CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 97, 21 October 1935, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

, CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

REQENT THEATRE.

"Les Miserables" is the big attraction of: the current programme at the Regent Theatre, and the three phases of the life, of Jean Valjean (Fredric March), with Javert (Charles Laughton) ; cold and the victim of,an obsession; alvyays lurking in the background, make a picture which, because of.. the ,'story, the splendidly-drawn characterisations, and the manner of its production, will draw many Wellington people to the theatre before the season concludes. Laughton's Javert is a.man devoid of human feeling, and to him .the law knows no pity; and it matters not to him if what he is doing is not justice. "The law, good, bad, or indifferent," he says, "is still the law, and the law is my Bible." As he always does, Laughton does more than act his part; he lives it and makes one loathe the man he becomes for the time being. March, of course, has a role which enlists the sympathy of everyone from the outset. Another

celebrated member of the cast is Sir , Ceidric Hardwicke, but, unfortunately, his appearance as the good Bishop • Bienyenu is but brief. The supporting programme comprises sn Australian Cin^soiind News, and1 a Walt Disney symphony, "The Robber Kitten," in techmcolour. ,

NEW OPERA HOUSE,

After a successful season at the Regent Theatre "Look Up and Laugh," Grade Fields's latest starring vehicle, ha# been transferred to the New Opera House. Like previous pictures starring this popular English comedienne, "Look Up and Laugh" has obviously been designed to make the most of her distinctive talents, the racy dialogue, spirited singing, and clever foolery throughout being most enjoyable. There is an abundance of incident from the moment that Gracie, on. returning from a theatrical tour, finds her father ill and her brother without money. , They establish --a musical show in'the market:hall and it is very successful for a time but eventually they reach the stage where their troubles make them decide to sell out. ./Gracie decides at the^last moment to save the show, but her decision brings her into conflict with a city merchant, who is trying to close' the-market hall.' The picture is supported by a number of enjoyable short features.- -

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell, HughHerbert, and the handsome Ross Alexander are together in "We're in "~the Money," which is screening at the De Luxe .Theatre -this .week.- ■/•This":picture tells of the adventures: 0f two blonde process servers, which being interpreted means that the girls work for a [lawyer who'sends them out to deliver summonses, on men S against whom'ordinary methods have failed. The lawyer is Hugh <so it will be seen that s they have no ..ordinary 'job,"and the fun begins when they are hired;- as a last resort, to serve the •papers in a big breach ot promise suit. What; follows is too crazy and too amusing to be described;-it is enough to isay1 that the story."was written by Hugh ; .Herbert. The supporting programme includes the latest Univer-. sal newsreels, "Believe It or Not" series, Charles Davis's orchestra, "BuddyVof the Legion," a cartoon,' and, by special request, "Romance of- the West," -a beautiful techriicolourpicture.

Ah' array of "stars,~plus' a - sophisticated story triumphantly tested first on Brbadway;-plus-the-important factors covered by "production value," equals "No More Ladies,". Irving Thalberg's new production for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which 'commences at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday next. Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery are co-starred, heading a cast which in eludes Charlie Ruggles, Franchot Tone, and Edna. May. Oliver. , ■

;:r -i : .iijPARAItf6UNX^THEATRE !^>''

A "double-feature-progranrae'of ex-j ceptibrial merit is now showing] at the Paramount Theatre, where "She I Gets Her Man" and ."The Irisb^in Us"j are billed. Zasu Pitts has taken many.; parts, but can anyone imagine her as-" a modern Joan of Arc, leading the women of America.in. s the drive against : crijne, and bringing^-tears tot He.eyes jot ihard-boiled mobsters?' She'.;doesr' .■but quite unintentionally. She just happens to be in a bank trying, to renew a loan for the. cafe where \vorks. ~ when "the "stick-up" men arrive. With true womanly fortitude she faints—on top of the ■. button -that gives the alarm and releases the'tear gas. What follows makes for hilarious fun and a most enjoyable picture. "The Irish in Us*".with Pat O'Brien,':James Cagney, and Frank McHugh, and "C'Est Paris," a technicolour picture, are also shown. •' - -■ -■ -

KING'S THEATRE.

