CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 48, 24 August 1935, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

One of the most colourful and stirring films seen for some time is brought to-the screen in "Drake of England" which is now at the Regent Theatre. All the romance and intrigue of the days of 'Good Queen Bess" are presentedin a most realistic manner, some of the scenes being elaborately and spectacularly staged. The story concerns the rise in power of the "pirate" Drake, who was looked upon with a kindly eye by the queen. The treachery at the Court, and the betraying of Drake by one whom he had regarded as a friend, Thomas Doughty, and his brother, are skilfully interwoyen with the romantic theme, which deals with the sea rover's wooing of Elizabeth Sydenham, a lady-in-waiting !° hIK Ma^sty. It would be impossible to detail ail the thrilling incidents in the film; but. of course, the climax of the picture is the crushing of the invincible Armada by the English Fleet "nder the command of Lord Howard of .hffingham. Other spectacular scenes are the raiding of a Spanish port by Drake and his seadogs, and the sack of a Spanish treasure caravan. The oldtime atmosphere is well preserved, and the picturesque costumes of the players lend colour to the production. Matheson Lang giyes a splendid performance as Sir Francis Drake, and Athene Seyler handles the part of Queen Elizabeth with a skilful understanding of her difficult role. One of the outstanding pieces of work in the film is the scene where Drake sends fireships into the Spanish fleet lyin<* .at-anchor-in< Cadiz,. There is an excellent, • supporting programme,' which' includes an exceptionally humorous coloured cartoon, "Little Black Sambo" and several excellent riewsreels

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

~". one of the best-known of English actors, Paul Robeson, the great singer, and Nina Mac MacKinney, accomplished actress, head the cast of "Sanders of the River?" the Alexander Korda film which is screening for :a further week at the New- Opera House. This picture^ which is; based on the, famous creation., .of Edgar ...Wallace, shows tne perils, 'and , purposes of the men .otfthe. Colonial Office who* rule over vast territories in darkest Africa in the name of their king. Sanders is supreme in his river territory; it is when he goes on leave to-be married that a false report- of ; his death spreads excitement, and lawlessness on the river. In support of the principal attraction^ .an interesting array of films. Included in -these are the latest Cinesound Review, "The Big • Squeal" a comedy featuring Andy Hyde, .and a cartoon in which the famous. Mickey Mouse operates a service'station :

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Seldom in the history, of ,the films has there been so faithful, a presentation of the' spirit of a book as' is to be seen m "David Copperfield," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's production of the famous novel of Charles Dickens which is to be seen t at the De Luxe Theatre this week. The Dickens roles have been carefully allotted to a number of brilliant actors, an overwhelming proportion of them English, and a cast with i the names of such 'men as Frank • .Lawton, Roland Young, W. C. Fields, Lionel Barrymorej Basil Rathbone, Lewis Stone, and Hugh Williams, and such women as Madge Evans, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Elizabeth -Allan is sufficient guarantee that, the spirit-of the characters has been preserved.' The celebrated novelist Hugh Walpole made the adaptation of--the-picture, and even played a small part in it, and the fact that so eminent an enthusiast for Dickens as Mr. Walpole should have been satisfied with the manner in which the story was sustained is evidence of'the authentic English setting. In "DavidvCopperfield," though; there.ys, N something..more;! than a world-fa'm"6uS*s'tbry?attractively; acted. There is an atmosphere of oldworjd charm in a period that is now beginningito appear anything but the time of'narrowness and ugliness that it seemed to the earlier Georgians. Quaint settings' and attractive dresses abound. And in these settings the story of David Copperfield's rise through unhappiness to security and love is touchmgly given, first by the brilliant young actor' Freddie Bartholomew, and later by Frank Lawton. In ( the film move all the famous characters—Mr. Micawber, Uriah Heep (magnificently interpreted by Roland Young), Barkis, and Peggotty. In support are the latest newsreels and Barrie Brettoner, at the organ, playing- Sullivan's music and "Stars Fell on Alabama."'^ •-:';"■' :• - : .- . '.-•".

