ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 89, 15 April 1935, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. One of those delightful farces which Britain shines at.producing, on this occasion '"The Private Lite of Don Juan," is now showing at the Regent Theatre. . It has heen written by that Pilaster of fullmaking,' Frederick Lonsdale, and is a product of London Finis. Don Juan was renowned for his ability to catch the female . eye. It is doubtful, however, whether his technique was ever so bewitching and disarming as the "line" which the renowned Douglas Fairbanks hands put to a multitude of exquisite beauties. That, of course, is part of the farce. Don Juan loses his reputation when a young man who has beeu impersonating him is killed by an irate husband. Spain mourns the departed roue and Don Juan retires from the limelight with every apparent intention of staying behind tin; scenes.1 A pretty barmaid causes troubls, however, and he attempts to stage a comeback, only to be met by derision from a public and women who prefer to believe him dead. In the end the disappointed Don Juan finds it better to resume his retirement, and achieves a rather pathetic nnti-elimax by returning to his wife. It is a story which provides brilliant scope for humour. On the same programme are several 'newsreels and a Walt Disney car"Kld Millions." "Kid Millions," Eddie Cantor's fifth annual screen musical extravaganza for Samuel Goldwyn, will be presented at the Regent Theatre nest Saturday. Cantor appears as a boy Cinderella of the Brooklyln waterfront who becomes the heir to a fortune in buried treasure iv the land of the Pyramids. Ann Sothern, Ethel. Merman, Block and Sully, George Murphy, and this season's crop of Goldwyn girls, prance along the Nile with Eddie in this fast-paced, tuneful tale of adventure in the harem of the' sheik and the tombs of his fathers. "Mandy," the Irving Berlin hit which Eddie Cantor originally introduced in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1919, is revived in one of the elaborate song and girl numbers staged aboard a liner en route ■to Egypt. .The . elaborate "ice 'cream fantasy" a poor boy's dream come true, in which" Eddie, the millionaire, opens a free ice cream factory for boys and girls; ia filmed entirely in Teehnicolour. NEW OPERA HOUSE. "Blossom Time" ia now being shown for a return season at the New Opera House today. This is one of Richard Tauber's greatest screen successes, if not hjs greatest. "Blossom Time" is the tory of Schubert's life, and Schubert's music is made to live and pulsate by Richard Tauber as. no other lyric vocalist could do. The story is told of Schubert's love and disappointment, of' the girl- who inspired • bis wonderful music, music which has captivated the world and which Richard Tauber sings with such perfection. "Blossom Time ia one of the most exqmsite of screen productions and it is assured of a successful run and ai hearty welcome both from those who have seen it before and from those who were unfortunate enough to miss it on a previous occasion. Tauber sings five of the most beautiful and popular of Schubert's melodies, including the "Serenade," "Hark! lark! The Lark," "Impatience" ("Thine Is My Heart"), and "Red Roses." Other numbers,' specially written*for "Blossom Time" and sung by Tauber, include "Once There Lived a Lady Fair" and "Love jost Forever More." the latter written by Tauber himself. Easter Attractions. The Easter attractions at the New Opera louse will be "Tlie Man Who Reclaimed His Head" and "Cheating Cheaters." This double-feature programme will begin \on Saturday. DE LUXE THEATRE. "There Goes Susie," an uproarious British comedy ~'■ starring Gene Gerrard and featuring witty dialogue, catchy songs; and amusing situations, is at the. Be Luxe Theatre. Gene Gerrard js cast as Andre Cochot, a successful Parisian artist who .has all the Bohemian uncoriventionality of that section of the city n which his kind 'are'to be found. Into bis life comes a ;beautiful and vivacious model with whom he falls violently in love, ■pot-idiscoyering-iffttir later that she is the 'daughter of goap manufacturer. The. Bituatjohtiiifewhich t»is light-hearted mir find.