ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 134, 8 June 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

There is no more stirring chapter in British history than that which tells of the bringing under British rule of the vast and coveted treasure-house that Was India in the eighteenth century. It is a chapter that has enthralled schoolboys and it is also a chapter which, in the prevailing popularity of historical themes, has provided the motion-picture producer with a readymade drama guaranteed to keep any audience within its grip from start to finish. "Clive of India" commenced its local season at the Hegent Theatre yesterday, and last night there was scarcely a vacant seat in the house. Further, it would have been difficult after the curtain was rung down to have found one among the audience who had not been deeply impressed by the greatness of the theme, the excellence of the acting, the spectacular scenes, and the many other qualities which go to make "Clive of India" one of the screen's classics. With Ronald Colman playing the title part as if born to it, the picture traces Clive's career from when he left his position as a clerk in the East India Company to save Pondicherry until he faced impeachment by the House of Commons. His revenge upon Surajah Dowlah for the Black Hole of Calcutta at the Battle of Plassey, in which armour-clad elephants are placed in the field against infantry and cavalry, is one of the highlights, but there is action and spectacle all through. Nor is the exceedingly human love interest vvhich has been woven into Cilve's military and political career to be disregarded. Loretta Young's performance as the young woman who travelled to India to marry a clerk, only to find on arrival that he was practically a king, and who then stood by him through many crises in his life, deserves high commendation. Colin Clive, as his his-, torical name-sake's lifelong friend, also plays an important part. "Clive of India" was heralded as an outstanding production, and it deserves everything that has been said of it. An excellent supporting programme contains something new from Walt Disney, who has been described as the screen's greatest genius. It is* a Mickey Mouse picture in technicolour and Mickey as the conductor of a band which is swept up into the air by a whirlwind rs certainly worth seeing.

NEW OPERA HOUSE.

Naturally the time occupied by an ordinary motion picture would not permit the producer of "Don Quixote" to record all of the adventures of the famous Don, but those incidents of tha book that go to make the picture now showing' every other day, with En.peror Jones" on the other days, at the New Opera House, • are-. sufficient to make good entertainment,. They, provide a series of .cameos, . beautifully photographed and faultlessly portrayed "Don Quixote" is'the story pf the adventures of Cervantes's- creation, an excitable old country gentleman, whoaa brain became bemused .by.reading, tales of chivalry. Liying in an unreal world of his own, he set out accom panied by his faithful follower, Sancho Panza, to tilt at flocks of sheep, that were giants to him, and similar oddities. It would be well-nigh impossible to visualise anyone more able to interpret the role of "the knight of the doleful countenance" than Chaliapine, who plays the part of the Don. His glorious singing voice is heard in a number of songs as the story unfolds,, and delights the listener as much as it did when he sang from the stage some . years ago. George Robey as Sancho is also excellent in the role of the tolerant, faithful squire The well-known singer Paul Robeson is starred in today's main feature. Like "Don Quixote," Rpbeson's vehicle, "Emperor Jones," may give some the impression that scope is not given fo». singing, but there is splendid singing in both. In the latter picture there is a chain gang scene staged m a real stone quarry on a blazing not summer's day. Robeson, as Brutus Jones, sings "Water Boy" in this, scene, in making the picture ne had to swing, a huge Iron hammer against the roc<cs with every beat of his song The formation of the quarry, with high cliffs on three sides reflecting the sun, generated a temperature reminiscent 01 Death Valley, and Robeson had to break rocks and sing al morning and most of the afternoon. When that was finished he had to make his escape running and climbing among the rocks, with his legs shackled by a heavy iron chain. "Don Quixote" will be screened again on Monday and Wednesday, and tonight, Tuesday, and Thursday "Emperor Jones" will be screened The supports are all enjoyable, and they include a Walt Disney cartoon, "Mickey's Man Friday."

DE LUXE THEATRE,

Quite the most baffling .mystery film screened in Wellington in years is 'I Am a Thief," from the thriller 'The Rarenina Diamonds Mystery," which features Ricardo Cortez and Mary Astor and which began its local season at the De Luxe Theatre yesterday. Diamond frauds in Europe are very numerous, and the insurance companies are heavy losers. In order to check the frauds the companies arrange the auction of one of the most famous necklaces in the world—the Karehina diamonds—and after their sale the film reveals a baffling mesh of moves and counter-moves in which no less than four forces appear to be operating against one another for the possession of the gems. The final episodes in the breathless drama take place on the Paris-Stamboul express, and are certain to keep even the most accomplished solver of mysteries guessing until the very end. There is no lack of humour and romance between two of the leading characters in the drama. The capable cast supporting the leading players includes Irving Pichel and Dudley Digges.. Among the other features there are included the newest gazettes, a travel film, Going Places with Lowell Thomas," a comedy in which El Brendel is seen as a radio scout for talent among Kentucky mountain feuds, and a short musical film "Songs of the Desert." The programme will be repeated until Thursday evening next, and there is a daily matinee.