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

The love episodes and adventures of two manicurists are the outstanding features of the Warner Bros, picture

"The Kansas City Princess" now being shown at the Paramount Theatre. The story is brimful of.fun .and frolic. In a swift'series fbfeincidents the picture takes the spectator froni Kansas City to New; York by .train ■>■ arid aeroplane, aboard:a■ Frencn.liner; on which live^ ly scenes occur, and then to ' Paris,' where the climax.comes with a whirlwind of laughter. Joan Bloridell and Glenda Farrell are the manicurists, Hugh Herbert is' the millionaire; and other leading parts are taken by Robert Armstrong, Hobart Cavanagh, and T. Roy Barnes. An additional feature of the programme is "No Escape," starring lan Hunter and Binnie Barnes. It is an adventure romance full of life, and is most attractively produced. There is a sensational climax which is totally unexpected., The supporting players in this most unusual picture include Ralph Ince, Molly Lamont, and Philip Strange. The whole programme is a satisfying one and stfbuld prove very popular.

KING'S THEATRE.

A fine double feature programme is now being shown at the King's Theatre. 'Ladies Love Danger," starring Mona Barrie and Gilbert Roland, with a big supporting cast, is a thrilling murder mystery, with a delightful romance. A murder occurs and a minute later a beautiful woman walks into the nextdoor apartment of a handsome bachelor. What happens thereafter forms the plot of a mostunusual picture. The second attraction stars Spencer Tracy and Wendy Barrie in a production full ?- f.i ci >m l ?. dy> ro. mance. and thrills, entitled "It's a Small World."

ROXY THEATKE,

Shirley Temple is to be seen at the, Roxy Theatre in her best Fox picture, "Bright Eyes." Once more James Dunn is cast as Shirley's leading man—a fact which is said to have enchanted the young star. Jimmy appeared as her daddy in "Stand Up and Cheer" and "Baby. Take a Bow," and Shirley has eyes for no one else, they say, when he is on the set. Audiences everywhere are said to have greeted "Bright Eyes" as ths finest and most heart-warming picture in which Shirley has been seen. \ human and compelling story, that at moments brings the tears, is combined with many thrills. George O'Brien in Zane Grey's Western romance, "The Dude Ranger," is the supporting-fea-ture.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

The sensationally successful Columbia production, "One Night of Love," which serves as a starring vehicle for the glamorous Grace Moore, stage and screen favourite, is now showing at Shortt's Theatre. The film play presents.an entrancingly novel blend of romance, comedy, music, drama, and exotic settings. It concerns an ambitious, carefree young girl who travels to Italy to study voice culture. There she meets a gay young American blade with a fortune in the bank and romance in his heart, and.also a charming, debonair music teacher, portrayed by Tullio Carminati. Miss Moore sings several of the greatest arias written by the music masters for the operatic stage. The second feature is "The Wrecker," a tense, exciting pir. ture, with the ever-popular Jack Holt in the starring role. The producers have surrounded him with a faultless cast including Genevieye Tobin, Sidney Blackmer, George E. Stone, and Ward Bond.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The first big picture of America's greatest battle against crime is "G Men," which was shown to enthralled audiences at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. G Men are specially selected members of the American Federal service who master gangsters, and First National have taken the career of one of them, and show his exploits from the time 'he joins as a sort of cadet, right through his training period, during which all branches of criminal detection are detailed, and up to the actual machine-gun battles with gangsters. Many of the thrilling exploits are founded on fact, and in Edward Pawley, one of the exceptional cast, will be found a remarkable likeness to Dillinteer, for so long Public Enemy No. 1 tin Chicago. James Cagney, one of America's best-known stage stars, who has at last knuckled down to film direction, plays "Brick"\ Davis, in "G Men." He throws up a meagre law practice to become a secret service man, helps to exterminate the gang responsible for the untimely end of his college chum, falls in love with his chief's sister, mixes with "dames" so that he can secure information about his prey, and in a thrilling climax rescues his sweetheart from the gang during a pitched battle in a garage. Robert Armstrong is "Brick's" chief, Margaret Lindsay is a delightful Kay, Ann Dvorak, as Jean, the cabaret girl, who loves "Brick" hopelessly, has a cabaret song and dance sequence to perform with a charming ballet, and pays the penalty for divulging gang plans. The supports include two musicales —one in which Fifi D'Orsay and some; dancers figures the other dance music by Fred Martin's orchestra, also with dance relief, a cartoon, and an interesting newsreel.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