A splendid double feature is now being, shown at the King's Theatre. Jack Buchanan is the star of "Brew-, ster's Millions;" the adaptation of the celebrated- play, in which young Brewster has to spend half a million pounds in six months or lose an even greater fortune. He thinks if is delightfully easy, but the restrictions placed on his disposal of the money produce many difficulties and considerable fun. Spectacular ensembles and catchy songs are features of.;the picture. "The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes," an enthralling mystery drama, is the second feature.■'''■_ ..-.

CAPITOL-THEATRE, MIRAMAR,

"Reckless," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features an all-star cast" in Jean Harlow, William Powell, Franchot Tone, May Robson. and Nat Pehdleton. The story, which is rich in music, gaiety; and good fun. tells of a beautiful blonde dancer who rises from a back-country carnival to the heights of stardom, becomes a nationwide sensation, and marries a playboy millionaire,- capturing society by her charm.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

"The Informer" is the principal attraction at the Regal Theatre. In this tale of turbulent Ireland, Victor MacLaglen is aided by a strong, cast that includes Heather Angel, Wallace Ford, and Preston Foster. A comedy, colouredcartoon, novelty, and newsreel complete the programme.1

EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE.

The main attraction at the Empire Theatre, Petone, tonight will •be "The Narrow- Corner," in which Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Patricia Ellis have the leading roles. The additional attraction is "Upper World," based on,' the smashing drama by Ben Hecht. The cast includes Warren William, Mary Astor, Ginger Rogers, Andy Devine, and Dickie Moore.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE,

"Red Hot Tires," which will be screened tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone, depicts some of the most thrilling automobile racing scenes ever shown on the screen. Lyle Talbot and Mary Astor are the stars.. The second attraction is "The Secret Bride," a thrilling drama featuring Barbara Stanwyck. Miss Nita Rosslyn, who is touring the world on a cycle,'appears on the stage. ,-

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

Carl Brisson and Mary Ellis, Paramount's two premier singing stars, are brought together in the leading romantic roles of "All the King's Horses," a blend of melody, comedy, and romance, which comes to the Palace Theatre Petone, tonight. Assisted by a notable cast, they enact the story of a king and queen whose public life interferes with their, romance. ■■

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

A young man who solves his own unemployment problem by setting himself up as a general aid to a serene mind is Robert Young in the highly diverting comedy "Calm Yourself," at the Majestic Theatre. Pat has been fired from an. advertising job and puts his "fixing" talents in another direction by taking on other people's responsibilities—for cash. He is in turn nursemaid, tutor, mentor, protector, and when approached by an elderly bridegroom who has married a young wife and wishes to keep from her the fact that he is the father of a girl nearly [ her own age, his real fun and troubles begin. The father has never seen his daughter, and Pat's job is to divert the young lady, which he does very successfully, Madge Evans makes a dainty Rosalind Rockwell. The supports include* the Majestic News Service, a.very amusing Charlie Chase comedy, and a funny : interlude with Patsy Kelly and Thelma Todd.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

Something entirely new in musical comedy romances is provided in "Paris in Spring," which is now showing at the St. James Theatre, and in which Mary Ellis, charming Metropolitan Opera star, and Tullio Carminati, who will be^xemembered for his work with f race Moore in "One Night of Love," have the leads. Mary Ellis is cast as a famous cabaret singer with whom Carminati is in love. However, they are a. tempestuous pair, and' Carminati's offers of marriage are scorned- A quarrel is all that is heeded to give the 'comedy sequences free.rein, and the [pair find themselves in some unique predicaments. The two leading players (are admirably supported by Ida Lupino and Lynne Overman. The excellent supporting programme includes a Paramount Pictorial, a Popeye the Sailorman ...cartoon, "Broadway Highlights,":'apd';a" r .scehl,c film, "Nature SpeakS'." A,;':. ;:^;:-*';:; .- .''i- : !J. '•'"■ ■<':[■ :■

STATE .THEATRE.

