ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 94, 22 April 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

Mysterious Egypt, a crazy transatlantic flight, and a free ice-cream factory in New York provide the eettiifgs for Eddie Cantor's 1935 effort, "Kid Millions," which heads the list of Easter attractions at the Regent Theatre and promises to outshine the previous successes of the inimitable comedian. The plot is the usual fantastic Cantor one of a boy who achieves fame, ' this time through being the heir to a treasure which is buried in Egypt. From the Brooklyn waterfront Eddie goes to • the land of the Pharaohs, finds the hidden , hoard, and flies back to New York, where his generosity takes the form of an ice: • cream factory, which dispenses its wares . free of charge. It is claimed for the , finale, showing the ice-cream being maiiu- ' factured and served; that it is the loveliest , teehnicolour offering yet screened. With , his usual magnificence, Samuel Goldwyn ' spent 210,000 dollars on this 600 feet, • which may best be described as a coloured I Silly Symphony, done with human beings. t "Kid Millions" is worth seeing for the , technical ingenuity displayed in this scene P alone.: Supporting Eddie Cantor are Ann Sothern, Ethel Merman, Block and Sully, | and the fascinating bevy of "Goldwyn • girls." Such well-known men as Douald- ■ son, -Kahn, Lane, and Adamson wrote the ! song hits for the picture, including a mod- - crn revival of Irving Berlin's oldfashioned minstrel • number, "Mandy." > "Kid Millions" is bewildering in its mag- \ nificence and must be seen to be appreciated. On the same programme is Walt ' Disney's latest technicolour symphony ' "The Tortoise and the Hare," which won " for him the gold medal awarded by the l Academy of Motion Picture Arts and l Sciences for the best short picture of the > year. It depicts, as only Disney can, the - fabled contest between Toby Tortoise and Max Hare. The other supports are . excellent. ' . > DE LUXE THEATRE; lilf is seldom that a motion picture is accorded such an enthusiastic reception as was given "The Merry Widow" at the De Luxe Theatre on Saturday night. A packed 3 house was . captivated by the melodies . with which the light-hearted operetta by Franz Lehar is so' richly endowed, and was kept in a merry humour by the clever dialogue. In adapting this popular fav--1 ourite to the screen Ernst Lubitsch has *- not hesitated to. take full advantage of I being released from the necessarily narrow . confines of the stage, and has used all his > craft to make it a fitting vehicle for j Jeanette Mac Donald and ; Maurice j Chevalier. Miss Mac Donald is in her element as the widow Sonia whose for- ■ tune, provided it can be safeguarded by 1 her marriage to the impecunious but dash--1 ing Count Danilo (Chevalier), is sufficient i to save the ; vest-pocket kingdom, of Mar- :. sovia from bankruptcy. In addition to her > radiant charm, Miss Mac Donald possesses ; a glorious voice, which is.heard to excel- [ lent effect in songs such as "Tonight will ' Teach me to Forget," "Widows are Gay," "Vilia," and "Melody of Laughter." > Chevalier is the debonair wrecker or 1 feminine hearts that lie always has t been, and is in his element as he leads ; the Marsovian "army," to the tune of the t rousing chorus "Girls, Girls, Girls." That ( , undying waltz air, "The Merry Widow" [ is made the accompaniment for some of the „ most, gorgeous scenes ever presented on ' the screen, dozens of.couples moving in unison on broad terraces and in a spacious J ballroom panelled with mirrors. On the ' comedy side the two principals are ably > supported by Edward Everett Horton, Una 5' Merkel, and others. There is a good siip--5 porting programme, .and Miss Iris Mason' j1 plays some selections ■oa the Wurlitzer j organ. 