^.tfeeJMves, and the complications which ewme, are responsible for no end of fun7:^tp[f feminine lead is taken by Wendy;;Barri*: while the cast also includes ■ - Giiai and Zelma O'Neal. WeifttKParne-also has a leading part in "ThfrMaili JKWant." Henry Kendall takes the "part of an .English aristocrat. Selectibhs.rare. played on the Wurhtzer organ bysliss'lris Mason. ■■'"■ ■'.':■ , A talking ■■screen "version of. the massive production i!The Merry Widow" opens next.Saturda'fe.St the De Luxe Theatre. No musieal.Tomance,has ever achieved the same world-wide.popularity as. "The Merry I Widow." It'; lias TJeen played in; every country and. every language." The strains of the "Merry' Widow Waltz" are as familiar and as loved today in Moscow as in Buenos Aires, in New York as in Peking. No light opera in history,has so perfectly and'permanently gripped the' public. All the famous songs of the Franz Lehai' masterpiece are to be heard in the picture presentation^ starring Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette Mac Donald. In addition, the Franz Lehar, music in its original, form embellishes the "Can-Can" ballet at Maxim's, the Marshovian ballet, | the huge Albertina Rasch waltz ballet, andl other, spectacular details. Chevalier and Miss Mac Donald head a huge.cast that /ncludes Edward Everett Horton, Una Menkel, George Barbier, Minna Gombell, Ruth Charming, Sterling Holloway, Donald Meek, Herman Bing, and others;of note. Hundreds of gorgeously-costum-ed players, huge and spectacular set^ tings, and unique effects"lend fresh glamour to the picture. Box plans are at the D.I.CJ. and. theatre. Tel. 53-080. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Paul Muni, one of the leading actors of the screen, has the principal role in "Bordertown" at the Paramount Theatre.' It ia a realistic pi^turisation of life in_ a town on the American border, with its night clubs frequented by wealthy men and society women seeking diversion. Paul Muni, as a foreigner, rises to riches and power aa the proprietor of a night club and gaming hall. He is, loved by two women, one an adventuresa : who, after a quarr.el, ■ charges him with murder. The part of the .adventuress is played by t Bette Davis. The other woman in the triangular romance 13 an American society woman (Margaret (Lindsay), who seeks a new thrill by flirtling with the young gambler. The love of the youth for the society beauty brings about a tragic climax, which is as gripping as it is' unusual. The second feature of the programme is an outstand-1 ing British comedy romance, "Something Always Happens," starring lan Hunter and Nancy. O'Neil. _ Lan Hunter reveals exceptional histrionic ability .as a livewiro motor salesman, who, by sheer grit and personality, becomes a force in the motor world. Nancy O'Neil has the role of his secretary and sweetheart. KING'S THEATRE. "The Scarlet Empress," starring the exotic Marlene Dietrich, is now showing at the King's Theatre. It is a glittering drama of the regime of old Russia, the story of Catherine 11, with its grotesque atmosphere, its bizarre living, and its pageantry. It is a drama that brings a girl from a secluded life to be an outstanding figure in the politics of the world, virtually reaching a powerful throne on the shoulders of her lovers. Marlene Dietrich is seen as that girl, and she is supported l|y John .Lodge, Sam Jaffe, and Louise Dresser, The supporting programme includes "Popeye the Sailor" in his latest hilarious cartoon, "Shiver' Me Timbers.". ROXY THEATRE.; A double-feature programme 'of promise is now being shown at the Rosy Theatre. The two films are "Lottery Lover" and "She Was a Lady." The former" is a comedy played,-by a notable cast, including Pat Paterson. and Lew Ayres. "She Was a Lady" is a "drama by Elizabeth Cobb. It is said that' it gives Helen Twelvetrees the outstanding role of her career. , , . REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karori, the world-famous play by Oscar Asche, "Chu Chin Chow,"- will bo screened. A huge cast headfid by Anna May Wong and George Robey has made this a glorious romance, richly, studded with romance, comedy, and pathos. On Wednesday a special benefit liight for the Karori Football Club will be held. "Strictly Dynamite" will be screened. Spats may be reserved iind tickets obtained at tho Regal Fruit Shop or by Telephone 27-961.