ENTERTAINMENTS ODDFELLOWS' CHURCH PARADE.

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 98, 27 April 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ODDFELLOWS' CHURCH PARADE.

REGENT THEATRE. Picture presentations by Eddie Cantor conform to a definite type. There arc usually to be found in them an abundant supply of the inimitable Cantor brand ot comedy, a collection of beautiful girls, lavish staging, and some tunetul melodies. In this particular field of entertainment the little dark, big-eyed comedian has established a reputation for himself second to none, and the fact that the number of his productions is strictly limited adds to the. drawing-power of his pictures. It is no wonder, then, that his 4935 effort, "Kid Million^," has been retained for a second week at the Regent Theatre. In thia Cantor is at his best, and the picture for all-round entertainment value would be difficult to surpass. There is, of course, the usual fantastic plot—if there were not the picture would lose much of its appeal. Cantor plays the part of a boy who, achieves fame. He is the heir to treasure buried in Egypt, and with Egypt aa a setting it can be well imagined that full use is made of the possibilities the land of the Pharaohs opens up for him. As any audience would expect of him, he finds the treasure/and then flies back to New York, where his generosity finds expression in the establishment of an icecream factory, and, like the answer to a small boy'a dream, the dispersing of its goods free to all. The finale is in technie'olour and it is as lavish and as beautiful a piece of work as Samuel Goldwyn, famed for the magnificence of his screen presentations, has ever produced. Eddie Cantor is supported by Ann Sothern, Ethel Merman, Block and Sully, and the beautiful "Goldwyn girls," who provide an animated and attractive, background for many of the scenes. In an excellent supporting programme there is another of . Walt /Disney's popular Silly Symphonies, depicting in technicolour the fabled story c£ the Tortoise and the Hare. This production ■ won for Walt Disney the gold medal, awarded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the best short picture of the year. NEW OPERA HOUSE. A double-feature programme is showing this week at the New Opera House. The first attraction is entitled "Rendezvous at Midnight," and Ralph Bellamy, Valeric Hobson, > and Irene Ware take the main parts. It is an adaptation of the famous play "The Silver Fox," and combines a dazzling serial of fashion plates with an intriguing murder mystery. There is a show of the season's most brilliant fashions, and beauty has a rendezvous with death. Ralph Bellamy gives a good portrayal of a stern police commissioner, and the beautiful English beauty Valeric Hobjson lends excellent support. Described as the screen's mite-iesi little star. Baby Jane is featured in. the second picture, "Straight from the Heart," which is a delightful comedy romance. The .cast includes Mary Astor, Roger Pryor, and Henry Armetta, and the picture, with its happy theme, should appeal to all. There are good supports, including news events, and a "Stranger than Fiction'? picture. DE LUXE THEATRE. Maurice Chevalier steps into the spirit of "The Merry Widow," at the De Luxe Theatre, as if he had been , moulded for the part of Count Danilo, of Marasovia. The picture is an entirely new conception of the' possibilities of the glamorous old musical comedy. Its atmosphere is one of gaiety and abandon, the effervescence of Maxim's, with the melody of "Mimi, Ju Ju, Frou Frou" as familiar as the waltz tune to which they move. The highlights of the play.demand an exquisite philanderer, at home in the giddiest whirl of Parisian night-life, adored by the demimonde, yet dangerous to the peace of more- virtuous beauty. Chevalier plays the part to perfection, and scores a double triumph as the lover of the boulevard and of the ballroom. The foil for this freelover is the beautiful Jeanette Macdonald. gifted with a perfect voice, which makes Sonia's balcony song a lovely thing that gives new grace to the story. "The Merry Widow" is essentially melodious, but it is also highly dramatic. Its good qualities have all been greatly heightened in this delightful screen version, which is staged on a scale of splendour in dressing and scenery the late development of which has been made possible only by the sound cinema. Others in the' cast are .Edward Everett Horton, George. Barbier, Una Merkel, and Minna Gombel. . A .newsreel, a "Chic" Sale . oddity,'and a. novelty featurette "Motorcycle Cossacks," provide well-varied siipr ' ports. A very fine programme is completed by the playing of Miss Iris Mason at the Wurlitzer Organ, • KING'S THEATRE. If. there .has been any doubt about Greta Garbo's long-standing reputation as the greatest film star of them all, it has been definitely settled by her latest production, "The Painted Veil," which is now showing twjee daily at the King's Theatre. In "The Painted _Veil," a tensely dramatic story of marital conflict in the heart of a cholera-plagued province