4 t ' .. " ". ■ .: . i REX THEATRE. i Particularly pleasing entertainment is 1 provided by the two ' attractions now l being shown at the. Rex Theatre. ' The . main picture, "Two Against the World," » stars Constauce Bennett, supported by Neil Hamilton and an'able .cast. > This is '. e'aid to be' Miss Bennett's most dramatic • role.. She takes, the part of a girl Who ■ confesses to affaire with a man of which > she is innocent, in order to save her ; brother from a murder charge and her marJ ried. sistef from the disgrace of an illicit ) love affair. The murder trial is said to be ' one of the most sensational ever shown on the screen, and Miss Bennett rises to her ~ supreme emotional role with a fine sense 5 of the dramatic. "Hard to Handle" is > the supporting feature. James Cagney's . romantic partner 'in tin's film is Mary . Brian. Ruth Donnelly shares the comedy t honours with Cagney., [ PRINCESS THEATRE. Schubert, one of the greatest composers i of all time, specialised in "the writing of . songs, a big percentage of. them songs of . love. Now the gentle, big-hearted Franz , Schubert, the composer' of some of the • most beautiful music the world will ever , know, lives again in the person of Richard ? Tauber—for "Blossom Time," which is I being offered at the Princess Theatre, ' is the story of his life, - the tender- • ness of his love, the bitterness of losing t the one girl for whom he longed, the girl : who inspired his delightful music, music i that reaches its greatest beauty in : the glorious voice of Tauber. The 3 first half of the programme is occupied r by ,a-beautiful and amusing coloured cartoon, a Pathe Pictorial, a scenic film, and ' the concluding chapter of "The Red | Rider." ■• I SHO^TT'S THEATRE. t Jack Holt is apparently growing in popu- . lar favour with each successive screen ' m appearance, judging by the reception of "I'll Fix It," which is'being sho^n at Shortt's Theatre. 'He departs from his 1 usual grim, heroic portrayals to • pre- ; sent instead an ' impersination of a smart alecky, chip-on-the-shoulder politician with a striking effective comedy vein pervading his every, movement. Mona Barrie, : a well-known Australian actress now reap- > ing fame inAmerica,''appears, in the lead- - ing feminine role. , Winnie Lightner, j famous screen comedienne, Jimmy Butr. ler. Nedda Harrigan, Edward Bropby, r and Charles Levison are cast in other imj portant roles. As a second subject the ' management is presenting the-screen version of the delightful Broadway comedy " hit "The Party's Over," with Stuart Er- • win and Ann Sothern in the principal parts. ; . KING'S THEATRE. ', "Evelyn Prentice," which is now show- • ing twice' daily at'the King's Theatre, " njarks .the third appearance of William . Powell and Myrna Loy after their sue- • cess in "Manhattan Melodrama" and "The f Thin Man." "Evelyn Prentice" presents t Powell as a noted criminal attorney with 5 a lovely and dutiful wife, who, through' a > momentary indiscretion, becomes involved !. in a scandalous murder case. The wife. ! portrayed by Miss Loy, sees another wor man, brought to trial for a crime that she ■ believes she has committed herself. She • and the "other woman" both win viridiea- - tion through the legal genius of the great [ criminal attorney, in a most spectacular [ courtroom climax. Una Merkel appears y as Miss Loy's wise-cracking and faithful r friend. "Evelyn Prentice" is a thrilling picture punctuated with laughter and romance. ' ' ; GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Bert Wheeler's "taking" ways,lead him and Robert Woolsey to hilarious' adventures in "Cockeyed Cavaliers," showing at the Grand Theatre, Petone, ' tonight and tomorrow night. Laid durilift the Middle' Ages, the story, finds Wheeler aud Woolsey burlesquing the era when wassail and knighthood, were in flower. Merriment, mirthful melodies, a bevy of beauties, and a screamingly funny story are salient fea- ' tnres of "Cockeyed Cavaliers." As a ' couple of goofy gallants the two stars, : with Thelma Todd, trip through a melange !of laughs, melody, and misfortune. This , is a fine holiday programme. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. A special double-feature programme , will be screened at.the Seaside Pictures tonight at 7.30. "Havana Widows" is a , hilarious comedy starring Joan Blondell. Glenda FarrelL and Guy Kibbee. "House Wife," with George Brent and Bette • Davis, is a story of a wife who inspires ' her husband to win success and then sees • him turn to a more flashy woman. Short . subjects' will be shown from 7.30. BROOKLYN THEATRE}, i The story of "Ready for Love," at the Brooklyn Theatre, deals with a highspirited girl whose ' escapades set the malicious tongues of a village wagging. • The climax occurs when the editor of the : town newspaper saves the girl, whom he i believed innocent all along, from, the aroused women of the. community.