One: "of the 'strangest land'most absorbing film's "seen".forsome- time is "The Clairvoyant," which is the main feature at , the .State Theatre. The story .opens-with the introduction of Claude Rains and his wife, Fay Wray, charlatan mind readers, who travel :with:small shows;. using their fake act, which' is. conducted through the use of word combmations,*to make a livelihood. One night, a member of the audience holds up an object which the mind reader and his partner have not considered in their list of ."signs," and the -act"'falls. through..: Taking the. bandage from JhisXeyes, ,jthe rhindreader meets the.gaze of ay.girl and strangely X finds himself prophesying in ~reality. There is»^>a ; dramatic climax when his. clairvoyancy is put to the test in court. The' supporting programme is interesting, including scenes-,of ,the first match: of the -All Blacks' 'tour. "■' ,

REX THEATRE.

"Tarzan and His Mate": heads the double-feature programme now showing . at- the :Rex theatre. Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan" and Maureenj O'Sullivan- 'are again united 'in a 'jungle ; love story based on the famous fiction characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Buster -Keaton -and Jimmy— Durante I make beer in their Metro-Goldwyn-i Mayer" starring" 'Comedy, "Whatr"': No" Beer?" the supporting attraction, which is filled to -overflowing with-comedy- of the most riotous sort. A selection of enjoyable featurettes will be shown.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

"The White Sister" is the main feature now showing at Shortt's Theatre. Helen Hayes and-Clark Gable are co-. starred for the first time on' the screen, and a prominent supporting cast includes Lewis Stone,: Louise*. Glosser Hale^. May^Robsori, Edward Arnold; and'Alan^Edwards. The story concerns an aristocratic Italian girl who falls in love with a soldier on the eve of her marriage to man of her father's choice. "WJjten -rLadies Meet,". featuring., Ann Hairdmg'i.and Robert Montgomery, isfihe second picture. ■

4*CiCZA THEATRE.

Grace Moore?and her golden voice continue to'attract capacity audiences to the Plaza-Theatre, where her latest picture, "Love"Me Forever," is in its third week. '■'■Woven into the love affairs of •a« penniless debutante who turns successfully, to opera singing are a variety of operatic items that are almost faultless 'in their rendering. Grace Moore sings "II Bacio," the theme song "Love Me Forever," and takes part .in B the. famous quartet from "Rigoletto:''";!"-An opportunity to display her histrionic as well as her vocal ability, is given Miss Moore as "Muni" in '"■ a "scene ;from "La; Boheme." She is well supported by a strong cast, which includes .Michael Bartlett, 'a. 'well-known American tenor, Leo CarUlo, ,and Robert AUeri.: The bright supporting programme includes an interesting summary of the 'sport of running, an animated cartoon, and;'a newsreel. T '

ROXY THEATRE.

William Powell encounters the most baffling mystery of his, career in "Star of Midnight," a glamorous romance with a modern New York setting, now screening .at the Roxy Theatre.: fAs compensation for the difficulty of the case, .he has. Ginger Kogers as his,assistant in clue tracing. The. plot centres about the weird disappearance <■ of a" i beautiful woman; and th£ mysterious murder of a ' newspaper columnist which ensues. Interesting supporting subjects are also being screened." '

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Tlje main attraction at the Kilbirhie Kinema . tonight is "Clive ,of India," starring Ronald Colman and Loretta Young, with Colin Clove, C. Aubrey Smith, and a cast of hundreds. ' The story shows the private life of England's greatest hero and the part Ms lovely wife played in his trumphs and defeats. The additional attraction is "Car 99," starring Sir Guy Sheriden. Supporting featurettes include Mickey Mouse's first all-technicolour cartoon "The Band Concert."

