ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 85, 10 April 1935, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Into "The Old : Curiosity Shop," the screen version of ', which is now at the .Regent Theatre, Dickens.wove a deep and human; drama which through the character of that delightful arid pathetic figure Little Nell,-achieved a poignancy which makes thevbook one- of the really monumental works 'of English ; literature. It was indeed artistic justice that a British studio should have produced this classic. It has handled . the, longv: and diverse original in almost convincing style. It has caught with remarkable clarity what Dickens intended to convey in his story —the'tragedy-of Nell and the loneliness of' her apathetic little figure. One characterisation especially calls for mention: it is that''of-the. unforgettable Quilp, played by Haly Petrie. All the loathsome, domineering, an;d; bitter rascality of Dickens's original pendrawing is given life in a manner that will;'remain a. merflory - with all who see ibis- remarkable picture. Nell is played by. Elaine.Beneon and the grandfather by Ben-;Web*ter; their acting is delightful, while such; figuresas Brass (Gibb McLauihlin), the scoundrel lawyer, Dick Swiveller, (Reginald Purdell), the lighthearted neer-do-well, and the frightened Mrs. /Quilp (Beatrix Thomson) are portrayed with wonderful realism. : "The : Private. Life of Don Juan." "The Private' Life of Don Juan," which comes'to'the Regent Theatre on Friday, boasts-thirty beautiful girls. A number of ,lovely damsels were required to represent Don Juan's many loves in this London Films production, and the director, Alexander, Korda, determined that every girl in ;the film, even those taking ■ the smallest parts, should be notable for her beauty. .Merle Oberon, one of the most glamorous personalities in. the film world today, is seen as leading lady. The role of Pepilla, the dancer, is an ideal one for the Australian beauty, and her Castanet dance, for which she went into training for several weeks, is ■ one of the high spots "of the film.. Benita Hume wears a gorgeous Coya costume and mantilla, in the role of the great lover's wife, Dolores. The bewitching little Joan Gardner plays the'part of Carmen de Aleala, who falls in love with -Roderigo, a successful impersonator of Don Juan, and Binnie Barnes makes - a fetching barmaid in the inn where . Jon Juan goes ■ into hiding under an assumed.name. .: The role gives Binnie an opportunity to use the lovely singing voice-she exhibited in "The Private Life of; Henry VIII." Prominent among the '.'discoveries" are Patricia Hilliard, the strikingly beautiful, Princess Natalie Paley; daughter of the Russian Grand Duke Paul and granddaughter of Tsar AlexanderJll, who. has. starred in -. French pictures; and Tbto Koopman, a- tall, slim, exotic beauty who is probably the. most famous photographer's model in London. " NEW OPERA HOUSE. Good valuer in entertainment is provided "in-the current.programme at the ' newly decorated Grand Opera ' House. Heading the bill of fare is Harry Thurstbn, of "Old Bill" fame, whose character studies of London.life are earning for him rounds of applause. At one time such turns, were well known in New Zealand, but in these days they come as something of a novelty, and when they are given by an actor of the ability of Harry Thurston they are all the more acceptable and enjoyable. Also on the programme is a musical comedy .film, "Mister Cinders," with which considerable success has been achieved on the' stage. "Mister Cinders" is ■ the story of a male Cinderella and a rich-girl who saw his-merits in spite of an attempt to push his cousins in front of him. Clifford Mollison and Zelma O'Neal have the leading roles. Also in the cast are- the four Western brothers, who do some: splendid work. ' . ■'-../: "Blossom Time." -, Schubert, one of the greatest composers of- all;, time, specialised in the writing of songs,.a big. percentage of them songs of love. -The gentle,, big-hearted.. Schubert lives again ,in the person of Richard Tauber—for "Blossom Time" is the story oiVScbubert'slife-^the tenderness of his lore, the bitterness of losing the one girl for whom he longed, the girl who inspired his delightful music, music that ■reaches its greatest beauty in the glorious voice.of Tauber—the golden voice of the world* foremost tenorr-flawlessly- recorded. Tauber sings. five of the most beajitiful and popular of {Schubert's melodies, including the "Serenade," "Hark! Hark! The' Lark," "Impatience" ("Thine 3s My Heart"), and "Red Roses." Other numbers, specially-: written for "Blossom Timeil.and.s.ung..by..,Tauber, include "Once There Lived a Lady Fair" and "Love Lost I'orever More." the latter written by Tauber himself.- . ' BROOkLYN PICTURES. "Son of aiSailor" will be shown at the Brooklyn Pictures tonight. Tlie players include Johnnie Mack Brown, Frank McHugK, Thelma .Todd, Sheila Terry, George Blackwood, Merna Kennedy, Samuel; Hinds, Noel Francis, Kenneth Thompson, Arthur-yinton, and George Irving.