. ST. JAMES THEATRE. •An absorbingly human story of the trials and struggles of an impoverished family living in the heart of an American slum area is unfolded in "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch," now in its second week at the St. James Theatre. The picture is not a spectacular production, but makes its appeal by means of the lovable characters portrayed and splendid acting by every member of the cast. Paulino .Lord is the leading player in the role ot Mrs. Wiggs, whose ne'er-do-well husband has gone off to the Klondike, leaving her to care for their large family and resist the demands of a tyrannical mortgagor. The family is at a low ebb when Lucy Olcott (Evelyn Vffnable) arrives on Thanksgiving Day with food and other good things which she is distributing to the poor. She takes an interest in the family, and this interest is soon reflected by her admirer Bob Bedding (Kent Taylor), a young newspaper editor. An amusing sidelight is the series of events which happens when the Wiggs family is presented with a broken-down horse, upon which is lavished all the loving care and attention of the whole family. Zasu Pitts has a leading ' part as Miss Hazy, a romantically-inclined spinster friend, and she is ably supported l3y W. C. Fields as a retired actor who answers her matrimonial correspondence. The supporting subjects are unusually good, including, a Pop-eye the Sailor cartoon, items of interest, and a. beautifully coloured Betty Boop cartoon in gorgeous colour. This outstanding support is admirably produced and' tells the tale of Cinderella and her Priiice Charming. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," now showing at the Majestic Theatre, is one of those all-too-rare combinations of plot and characterisation that enthralls the audience until the end of the final scene. It is without doubt Gary Cooper's greatest picture, and it gains that distinction mainly because the character he portrays is more sympathetic than those of previous successes. The action is set in a glamorous, sinister North-West Frontier of India, where thq fortunes of 300,000,000 people are controlled by a gallant handful of British-officered Indian troops holding back the myriad invading tribes from the rich plunder of the lowor lands. Filmed in the shadow of the Khyber Pass, the picture is redolent of r6mance, bloodshed, and intrigue. It swings on to the tune of Afridi rifles, the sound of galloping hoofs, and the cries of charging troops. Gary Cooper ac^si the part of the big genial Scots-Canadian captain of the 41st Bengal Lancers, McGregor. As Lieutenant Stoiie, son of the Colonel. (Sir Guy Standing), Richard Cromwell is most convincing. Franchot Tone plays well the part of Lieutenant Forsythe, a cynical young ex-officer of the Blues, who goes with McGregor into the camp of Hamzulla Khan (Monte Blue), to attempt the rescue of young Stone. A character of peculiar interest to New Zealanders is that of Lieutenant Barrett, another officer of the Lancers, who ventures in disguisf among the hostile tribesmen, and is at last caught and tortured to death. This is played by the JJunedin contest winner Colin Ta'pley, who shows an amazing talent for the ccreen even bo early in his film career. . Others in the_ cast are C. Aubery Smith, as the taciturn Major Hamilton, and Kathleen Burke, as the beautiful Tania Volkanskaya, who lures young Stone into captivity. Against a background so vast, and telling a story so full of heroism and self : sacrifice, the film must be/seen two or three times to be fully appreciated. Supports include newsreels, a'very interesting and beautiful novelty featuring the songs and songwriters of the'nineties, and a technicolour cartoon by Max Fleischer entitled An Elephant Never Forgets." A special entr'acte "Land of Hope and Glory introduces the main picture. \ paramounTtheatre. On the Paramount Theatre programme this week are two pictures of widely varying theme, but both with an' American background. "A Wicked Woman, starring Mady Christians, is the mam subject, but its name is likely to prove misleading to picture-goers in search of vivid sex drama. Instead it is c rather tragic tale of a mother who shot her drunken hiisband in order to protect her children and who went out into the world and "made good" with express intention ot giving herself up to justice when her children were old enough to look after, themselves. The picture loses no time in getting into the thick of things, the father, being shot and his body dumped into a river almost before the realises what has happened. The mother and her four children shift to another town to beging