KING'S THEATRE.

Introducing the vivacious Dolly Haas, "Girls Will Be Boys" is now being presented at the King's Theatre. She is seen to equal advantage as a boy and as the sparkling and charming young lady she really is. As Pat Caverley she writes to her Grandfather, who mistakes Pat as being short for Patrick. When sent for by her grandfather she learns that he is a confirmed woman-hater, and she decides to pose as a boy. All kinds of hilarious and surprising situations arise during the masquerade. As the young boy Miss Haas has to hide her blushes as she listens to the latest stories of her grandfather's bachelor friends, go into the gymnasium and box with the young trainer who has to "make a man out of the boy," and set herself out of a hundred and one other difficulties that keep bobbing up with tantalising regularity.

REX THEATRE.

Joe E. Brown heads a cast of 1000 sailors in the comedy "Son of a Sailor" at the Rex Theatre. The sailors are attached to the U.S.S. Saratoga, an aeroplane carrier of the American Pacific fleet, on which a large part of the picture was shot. Jean Muir has the leading feminine role. Other members of the cast are Johnny Mack Brown, Frank McHugh, and Thelma Todd. The story relates the adventures of an over-imaginative sailor whose indiscretions lead him into thrilling escapades. Enough stars, featured players, and Hollywood beauties to make up interesting casts for at least six other feature films went into the making of the supporting picture, "Gold Diggers of 1933." Warren William, Joan Blondell, Aline MacMahon, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Guy Kibbee, Ned Sparks, Ginger Rogers, and Ferdinand Gottschalk are among the principal players.

BAND PROGRAMME.

The Wellington Municipal Tramway Band will play a specially selected programme of music at the Wellington Hospital grounds "tomorrow (Sunday). A collection will be taken up on behali «tihe hospital.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"Living on Velvet," now showing at the Majestic Theatre, is a fine and unusual romance with a background of modern aviation. The story is briefly that of a well-to-do young air-mail pilot who is flying his parents and his sister on a holiday when he is lost in the fog, runs out of petrol, and is forced to descend. In the resulting crash all are killed save himself, and he develops the curious complex that he, too, is really dead, and that nothing he does matters. There follows a series of crazy, breath-taking adventures in the air and on the ground, until, after breaking up the army air manoeuvres by his reckless stunting, he meets an old friend. The friend takes him to a party, at which he meets Amy, to whom the friend is about to be engaged. A wild and crazy courtship in which the young ex-pilot appears to be doing his best to get rid of the girl ends, after two days, in marriage. The girl then sets out to rid her husband of his illusions, but he remains hopelessly extravagant in fancy and devoid of responsibility. After she has acceded to his oft-repeated request that she leave him, however, things happen with such a startling rapidity that the happy ending is all too soon in sight. As the tragi-comic figure of the. young expilot, with his strained bearing, whimsical ways, and haunted expression. George Brent carries out a masterly piece of acting. Kay Francis is really splendid as the sympathetic and understanding Amy, and through the picture manages to carry out as well a highly interesting one-woman fashion display. As the ever-obliging, generous friend who keeps the young couple supplied by various means with enough money to keep on going. Warren William is at his best. The supports include, newsreels, a Rosco Ates comedy, a sparkling and entertaining revue entitled "Shoe String Follies," and a colour cartoon, I Haven't Got a Hat."