Its- unusualness plus the personality of Dick Powell invest "Flirtation Walk," at the'■ St.- James Theatre, with an interest that'never flags. Powell's smile is a box"office asset to him, but he has much more than. that. Together with Ruby Keeler and Pat O'Brien, Powell makes of his latest picture an entertaining show. Pat O'Brien has perhaps one of his best roles, and he plays •it admirably. He is a hardboiled sergeant, but this • time not too hard boiled. There are some splendid settings—Hawaii first and all the exotic • beauty of the place, and then the United States Military • Academy at West Point. Dick Powell as Dick ("Canary") Dorcy is an army private stationed at the Hawaiian * Islands. When the daughter of General Fitts arrives there Dorcy incurs the displeasure of her fiance, Lieutenant Biddle, A.D.C. to the general. Finally a remark passed about him by the aide ■ eats into his soul, and from then on he decides to go to West Point and become an officer. Just before Dorcy receives his commission at West Point, General Fitts takes over the training. academy and with, him ■ comes his daughter. With the daughter, on the scene again no imagination is .needed to work out which way-things go, but in the development'of this satisfactory climax there is an interesting series of events. The supporting programme comprises a Paramount British newsreel, a filmfeaturing Rimac's Rumba Orchestra, and a vaudeville- reel. The: St. James Trio of instrumentalists, under - the direction of Miss M. A. Bryers, plays selected musical numbers prior to the commencement of the picture programme and also during the. interval. (

PLAZA THEATRE,

There is an unusual motif in "Break of Hearts" at the Plaza Theatre. Roberti (Charles Boyer) is ' a worldfamous conductor with a world-famous orchestra which he has built up by a tremendous efEort of sarcasm, genius, and a supreme faculty for expressing t&omposers' ideals. Constance (Rather;-, 'me Hepburn) is a composer who, without opportunities, is struggling to make her own'name famous. They meet in the lodgings of an old music teacher, whose love of music for itself has beggared him while teaching promising but impecunious pupils. Roberti, the spoiled darling of society, falls in love with the unsophisticated little composer, the strains of whose music draw him to her door, and inside.' It is a whirlwind courtship and marriage, and the honeymoon over: half Europe is a dream of delight. It is when his genius is called back to New York, where the people are clamouring for his interpretation of Brahms, that the inevitable happens. Two of his old flames seize him in a weak moment, and the one cocktail ends in a dinner at the restaurant where Johnny (John Beal) has taken Constance. Roberti, caught in an unguarded moment, fearing that she will learn that he is dining with'other women, lies to her, and, of course, the women meet while he is still prevaricating. Constance, wounded to the core, leaves him, and he takes up,the old'life.:But neither can forget, though both'do their best. She, after a struggle;-swims with the current of the fast,night life of the big cities, and he, back' in the stupid treadmill of pleasure, only realises what he has lost. Many dramatic situations arise before the memorable climax. A Rumanian scenic, a novel treasure hunt in a cafe, and Lovelock in America make up a fine programme.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

"Sweet Adeline," Warner Bros.1 new musical spectacle and the most pretentious of all their special productions, is now showing with Irene Dunne, famous stage and screen singing star, in the title role, at the Princess Theatre. The picture is crammed with hilarious comedy, delightful romance, and stirring drama, in addition to its specialty numbers. The cast includes Hugh. Herbert, Nydia Westman, Ned Sparks," and' Joseph Cawthron. Starring the inimitable Wheeler and Woolsey, "Hips, Hips, Hooray," an RKO-Radio musical extravaganza, witn lots of beautiful girls, hit tunes;>original dances, and spectacular moments, is the additional feature. Thelma Todd, Dorothy Lee, and Ruth Etting are in the supporting cast. The programme also includes several entertaining short subjects.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