again, and with, the passing ot years collect a good deal of weatth. A lot of things which are a trifle difficult to explain happen in quick succession, the mother finally walking out of her home to give herself up for crime. Needless to say, she is acquitted, and finishes up by marrying a-newspaper man who Has happened to take an interest in her and er family. "The Band Plays On," a story of the gridiron game in an American university, is the second. picture. It has a student romance in it ™ which the heroine seems unable to make up her mind who exactly she does love. The oicture some sidelights of the importance of football in American colleges In importance which shelves the interest of scholastic activities. - Robert Young and Leo Carillo ; are in the starring roles. MAYFAIR THEATRE, UPPER HUTT Special programmes have been selected for, the Mayfair Theatre, Upper Hutt, during the Easter holiday period. Tonight, at 7.30 o'clock, the highly successful Australian comedy, "Grandad Kudd,'will be shown. In this extremely amusing film the whole of the cast of. "On Our Selection" is included. Tomorrow. evening, at 7 30 o'clock, the first New Zealand talking feature film, "Down: On the Farm,'.' will be shown. This screening is something m the-nature of a special event for Upper ■Hutt in that the town has been specially selected to gauge audience reaction to tne film. On Wednesday "Red Wagon, a thrilling dramaof circus life, is the attraction, and here again another excellent entertainment'is provided. Box plans are at Thompson's. ROXY THEATRE. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Lazy River," starring Jean Parker, Robert Young, Ted Healy, and Nat Penijleton, ia being show* at the'Ko'xy Theatre. Also on the programme is a Charlie Chase comedy, a "Trick Golf" feature, and Lee Tracy and Madge Evans in "The Show OS." DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. "Dames" will conclude its season,at the Do Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, tonight. Tomorrow and on Wednesday ' Mandalay," a thrilling romance of'a beautiful Russian exile who is sold in virtual slavery to an Oriental resort-keeper by the man she loves, will be shown. Her escape and pursuit provide some-most exciting episodes. Kay Francis. Ricardo Cortez, Warner Olandl and Lyle Talbot are m the cast. , ' . REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. For tonight at the Regal Theatre a special programme has been selected. "Outcast, Lady" is a gripping dramatic page from. life—the story of a woman who faces scandal to save the reputation of another. Scorned by society, and outcast from family, she braves the knocks ot fate and lives and dies a sportsman. Un Wednesday night only a special programme will'be .screened, including "Tell Me lonight" and "Sunshine Susie. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The holiday programme to be screened at the' Empire Theatre this evening is headed by "What Every Woman Knows, starring Helen Hayes. The plot concerns the efforts of a retiring but capable woman to find romance, although handicapped by what she calls "lack of charm. When her family finally arranges a .marriage with a promising young man she devotes her life to seeing that he becomes a success. Madge Evans and Brian Ahem play the main supporting roles. A Hal .Roach comedy, "I'll Be Seeing You," a Fitzpatrick Travelogue, and a Metrotone Newsreel complete the programme. On Wednesday only Jimmy Durante will be seen in "Strictly Dynamite." v* benefitTicture. A screening of the spectacular Biblical production, *'Ben Hur," was given last night at the De Luxe Theatre by favour of Kemball Theatres, Ltd., and Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer'(N.Z.), Ltd., in aid of the funds of the New Zealand Smith Family Joyspreaders (Inc.). • Admission was by silver coin, and, judging by tho huge crowd that sought admission, the Joyspreaders should receive a considerable sum for the furtherance of their charitable objects. Those giving donations of Is and over were admitted to the dress circle* ( and*1 this, as well as the downstairs por- : tion of the theatre, was filled to capacity. ;