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Viennese Nights," which has been described as the, most popular talkie ewjr made, has returned to Wellington and is now showing at the Majestic Theatre.! The music of Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammersteiu, with its faculty of giving life and atmosphere, has certainly found a lasting place -in public favour. TII2 beautiful filming' of the story, all in tech;colour, combines with song and with na tural acting to make a picture of neverwaning appeal. It is amazing what .1 wealth of fine music has been providaJ here in one picture. The principals, Alexander Gray (as Otto) and Viyienne Segal (as ElsaJ, score a .double triumph both in singing and; in acting. As the officer that Elsa, the girl of Otto's dreams, finally marries, Walter Pigeon is convincingly suave and courteous. Jean Hersholt, as Elsa's father, plays a very j sympathetic part. As Gus and Greet, friends of Otto, Bert * Roach and Louise Fazenda provide most of the comic relict ■in the well-balanced theme. Alexander Gray also plays Otto's grandson, and Elsa's granddaughter Barbara; who ultimately marries him, is played by Alice Day. Ju:ie Parcel! and Milton Douglas are also in j the cast. .-:..' ■• . , . ST. JAMES THEATRE. J "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage- Patch"! I is at the .St. James Theatre. The story ] of life in the "tumbledown . shack" so familiar to readers of this very human book is a triumph. While the Wiggses [are- -preparing-■ to give thanks for a: meagre- meal- of left-over stew, Miss Lu<!y,from one of the "big houses," brings ithem a real Thanksgiving Day feast. The Wiggses are truly happy, the only cloud oh their horizon being the absence '.of. Mr. Wiggs, who left home five years previously. Miss -'Lucy's troubles are introduced into, the Wiggses' home by a visit from ■ Bob Redding, a young newspaper editor and Miss Lucy's fiance. Mrs. Wiggs sets out to secure a husband for Miss Hazy, a neighbour of ■ the family, and Mr. Stubbiris is brought into the circle of the Wiggses' friends. Meanwhile Bob Redding ■ and- Miss Lucy,- realising the need of • the - Wiggs- family, set out to bring Mr. Wiggs back by advertising in newspapers all over the country. The need for Mr; Wiggs becomes more acute when Bagley, who holds the mortgage, announces that'he will foreclose. Suddenly, put of nowhere, .appears Mr. s Wiggs himself,!the. game meek, silent,. thoughtful man, just...as ssedy-looking as ever. Although his.appearan.ee belies her ■ hope, Mrs. Wiggs goes anxiously through the pockets of the suit and finds 25 dollars to cover the mortgage. Their home saved, the happy, reunited faniily turn out in gala array for- the marriage of their good friends Miss' Lucy and Mr. Bob. STATE THEATRE. Shirley Temple, whose name has become amongst adultß and juveniles alike a byword for daintiness and charm, coupled with ability as an actress amazing iv one so young, captivates all hearts in. her latest picture, "Bright Eyes," a Fox production, now in its third week .at the State Theatre. If the picture had nothing else to commend it, the extraordinary manner in which Shirley Temple remembers her lines wotlld alone make it worth while, but she brings to the screen a contagious laugh, a sweet smile, and a bright, shining little face that niake it easy to realise that she has won an abiding place in" the hearts of theatre audiences rail over the-world. There are some thrilling aeroplane shots, and another feature is Shirley Temple's singing of a rollicking song, "On the Good Ship Lillipop." James Dunn play opposite the little star. Among others in the cast are Judith.'Allen and Lois Wilson. The supporting programme, comprising newsreeis, travelogue, nature film, and a comedy, is in keeping with the entertainment value of the main attraction. , ' ' REX THEATRE. Two exceptionally entertaining comedy features : are presented at t,hs Rex Theatre. ,:A, brilliant cast in a. hectic story with a very funny dialogue ngauist! magnificent settjngs--that's "Let Me Explain, Dear."' .Gferie Gerrard