DE LUXE THEATRE. The screen version of Willa Cather's novel "A'Lost Lady" is now being shown at the De Luxe Theatre. Marian Ormsby (Barbara, , Stanwyck) ia ecstatically happy onHhe eve of her wedding, when a man walks in to the party given in honour of her and her fiance, and accuses the latter of having broken up his home. A revolver shot follows and Marian's husband-to-be falls dead at her feet.- In* an effort to regain her mental balance Marian retires to the Rocky Mountains, where she meets Daniel Forrester (Frank Morgan). Subsequent dramatic developments cause an emotional crisis, and Marian's loyalty to the man who saved her from herself is put to a severe'teßt. When "There Goes Susie" commences at the De^ Luxe Theatre on Friday, picturegoers will see and hear the popular comedian. Gene Gerrard (of "My Wife's Family" fame) ; for the first time siuce his very' successful engagement on the English stageL For patrons who like an entertaining story with some captivating songs andplentyof sparkling comedy, it is said that: "There Goes Susie" fills the requirements in an admirable manner. The story concerns the romantic ups and downs of a poor artist, Andre Coehet, and a wealthy .man's daughter, Madeline Sarteaux, and shows how the wealthy manufacturer, through a series of hilarious complications; unknowingly uses his daughter's beauty to advertise his soap. Supplying the.necessary romantic angle is the charming Wendy Barrie, and other well-known members of the cas< are Zelma O'Neill, Gibb McLaughlin. and Gus McNaughton. STATE THEATRE. Shirley, Temple takes to aviation in her latest picture, "Bright Eyes," which is now in its second week at the State Theatre, When , Shirley's father, a famous aviator, dies in an aeroplane crash and her mother, is killed shortly afterwards in a street accident she is left an orphan with plenty of friends, two in particular being James Dunn, as another commercial flyer, and Charles Sellon, as a crusty but kindly old millionaire. The struggle for the custody of the child provides the principal plot in the picture, and side-issues are a love interest between Dunn and Judith Allen and a rival to Shirley in the person of James Withers, another child who is as odious as Shirley is lovable. Once again the small heroine demonstrates beyond doubt her right to the title of "America's Darling, but it is not her unsophisticated actiiig alone which makes the picture the triumph it is. ' •■ PLAZA THEATRE. "Jew Suss" is now in the second week otits. Wellington seasonl at the Plaza Theatre. Joseph . ■ Suss Oppenbeimer (Conrad Veidt) commenced to gain his influence . over Karl Alexander of ■ Wurtemburg by providing him first with '. a ; rich suit for scanty payment and secondly by lending, him money Jew-Suss became associated with Karj Alexander following the forecast of Rabbi Gabriel (Sir'Cedric Hardwicke) that Karl would, wear a ducal crpwn,, and the coaching of Jew. Suss's' native shrewdness with the key motive that, while some people possessing. power love to show it, real power -waxes ' from unobtrusive and discreet cultivation of power. Karl Alexander /forever .flaunted thei power he possessed apparently; by his influential shrewdness Jew Suss modified, changed, and shaped the incidence'and expression of the power of Alexander. But during the entire period of his .public life Jew Suss was surrounded by enemies; it was not until the death of his beloved daughter Naemi and the later treacheries of the Duke Karl that he relaxed his stranglehold on the State of Wurtemburg, being imprisoned and finally executed. KING'S THEATRE. In . "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," starring , Norma Shearer, Fredric March, and Charles Laughton, now screening at the King's Theatre, have achieved the finest film presentation of a famous stage piece ever recorded. "The Barretts of Wimpole; Street" is brilliantly conceived, written, acted, directed, and filmed. Norma. Shearer and ' Fredric March bring the invalided Elizabeth Barrett and the poet Robert Browning to life. And as the grim uncompromising father whose diabolical .influence motivates the drama. Charles Laughton is at his best. One of the outstanding pictures that Paramount has produced commences next Friday ■ afternoon at the King's Theatre. li.is "The Scarlet Empress," a drama of an exotic woman who oecame a powerful empress. With Mariene Dietrich as the star.this-picture brings all the glory, the pageantry, and' amazing spectacle of old Russia to; the screen in a dramatic romance. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. ' At the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight the main attraction is George Arliss in "The T^ast Gentleman," with Edna May Oliver, Charlotte. Henry, and Ralph Morgan. The picture offers' Arliss another great role, and the brilliant artist achieves as rich and complete a characterisation as he did in "The House of Rothschild." The supporting feature is "Private Scandal," a baffling murder mystery, peppered with hilarious comedy. .-'•',•■■'■■..'.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "College Rhythm," now showing at the Majestic Theatre, is -a hilarious comedy. It concerns the adventures of a piccolo-playing ' undergraduate (Lanny Ross), who lias' a decided aversion to a room-mate (Jack Oakie) because of the latter's love of publicity and his success at football. After Jack Oakie has made himself even more uu-, popular with Koss by his conduct with the piccolo-player's fiancee (Mary Brian), both leave college. As a gesture of charity lloss gets Oakie a job iv his father's big department store, which is engaged in a struggle with a rival establishment. By his self-assurance Oakie takes charge of the campaign, and organises the stove on lines between musical .comedy und college life. He also heads the store's professional league team. ST. JAMES THEATRE. ' "Society Doctor," at the St. James Theatre, -concerns, a Dr. Morgan, a clever young surgeon at a big hospital, who has- no wholesome respect lor his superior, and when, through the complaints of the society doctor, he ■is fired, he lets both him and the superintendent have it straight from the shoulder. He accepts a proposal that he should enter private practice, but later declines, and this action smooths out tne way for him again in the affections of Madge, a pretty nurse, to whom Morgan's pal, Dr. Ellis, has already proposed marriage. Then a gangster runs amuck in the hospital. Morgan is shot. His case is regarded as hopeless, but in the operating theatre, after having had administered to him a spinal anaesthetic, he directs his own operation, Dr. Ellis performing it. Morgan survives, romance wins out, and there is the customary happy ending. PRINCESS THEATRE. "She Loves Me Not" is the principal attraction. at the Princess Theatre, with Bing Crosby, Miriam Hopkins, and Kitty Carlisle featured. It relates the hilarious escapades of a night-club performer when, endeavouring to hide from the police, she conceals herself in a dormitory at Princeton University. A number of new souks are introduced during the unfolding of the story. "The Broken Melody." starring Merle Oberon and John Garrick, which forms the additional, feature, in addition to an original musical score, has a story which is full of colour and romance. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn, with Robertson Hare and Mary Brough, are now at Shortt's .Theatre in Ben Travers s clever diversion, "Turkey Time." "Turkey Time" is one of those delightful farces which spins a funny yarn without exactly getting anywhere. Its situations are frequently intensely' farcical, and Walls and Lynn contribute to the merriment in their customary entertaining manner. The story deals with, a series of complications and mishaps occurring to certain members of a house party, at Christmas. On the same programme "When New York Sleeps" i» presented. Fox Film has combined one of- the fin est stories ever filmed with oue of the finest array of. actors ever engaged fo. on Friday. With ..no less a combination "Carolina," opening at Shortt's Theatre than. Janet Gaynor and Lionel Barrymore in the leading roles, the cast includes Robert Young, Richard Cromwell, Henrietta Crosman, Mona' Barrie, Stepin Fetehit, and Russell Simpson. The story concerus the life of a decadent Southern family, into whose ways comes a charming girl from the North. . Her innocence and her disarming flair for Romance inject a new will to succeed into tlie Southerners, who, Cor generations, have entertained no such notions. The. battle of the old aristocracy against the new and youthful spirit introduced by this stranger forms the background for-what is one of the O'lrstanding works in