in the Chinese interior, Garbo is said to rise to greater heights than in any of ■, her previous pictures, ■ not: even excluding "Queen Christina." As Kntherine Fane, the, bride of a serious-minded British doctor, who combats the Chinese . cholera, Garbo appears more glamorous, more beautiful, and a finer dramatic actress than ever before. The picture also gives her ■ a new leading man, . Herbert Marshall. REX 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," at the Rex Theatre, with Bette Davis; Pat O'Brien, Lewis Stone. Glenda Farrell, Allen Jenkins, Ruth Donnelly, Hugh! Herbert, Alan Dinehart, and Marjories :Gatesoh in the cast. The ever-fascin-ating Joan Blondell will make her bow in a.newrolein "Blondie Johnson," in which she is co-featured with Chester Moms. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Like a fragrant faded rose, out of an old book, "Little Women," now being offered at the Arteraft Theatre is as different, from the average run of screen features as its bewitching New England setting is from the rush and turmoil of Broadway. It is.an ever-popular story, a sweet breath of romance in the setting from which most of the great screen successes have come —home. The peaceful settings where the four girls romped have been transferred to this era by the magic of the camera and the technical skill of movieland. Katharine Hepburn is in the lead as Jo March. The other Little Women, Meg, Amy, and Beth, are interpreted by Frances Dee, Joan Bennett, and Jean Parker respectively. . SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Bright Side Up," now at Shortt's Theatre is a delightful romahice with songs woven logically into the story. "Pat" Paterson, a lovely English comedienne, makes her American film debut in thia picture. The film portrays how three merry rouges and a girl with movie ambitions put on a swell front and crash the golden gates of the movie capital. The\ girl soon finds herself skyrocketed to film fame by her three rollicking companions. Before Jong she is playing opposite the man uhe has loved from afar. When the girl and her three companioua are found to be bluffs, the situation becomes embarrassing. But the film star, who has fallen in love with the girl, stick* by her and there is a satisfying conclusion. The second subject is "Falling For You," starring Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge.. PRINCESS THEATRE. "Madame Dv Barry," depicting the intimate life and loves of the famous beauty who ruled the court of King Louis XV, is now at the Princess Theatre, with Dolores Del Rio in the stellar role. Although the intrigues of the court, as m any story of Dv Barry, are apparent, the author is said to have concerned himself with the lighter side of the kings favourite. The pjcture, while billed as a comedy drama, with the emphasis on the comedy, also is a mammoth spectacle. Nor is it withour"its dramatic moments when Dv Barry fights intrigue with intrigue. Reginald Owen appears as King Louia XV. Lee Tracy creates one of Damon Runyon's best-liked characters in "The Lemon Drop Rid," the second feature attraction. ROXY THEATRE. A double-feature programme is being presented at the Roxy Theatre. The first picture is "Secret of the Chateau," a back-chilling, spine-tingling drama. Claire Dodd, Alice White, and Jack La Rue arc the stars. Gay contrast is provided by the second subject, "Laughter in the Air."

MAJESTIC THEATRE. For those who know of Indian frontier life only as the subject-matter of novels, "The-Lives of a Bengal Lancer," now being screened for a second week at the Majestic Theatre, will have a stirring appeal. On the northern Indian borders the task of a frontiersman never ceases; upon his perfect training, his knowledge of the Indian mentality, and his ability to do the right thing at the right time, hangs the fate of many men. "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer" is a film all the more remarkable because it is the tale of men alone. But it never palls; the end comes all too soon. The tale is of the son of a British colonel who, fresh from Sandhurst, joined his father's division of Bengal Lancers expecting to find his father a close friend. But the colonel was a man whose firmest conviction was that "War and sentiment don't mix." His son must begin at the bottom and have no preference. It proved disheartening to the youth, however, and a little despairing, he blunders his way into trouble, with an Indian chieftain. He has two firm friends in the Lancers, who, after pleading with the colonel to take immediate action and being refused, take matters in their own hands. They too aro captured and are tortured to reveal the movoments of an ammunition train which the chieftain wishes to intercept. They remain silent, but the boy (rives way. How the two friends sacrifice themselves in ordei- to hide the boy's cowardice and to save the Bengal Lancers from being wiped out brings the film to a vivid climax. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Entertainment of a very high standard is provided at the popular St. James Theatre, where "Father. Brown," the screen version of the G. K. Chesterton detective series, is showing. Such a breezy parish priest is this Father Brown, who, being warned by Flambeau, international jewel thief, of a visit the object of which is to steal valuable diamonds in a crucifix in the possession of the priest, pits his knowledge of human nature against the acquisitive desires of the crook and wins a man's soul. In this Father Brown is aided by the daughter of a nobleman who possesses other beautiful gems, also listed by the crook for attention. The pair meet at a club raid, the crook rescuing the beautiful unknown by sheer audacity, and they fall in love, but the revelation of the handsome stranger's identity comes as a shock to the society girl. However, Father Brown as a rotund Cupid again takes part in the salvation of a man from a career of crime, and his methods provide amusement and astonishment because of their unorthodox character. Human psychology is as much a part of the priest's make-up as his soft Irish brogue and his wheedling ' tongue, and there is a fine finish to a story that holds attention from the first few feet of reel. Walter Connolly takes the part of Father Brown; Paul Lukas is the handsome crook; and Gertrude Michael gives a faultless performance as the. society girl whose love, plus the priest's prayer, wins a man from crime. The supporting programme is morel than usually interesting, as it includes a film devoted to the horse, and horse-racing in all its aspects; interesting topical news; a "Popeye the Sailor" cartoon burlesquing a' dance competition; and an exclusive view of the Dionne quintuplets—close-ups of the beautiful girls and highlights of their day's routine under the care of three nurses and Dr. Dafoe. Applause followed this particular picture last night. ' STATE THEATRE. Humour and romance do not always mix as happily as they do in "Romance ; in Manhattan," at the State Theatre,- and yet remain'unspoiled to the audience. Karel Novak,- a Czechoslovakian who is refused 'admission to the United 9 States because he has not sufficient money, though he has spent years in learning English and saving the passage money, drops quietly out of the porthole of his, cabin on the way out of New York Harbour, and swims ashore. Twenty-four hours later, after narrow squeaks of being run in, he sneaks up an alley and comes upon a bevy of girls training for a ballet. The last one to come in to supper finds him wolfing food, helps, him, and, though his book English does not help him to understand American slang, they become friends. Her brother, selling papers, gets Novak a job at his stall, and soon the liewcomer, though in danger of arrest for landing without permission, lias a bank account, sleeping on a roof to save money. All goes well _ until Novakibynow the owner of a taxi, falls foiil of a taxi strike, and through the falseness of a cheap lawyer is denounced to the police/ In the meantime, however, he has made firm friends with most of the. Irish in the "foorce," and the way in which all the men on that station hasten a wedding which they can see is inevitable in order to make. Novak at least half a citizen; provides a merry climax 'to a very human story. Ginger Rogers, as Sylvia Dennis, the girl who banks on the sterling character of Karel, plays a convinein" part, and gives one to understand something of the frank independence of the American girl. Francis Lederer makes a rather jolly hero, while other honours are shared by Jimmy Butler as Frank, Sylvia's brother, and J. F. Macdonald as Officer Murphy. "Bandits and Ballads, an old-time Californian story, a "Dumbell Letters," a skit on unfortunately expressed ideas, are amongst the supports. PLAZA THEATRE. Few "disguised" biographies have created more controversy than Beverley Nichol's "Evensong," in which it is generally recognised he drew a none too flattering picture of Australia s idol, the late Madame Melba. The novel was adapted to the stage, and now comes the talking picture—a production which, apparently out of consideration for public sentiment, has been banned inj Australia. However, any fears which may have been entertained as to the reception the picture might be given in any part of the world are soon dispelled by a first-hand experience of what it contains. It is now being shown at the Plaza Theatre, and there can be little doubt that this theatre has secured another outstanding popular success. Though the life of the prima donna, Irela, whose career is traced, holds many pathetic touches, these serve but to give added strength to what is indubitably first-class entertainment. Vocal music is provided generously by artists in the top flight of their profession, while the producer has added charming effect.in the way of staging. Evelyn Laye brings to the title role blonde beauty allied with a captivating personality and a voice of rare quality. Other soloists are Conchita Supervia, aB Baba, Irela's rival in her post-war years, and Browning Mummery, as a lyrical Venetian gondolier. Fritz Kortner has a sympathetic part as Kober, Irela's manager, and other players acquit themselves splendidly. The Gaumont-British supports include some very interesting features. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. At the Seaside Pictures tonight at 7.30' a double programme will be presented. "The Lost Patrol," starring Victor McLaglen and Boris Karloff, is the story of a; body of British troops who became lost in the desert and are sniped off one by one until only one remains. "Big-hearted Herbert," the second picture, is a very clever comedy, starring Guy Kibbee, the amusing fat man of many recent, successes. Short subjects will be screened from 7.30. BROOKLYN THEATRE. Besides giving Bing Crosby ample opportunity to sing several brand-new tunes, "She Loves Me Not," which will be shown tonight at the Brooklyn Theatre, is also full of comedy and suspense. A young night-club girl sees a murder committed, and, fearing to be questioned by police, she runs away, getting as far as Princeton, New Jersey. The supporting cast includes Kitty Carlisle, Edward Nugent, Henry Stephenson, Lynne Overman, Judith Allen, George Barbier, and Vince Barnett. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The weekend double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre is headed with Cinesonnd's musical comedy "Strike Me Lucky." starring Australia's greatest comedian Mo (Roy Rene), as a pawnbroker's assistant, as a vacuum-cleaner salesman, as an undertaker, and as nn aviator. The second picture is "The Return of Bulldog Drummond." The plot is based, on "Sapper's" novel the "BlackGang." EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," starring Norma Shearer, Fredric March, and Charles Laughton, heads, the weekend programme at the Empire Theatre. Norma Shearer and Fredric March bring invalided Elizabeth Barrett and the poet Browning to life. Charles Laughton appears as the grim, uncompromising father whose diabolical influence motivates the drama

RIVOLI THEATRE. At the Rivoli Theatre tonight, "Dinner at Eight" and "Possessed" will be shown. The cast of "Dinner at Eight" reads like a "who's who" of fihndom. Heading the parade of stars is Marie Dressier, who plays the vole of Carlotta Vance, a passe actress, a new role for Marie, but one in which she excels. John Barrymore appears as a broken-down movie actor, and his brother Lionel has a very different type of role as Oliver Jordan, the head of a big shipping concern facing bankruptcy. Wallace Beery is cast as Dan Packard, a bluff and unscrupulous mining magnate, and Jean Harlow plays his ill-mannered but beautiful cabaret-girl wife. Billie Burke plays Jiillicent Jordan, who arranges a fateful dinner that brings these widely different guests together. The story is one of everyday life, and concerns itself with incidents that occur in trio lives of several people who ■ are invited to the dinner given by Billie Burke. "Possessed, the associate attraction, stars Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Skeets Gallagher. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. In response to many requ-csts, that very human romance, "Now and Forever," is being revived at the Paramount Theatre. That fascinating' child actress, Shirley Temple, now one of Hollywood's best offerings, appears as Penelope Day, the daughter of Jerry Day, who cannot go straight, even though he is loved sincerely by the beautiful Toni Carstairs (who has taken the place of Penelope's dead mother).. Jerry swindles everybody, and even steals a valuable necklace from a wealthy old lady who desires to adopt Penelope. Jerry is in the capable hands of Gary Cooper, who gives a first-rate performance, and Toni is played by the attractive Carole Lombard. Sir Guy Standing is excellent as . a gentleman crook. Also on the bill is "One Hour Late," a most comedyromance, featuring Helen Twelvetrees, Joe Morrison, and Conrad Nagel. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. William Powell and Myrna Loy appear in the thrilling mystery drama "Evelyn Prentice" at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. The supporting players are little Cora Sue Collins and Una Merkel. The picture presents Powell and Miss Loy as. man and wife, in the grip of a trick of fate from which they emerge in an amazing surprise denouement. Thrills, comedy, mystery, and' romance are blended into this rapid-fire . piece of entertainment. The supporting picture is Beaumont Smith's thrilling Australian production "Splendid Fellows," starring Eric Colman (brother to the famous Ronald), Isabelle Mahon, Frank Leighton, Leo Franklyn, and Frank Bradley. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, in "Chained," is to be screened at the Regal Theatre this evening. Clark Gable plays the role of a young rancher in South America. As a modern New York girl who falls in love on the boat that is to carry her away from despair, Joan Crawford gives one of the finest performances of her career. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Music in the Air," with Gloria Swanson, John Boles, June Lang, and Douglas Montgomery, is the attraction at the Capitol Theatre tonight. One of the most outstanding musical films of the year "Music in the Air" combines magnitude with uproarious comedy, and tender romance with a magnificent musical score. THE THESPIANS. For the first production of the 1935 seasoni the Thespians have chosen the farce "Third Time Lucky," by Arnold Ridley the famous author of "The Ghost Train." This brilliant farce was . produced very successfully in London some years ago, several critics giving it. very high praise indeed-the "Daily Sketch" described it as one of the few truly comic plays produced in London that season. I'or tne Wellington production a well-chosen cast has been rehearsing for some time under the society's director,. Mr. Victor b. Lloyd, who is very satisfied with the ?■ ay the production is shaping. . Ihird lime Liiekv" will be presented in the Concert Chamber of the' Town Hall for three nUts only, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 2, '3, and. 4; box plans are now open at Beggs, Manners Street. THE APOLLO SINGERS. The first concert of the 1935 season by the Wellington Apollo .gingers, under the conductorshV of Mr. H. Temple White, will be held in the Town Ha 1 Concert Chamber next Tuesday. The choir items will include some old favourites, as well as entirely new numbers, including Moussorgsky's "Song of the Flea." lhe concert will be noteworthy on account of the distinguished.assisting artists. Miss Adele Bucklin, Miis.B. (violinist) and Miss Mary Bucklin, Mus.B., M.Mus. ('cellist), who are leaving shortly for America, will appear m solo items, and' with Frederick Page, Mus.B., from Christehurch, will play a movement of the Brahms Trio in B major. In addition, Mrs. Wilfred Andrews, the well-known Wellington contralto, will be heard in choice numbers. The box plan is at Begg's. JUBILEE RECITAL. Among the outstanding musical events for the King's Jubilee celebration in Wellington will be a violin and piano recital of British chamber music, to be presented by Zillah Castle, A.R.C.M., scholarship winner of the Royal College of Music, London, and Freda Cunningham, who has recently arrived after broadcasting in Australia as solo pianist and accompanist. Assisting artists are Molly Atkinson (mezzo-soprano) and the Madrigal Singers (from the Wellington Harmonic Society). Violin, vocal, and piano solos and partsongs of Elizabethan, nineteenth century, and contemporary British composers are to be presented, including a bracket of violin solos by.Deliuß, to be performed.for the first time in New Zealand. The recital is to be held in Nimmo's Hall on Thursday, May 2. VINOGRADOFF RECITAL. Next Tuesday, April 30, at 8 p.m., in Nimmo'sr Hall, Mr. Paul Vinogi'adbff, the accomplished solo pianist, 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 Appassiouata in F Minor (Beethoven); Carnaval; Op. 9 (Schumann); Five Studies (Scriabin); and the 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody (Liszt), with Vinogradoff'.s own cadenza. Mr. Vinogradoff's pianoforte work has earned for him some fine tributes by Press critics in Russia, Japan, and Australia, and the "Sydney Morning Herald" praised his commanding technique, his fresh and virile playing, brilliant enunciation, emotional strength, and poetic charm. Mr. Vinogradoff was formerly director of the Imperial Music School of the Russian Musicial Society in Tomsk, Siberia. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. The concert to be presented in the Town Hall on Monday, May 6, by the Wellington Symphony Orchestra under Mr. Leoii de Manny will provide an opportunity for sharing in the commemoration of the silver anniversary' of the accession of his Majesty King George V in a most appropriate way. All the music to be rendered will be by British composers, and all the items should make an instant appeal. The practice of including a symphony in every programme has been departed from in this special conceit, and so there will be an opportunity, of hearing this efficient orchestra of seventy players in a lighter vein. -The orchestral items will include the overture to "Nell Gwyn" (Edward German), the rhapsody "A Shropshire Lad" (Butterworth), a fascinating composition by Eric Coates, based upon the themes of his favourite songs, "I Pitch My Lonely Caravan," "I Heard You SingJng," and ."Bird Songs at Eventide." The ballet music from "Hiawatha" (Colerridge Taylor) and the ever-popular march "Pomp and Circumstance" (Elgar) will be played. Special interest will attach to the first performance in New Zealand of the inarch "With Honour Crowned," composed especially for the anniversary by Ketelbey. The soloists will be Mr. Walter Kingsley and Mr. John RobertBoni

■, ♦ , . A notice appears in this issue calling upon members of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, New Zealand, to attend a church parade at the Church of Christ, Vivian Street, in commemoration of the .116 th anniversary of the founding of the Order. Members, who are asked to wear their regalia, will assemble at the church at 6.45 p.m. Friends of the Order are also invited to attend.