CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 87, 9 October 1935, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

REGENT THEATRE.

"Ihe Bride of Frankenstein," now showing at the Regent Theatre, begins where "Frankenstein" ended, and it contains all the eeriness, weirdness, and thrills any picture patron will want. When. "Frankenstein" ended it was supposed that the monster had perished in a mill fire, but he did not. So terrible have been the results of his creation; that Baron Frankenstein vows to have nothing more to do with experimentsof this nature, but circumstances arise which compel hinv to reverse his decision. As the monster Boris Karloff scores another triumph and Colia Chve, Elsa Lanchester. and Ernest •Thesiger are also splendidly cast. There is a fine supporting programme.

"Look Up and Laugh:"

Who is the most popular woman star of : today, Garbo, Dietrich, Claudette. Colbert, Grace Moore, or Gracie Fields? says an English writer. In the aggregate the honour lies with Gracie Faelds, every one of whose films has proved a box-office goldmine. Her last picture, "Sing As we Go," tempted over £350,000 from the pockets of filmgoers .throughout the country Exhibitors I have'spoken to hailing from all parts of the British Isles are unanimous that Gracie has proved the biggest attraction of all the women stars. In "Look Up and Laugh," which comes to the Regent Theatre- on Friday, Gracie Fields/with polished-skill, sings, dances, and "gags" her way;, through the picture like the great artist she is.

NEW OPERA HOUSE,

• There has been much discussion over the film debut of Noel Coward in-the Ben Hecht-Charles Mac Arthur film "The Scoundrel,"' which is now in a return season at the New Opera House. In it .the film; has taken "\a new turn, into- something that scintillates with;the epigrams that used to be considered out of date,, and yet moves forward into' the realm .of fantasy. Working within the limits-.of their idea, the producers have-done something that is immediately and highly successful. The dialogue, moreover, sparkles, the production^ played at varying speeds, has a leisurely air at.•:the beginning that makes,the .later drama all the more effective: The chief roles, played by Noel Coward and Julie Haydon, are triumphantly done. Coward's acting is flawless, and it is a tribute to his sincerity that the figure whom he portrays, though completely despicable, still holds the attention of the-audience throughout the.picture.

DE LUXE THEATRE,

."Private Worlds," the main attraction at the De Luxe Theatre, tells the adventures, of a band of doctors in an" 'American ■ sanatorium. ' Claudette Colbert again rises to the occasion- and -gives -an- : intensely alive and appealing portrait of a vvoman. psychiatrist. Joel; McCrea. Charles Boyer, Helen Virison, Joan 'Bennett, Jean/Rouverol and . Sam Hinds are featured players. There are excellent supports, including , scenes connected with tlie death of. Queen • Astrid ■: of Belgium.

"The Irish In Us."

Everyone who goes to the movies knows that James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, and Frank McHugh would make any picture interesting. Theii ■ work ~in "Here Comes the Navy" and "Devil Dogs of-the Air" established, them as a trio, after each had reached . a high place-among screen luminaries as individual stars. When" they are, given a real vehicle such as "The Irish In IJs,'." which comes- to ■ the De' fcuxe Theatre on Friday, they rise to even new heights. Cagney's rare talent is again demonstrated by his ability to;- portray so ; naturally such utterly different roles. ■■ v - 1- •

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Outdoor action,, a thrilling murder mystery, • and some humorous situatibns are skilfully combined in "Rocky j Mountain Mystery," one of Zane Grey s best adventure stories, which is now. showing at the' Paramount Theatre. Although the scenes-of- the film are laid in a deserted mining town: in the West the production is of a far higher, standard vthan the average Western picture. The story.-tells of a wealthy mine owner who summons all his^'relatives to hear the reading of his will before he dies. He hires a yoiittg minirig" engineer to make tests for radium:; and on the day of his arrival the latter is plunged into a double murder mystery. •: Randolph Scott and^ Anne Sheridan are thestars. ' ■ j •

KING'S THEATRE.

An attractive programme is. now showing at the King's Theatre. "Call of the Savage." is a remarkable picture of-animal .life in the African; :jung!e f ; Fox Films' "Stand Up and Cheer"Jeatures many stars, including 'Warner Baxter, Sylyia FrOos, Arthur -Byron, Ralph-Morgan, John 'Boles; ; James Dunn (who with Shirley Temple sings "Baby"l Take a Bow"), Nick Foran, Nigel Bruce,-Mitchell and Durant, and Siepin Fetchit. "Heat Wave, 1? the^ Fox Films'■musical comedy, starring; Anna Lee, Cyril Maude, and lies AUenj is an additional attraction.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

" "The Dragon Murder Case" is-_tha major attraction at the-Princess Theatres A new: Philo Vance comes to^the screen in the person of Warren.William. Eugene Pallette/ Robert '< Me. Wade, Margaret Luidsay, ana Lyle Talbot are prominently casv Songs, comedy, ana dancing feature the love problems of a king and queen as presented in. Par amounts-All the Xi d Horses," which is the additional feature.and in-which'1 Carl Brissop and Mary Ellis are the stars." Prominent among the short subjects^ 13. the allcolour musical novelty, "Those Beautiful Dames."