RIVOLI THEATRE. Tonight at 7 o'clock Bing Crosby and Miriam Hopkius will bo seen at the Rivoli . Theatre as it brand-new popular starring combination in "She Loves Me Not." Acting the role of a love-sick chivalrous Princeton student, Crosby sings and' woos his Way to a romance with the daughter o£ a university dean after Miriam Hopkins as a madcap flamboyant little nightclub dancer enters his life, and leaves him a sadder but wiser college lad. Beginning with an utterlyfantastic and ludicrous situation, the film in its rapid progress pokes derisive fun at colleges, the motion-picture industry, the newsapers, Communists, gangsters, and a number of familiar institutions. _ Yet there is not a trace of rancour or bitterness in its sparkling comedy. A distinguished cast, including Warr«Ki Hymer; Lveen Overman, Judith Allen, George Barbier, and Vince Barnett, support Crosby and Miss Hopkins. "She Loves Me Not" also features several brand-new tunes and a number of duets by Crosby and Miss Carlisle. "Lazy River" is the second picture on the double programme. The mysterious backwater Bayous of Louisiana —the "Cajuns," least known of all American' peoples, the smuggling of Chinese on the Gulf Coast, and romance under warm southern skies are all blended into this picture. Heading—the cast are 'Jean Parker and Robert Young as young lovers who bring fast-moving adventure and conflict into the sheltered world of an obscure fishing village. Both give portrayals that surpass all of their recent efforts. C. Henry Gordon _ attempts a . new portrayal as a Chinese smuggler who menaces the happiness of Young and Parker; Irene Franklin is seen in another comedy role as a French Book: Ted Healy and Nat Pendleton also add to the comedy of the picture as two tough "muggs" who crack safes and pick pockets when the necessity arises. Especially interesting are the scenes or life among the native Cajuns, or "Lost Acadians" of the Louisiana i Bayous, ; who were photographed by a special expedition in their home region arounu Barataria Bay. Remote villages and Bayous never before filmed are to be seen in the picture. A special late session will be held at 11.15 tonight, when Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure ■ Island" will be screened. NEW OPERA HOUSE. There is much of interest in, "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head," which is one of the two feature films in ' tlfe ■ excellent holiday programme at the New Opera House. Apart from the fascination of the story itself, the picture, especially in view of events in Europe, comes at an appropriate time. Considerable attention j is paid to the activities "f international j munitions manufacturers, and much of the blame for the World War i 3 attributed to them. Claude Rains, who will be re- j membered as having no head in "The Invisible Man," is presented as a brilliant French journalist. After having lived in virtual l overty, he achieves prosperity by writing articles against war under the name of a powerful newspaper owner, who jn reality is secretly working with the manufacturers of munitions. When war is declared Rains is sent to the front. As for the publisher, he sees to it that Rains is kept in the trenches while-he himself stays -it home and proceeds to win the war-hating writers wife. On learning this, Rains goes to Paris against orders, and, incidentally, in doing ■' this he adopts a clever- ruse. He shoots the publisher,' who is regarded as a menace, and subsequent events pave the way for a satisfactory, ending. There are in The Man Who Reclaimed His Head" clever dialogue, first-class direction, and some splendid acting. Claude Rains makes the best possible use of his ..role; but polished work is also done by Joan Bennett and Lionel Atwill. Also on the programme is "Cheating Cheaters," which has1 all' the ingredients of a pleasing picture. It provides romance, mystery, and comedy,,and there are some very exciting sequences. I 1 ay. Wray heads the cast. ■■ PLAZA~ THEATRE. Based on Sir James Barries work, "The Little Minister" commenced .its Wellington season at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday night and attracted a large audience. It is an American film, with Katherine 'Hepburn in the leading role of Babbie,- the mysterious girl, whose affection for the young minister of a kirk in Thrums and its reciprocation cause such concern among his congregation of weavers'in-the. little Scottish town. They meet regularly in a secluded spot near the village, actually so that the minister may receive the rent for a poor member of the congregation which the girl is paying, for she is really no ordinary gipsy, but still the meetings are a pleasure to both. The Presbyterian congregation is horrified at the gossip of clandestine gp-ings-on between their demigod_ and some unknown woman, and the indignation of the elders reaches its peak when he fails to appear for prayer meeting and they are told he was seen at that time embracing her. They sally forth to their manse to tell him that the charge is, vacant, but a dramatic incident when the minister appears at the kirk door, and Babbie's faithfulness, bring the incident to-a satisfactory close, John Beal supports the star capably in the part of the earnest young minister, and unusual, photography also contributes to an interesting production. .An ..Australian gazette and, a coloured cartoon complete the. programme. 