \ William- Powell and Myrna Loy, who, teamed.- in- photoplays of ' the mystery tj'pe, have won immense popularity in this form of drama,.are reunited in one entirely different from anything they have done in the past in "Evelyn Prentice,' which comes to the Majestic. Theatre tomorrow. : This time, as in "The Thin Man," they again play husband and wife, but both are enmeshed in an amazing problem,_ worked out in- one of. the most dramatic courtroom'scenes presented oil the screen. It is the'drama of the work of a; great criminal attorney, who, through an amazing trick of'fate, ■finds his own wife enmeshed in- the - tangled Maze of motives: and evidence/in which he is struggling* to' save a wbnian's life. THEATRE;' j • B.eri. Travers farce "A ,Ciip of Kindness'," at the Plaza Theatre, features Tom .'Walls, \Ralph Lynn, and Robertson Hare. ' ■•■-•■: ■" ' - , '■-■ : • ■ ' ■ ■"':- :■"•;'■. • Capturing the spirit*and-beauty of the novel .from which it -was adapted. "The Age; of Innocence/V starring .-Irene; Dunne and. Johu\ Boles, coiries to . the Plaza Theatre tbnibrrow. Noted- as one of the classics of . modern American literature, the stqry.deals with the convention-ridden era", that, marked the close of: the last century, and gives intimate glimpses of life as lived by members of .New York's then Four. Hundred; The picture is said to adhere closely to • the story of Edith Whirton's book, which won the Pulitzer Prize hi 1920, and which was later dramatised by Margaret Ayer Barnes as a starring . vehicle for. Katherine Cornell. "The Age \ "of : Innocence" centres : about the romance of a freedom-loving girl for a man who strives to throw off the shackles of" a narrow; social code. . '-, . - SHORTT'S THEATRE. Anna Sten plays the title role in "Nana,' 1 now concluding its run at Shortt's Theatre.;. / . • Adapted by Tim -Whelan from, a story by Guy Boltou, "Aunt Sally," which opens tomorrow at Shortt!s Theatre,.concerns the efforts of Sally Bird (Cicely Courtneidge) to get a part in the super cabaret of a new London night club, to be opened by Mike Kelly (Sam Hardy); an American night club king. She fails to impress the cabaret producer and is thrown out of the club, but undaunted, Sally" returns and persuades Mike'Kelly to listen to a'song. It is a failure in more: senses than one, and she is forcibly ejected. .By a ruse-Sally gets introduced' to Kelly: as a famous French actress and-she-is engaged, to star in the cabaret. Eventually; however, it is Sally as herself who;proves an enormous success. "Aunt Sally" is one of- the most elaborately staged .British/pictures- yet produced. There are catchy ' and tuneful musical numbers. The second picture will be "Three on a-Honeymoon," with Sally Eilers, Zasu Pitts, Henrietta Crosman, Charles Skerrett, Irene Hervey, and John Mack Brown. It is a romance with dramatic complications, comedy cavortings, and delectable intrigue. ■ ■ ' "TEN MINUTE ALIBI" AND "THE WIND AND THE RAIN." That" 'playgoers of New Zealand still have ah affection for .the legitimate drama has been proved by the phenomenal Successes achieved in Auckland by they J. C. Williamson; Ltd., New London Dramatic Company in "Ten Minute Alibi" and "The Wind and the. Rain," both;of which are to be staged at the Opera House, Wellington,' during a brief season beginning on Saturday,; February 16. The Auckland season was limited to thirteen nights, and during that period the theatre was taxed to its: utmost capacity at nearly every performance. ' ■■' Ten Minute Alibi" is a thrilling drama. which attracted recoi'd audiences in London for over two years, and it proved the outstanding theatrical attraction in Australia for over twelve months. "The Wind and the Rain,'''.-.Vhipbi.was written by the New Zealand playwright D,j\ Merton Hodge, has been running continuously for twelve months in London, and it, too, attracted record audiences in Sydey and Melbourne. The noted young London actor, George Thirlwell, who takes the leading voles, was acclaimed in Australia and Auckland as one of the best artists who has appeared in those places in .years. The leading lady is Miss Jocelyn. Howarth, who is well known for her fine performance in the screen production of "The Squatte's Daughter." Mr. Arundel Nixon will make his first appearance here in the role.be created •in England. The box plans for the Wellington season will bo opened at the D.I.C. next Thursday morning. '.'.. ■■-' ■ -:- .■ v - KILEfIRNIE KINEMA. An excellent double-feature programme full of i music and comedy is. now at the Kilbirnie Kinema. > The niain feature stars Gracie Fields, England's queen of comedy, in Tier.latest musical comedy production, "Love, Life, and Laughter," the male.lead being played by the celebrated English star John Loder. The inimitable Gracie will be heard in five catchy song numbers. As a supporting feature "The Countess of Monte Cristo," a sparkling comedy drama, starring Fay Wray and Paul Lukas, will be screened. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Have a Heart," screening finally at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features the. new romantic team Jean Parker and James Dunn, together with Una Merkel and Stuart Erwin. Jean Parker is superb in her role of Sally, a young dancing teacher who is made a cripple through a tragic accident and tries to earn her. living: by making dolls. The story, of her romance with Jimniie Flaherty (James Dunn) is a blend of wholesome simplicity with hilarious comedy. .-■■■-"' SCREEN TESTS. Dr.