SHORTT'S rHEATRE.

"Hell Below/' Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's sensational • drama ;of submarine :~ adventure, with Robert Montgomery Walter Huston,. Madge Evans, Jimmy Durante. Eugene Pallette, arid Robert Young heading the cast is the main attractions at Shortt's Theatre. Laurel and Hardy in "Pack Up Your Troubles" is the.secpnd attraction. ■

Warner Baxter has'the-main role in "As Husbands Go," which comes to Shortt's Theatre on' Friday. He.is supported by a group of notable stage and screen stars that, includes Helen Vinson, Warner.Oland, Catharine Doucet, and G. P.'Huntley, jun. "Call It: Luck," a fast'action comedy-romance featuring Herbert.Mundin and "Pat" Paterson, will be the second feature.

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

"West Point of the Air" is to be shown finally tonight at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt. "Mr. Dynamite," starring. Edmund Lowe, opens tomorrow night. Through, the suspense and action of this murder mystery runs a veritable gamut of cross-fire "gags" and rib-tickling situations, ably supplied by the intrepid and fast-talking Lowe and his female partner- in the piqture, Jean Dixon.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE,

Claudette Colbert. Herbert Marshall, Mary Boland, and William Gargan are featured in the Paramount picture, "Four Frightened People," which will be- shown. at the Grand Theatre tonight The additional attraction is the stirring drama, "You Belong to Me," starring Lee Tracey. Helen Mack, and Helen Morgan.

EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE.

■ "Lightning Strikes Twice" commencing at the Empire Theatre; tonigHt is one of the best comedies of the year. ' The cast includes Ben Lyon, Thelma Todd, and "Skeets" Gallagher. .A comedy, novelty, and newsreels complete^ a splendid programme.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

"Woman's place is in the home," declares George Brent, wisecracking American newspaper reporter, to Bette Davis, "sob-sister" on an ' opposition sheet, as the pair return from the electrocution of a Broadway night-club queen.' The remainder of "Front Page Woman,", the picture now at the Majestic Theatre, shows Brent's ruthless efforts to persuade his blonde. rival that matrimony' (with himself as the other principal) would offer her more chance of success than a newspaper career. The newspaper atmosphere familiar to all students of Hollywood productions is seen in "FrOnt Page Women", at its. best.

Mysterious crimes, an amazing feat of' detective work, and brooding bewilderment mingle with hilarious comedy in a unique blend in "Murder in the .Fleet," ' Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's new story of crime on a cruiser, commencing on Friday next at the Majestic. Jean Parker and Robert Taylor are the stars. Veteran Jean Hersholt, Nat P.endleton, Ted Healy, Una Merkel, and Mary Doran are prominently cast.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

1 Someone has said, "You cannot have too much of a good thing," and that quite obviously applies to "Naughty Man etta," which is now. in a return season- at the St James Theatre. Every effort has been ' made; to : make the whole' programme enjoyable. The I intermission 'is .; followed^ by - two I hours') of -glorious ;■ musical ,< comedy.. .. Jeanette. Mac Donald as Marietta, the princess who. fled from France to escape an elderly Spanish husband, and, Nelson Eddy, as Wsrrington, the young colotnal officer who protects her in New Orleans, make a perfect combination. _and. it. w.ould .be • difficult, to decide which gives the greater ehjoy,ment. ..•: Their, singing, is almost, (lawless and the acting of every character is good. . -There'is a-rich spice of-hum-our and many beautiful scenes, the whole making an exceptionaJ picture that richly deserves- its popularity.

STATE THEATRE.

; Theatregoers who *have become accustomed to seeing Janet Gaynor in semi-juvenile roles-.will be surprised to' find her,a,more mature and entirely different personality' as Molly Larkins in "The Farmer Takes a Wife," which is now showing at^the> State Theatre; Thes story is made at the* time ■ when the Erie Canal'took'all the cross-con-tinental carrying trade of the Northern? States, and. when-the railroad, a I new and threatening rival, was a bone of contention between the barge people. Molly Larkins-is.seen as. .cook to Jotham ■ Klqre (Charles Bickford), the bully of. the canal. She has thoughts of, marrying? him. until she meets-Dan Harrow (Henry Fonda), who is working/on another, canal barge. Their romance makes a delightful picture.