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

A programme rich in variety and entertainment is now at the St. James Theatre. "Behold My Wife," the leading picture, is a comedy-drama of a rich young man's revenge on his family for interfering with his first love affair. He brings back from a tour an Indian bride, and introduces her with glee to a horrified family circle. Unaware of her husband's real reason for marrying her, and genuinely in love w.'.h him herself, the tiny girl is first of all appalled when revelation comes, but reconciles herself to the invidious position in which she finds herself. Under the guidance of her sister-in-law, a society girl who is having a violent affair with another man, she learns the ways of the white people, and wears their clothes with a dignity and charm that is in keeping with her upbringing. When the sister-in-law shoots her lover in a fit of pique, it is Tonita who takes the blame, but her husband learning to love the little lady, refuses to allow that sacrifice, and there is a dramatic ending to the domestic triangle that is entirely satisfactory to Tonita and her beloved, if recalcitrant, Michael. As Tonita, Sylvia Sidney's severe brunette beauty lends itself admirably to the trappings of a dainty squaw, and again, in fashionable garb, she is petite and dainty, while her acting is faultless. Gene Raymond plays Michael with mischief and earnestness. his gradual transformation from playboy to devoted husband being done with rare ability. There is a splendid ballroom set that provides a fitting background for the lovely frocking. The supporting programme includes a novelty feature by an orchestra composed entirely of ladies. In the playing of Ravel's "Bolero" some fine shadow dancing is'seen, and some of the players reveal fine singing voices. There is a news series and a Betty Boop cartoon.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

That a little love is good for prima donnas, making them sing, is the motif of "Enter Madame" at the Paramount Theatre. The love troubles of Lisa defia Robbia (Elissa Landi) and Gerald (Cary Grant) are humorously treated. A successful modern commercial American, Gerald occupies a box every time Lisa sings, and it 4s. when he is first on the stage to put out a fire caused by a fallen candle in a magnificently tragic scene in a performance of "La Tosca" that he takes the first step to speedy matrimony with the famous singer. The manager warns him what tagging round Europe with her will be like, but at first all goes well. Lisa has never sung better. Back-stage scenes, dressing-rooms, garlic, a flock of voluble Italian retainers, who attend to Lisa's baggage, etc., form a rather ghastly panorama for the young husband, but a European tour leaves the pair still deeply in love. The manager knows a good thing, however, and keeps Lisa, who loves her act about as much as she does Gerald, bound by contract after contract, until in the end a former flame of Gerald's sees her opportunity, and a divorce is arranged. It does not take place, but explanations would spoil an excellent comedy. Lisa always does the unexpected. The background of the story is well staged. Thece are merry supper parties, huge metropolitan audiences' thrilled by grand opera of high quality, and many emotional scenes between the wedded pair, but Lisa is lovely in her stormy rages. Side humours are supplied by Bice, a chubby Italian dresser. The supports include a garage ballet of unusual quality in colour, one of the brightest turns in which is a lesson in one-arm driving, a Betty Boop cartoon, and a Mack Sennet comedy.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

Gracie Fields's best offering to date, "Sing As We Go," will be presented to Artcraft Theatre patrons this evening. The story was specially written for her by J. B. Priestley, of "Good Companions" fame, and no better vehicle could have been provided for her. Out of a job when the mills close, Gracie packs up her troubles and pedals her push-bike into Blackpool, there to become a kitchenmaid. fortune-teller, human spider, vanishing lady, icecream vender, and what not. Losing jobs quicker than she can find them does not worry Gracie, as she turns the famous pleasure resort into a rendezvous of riotous mirth and melody. Her song numbers include a number of popular hits. The supporting players are John Loder and Dorothy Hyson. In addition there is a Mickey Mouse comedy. "Fishing Around," a Cinesound News, and other topical features. Artcraft Theatre programmes now commence at 7.45 p.m.

ROXY THEATRE.

Jessie Matthews rises to great heights in "Evergreen," at the Roxy Theatre. The story is coherent as well as cohesive. Harriet Green makes her farewell appearance in London prior to marrying a marquis. The union does not materialise owing to the reappearance in Harriet's life of an old lover, father of her secret daughter. Years pass, Harriet dying in South Africa, and her offspring gravitating to the stage as a chorine. Tommy Thompson, an over-enthusiastic publictiy agent, working on Harriets amazing resemblance to her mother, "puts her over" in the West End as the original Harriet, announcing that she has returned from Africa rejuvenated. The fraud is brought to light by Harriet's sudden confession, her trial and acquittal on an impersonating charge, and ultimate triumph on merit. The supporting feature, "King of the Ritz," bubbles with infectious humour.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

The Ben Travers farce "Dirty Work," is the main attraction at Our Theatre. The "dirty workconcerns the plan of Ralph Lynn, as a salesman, to trap thieves who have long been looting the show stock of the Sterling Jewel Company. Robertson Hare and Gordon Harker lend unwilling aid. The scheme involves the disguising of Hare as a burglar and Lynn as a policeman, the planting of the loot on the real crooks, and their subsequent arrest by the real police. The second feature is "Wings Over Everest.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

Romance and laughter set to the strains of the lilting '.'Blue Danube waltz in Vienna, the city of song, will be the order this weekend at the Regal Theatre, when "Waltzes from Vienna will head the progrgamme. The picture overflows with melodies, happiness, and the carefree joy of life. The cast includes Jessie Matthews, Edmund Gwenn, and Fay Compton.

