ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 96, 24 April 1935, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Mysterious Egypt, a crazy transatlantic flight, and a free ice-cream factory in New York provide the settings for Eddie Cantor's 1935 effort, "Kid Millions," which heads the current, 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 hiddtto I'oard, and flies back to New York, where nis generosity takes the form of an icecream factory, which dispenses its wares free of charge. It is claimed for the tinale, showing the ice-cream being manufactured and served, that it is" the loveliest technicolour offering yet screened. With his usual magnificence, Samuel Goldwyn spent 210,000 dollars on this 600 feet, tt'hich may best be described as a coloured Silly Symphony, done with human beings. On the same programme is /Walt Disney's latest techmcolour symphony "The Tortoise and the Hare," which won for him the gold medal awarded by the Academy of .Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the best short picture of the year. ■ . NEW OPERA HOUSE. ' "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head" is at the New Opera House. Claude Rains, who will be remembered as having no head in "The' Invisible Man," is presented as a brilliant French journalist, who achieves prosperity by writing articles against war under the name of a powerful newspaper owner, who in reality is secretly working with the manufacturers of munitions. When was is declared Rains is sent to the front. The publisher sees to it that Rains is kept in the trenches while he himself stays at home and proceeds to win the war-hating writer's wife. On learning this, Rains goes to Paris against orders, and shoots the publisher, who is regarded as a menace. Subesquent events pave the way for a satisfactory ending. Also in the programme is "Cheating Cheaters," which has romance, mystery, and comedy.. \ "Rendezvous at Midnight." One of the most unusual pictures of the season, in that it combines an exciting mystery story with a brilliant display of fashions, is "Rendezvous at Midnight," which will be presented •at the Grand Opera House next Friday. The picture is from an adaptation of the stage play, "The Silver Fox," the thrilling mysterydrama. Ralph Bellamy and Valeric Hobson, a new English beauty, play the leading roles. "Straight from the Heart," a romantic drama featuring Mary Astor, Roger Pryor,. Baby Jane, Henry Armetta, and Grant Mitchell is the second feature. DE LUXE THEATRE. j In adapting the operetta "The Merry Widow" to the screen Ernst Lubitsch has not hesitated to take full advantage of being released from, the necessarily narrow confines of the stage, and has used all his craft to make it a fitting vehicle for Jeanette MacDnnaH arid • Maurice Chevalier. The picture is at the De Luxe Theatre. Miss Mac Donald is in her element as the widow Sonja whose fortune, provided.it can be safeguarded by her marriage to the impecunious but' dashing Count Danilo (Chevalier), is sufficient to save the vest-pocket kingdom of Marsovia from bankruptcy. In addition to her radiant charm. Miss Mac Donald -possesses a glorious voice, which is heard to excellent effect in songs such as "Tonight will Teach me to Forget," "Widows are Gay," "Vilia," and "Melody;> of- Laughter." Chevalier is the debonair wrecker of feminine hearts that he always has been, That undying waltz air "The Merry Widow" is made the accompaniment for some of the most gorgeous scenes ever presented on the screen. ..; PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "A Wicked Woman" and' "The Band Plays On" will be shown finally tonight at the Paramount Theatre. V In response to many requests, the .Paramount Theatre management announces the return season of that sensational; little star, Shirley Temple, who will be seen in "Now arid 'Forever;" with Gary Gpoper and Carole Lombard. It will comfiierice on Friday. "Now : and Forever"'is the story of a father who tries to be the; man his daughter thinks he is—and fails, 6nly to redeem himself by an heroic act of selfsacrifice. The' picture has in its cast Sir Guy Standing and Charlotte Granville in character roles. The second attraction is "One Hour Late," starring Joe Morrison and Helen Twelyetrees." ARTCRAFT THEATRE. One of the season's biggest laughs. "David Harum," with Will Rogers, is the current Artcraft attraction at the Artcraft Theatre. The film portrays the life of a shrewd and sturdy horse dealer whose cold bartering and unethical methods of doing business are the gossip of the small town in which he lives. With romance hanging on the outcome of the big race, the film conies to an amusing conclusion as the horse trader employs his . own novel method of bringing the horse home a winner. Rogers's performance is superb, and Kent Taylor and Evelyn Venable in the romantic leads arc splendid as the young lovers.