PLAZA THEATRE

. Grace Moore with her golden voice has scored another triumph in "Love Me Forever," which is now showing at the Plaza Theatre. Taken asa^vhole, "Love Me Forever"- is • very „ satisfy ing., but there are some scenes which are more than that—moments which linger long after :the curtain has been rung dowa With her "One Night of Love " such is the exquisiteness of the girl and, the beauty of her voice, Grace Moore enthralled .thousands, andy since then keen interest has,been, taken in.her work. Probably her vast army of admirers will find "Love Me, Forever" even more pleasing, - for. if anything, the theme is stronger. But the theme' after all, is not of.such great import. It is the golden voice of-the star that- matters most of all, and in this, her latest production, Grace-Moore has full. scope, and her singing is enchanting.

REX THEATRE.

! Jeanette" MacDonald:and Ramon Novarro are co-starred in "The. Cat and the Fiddle"-at the Rex Theatre. In this production, which is adapted from the-notable stage success,' nigh I romance,- lilting melody, and stirring drama are combined while ample comedy' is also, provided! "In "fParis- Interlude,',' the supporting feature, Madge Evans, Otto Kruger, Robert Young, Una Merkel, Ted Healy, and 'jpthers make-up a notable cast. i Beginning 'next" .Friday the Rex Theatre '.willvpresent another noteworthy'•'programme\from' the Metro-Gold,wyn-Mayer * studios—-Myrna Lby, George-Brent,l and Lionel AtwilL in ''Stamboul.Quest,".;and.-Franchot Tone, May Robson, ?and .Karen Morley in is the Way." - :

ROSY THEATRE.

' "The Count'of lytonte, Cristo," now being shown at the' Roxy Theatre offers Robert Donat,, hartdsome young ' English screen and stage actor, who k will:be remembered as the King's love rival in( "The'Private'Life-of Henry, VIII," in hisjifirst:, American-made film. Elissa L".ndir appears opposite him: in the role1 of Mercedes., . Louis: 'Calhern, Sidney ißlackmer. O. P. Heggie, Irene Heryeyv William . Farnum,. and RaymonacWalburn'.head'.the imposing sup|jortmigcast. " •

- OTJR.-THEAT»E,.NEWIOWN.

"Pursued," a dramatic story of British North Borneo, co-starring Rosemary Ames .and Victor Jory, heads the double-feature. bill showing at Our Theatre. It*is astoiry of.a-loyely cafe enterfaiiier and a man- who goes to Borneo, to take charge of a plantation. A scheming and jealous tial&caste, the role played." by Jory, provides the barrier- in rthe .course '. of' true., love. '.'Torch: Singer," a' drama of; the life of a famous radio • performer, starring Claudette Colbert, is the second attraction.,' \:' ■.-.■"■ ' ,■' ■■•

EMPIRE' THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"The ■ Informer" is. the principal attraction- at the 'Empire Theatre. In this tale' of turbulent Ireland, Victor McLaglen is aided by a strong cast that includes Heather. Angel, Wallace •Ford,'and Preston Foster. A comedy, coloured cartoon,' novelty, and newsreel complete "the programme. .

KILBIRME KINEMA.

The main attraction tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema is Samuel Goldwyn's glorious ' production, "The Wedding Night," starring Gary Cooper and Anna Sten/ King Vidor, who directed the picture, again displays his ■ genius at taking a simple story, one dealing with every-day men and women,' and 'creating from it a dramatic, emotional, and memorable picture. The additional attraction is the lavish musical comedy entertainment. "Radio Parade of 1935," with a cast which includes Will' Hay, Helen Chandler, Clifford Mollison, Clapham and Dwyer, Jimmy Godden, and Teddy Joyce and his band.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Doubting Thomas," featuring the late Will Rogers, with Billie Burke, Alison Skip worth,, and Frank Albertson, is screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight. The story tells of how a simple home-loving manufacturer's world is tossed into a turmoil when his wife- goes theatrical,1 and . how he effects a cure. '"' i-;

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

"Wings in the Dark," which is to be shown at the Seaside Pictures tonight, features Myrna Loy and Cary Grant. The story concerns the attempt -of; a young pilot to fly from London tb. Paris flying blind, and the efforts. of his sweetheart to help him when): he becomes blinded in an accident. Excellent supporting items have • been arranged.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

"A Cuckoo in the Nest," which comes to the-Palace Theatre tonight, is full of absurdities, •• as ■ any robust farce should be. Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn-have the main roles. Whatever lacks genuineness in the story there'is no ■ mistaking the reliability .of 1. .its mirth-provoking; qualities, .. .-

The current attraction at-the Regal Theatre is "George White's 1935 Scandals." A large cast includes James Dunn, Alice Faye, Ned' Sparks, Cliff Edwards, and Bunny Rubin. There are six tuneful songs, and laughs and romance,in plenty. A cartoon, novelty, and hewsreels. complete the- programme. ■.''■■

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

TIVOLI THEATRE,

i Perhaps the most ambitious and costly spectacle' that Hollywood has ever attempted, Paramount's "The Lives | of a Bengal Lancer," is now showing at the Tivoli Theatre. . Featuring Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, Richard Cromwell, and Sir Guy Staiiding in the principal roles, "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer" is a stirring, colourful, and actiori-cirammed story of the exploits and adventures of England's colonial soldiers in India. Monte Blue, Douglas Dumbrille, Kathleen Burke, C. Aubrey Smith, Colin Tapley, and Akim TamirofE appear in the supportin? cast. "Eig-Hearted Herbert," starring Guy Kibbee, will also be shown

RIVOLI THEATRE.