1 KILBIRNIE KINEMA. A brilliant double-star programme providing most suitable entertainment for the holiday season will be presented at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. The main attraction is "That's a Good Girl," an uproariously funny musical comedy starring Jack Buchanan, the ace of British comedians. He sings, dances, and gags, in nis own incomparable style, and. is ably supported by Elsie Randolph and Vera Pearce. The supporting feature is "Romance in. the Rain," a delightful romantic .comedy, filled with lilting tunes and dazzling girls, and starring Roger, Pryor and Heather Angel. '. . . , . OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Beautiful voices,' stirring music, and Laurel and: Hardy's hilarious comedy, makes "Babes in Toyland," the Hal RoachMG.M. production of Victor Herberts delightful operetta, a most enjoyable nlm. It is now screening at Our ineatre. Moving through fantastically gorgeous sets, the colourful characters of Toyland present a story that is interesting to both grown-ups: and youngsters. ' The thrilling mystery romance "Dangerous Corner, starring Conrad Nagel and Virginia Bruce, is the' second feature.. A beautifully coloured travcltalk, "Switzerland the Beautiful," is included on the programme. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Wallace Beery arid Jackie Cooper are united again* in Robert Louis Stevenson s pirate classic, "Treasure Island, which shows tonight and tomorrow night at the Palace Theatre, Petone. As Long John Silver, the ferocious sea raider,- Wallace Beery is . chosen as a friend by Jim Haw'kins, boy adventurer,, portrayed by Jackie Cooper. Their experiences together during the search for treasure are packed with thrills and pathos that will bring gasps and tears and entertainment for all.' The spirit of breathless adventure in the story has been adapted faithfully from the original Stevenson classic. The supporting programme includes the Laurel and Hardy comedy "Busybod.'es." ARTCRAFT THEATRE. The special Easter attraction for the Artcraft Theatre, concluding this evening, is "Gallant Lady," co-gtarrilig Ann Harding and Clive Brook. It tells the story of a girl whose lover loses his life in an attempt to fly the Atlantic, ignorant of the fact that she is to bear his. child. From that tragedy, and the surrender of her son for adoption immediately after his birth, she rises to business success. Destiny brings three men into the pattern of her life and at length offers her, the privilege of reunion: with her boy under jenalty of silence regarding her true identity. Selected supports include a Mickey Mouse' cartoon and other interesting subjects. ■ . SKATEWAYS. Skateways, Vivian Street, recently remodelled and completely redecorated throughout, is now one of the finest appointed skating houses in New Zealand and Australia,, and since its bpening hap been drawingi capacityi houses. A special attraction for the late session tonight is the engagement of the Manhattan Orchestra, a brilliant combination which made an instantaneous success at its first appearance on Saturday evening. -A skilled staff of instructors has been engaged by the management, and special tuition is given o learners at the class arranged between 0 and 7 p.m. daily. Private tuition is available by arrangement (Telephone 53-242).

STATE THEATRE. Fast-moving, fun in a farcical story is presented in "Dirty Work" at the State Theatre. It is good British humour with a big jewellery store as a background. Mysterious thefts of the stock are worrying the manager (Bray) and staff, and a private detective, Charlie Wrench, is ' engaged. Actually the thieves are Mr. 'and Mrs. Stafford, old and trusted friends o£ Bray, who have ''planted" Wrench, in the shop. Ralph Lynn plays Jimmy, a well- . meaning simpleton, with a freakish; comedy style. Gordon Harker, as the serious commissionaire, is even funnier. Robertson Hare as a disguised burglar is delicious. Th,ese three work harmoniously in banning gloom in the audience. . Lilian Bond is a beautiful shop girl, Evie, who : has rather a bad time. Evie catches Mrs. Stafford stealing a ring, but it cannot be ■~ found, because it is in the' floor-walker's umbrella. The final attempt by the gang of crooks is frustrated amidst scenes of the greatest hilarity. This is British humour at its best. . . ■;