- ' . ' Commencing on Friday, "Little Women," with Katherine Hepburn, will commence a season. THEATRE. "Two Against the World" and "Hard to Handle" will be shown finally tonight at the Eex Theatre. The mysterious and to a large extent secret workings of that division of the police department in which are recorded the cases of kidnapped men and women and those who strangely vanish are brought to light for the first time in pictures with the "Bureau of Missing Persons," which opens at the head of a double-featiire programme at the Rex Theatre on Friday, with Bette Davis, Pat O'Brien, Lewis Stone, Glenda Farrell, Allen Jenkins, Ruth Donnelly, Hugh Herbert, Alan Dinehart, and Marjorie Gateson in the cast. The story gives an accurate and graphic picture of the methods employed by the police. The ever-fascinating Joan Blondell will make her bow in a new role in "Blondie Johnson, in which she is co-featured with Chester Moms. Joan has the role of a beautiful but cold, hard, and ruthless leader of a band of crooks whom she rules with an iron hand. Smart dialogue and many humorous situations add to the entertainment value of the picture, which is said to be a dramatic thriller. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Blood Money," a thrilling and sensational production of society and the underworld, exposing the bail bond1, racket ant starring George Bancroft, heads the bill at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. lne picture marks the return to.the of the popular George Bancroft after an absence of two years. The | supporting feature is "Advice to the Lovelorn, a gay newspaper comedy drama.starring Lee Tracey und Sally Blanc. Pictures will not be screened at the Kinema tomorrow (Anzac Day). SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. ?The Painted Veil," featuring Greta Garbo and Herbert Marshall, ; will- be shown at the Seaside Pictures tonight at 8. It is an adaptation of Somerset Maugham's domestic drama of marital discord in the seething centre of China s plague-ravaged regions, and tells the story of a modern woman married to a medical .scientist who thinks of his work before thinking of his wife. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. '■'Strictly Dynamite," starring Jimmy Durante, will be presented at the Empire Theatre this evening. Jimmy Dmante is seen as a radio comedian who believes his talents are worth something more than mere clowning. When he eventually breaks into drama the real fun begins. Norman Foster, Lupe Velez, and Marion Nixon play the main supporting roles. Two excellent comedies and a Pathe Newsreel complete the programme. On Friday and Saturday Norma Shearer and Charles Laughton will be seen in "The Barretts of AVimpole Street." v REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karon, a splendid entertainment will be presented when an outstanding double-feature programme will be screened. "Tell Me Tonight" will give admirers of the goldenvoiced Jan Keipura a further chance to hear his original talkie triumph, and "Sunshine Susie," with lienate Midler, will also be screened. On Friday and Saturday the feature will be "Chained," with a t special Western for children at the a matinee. t

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The action of "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," now showing at the Majestic Theatre, is set in tne glamorous, sinister North-West Frontier of , India, where a gallant handful of ', British-officered Indian troops holds back . the myriad invading tribes. Gary Cooper ! acts the part of the big genial Scots- , Canadian captain of the 41st Bengal \ Lancers, McGregor. As Lieutenant \ Stone, son of . the Colonel (Sir Guy \ Standing), Richard Cromwell is most \ convincing. Franchot Tone plays well L the part of Lieutenant Forsythe, a cyni- , cal young ex-officer of the Blues, who , goes with McGregor into the camp of t Hamzulla Kba.i (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 disguise ; among the hostile tribesmen and is _ at '. last caught and tortured to death. This ' is played by the Dunedin contest winner Colin Tapley, who shows an amazing 1 talent for the ircreen even so early in his i film career. Others in the cast are C. 1 Aubrey Smith, as the taciturn Major : Hamilton, and Kathleen Burke, as the t beautiful Tania Volkanskaya, who lures ' young Stone into captivity. j ST. JAMES THEATRE. ' "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" '. concludes this evening at the St. James Theatre. iln his new ( est film role, Walter Connolly, the popular screen character actor, "•' assumes the personality of a man already i, made famous by fiction. In the title role 0 of "Father .'