"Lady Tubbs," the Universal pictiirisation of the funniest story every written by Homer Croy, comes to the Rivoli Theatre tonight. \Alice Brady -has the title role, in, this rollicking comedy, which tells the story of a cook in a railroad construction camp who falls heir to a fortune and a title and is received in a fashionable Long Island home. Douglass Montgomery, Anita Louise, June Clay worth, Alan Mowbray,. and other popular players will be; seen with Miss Brady. In "Chained," the second feature, Joan Crawford and Clark Gable are co-star-red in a-story written especially for them by Edgar Selwyn, noted writer, director, and producer. They are cast in -the kind of roles which' each has made famous—Joan as a vivid young lady of Manhattan, and Clark, as a young. American rancher in Buenos Aires. The story itself concerns a beautiful girl who deliberately, breaks one man's heart to save a man to whom she is indebted from suffering. Then she bravely faces the dramatic consequences, with- the surprise ending a happy one for all three.

BROOKLYN PICTURES,

, . Outcast Lady," which is showing toI night at the Brooklyn Pictures, presents Constance Bennett and Herbert Marshall in one of the. strongest emotional dramas ever written for stage or screen. ' ' :

SKATEWAYS,

, An attractive programme has been arranged for'this evening at Wellington's'model riiik, Skateways, Vivian Street.- The'musical numbers will .be Under the direction of a. first-class skating orchestra,, and competitions and prizes have been included. The lastheat of the one-mile skating championship will; be "decided during the evening, and a special hockey-on-skates match, Wellington Reps, versus Rink, will be held. Mohawk waltz two-step partners, gliding! partners, statue partners, Monte Carlo, barn dance partners, and singing trios are.included in the,skating numbers, and patrons are assured of a very ■ happy evening.

BLIND INSTITUTE BAND.

' The entertainment to be given in.the Town HalKon Thursday, evening next by the party.from the New Zealand Institute for the Blind promises to be both novel and putstandingly good. The magnificent results achieved by the institute in the training of the blind are well known,-but it is not. often that North Islanders have the opportunity to see an actual demonstration of them. Most of the band members, prior- to i^PS. «P. band work, had; a thorough initial training in pianoforte and partsingmg. and others as piano tuners, me various parts are transcribed into Braille, which ■ can effectively present the ordinary musical notation. These are learnt by heart, and difficult and intricate pieces are played by the band with little obvious leadership by its quiet, confident conductor, Lieut. £ w- Bowes late of the Bth Hussars. Tn.e party includes a number of excellent vocalists and instrumental soloists The arrangements for the visit- arc-in me hands of the Red Cross Society. Tickets may be had at the D.I.C. The Port Nicholson Silver Band is assisting in the programme.

MURIEL BRUNSKILL.

Tonight, at the Town Hail, in the presence of their Excellencies the Governor-General and Viscountess Galway, Wellington will extend a welcome to England's fgreatest contralto of the present day, Madame Muriel Brunskill. A wonderful programme is announced. The actual numbers listed are:—"Che Faro' (from Gluck's opera "Orfeo"), , Lasciatemi Morire" (Monteverde), To the Forest," "None But the Weary Heart" • and; "A Legend" (Tschaikowjfky). "Margaret at the Spinning.Wheel," "The Watercourse," and "The Erl King" (Schubert),. "Die • Mainacht." VDer Schmid," "O Wusst Ich Doch," and three, of the "Gipsy. Songs" (Brahms), and two Hebndean songs —"In- Hebrid's Seas".and "Kishmul's Galley —arranged by Miss. .Kennedy Fraser. The audience may count on having many additional encores, for :• it is the rule, rather, than • the exception I for Madame Brunskill to .give atlea'st seven-or eight extras during the night. .. Carl Bartling, the gifted Melbourne pianist, who has been receiving■■ high praise in '.New Zealand both' for his accompaniments and for'his solo work will, play two Chopin numbers, "Aufschwung" (Schumann), "The Little White1 Donkey" (Ibert),. and. "Rush Hour in Hong Kong" (Chasms). The box plans.are at Begg's, and unreserved tickets are, also, on sale there. , The doors ■ open at' 7 o'clock.