screen history. T!w supporting programme includes "Soldiers of the King," a comedy in which Ciceley Cotirtneidge nnd Edward Everett Horton are associated. ; ' ROXY THEATRE. Ne more vivid and truthful record of war has been given to the world than "The First World War." the rcma:liable iihn ' now in its second week at the Rosy Theatre. It is declared to be the only recorded film of the Great War, and towards its composition the leading" nations of the world'Tj'ave contributed secret pictures which "they have held for over twenty years. On the 6ame programme is "Britannia of Billings Gate. : an English comedy, produced in the surroundings of old London, starriug Gordon ITarker and Violet Lorraine. , : DE LUXE, LOWER HUTT. "Bella Donna" will be presented finally tonight at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt. Tomorrow and on Friday "Imitation of Life." with Claudette Colbert and Warren William in the principal parts, will be screened. The story iB based on Fannie Hurst's novel of the same title, and an essential part in the cast is taken by Baby Jane, aged three. There -will be the usual selection of varied supporting pictures. , ...

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "I've Got Your Number" is now showing at the Paramount Theatre. Wires aro . tapped, wrong connections Jooo gamblers money, .and . divorces, brew and burst as tho girls at tuo boards in the big hotel exchanges plough their wearisome way through- tiie day's work, but Terry (Pat O'Bneu) gets a lot of fun out of life in the queer situations he stumbles on. Mario (Joan lilondcll) has been coaxed into giving a wrong number to suit the purposes of a gang of bond stealers, and is dismissed just as Terry comes on the scene, but that is merely the beginning of life for them both, as, when ttie bonds have been stolen while Mane is kept busy by arranged rings "'o\a all directions, Terry will not believe her implicated, and ho and his mate tup tno wires and learn the headquarters of the gang. Thenceforward the story moves with lißhtning rapidity. ~„„„-,„„* Paul Muni is to appear nt I'aramount Theatre on Friday in "Bordertown. .Ihe picture, suggested by Carroll Grahams best-selling novel, is set for the most pait in a resort town on the United . States border, a picturesque community, wnu and lawless, the rendezvous of rogues, gamblers, outcasts, adventuresses, and also the trysting place of American millionaires and bored society women. ■i.no plot is crammed with thrilling action, intense dramatic situations, tremendous suspense, and a most unusual triangular romance. In the cast with Muni are Bette Davis, Margaret Lindsay, Lugene I alette, and Robert Barrat. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. > A vivid and fascinating romance from the novel by A. J. Gronin, "Grand Canary." is the current attraction at tne Artcraft : Theatre. Warner Baxter and Madge Evans are co-starred. It is a drama-with a strong under j»ing theme and motives. A doctor, called a murderer" by the world because his new experiment failed with drastic results, starts a journey to a strange world to scatter the wreckage of his life. A woman comes into his life and inspires him to tignt back through'a devastating plague ot yellow fever by which his beloved is menaced, and he vindicates himselt in the eyea of the world by putting an end to the epidemic and successfully completing his experiment. There are excellent supports. REX THEATRE. ' The former Qu.-sn's Theatre, in Cuba Street, is now the Rex Theatre, a completely modernised and comfortable talkie house. The first' big programme under the new policy is headed by the two outstanding feature productions "One Way Passage," a colorful modern drama starring William Powejl and Kay Francis, and "Central Airport, a spectacular aviation thriller with a big cast headed by Richard Bartnetaess. & fine array of picked supporting featurettes is in evidence also. - ~ Gene Gerrard, the brilliant and versatile star director of'"Let;Me Explain I)ear, which will be showing at the Rex Theatre, commencing on Friday, heads _an . outstanding . cast which. includes the inimitable Claude Hulbert, Jane Carr, Viola Lyel, and Amy Vcness, the. battlecruiser" of "My Wife's Family' fame. That popular young star Bobby Howes will be seen in the supporting feature, "For the Love of Mike," a musical farce which is one of the most entertaining films on record. He is supported by a sast of stage ■ stars., GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, and Zasu Pitts in the.