A brilliant double-feature programme will 'be presented at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. The main attraction is Warner Bros.' thriller "Devil Dogs of the Air," with Pat O'Brien and James Cagney, the two great stars of "Here Comes the Navy." The supporting cast includes Frank McHugh and Margaret Lindsay. The picture is thrilling from start to finish and is interspersed with riotous comedy. Spectacular air stunts, with aeroplanes crashing, in mid-air, bursting into flame, and spinning' to the ground, provide thrills that beggar "'description. The additional attraction is the riotous naval musical comedy "Jack Ahoy," starring Britain's ace comedian Jack Hulbert, ably supported by Nancy O'Neill, Tamari Desni, and Alfred Drayton.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

An exceptionally fine weekend programme is to be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. The principal attraction. "The Gay Bride," starring Chester Morris and Carole Lombard, deals with the hilarious difficulties of racketeers aiter repeal when their enormous profits have been cut off. A Hal Roach comedy, a cartoon, an M.G.M. oddity, a Metrotone newsreel, and a Universal newsreel complete the programme.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"George White's .1935 Scandals" is the main feature on an outstanding bill screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight at 7.45. Alice Faye, James Dunn. Ned Sparks, Cliff Edwards, and George White are seen in an amazing and costly production which is rich in star value, comedy, gay tunes, beautiful girls, and spectacle. The second feature, "Transient Lady." stars Gene Raymond, Frances Drake, Henry Hull, and June Clay worth, in an exciting story which concerns two women in love with the same man, and to which a murder charge adds thrills and suspense.

STATE THEATRE.

As Charlie Chan, the Chinese detective, Warner Oland has become a familiar figure to thousands of motion picture fans, and although he has appeared at regular intervals in a series of pictures he has always retained a grip on his admirers. That grip has never been greater than in his latest starring vehicle, "Charlie Chan in Egypt," which is now showing at the State Theatre. In the past Charlie Chan's enigmatical Oriental personality has been seen against a Western background, but he loses none of his quaint charm by being transplanted East. Oland's great natural ability is supported by the glamour of age-old Egypt, his calm, analytical mind undaunted by the suggestion that he is pitted against the malignant, unseen forces of an ancient Egyptian god. He is employed to solve the mystery of the disappearance of a gold and jewelled treasure found in the tomb of a priest by a French expedition, and his already difficult task is complicated by mysterious murders, the suggestion being that Sekmet,. the catheaded goddess of vengeance, has been at work. The clever Chinese detective is always entertaining, and in this picture the enjoyment is heightened by the excellent acting of the supporting characters, of whom "Pat" Paterson, as the daughter of the leader of the expedition, and Stepin Fetchit, as the native who is enrolled as Charlie Chan's unwilling assistant, are outstanding. The supports include a series of newsreels and a comedy.

REX THEATRE.

Excellent acting, fascinating backgrounds, characters who are much alive, and a plot which bubbles over with suspense all play their parts in m v- mg Universal's -'Bombay Mail," which is now showing at the Rex Theatre, one of the most gripping screen-play mysteries seen in a long time. More than a dozen peonle are suspected of crimes, which are solved by Edmund Lowe, who plays the part of Inspector Dyke. A splendid cast includes Shirley Grey, Onslow Stevens. John Davidson, Dalph Forbes Hedda Hopper, and Ferdinand Gottschalk. Embarrassing Moments," staring Chester Morris, with Marion Nixon and a prominent cast of film actors and actresses, .forms the supporting fea-

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI "Shadow of Doubt" is the principal 1 1 r«fpl?Ri.S ni * ™ w? ekend Programme at the Regal Theatree. The story deals with a picturesque, elderly woman, possessor of millions, a recluse V 1 A, me ulca s • hlSSest city who emerges fr ? m obscurity to solve a "perfect crime." Ricardo Cortez, Virginia Bruce, .Arthur- Bryan, and Regil Toorney play the main roles. A Hal Roach comedy, a colour cartoon, and J n °™£ ewsreels comPlete the pro-

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. 7 3AV^ e S? aside, Pictures tonight at Sr^ P£ zz! ing murd*r mysfe?' with Ricardo Cortez and Verree Teasfhl ™n fhe- leadine r°les. It concerns the mysterious murder of a prominent fnVs^hnr 17 ai tractivc younTmali 1= „hls, home- , Any member of the «££&■ ho^ c? old,, .could- have been nf 17-«l 7-« seluse"5 eluse" is a fantastic drama A ™™«^° d whl?h, sweeps the earth. foon^fl d>alsrb Srsho CwT edy' md

BROOKLYN THEATRE.