- A. L. Lewis,'of Hollywood, the discoverer of Janet Gaynor, and trainer of many film stars, is searching New Zealand for comedy talkie types to use in a talkie .comedy, which he proposes, to make in New Zealand, thus presenting an unusual opportunity for aspirants for ■screen fame.. De. Lewis's season commences at the Grand Opera House tomorrow evening at 8 o'clock. Dr. Lewis proposes to use local to portray short extracts or climaxes from current motion pictures. What may be called contact types rather than those of unusual histrionic ability interest Dr. Lewis particularly. It is personality that he requires, for his comedies depend moro upon humorous situations than upon the employment of experienced character actors. RIYOLI THEATRE. "Damaged-Lives" is a picture which is not only a dramatic portrayal of intense interest, but it also conveys a definite lesson to both adults and adolescents of the danger lurking for the. thoughtless in the so-called '^social diseases." It tells in gripping fashion of a young boy who just prior to his marriage foolishly and almost innocently allows himself to be beguiled into a fleeting affair with 3. woman whom he takes home from a gay party. When she discovers that unknown to herself she has been infected with a serious disease she fears for the boy's health,.and warns him, then in despair commitssuicide. Now married, the boy is horrified to learn from his doctor that he also has contracted the disease and has .transmitted it to his wife, and that it may imperil the health of the baby that is soon to be born. The working out pf their salvation by their doctor is at one and the same time excellent screen entertainment and a definite message of hope to those who are already victims of this malady, or to others who may later contract it.1 Jack Holt will appear in "This Sporting Age." Oil Saturday Jack Oakie and Spencer Tracy will be seen in "Looking for Trouble," and Elissa Laudi and Adolphe Menjou in The. Great .-.Flirtation." : • ■ \ ■■..,- ■ ■ ;

STATE THEATRE. The causes' and effects of fear are F>? P ,vicElly Portrayed in the picture Hell m-;,the Heavens"' .at ,the. State Theatre. Two of the most popular American screen players, Wheeler and Woolsey, give, characteristic performances iii "Kentucky Kernels," which will be presented at the State Th eatre tomorrow. Both are,masters of the care-free type o£ actlug, and in this latest film they have roles which give them admirable scope fortheir distinctive personalities. They are cast as .two vaudville magicians who are appointed the foster fathers of a young child. They become involved in a, fierce family fond when the infant inherits a vast estate, . Wheeler, falls in love with the daughter-of the .hostile leader of the opposing clan, and-Woolsey attempts to reconcile the enemy. The story then develops into an exciting and amusing climax. The picture is particularly notable for the introduction of "One Little Kiss, a new melody which is assured of becoming very popular. A spectacular ballet performs a fast, modern, high-step-ping dance. .... EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The principal attraction at the Empire ineatre is "Danny Boy," starring Ronnie Hepworth and Cyril Kichards. The Supporting attraction, is "Song at Eventide," with a large, talented-all-star cast. ■■■' SEASIDE PICTURE^ LYALL BAY. •"i^ 1 Jk c Seaside Pictures tonight at 8 Ike Warren Case" will be presented. It tells the story -of a newspaper man, a brilliant cnunnologist, who planned the biggest scoop in'the history ot journalism, only to bring about his own downfall. GIRLS'; DRILL DJSPLAY. ( . The second annual display of the Welingtpn Inter-House Girls' Association will be Held at thei ..basin Reserve on Saturday. Ua. this-occasion it, has- beendecided > to stage the display jat inght,, and special arlangements are being made to ensure sumcieut lighting to enable spectators to hrtTfi^i f realiy,,bl'ight dis Play under) ought lights. Many of the movements oil? S^ ted uuder the spotlight, and as 200 .Wellington girls have been practising assiduously for some months, a high standard of marching and physical anil movements has been obtained Permanent stag officers from the Defence Department have been putting in one and two nights:, per : week in assisting the various ■ teams. , - KILBIRNIE SPEEDWAY. | A feature of the programme for the! openmg of the speedway season at the B-ilbrrnie Stadium on Saturday night wfn be. the introduction, of the latest American sport, midgetrcar -racing,, which will be seen-for the first time in theiDominion. nLi i \ wJv 1"' Produced by . Clarrie lonks, the. Wellington speedway star, w»u attempt to make a speed'record and will take part in a match race with a local sports model. The dimensions of the car are 6ft wheelbase, with a 3ft Bin track, and the wheels are 12in in diameter. The car, is powered by a-10-12 Jiarley-JJavjdson racing engine and gearbox. ■ A chain-drive is employed to the front wheel. Prominent on the -programme will be the two Australian international dirtrtrack riders Lionel Van Praag and Dick Case,r who have represented" their country in English-Aus-tralian test matches for the past three years.1 At ,the testa which-were ■ held recently: in Australia Van Praag and-Case proved to. be , outstanding, scorers, ' arid sensational • performances are expected on Saturday night, when these two cham. pions will be .matched against the New Zealand star, Alf. Matson, whose; past reputation on the cinder track is well known throughout the Dominion. Local speedsters will be . seen in a big' teams championship, the chosen combinations for the opening meeting being Newtown, captained by the popular rider Clarrie Tonks, and City, with Peter Phillips at their head. The midget cars will appear in a record attempt and a short limit handicap. A spectacular event will be a grand parade, headed by the Wellington Regimental Band in .their scarlet full'dress uniforms fby kind permission of the Commanding Officer). Arrangements have been made for a special tram service, and there will be popular admission charges (of Is, Is Gd, and 3s. / >-