CLEM DAWE REVUE COMPANY.

The coming of a flesh and blood show to Wellington will no doubt be hailed with delight by all lovers of the legitimate stage. The Clem Dawe Revue which has had such a phenomenal tour of the Dominion is coming to the Grand Opera House for a short farewell season commencing next Saturday, June 15. "Laugh and the world laughs with you," is the axiom for all those who spend the price of admission and three hours in the company of Clem Dawe and his merry band, commented an Auckland paper. The current programme of the company at his Majesty's Theatre was a wonderful mixture of grave and gay, in which the latter predominated, and the individual performers lived up to their reputations as merry-makers. The house was packed and enthusiastic, and those behind the footlights saw to it that there were no dull moments, for 'Town Topics' was all bright spots. Clem Dawe himself could have kept the audience entertained and interested the whole evening, but a wonderful arrangement of variety numbers gave him time for an occasional 'breather.' In such numbers as 'The Sleep Walker," 'Oranges and Lemons,' 'Where Ignorance is Bliss,' 'A Telephone Tangle,' "His First Night on Duty,' 'A Musical Breach of Promise, and the finale 'Fun in a Restaurant,' Clem carried the audience along with him. As a foil to the humorous side such numbers as 'Plantation Idea,' with its old plantation songs, and 'A Gipsy Idea' with the 'Anvil Chorus' stood out, while the 'Apache Dance' and 'Merry Widow Waltz,' by Halliday and Watson, were clever expositions of dancing. The ballets were bright and scintillating, and- well arranged, not the least interesting being the 'Skipping Rope Dance.' Vocal numbers by Edna MoncrieS, Edna Luscombe, Cliff O'Keefe, Dorothy White, Ralph Daly, and Joe Shriner were always pleasing, whilst the contribution of Gregory Ivanoff and his violin was excellent, and displayed good artistry, as well as good technique. The orchestra under Tom King was always 'there.'" An added attraction will be the Clem Dawe Rhythm Kings, a magnificent jazz band of talented musicians. The box plan opens on Wednesday at the D.I.C.

STATE THEATRE,

"Roberta" remains for another week at the State Theatre to entertain no doubt another series of large audiences. It is in one respect, though largely from the point of view of womenfolk, a fashion cocktail in celluloid and sound, with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the pair with the crazy feet, supplying the pep, and Irene Dunne and others the, softer ingredients. , Together they make a delightful confection with qualities calculated to please all tastes. The story is of a:i American football player "who inherits from his adorable old Aunt Minnie the very fashionable "Roberta" gown salon in Paris,-to which the best people go. In this situation there is ample room for some good comedy and the one-time football player and his boso:n friend, the leader of an orchestra, exploit the possibilities thus presented very well indeed. In the salon -.s Stephanie, really a Russian countess, and^ with Aunt Minnie's nephew she provides the romantic touch so necessary in a musical romance. As much of the action takes place in the salon there is every excuse for a lavish display of the latest in feminine attire, and such is the display that there is every justification for feminine envy. Fast, neat, graceful dancing is expected of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and they live up to their high reputation. There are some tuneful musical numbers in the show, including "I'll be Hard to Handle," "Lovely to Look At," and "Russian Refrain." Irene Dunne, as Stephanie, has an excellent role, and her soft, beautiful smging voice is heard at its best. The supporting pictures include an interesting film of theSaar Valley, the rich mineral area, which last January reverted from French to German administration.

PLAZA THEATRE.

Ethel M. Dell's widely-read novel "The Rocks of Valpre," with, its charming romance set in a picturesque background on the rugged Normandy coast, makes an ideal subject for the principal picture now at the Plaza Theatre. The story tells of the romance of a young English girl (Winifred Shotter). and a French, officer (John Garrick). Through the intrigues of a rival officer Garrick is court-martialled and sentenced to imprisonment on Devil's Island for divulging secret plans to the Prussians. Garrick excels himself in this part, first of a splendid soldier, and later of a man broken in health, but firm in the soldier's spirit. Known throughout the world for her acting in hilarious comedy parts, Winifred. Shotter shows her versatility by playing in 'The Rocks of Valpre" a part full of tragedy and.drama. In true Ethel M. Dell style, the picture ends on a note of tragedy. Apart from its sound acting and story, the picture contams many remarkable pieces of photography, taken on a rocky sea coast. The storm scene in particular is_ .almost a masterpiece. The supporting programme comprises a futuristic vision in which the world's motto is "All play and no work," a visit to Cairo with its pyramids and camels, and a newsreel containing a recent Rugby trial. At matinees only there is shown, besides "The Rocks of Valpre, a new May Robson picture "Grand Old Girl," the story of an elderly, schoolteacher who remains faithful to her duty no matter what the cost. Miss Robson is one of the few stars who could do justice to the emotional act> me that the picture demands, and Miry Carlisle and Fred Mac Murray are responsible for the youthful romance which runs through the mam story. . I