•,™A J reat is in store for Brooklyn Theatre patrons tonight. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert will be seen in .It Happened One Night," a love story in wonderful settings, featuring the screen's greatest lover and the screen's most glamorous actress. A good supporting programme will be screened.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

A double-feature programme of outstanding merit is showing at Our Theatre. Clark Gable and Constance Bennett are co-starred for the.first time in the h™; » F? duCtlon' "After. Office Hours. A fast-moving story of adventurous romance, it deals with a .society murder mystery against a background of modern newspaper, life. One of the ™ost sympathetic of all love stories Laddie, based on Gene Stratton Porters famous novel, is the second attrac-

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE "Broadway Bill," declared to be Frank Capra's greatest picture, surnammgeve£ + ""Happened One Night," Th? J° the Pa, 1 race Theatre tonight. The stars are Warner Baxter and && L°y- ?ased. u P°n Mark HelJinger s magazine story, "Broadway B n llJ Presents the romance of a man and a girl, both imbued with the love pf horses and a roving nature. In the supporting cast are Walter ConR 3 y^ n Hl lew V' nson.Lynne Overman, fc onj Walburn, Clarence Muse Margaret Hamilton, and many others

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE "Murder in the Clouds," the First National production which is to be the feature attraction at the Grand Theftre tonight,. is a melodramatic mystery thriller with an amazing plot involving the commission of wholesale murder thousands of feet in the air. 1 here is also a romance in which two air pilots battle for the love of A nnn w Vf a£ Lyle Talbot and Gordon Westcott are the rivals. Westcott is also one .of the conspirators

NEW EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE. +~™Ot* i£ Fli?"- will be the main fea£ltt %l c N. ew Empire Theatre to- } gvJ- Tke x story concerns the rise of Edmund Lowe from an auctioneer to the foremost broadcasting announcer and reporter in America. Lowe and Gloria Stuart, blonde and more beautiful than ever, furnish plenty of thrills as he rises and falls on the way to the top. Apart from a remark able cast the picture presents many of the latest song hits. y

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT Tonight at the De Luxe Theatre' Lower Hutt.the main feature will be Fashion Gaieties of ■ 1934," one hLvi he most elaborate fashion displays ever presented on the v screen, with William Powell in the stellar role. A mammoth spectacle is a lan dance in which 200 beautiful girls perform in feather costumes. . Bette ?nnn S-t ha|. the,, leadin S feminine role opposite Powell, while others in the cast include Frank McHugh, Verree Teasdale, Reginald Owen, and Henry I

REV. FIELDEN TAYLOR'S

JUBILEE FAIR

Elsewhere in this issue the Rev. F lelden . Taylor announces that this year-'s Fair, to be called the Jubilee Fair, will be held in' the Town Hall from September 14 to 21. The Fair will be opened at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, September 14. by their Excellencies Viscount and Viscountess Galway Guide Rangi, of Rotorua, and her famous Maori Arawa entertainers, will entertain daily with a feast of Maori music. _ Other attractions should make the Fair an outstanding one. All proceeds from the Fair will go directly to help the Wellington City Mission, and it is hoped that citizens will help in supporting this worthy cause by attending the Fair in large numbers.

A.S.C. REUNION.

_ So far one important branch of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the Army Service Corps, has not been able to hold a reunion. This is primarily due to the fact that members of the A.S.C were drawn from all parts of New Zealand, making a reunion very difficult to bring about. However Messrs. E. C. Russell, Frank Jenkins, Jim Ewen, and Max Compton have formed themselves into a committee to further the plans for a reunion and have met with a iair amount of success. Ex-members of the A.S.C. residing in Wellington are requested to get in touch immediately with Mr. E. C. Russell, 241 Cuba Street, Wellington.

Following the example of the new Turkey the Shah of Persia has decreed that European hats must be worn by his officials.