-musical romantic comedy, "Dames," will conclude at the Grand Theatre, Petone. • •. ■ ■ The Universal Films double-feature programme, "The Poor Rich" and "Midnight," commences tomorrow. night at the Grand Theatre. "The Poor Rich," featuring Edna May Oliver, Edward J2. Horton, Thelma Todd, and Leila Hyarns, is a fast-1 moving domestic farce. "Midnight," featuring Sidney.Fox, is one of the dramatic highlights of the year. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Night of the Garter," which is showing at Our Theatre, has been adapted from the London stage success of the same title. The opening sequences, however, are exclusive to the film, and show how the jewelled garter which causes all the trouble is originally presented. Sydney Howard is the star, and other important players are Winifred Shotter and Elsie Randolph. The supporting attraction is the dramatic romance "Hat, . Coat, and Glove," with Ricardo Cortez in the leading role. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karon, George Arliss will appear in his latest triumph,. "The Last- Gentleman/ Supported by an excellent cast, headed by Edna May Oliver, Mr. Arliss gives an excellent performance as.a wealthy man, searching for, a.worthy heir from his grasping relations. Many surprising situations and a powerful climax, make ■ this ■, a picture .of especial merit. The supports include a cartoon, musical,..travelogue, , and other supporting items of interest. •

RIVOLI THEATRE. "Jimmy the Gent," starring James Cagncy, will bo the feature attraction at the KivoU Theatre for a two days' run, bagimiiug tonight.' _ The picture concerns two crooks, each 'of whom is trying to expose tho other to impress the girl they both love. The stpry. unveils in humorous voin tho unique 'racket of heir chasing, that is, the hunting down of lost heit's in order to inherit unclaimed estates. Aud tlio two notorious heir chasers, James Cagney and Almv Dinehart, do not stop at. bribing persons to1 act as heirs and coaching them into perjured testimony Uette Davis is the feminine lead opposite Cagney and' the girl over whom Caguty and Diuehart do battle for her love. Alice White, Allen Jenkins, arid Mayo Methot arc said to supply much of the comedy element, although the fast-talking and fastacting Jimmy always turns up with his share. The romantic angle is supplied by Cagney and Miss Davis and Jenkins and Miss White. The second attraction, '"Golden Harvest," is said.to be exception ally good, aud stars Rutland Ai-le.ii, Chester Morris, and - Geuevieve Tobin. On Friday Wallace Beery, Jackie Cooper, and George Raft will be seen in "The Bowery," and Joe E. Brown as "The Circus Clown." CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Dangerous Corner" screening tonight ut the Capitol Theatre is the story of the uncovering of a thrilling murder mystery through the revelation of truths that lie hidden in the hearts of all those connected with it. It is the adaptation of J. B. Priestley's famous play. The second feature is "By Your Leave," a romantic comedy, featuring Frank Morgan, Genevieve Tobin, Neil Hamilton, and Marion Nixon. The story deals with the romantic excursions of a would-be Romeo who is finally side-tracked and; walks sheepishly back home to ask forgiveness for wanting a marital holiday.,' EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Wheeler and Woolsey in "Kentucky Kernels" head the programme at the Empire Theatre this evening. The nonsensical story concerns the comics' introduction into a feud when' they deliver their orphan ward to his family and the Southern estate which he suddenly inherits. The comedy swells to side-splitting proportions when Wheeler courts the. opposing leader's daughter and Woolsey essays •the role of arbitrator between the enemy clans. On Friday and Saturday Clark Gable and' Joan Crawford will be seen in "Chained." ' SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. "Damaged Lives," which will be shown at the Seaside • Pictures: tonight at 8, is described as- the ; most ■ sensational film of recent years. It. is a courageous and praiseworthy presentation ,of the dangers of the "white, scourge," embellished by a movingly, enacted drama.