is the I leading light of this film, having .both directed and starred in it, and 'his chief accomplice is Claude Hulbert. Jane Carr, the well-known wireless performer, Viola Lyel, and Amy Veness sup.port them. With Bobby Howes as the vital element hi an outstanding cast, "For the Love of Mike," is an uproarious farce, with an interesting story and haunting musical numbers, i *, A-/-. . PLAZA THEATRE. Charlie Chan, or rather Warner 01an*i, has appeared in so many charming pictures--, that he needs no introduction, ti New Zealand audiences, and it goes without- spying that "Charlie Chan in. Paris,' which is now showing at the Plaza Theatre, makes an instant appeal. A phantom killer terrorises the gayest city of the world, but Charlie Chan arrives; on the scene, plunges into the mystery that hasri baffled • the cleverest, French criminologists, and solves" it in Ijis characteristic i asbipn.- His investigation? are far from eventful, fpr while he is studying the major-mystery pthers are added ta. it,, a. beautiful Apache'dancer being knife;i to death and anpther lpyely girl charged with still anpther murder. 'In the end, however, Charlie Chan unravels all -the tangled threads, proves 'the innocence of the suspected beauty,"and/ clears up atl puzzling points to the. satisfaction .ot everyone. : PRINCESS THEATRE. , A melodramatic! thriller of Uncle Sam's jack-tars, "Here ; Comes the * Navy" heads the double-feature'programme now showing at the Princess Theatre,: with James Cagney and- Pat O'Brien' costarred and 3000 sailors taking part. The picture is said to carrysome pf. the-most breath-taking thrills ever witnessed, in addition ito supplying plenty,of hilarious comedy and a glowing romance.'Gloria Stuart furnishes the romantic part,- while1 hilarious "coniedy is enacted by the two principals and by Frank McHugh, Dorothy Tree, arid Maude Eburne. Outstanding screen entertainment is offered in "The Great Defender," a sensational drama of unrequited love which forms the additional.- attraction. ~, ' ■ . ■ ... --1-. ■■ I ' ... SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Carplina," now showing at ' Shqrtt's Theatre, has Janet Gaynor and Lionel Barrymore in the leading: roles, and the cast includes Robert 'Young, Richard Cromwell, Henrietta- Crosman, Mona Barrie, ' Stepin Fetchjt, and Russell Simpson. The story concerns the life of a 'decadent Southern family, into whose ways comes o a charming girl from the North. Her innocence and her disarming flair for romance inject a new will to succeed into the Southerner!, who, for 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. The supporting programme includes "Soldiers of the King," a comedy in which Cicely Courtneidge and. Edward Everett Horton are associated. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Now screening at the Palace Theatre* Petone, is "Wonder Bar." It is not just another musical—it is something entirely new. It surpasses its predecessors not only in its uniqueness and novelty, but in the beauty and grandeur of its spectacle and its throbbing drama of life. Kay Francis, Dick Powell, Dolores Del Rio, A] Jolson, Ricardo Cortez, and Louise Fazenda -are a few of the stars. "Wonder' Bar" is set amid the gay revelries of a Parisian night club, with spectacular- musical and dance numbers. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Screening at the Empire Theatre this evening is «"Tl)ie Gat's Paw," starring Harold; Lloyd. ; The.story is set arpund the adventures-of a young American missionary'who, returning"from China' to' find his .wife, is thrown into the maelstrom of a Mayoralty election. The picture is full of laughs and thrills. An excellent programme of short subjects precedes the main\ attraction. On Wednesday only, "Tell Me Tonight" and "Sunshine Susie" will be screened for a return season. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. A timely and topical yet tremendously entertaining screen offering is "The Blue Squadron," now showing at the Grand .Theatre, Petone.. This- spectacular drama of daring arid self-sacrifice is. set in peacetime aviation. A parachute jump in the frozen wastes of the Alps, leakage of fumes, which .overcome the pilot, and a descent in a .spot where clianccs of "rescue seem negligible' serve as incidents which build up an enthralling love interest. Esmond Knight, John Stuart, and Greta Hanson head the cast. . ' i