. Brown, Detective," which is !- coining to the. St. James Theatre on ;, Friday, Connolly brings to the screen the i- amiable, lovable, and eccentric amateur a detective made familiar to millions of y leaders by the G. K. CheSterton stories. ■- "Father Brown, Detective," features Con--1 nolly, with Paul Lukas and Gertrude r Michael in the leading romantic roles, c and Robert Loraine and Una O'Connor c in the supporting roles. The-film is det, voted to a battle of wits between the a mild Father Brown and the most dangerous of European jewel thieves, Flambeau, who is driven to a desperate and " foolhardy venture by his love for a rich' ; and beautiful girl. Father Brown, who ■ cannot help but sympathise with the charming rascal, determines to bring him * to earth, but not before he has accomplished a moral reform of the man. G ' ——— | KING'S THEATRE. j " William Powell and Myrna Loy will be ] seen finally tonight at the King's The--3 atre in "Evelyn Prentice." Tomorrow I r t (Anzac Day) the theatre will be closed. | Bringing the glamorous Swedish star j i. Greta Garbo ■ back to the screen, "The I .- Painted Veil" commences at the King's I Theatre on Friday afternoon. Garbo re- ', turns once more to the fold of modern ~ women in her characterisation and comes f. through with a most gripping dramatic performance. "The Painted Veil," an adaptation of Somerset Maugham's domesr tic drama of marital discord in the seeths ing centre of China's plague-ravisbed ref gions, tells the story of a modern woman, r married to a medical scientist who'thinks first of his work before thinking of his wife. Tbji role of the wife is made a memorable one in the performance of the incomparable Garbo, who gives it all the depth of feeling and sincerity it demands. As the husband of Garbo, Herbert shall contributes largely to the success of this picture. Others in the cast are Jean Hersholt, George Brent, and Warren Oland. ' SHORTT'S THEATRE. "I'll' Fix it," and "The Party's Over" are being shown at Shortt's. Theatre. "Bright Side Up," described as a romantic comedy with music, will open at Shortt's Theatre on Friday. ■ It is reported to be a delightful romance with- songs woven logically into the story. "Pat" Paterson, a lovely English, comedienne, makes hes] American film debut in this picture. 'Jhe other members of the cast are Spencer Tracy, John. Boles, Herbert •Mundin, Sid Silvers, Harry Green, Thelma Todd,-Robert Emmett O'Connor,,Dell Henderson, Suzanne Kaaren, and Douglas Wood., The film satirises the bluff of Hollywood. It portrays how three merry rogues and a girl with movie ambitions put on a swell front and crash the golden gates of the movie capital. The girl, who> has long cherished a love for a famous movie star, soon finds herself skyrocketed to film fame by her three rollicking companions. Before long she. is playing opposite the man she has loved from afar. When the girl and her three companions are found to be bluffs, the situation becomes embarrassing. But the film star, who has fallen in love with the girl, sticks by her and there is a satisfying conclusion. The second subject will be "Falling For You," starring Jack Hulbert and- Cicely Courtneidge, with Alfred Drayton and Tamara Desni in support. . . , * PRINCESS THEATRE. "Blossom Time," featuring the celebrated singer, Richard Tauber, will conclude this evening at the Princess Theatre. "Madame Dv Barry," depicting the intimate life and loves of the famous beauty who ruled the court of King Louis. XV, comes to the Princess Theatre on Friday, with Dolores Del Rio in the stellar role. Although the intrigues of the court, as in any story of Dv Barry, will be apparent, the author is said to have concerned himself with the lighter side of the king's favourite.. The picture, while billed as a comedy drama, with the emphasis on the comedy, also is a mammoth spectacle. Nor is it without its dramatic moments when Dv Barry fights intrigue with intrigue. The picture has an unusually large cast of talented players in the principal ; roles. Reginald Owen appears as King Louis XV. Lee Tracy creates one of Damon Runyon's bestJiked characters in "The, Lemon Drop Kid," the second feature attraction. Sharing acting honours with Tracy1 is the talented and youthful Helen Mack. The additional short subjects include an_ El Brendel comedy, a vaudeville novelty, an item of the screen souvenirs series, Movie Memories No. 2, and Phil Spitalny's Band. ROXY THEATRE. . Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's. "Lazy River," starring Jean Parker, Robert Young, Ted Healy, and Nat Pendleton, is being shown at the Roxy Theatre. Also on the programme' is a Charlie Chase comedy, v "Tr;ck Golf" feature, arid Lee Tracy and Madge Evans in "The/Show Off." OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN^ Beautiful voices, stirring music, and Laurel and Hardy's hilarious comedy, makes "Babes in Toyland," the Hal RoachM.G.M. production of Victor Herbert's delightful operetta, a most enjoyable film. It is now ■■ screening at Our Theatre. 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. BROOKLYN THEATRE. "This Side of Heaven" will be shown tonight at the Brooklyn Theatre. Heading the impressive cast is Lionel Barrymore, supported by Fay Bainter, Mac Clarke, Tom Brown, Una Merkel, Mary Carlisle, Onslow Stevens, Henry Wadsworth, Eddie Nugent, C. Henry Gordon, and Dickie Moore. There will be good supporting pictures.. v CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "One Night of Love" is' the attraction at the Capitol Theatre tonight. Starring the glamorous golden-voiced Grace Moore, her triumphant song literally transports one into a fairyland world of music, beauty, and thrilling emotion. Her alluring charm and vibrant personality radiate a magnetism that is captivating and seductive. SKATEWAYS. The 1935 skating season is now in full swung at the new Skateways Rink in viviau Street, and a special feature of the late session this evening will be the attendance of the Manhattan Orchestra, which proved such a popular addition during the Easter sessions. Skaters are advised to avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing- these fine instrumentalists. After their first appearance at the rink on Easter Saturday they drew a capacity house to the late session on Monday evening, and it is anticipated that they will prove a still bigger draw tonight. The rink has been renovated and redecorated throughout, and has already, drawn many newcomers to the ranks of skating, which is rapidly be> coming a fashionable winter pastime in Wellington. Skilled attendants are available to assist the novice and to further instruct patrons in the art of waltzing, two-step, etc. ' Private tuition is also available on application to the manager, telephone number 53-242.

RIVOLI THEATRE. James Cagney and Pat O'Biien will be seen at the Rivoli Theatre tonight in "Hero Comes the Navy." The second picture will be "Under Cover Man," with Georfe Raft,- Nancy Carroll, and Roscoe Karns in the principal parts. A musical featurette, "No' Contest," an organlogne, a comedy, and a newsreel will complete the programme. On Friday, "Dinner at Eight" will be screened, with Marie Dressier, John and Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery, Jean Harlow, Edmund Lowe, and an. all-star cast; also "Possessed," with Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Skeets Gallagher. "One Night of Love" and "These Havana Widows" commence a season on May. G. . . PLAZA THEATRE. Based oj Sir James Barries work, "The Little Minister" is now at the Plaza Theatre. "Evensong," the story of a prima donna, based on the novel by Beverley Nichols, comes to the Plaza Theatre on Friday. Evelyn Laye ■ has a role which combines romance and pathos. Intricate make-up shows her gradually ageing as the/picture proceeds. In this performance she amply demonstrates that she is not only a fine vocalist but also a splendid screen artist. As the rival prima donna, Cqnchita Supervia, making her screen debut in this picture, is described as a dynamic and compelling personality. Her voice is one of exceptional purity and range and her rendition of several numbers is a rare musical treat. Browning Mummery as a singing gondolier further lends to the musical entertainment. Victor Saville directed with his powerful flair for pictorial and dramatic values, using Venetian and other Continental scenes with magnificent effect. STATE THEATRE. Fast-moving fun in a farcical story is presented in "Dirty Work" at the State Theatre. A drama of love, heartbreak, and struggle, "Romance in Manhattan," starring Francis Lederer and Ginger Rogers, comes to the State Theatre on Friday. The film, presented as a living, breathing adventure of life in the crowded districts of New York City, is calculated to stir the heart-depths with its human tragedies, its simple joys, and its courageous optimism. The story is a simple oneof a young immigrant who goes to America afire with hopes and dreams, but is denied .entry because he lacks possession of the 200 dollars demanded by the laws of the country. He slips overboard from the ship on which he is being deported and swims ashore. His sufferings, his struggles, j and his unyielding battle to win a place in the New World make a series of dramatic situations which builds up into a stirring climax. A love story runs through the. gripping drama. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. ■ Paramount's spectacular musical ' film "Sitting Pretty," starring Jack Oakie, Ginger Rogers, Thelma Todd, and hosts of other popular players, shows tonight, arid Friday night at the Grand Theatre, Petone. This musical is replete with story, music; i comedy, and beautiful girls, with the action set to a fast tempo. It surpasses all its predecessors in grandeur, staging, and entertainment value. Selected short subjects complete the programme.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Warner Baxter, the delightful stay of "Darkly Long Legs." and many other successes, will be seen tonight and on Friday night .at the Palace Theatre, Petone, in "Such Women are Dangerous." Although it plunges into very serious drama which is buoyed throughout by-a-lighter thread.of comedy with a wealth of clever situations, this romantic story is appetisingly intriguing and mysterious. In the supporting cast are Herbert Mimdin and Rochelle Hudson, while the first half of the programme comprises selected featurettes. -' ' ■ DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. "Mandalay" concludes tonight at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt. "Blossom Time," starring Richard Tauber, the golden-voiced tenor, will be presented tomorrow. Franz Schubert, probably loveliest melodist of all; time, is the ' central figure. Playing the part of Schubert, Tauber gives a masterly performance and sings several songs which, interpreted as he alone can do, will live long in the memory. Apart from his singing, his acting is superb. There, will be the. usual .varied supporting pictures. ; THE APOLLO SINGERS. The first concert of the 1935 season by, the Wellington-Apollo Singers, under the condiictorship of Mr. H. Temple White will be held in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Tuesday, April 30. This popti: ; lar male choir of picked voices has established a reputation far beyond the confines of Wellington. The choir items will present some old favourites as well as some entirely new numbers, including Moussorgsky's "Song of the Flea." The concert will prove noteworthy also on account of the distinguished artists that have been engaged. Miss Adele Bucklin, violinist, and Miss Mary Bucklin,' 'cellist, prior to returning to America, will each appear in solo items and with Mr. Frederick Page. Mus.B., will play a movement of the Brahms Trio in B major. In addition, Mrs. Wilfred Andrews, the popular Wellington contralto, will be heard .in choice numbers- from her repertoire.. ; Mr. Fredrick Page will act as accompanist for both choir and soloists. The box plan will open to the public at Begg and Co.'s music warehouse next Friday; The public are invited to become associate members of the Apollo Singers, entitling' them to liberal concessions and other privileges. E. Johnston and Co., auctioneers, will sell household furnishings at their mart. No. 8 Willeston Street, at 1.30 p.m. on Friday. DANGER ON THE BORDER On the border line between summer and winter, the brightest day might end in bitingly cold wind and "rain. Dangerous days, when the risk of catching a cold is greatly increased. There,is no need to worry, if you purchase a bottle of Baxter's Lung Preserver to keep handy in case of attacks. "Baxter's" is your best >, friend \vhen colds are about. Take "Baxter's" promptly and be fortified by its splendid tonic properties. Ali chemists and stores 1/6, 2/6 and 4/6.—advt.

CHOPIN RECITAL. Francois Frederic ; Chopin composed pianoforte music unsurpassed for perfection iii style, rich singing' quality, and originality. He played with a delicacy, combined'with poetic fervour which distinguished .him ..above, the other great pianists of his generation, developing a style of pianoforte technique -in which, "everything must be made ,to : sing," instead of aiming chiefly at orchestral effect." It was in his pianoforte works that Chopin found his highest means of expression. These bear more strongly pronounced national characteristics than the works of any other,great.composer. Oil Tuesday, April 30, at 8.p.m., in Nimmo'a Hall, Mr. Paul Vinogradoff will present a, comprehensive programme of Chopin's works. His recital will include the Sonata in B Minor, Op. 58, No. 3 (not-Funeral March); 10 etudes, Ballade in A Flat, and Scherzo in B Minor, No. 1, Op. 20. On Saturday, May 4, Mr. Vinogradoff will give a further recital, the programme including the Sonata Appassionata m J? Minor, (Beethoven); Carnaval,. Op. 9 (Schumann); Five Studies (Scriabin); and the 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody '(Liszt), with Vinogradoff's own cadenza..' ;