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

Heading the double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre is "The People's Enemy," starring Preston Foster and Lila Lee. It narrates the attempts of a "notorious criminal to avoid serving a nine-year term for evasion of income-tax payments. When all efforts fail to bring about his1, release on parole he escapes from prison through a ruse. He is trapped in his lawyer's office, the scene of the actionpacked romance. The comedy-drama "The Love Test" is the second attraction.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Charlie Chan in Egypt," screening at the Capitol Theatre, tonight, and featuring Warner Oland, "Pat" Paterson, and Stepin Fetchit, tells of a 3000----year-old curse which takes a murderous toll and' which causes Charlie Chan to plunge into his weirdest adventure. The second feature, "The Nitwits," stars Wheeler and Woolsey as crime detectors.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

. The current attraction at the Empire Theatre is "Baby Take a Bow," starring Shirley Temple, supported by James Dunn, Claire Trevor, and Alan Dinehart." Shirley Temple is 'cast as the adorable daughter of a struggling young couple.; A two-reel comedy, a novelty featurette, and two newsreels complete the programme. On Wednesday and Thursday "Party Wire" is to be screened. '

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

"Olive/of India" wiU be screened flftally tonight at the De Luxe Theatre Lov^er Hutt. Tomorrow night "The Good Fairy," one of the most delightful -pictures ever produced, will be shown. .-. Not only is the theme a novel one,'but the picture is distinguished by superb acting and hilarious fun. Margaret Sullavan, Herbert Marshall and Frank r Morgan... head a. fine cast.

LAURI. PADDI AT NEW MAJESTIC.

Tonight is the opening night of Lauri Paddi1 and his famous Peter Pan Band who arrived from Auckland this morning under contract to Frederick Carr. This band comes to the New Majestic after a triumphant season of four years at the Peter Pan Cabaret, and should prove a big attractibn. Patrons are advisedto "reserve. ■■"'■ -■■■■-

RIVOLI THEATRE,

The new Zane Grey adventure picture, "Rocky Mountain Mystery" produced by Paramount and coming tonight to the Rivoli Theatre, is a blend of the famous Grey, outdoor action with the added element of a gripping murder mystery. Adapted from Zane Grey's "Golden Dreams," "Rocky Mountain Mystery" features Randolph Scott and Ann Sheridan in the romantic leads and a supporting cast that includes such well-known actors as Charles "Chic" Sale and Mrs. Leslie Carter, who makes her debut in this film. Priceless in its historical and sentimental value, a handmade rosepoint lace dress that was worn by the Romanoff Czarina Alexandra, last Empress of Russia, lends authenticity to Marleno Dietrich's portrayal of Catherine II in her greatest Paramount picture, "The Scarlet Empress," -which will be the second picture. This Paramount spectacle features in support of Marlene Dietrich, John Lodge, Sam Jaff, and Louise-Dresser.

TIVOLI THEATRE.

William Powell and Myrna Loy are reunited in a picture entirely different from anything they have done in the past in "Evelyn Prentice," now showing at the Tivoli Theatre. As in "The Thin Man," they again play husband land wife, but this time both are enmeshed in an amazing problem, worked out in one of the most dramatic courtroom scenes presented on the screen in many a month. In "Passport to Fame," the fast-moving, exciting Columbia comedy-drama which is the second feature. Edward G. Robinson is cast in the starring role of Arthur Jones, the harassed bookkeeper whose life is transformed by his resemblance to "Killer" Mannion. Jean Arthur supplies the romantic interest.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

In "Uncertain Lady," which is shown as the chief attraction at the Princess Theatre, Genevieve Tobin portrays the fascinating role: of a modern wife who is a business woman first, [while Edward Everett Horton supplies a barrage of laughs. "Colonel Blood," the additional feature, is jthe , true-to-life story of an Irish adventurer , who became a close [friend of the"Merrie Monarch." Frank iCelher, Anne Grey, Mary Lawson, AIUan Jeayes, and Arthur. Chesney have the main roles. There are entertaining short subjects: : ■■•.•-..