ARTCRAFT, THEATRE. The final screening will take place at the Artcraft Theatre this evening of "Nana," with the alluring Anna Sten. As the scarlet heroine-of' Emile Zolas.famous novel who rises from street gamin to1 music hail star and toast of Paris, 'Anna Sten is a revelation.. The thundering, imperious Richard Bennett is seen as the dean of the music halls. Andre and George Mnffat, into the pattern of whose lives Nana works her deadly witchery, .' are played by Lionel Atwill and Phillips Holmes respectively. ' . Commencing tomorrow, "Operator 13, . with Marion Davies and Gary Cooper, will open its season. , .' OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. A double-feature programme of outstanding merit is showing at Our Theatre. In "Chained," Joan Crawford and Clark Gable are co-starred. They are cast in the kind of roles which each has made famous—Joan as a vivid young lady of Manhattan and Clark as a young American rancher in Buenos Aires. The story itself concerns a beautiful girl who deliberately breaks one man's heart to save a man to whom she is indebted from suffering. Then/she bravely faces the dramatic consequences, , with -a surprise ending—a happy one for all three. The comedy-> drama "By Your Leave" is the second feature.. ~-',., t . . • CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Anne of Green Gables," now screening at the Capitol Theatre, stars Anne Shirley with Tom Brown, O.i P. Heggie, and a strong east.. It is the story of an orphan girl adopted by % middle-aged couple, and depicts the struggle of the child in warming the hearts of. the disappointed man and woman who expected a boy from the orphanage. It shows,how she transforms their lives by her vitality, and tells of her romance with the most popukir -boy in the1 country school. Followhfg this picture will be screened at the end of the week "The Barretts of Wimpole Street." and during the Easter holidays that phenomenal success "One Night of Love."

RIVOLI THEATRE. | : Uproarious fun, robust drama,, gay J nights, and happy days in the wicked eighties and the naughty nineties are features of "The Bowery," starring Wallace Beery, George Raft, and Jackie Cooper, with Fay Wray and Pert Kelton, ] showing at the Rivoli Theatre. AH the atmosphere of "the livest mile on the face'of the globe," it is said, has been preserved in "The Bowery." The action of the picture also includes the Park Row approach to Brooklyn. Bridge, the old bridge itself as it was when Steve Brodie i'umped from its centre; span, Brighton Jeaeh, and a score of other shots and scenes from "The Bowery" itself as it was in the days of yore. John L. Sullivan, "Chuck" Connors, Steve Brodie, and Carrie Nation, four real-life characters, appear in "The Bowery," all of them doing their, stuff in approved Bowery style. Mingling with the "big shots" of the nineties are the other denizens of The Bowery— sporting men and Peacock Alley beauties, Orientals - from the Pell-Mott-Doyer Chinatown, etc." Also "Circus Clown" will be shown. Joe. E. Brown, has been given a vehicle that allows!his marked talents, full sway. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. The main attraction at the Kilbirnie Kinema, is. "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," starring the charming Norraa Shearer, with Fredric March and Charles Langhton. The film as a production der serves unrestricted praise, the ' performance of each star is so finished. The supporting feature is the bright 'and -.breezy Parisian farce "Ladies Should Listen," starring Cary Grant, Frances Drake, and Edward Everett Horton. i ' ; '

The Empire Theatre, Island Bay, was well filled last evening, when the combined choirs of the, Island Bay churches rendered the'sacred cantata .""From Olivet to Calvary."' The' members of the Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, "• and -Baptist choirs comprised the chorus. The soloists were Messrs. EgertonPegg (tenor) and R. H.Dellow (baritone), Mr.1 H. E. Wilson was conductor, and Mr. J. N: Duncan was organist. ■. ]