EIVOLI THEATRE.

"Thark," the Ben Travers production in which Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn have the leading roles, will be screened tonight at the.Rivoh. Theatre. "Friends of Mr. Sweeney," a unique and uproarious comedy with irresistibly ridiculous situations, will also be presented/Charlie Ruggles and Ann Dvorak have the leading roles, Ruggles playing the part of Asaph, a timid, mousey sort of a man who is a brilliant writer, but who is so browbeaten by Us boss that he is afraid even to think for himself. Miss Dvorak has the role of Beulah, his secretary, who suspects her employer has a soul behind his mild.exterior and is secretly in love with him.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

"Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back.' now being shown at Shortt's Theatre, depicts the thrilling and amusing adventures Drummond encounters in attempting to aid a beautiful gin fn clearing up the my.stery surrounding the house of a sinister Oriental Prince from which her uncle had mysteriously vanished. Ronald Colman is the star. Loretta Young, Warner Oland, Charles Butterworth. and Una Merkel are in support. The Mad Game," on the same programme, deals with the racket of kidnapping, and for all its sensationalism the picture still contains a sentiment, a tenderness, and a heart-rending element of selfsacrifice. Spencer Tracy is featured. There are the usual entertaining supporting pictures.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Two features, both well above the average in entertainment value, are being shown at the Princess Theatre. In "British Agent" Leslie Howard and Kay Francis head a list of twenty talented players, while there are a score more smaller roles and hundreds of extra? playing in many of the spectacular scenes. "British Agent" is a stirring love drama set in the cataclysmic days of the Russian Revolution, inspired by the novel of R. H- Bruce Lockhart. Mysterious and intriguing is "Crime on the Hill," the supporting feature. A remarkably clever story, brilliantly presented, involving three baffling murders, this film is superbly acted by a cast of distinguished stage and screen favourites, including Sir Nigel Playfair, Lewis Casson, Anthony Bushell, Sally Blanc, Phyllis Dare, and Judy Kelly,

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

At the Empire Theatre this weekend the main attraction is "Mala the Magnificent." The action of the story takes place in the frozen Arctic wastes and concerns Mala, a mighty hunter and leader of his tribe, who devotes his life to avenging the wrong done to his wife by a white man. On Monday and Tuesday "Peck's Bad Boy" is to be screened.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

"The Night Is Young," a lilting and gorgeous and musical romance of gay Vienna, heads the bill at the Kinema, Kilbirnie, tonight. Two golden-voiced stars of the screen, Ramon Navarro and Evelyn Laye, are in the stellar roles, and the supporting cast includes Charles Butterworth, Una Merkel, and Edward Everett Hortpn. Six charming songs specially written by Oscar Hammerstein and Sigmund Romberg are introduced, and the story was written by Vicki Baum. The story deals with a young Archduke's forbidden love affair with a chorus girl. The supporting attraction is Edgar Wallace's baffling mystery thriller, "Return of the Terror," starring Mary Astor, John Halliday, Lyle Talbot, and Frank McHugh.

BROOKLYN THEATRE.

The main attraction at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight is. "Bolero." Sally Rand, the fan dancer whose daring exploits on the American stage were the highlights of many recent stories in the Australian Press, makes her screen star debut, and the supporting cast includes George Raft, Cardie Lombard, and Frances Drake. Next Wednesday and Thursday "One Night of Love" will be presented.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

A double feature programme will be screened at the /Seaside Pictures tonight at 7.30. The first picture is "It's a Cop," with that inimitable comedian Sydney Howard in the lead. Howard, as P.C. Spry, gets into the most amazing adventures in opium dens, hotel kitchens, and on roller skates. The second feature, "Dr. Monica," is a most unusual drama with Kay Francis in the title role as a womar doctor married and in love with her husband, who in turn is in love with another woman.