CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 110, 5 November 1935, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Sparklihg_with gaiety and tuneful Foodies, "The Students1 Romance." d bich. « tne mam feature at the Kegent Theatre, captures to perfection the lightheartedness and romance of life in Heidelberg one hundred years ago. The attractive theme song .'I Lost My Heart in Heidelberg is sung delightfully by the hero and heroine, Patrick Knowles and Grete JVatzler. There is an excellent supporting programme, which includes a special film of tha Ml Blacks in their opening game, and a day in the life of the Dionne quintuplets. "Legion of Valour." "Legion of Valour," the new Reliance thriller, coming to the Regent Theatre on Friday, presents one of the greatest detective stories to be shown on the screen. Richard Arlen, Virginia Bruce, Alice Brady, Bruce Cabot, Harvey Stephens, Eric Linden, and Gordon Jones, the sensational new football star-film "find," head the cast, •which also includes Hale Hamilton, J. Farrell Mac Donald, Dorothy Appleby, Barbara Pepper, and a score of other popular names. The story presents Arlen, Stephens, and Jones as three fearless detectives who pit science and brains against machineguns. Cabot is seen as Joe Keefer, a chauffeur, who starts his shocklg career of crime by engineering the attempted kidnap of his society girl employer, played by Virginia Bruce. Paroled, he grows more and more daring, finally becoming the most reckless criminal in the country. The relentless pursuit and final spectacular capture of Keefer by the three chums makes for one of the most exciting adventures the screen has ever shown. DE LTIXE THEATRE. Whisking along against a background pf scintillating dialogue, "No More Ladies," which is now in its second week at the De Luxe Theatre, has the distinction of having an almost negligible plot, yet everything in it to delight the most staid of - theatregoers. Kobert Montgomery, Joan Crawford, Edna May Oliver, Franchot Tone, and Charlie Buggies head a notable cast. The monster of "Frankenstein" and the vampire of "Dracula" vie with each other for horror honours in "The ■Raven," coming to the De Luxe Theature Friday next. Suggested by Edgar Allan Poe's immortal classic, this film boasts the combined master mystery talents of Karloff (Frankenstein) and Bela Lugosi (Dracula). These two chill-chasers are co-starred in a story adapted to the screen by David Boehm and featuring in the supporting cast Irene Ware, Lester Matthews. Samuel Hinds, Inez Courtney, and many others. The plot concerns the mental flgnts of a famous surgeon who, like the great poet, is of a morbid, brooding turn of mind. "The Raven" always fas-' cmated him, to the extent.of having a stuffed replica of this bird standing beside him on his desk. The shadow, of this bird of ill-omen predominates m the theme of the story. Fraught with danger and mysticism, "The Raven" abounds with intense suspense from beginning to end. It is a worthy successor to "Frankenstein" and "Dracula." PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Mr. What's His Name," one. of the features at the Paramount Theatre, deals with the complications that follow when Alfred Henfield (Sir Seymour Hicks), a sauce king, loses his memory in a train wreck. Aline MacMahon and Guy Kibbee have two fine roles in the second attraction, "While the Patient Slept," a murder mystery drama. Cast in the leading role of "Stolen Harmony," his new Paramount picture, coming on Friday to the Para-mount-iE heatre, • George; Raft-again returns to the type of characterisation that took him to stardom in "Scarface " Starred with Ben Bernie and his lads, Raft plays ah ex-convict who turns straight for, a chance to join Bernie and his lads on a transcontinental amusement tour, falls in love with Grace Bradley, the little dancer in Bernie's troupe, and saves the band from desperate outlaws at the risk of his own life. The second feature will be "Mama Loves Papa," starring Charles Ruggles and Mary Boland, and showing the adventures and misadventures of a middle-aged couple. KING'S THEATRE. "Love Me Forever," starring Grace Moore, is showing for another week at the King's Theatre. Combining drama, music, and romance, the picture is a gift tor the whole world, a. thrilling evening pf heart-warming entertainment. Tellmg the story of Margaret Howard, a debutante who suddenly finds herself penniless, "Love Me Forever" takes her from the moment she meets Stephano Corelli (Leo Carillo) until she sings her astoundingly beautiful debut at the Metropolitan in lovely "La Boheme. "Love Me Forever" reaches a heartrending dramatic climax. REX THEATRE. Two features, offering both variety and excellent entertainment, are- now showing at the Rex Theatre. ■ Joe E. Brown, the wide-mouthed comedian, is a "6 Day Bike Rider" in the First National production that is said to be the biggest rib tickler in which Joe has yet appeared. Others in the cast include Maxine Doyle, Frank McHugh, Gordon Westcott, Arthur Aylesworth, and Lottie Williams. Charles Laughton, Carole Lombard, Charles Bickford, and Kent Taylor head the cast of Pafamount's "White Woman" an exotic, yet convincing story, combined with - flawless acting. . Wellchosen short subjects will be shown. PRINCESS THEATRE. Shirley Temple, the sensational child star, returns in another Paramount picture which affords even more scope for her ample talents. It is "Now and Forever," the leading feature now showing at the Princess Theatre in which .the five-year-old is starred with Gary Cooper and Carole Lombard. One of the most thrilling murder mystery stories of the year is offered as the supporting attraction, with the showing of Universal's "Mr. Dynamite," starring Edmund Lowe. A musical revue; an Oswald cartoon; a sportlight and Graham McNamee Newsreels are included among the additional short subjects. ROXY THEATRE. Nancy Carroll and George Murphy are the featured players in "After the Dance,' the new Columbia musical picture, now screening at the Roxy Theatre. The film tells the story of a dogged' manhunt, the innocent victim's dash for liberty, and the sensational consequences of his attempt to hide from his past. A sparkling comedyromance, "Champagne for Breakfast," featuring such well-known players as Mary Carlisle, Hardie Albright, Joan Marsh, and Li la Lee, is the second feature. The film possesses plenty of thrills, love interest, and real drama. KILBIRNIE KIN'EMA. Paramount's comedy classic "Rug-! gles of Red Gap/ starring Charles I .Laughton, with Charles Buggies. Znsu Pitts, and Mary Boland, will conclude at the Kilbirnie Kinoma tonight The supporting feature is "Flirtation Walk " starring Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. Two brilliant attractions will be presented tomorrow, a revival of the nilcolour musical romance. "Viennese Nights," and the screamingly funny comedy, "The Camels Are Coming," starring Jack Hulbert. Britain's prince of comedy. "Naughty Marietta" commences on Friday, and the box plans are now open for the whole season. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "The First World War," showing the grim reality and horror of 1914-18, will be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. Taken from !he grim secrets of the nations' guarded archives, it serves to reveal the 'real meaning of ■war to every man, woman, and child ■who sees it. A splendid drama. "The Perfect Flay,-." and a newsrjel complete the programme.

CIH AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

MAJESTIC THEATRK When there is an Irish and an Italian branch of the one family, fireworks and laughter can be expected in abun dance, and Leo Carrillo and Louise Fa- I zenda, a _n^w comedy team in "The Winning Ticket," which is now screening at the Majestic Theatre, do not disappoint in this respect. The fun commences when Joe Tomascllo (Leo Carrillo), an impecunious barber, is induced by his still more impoverished brother-in-law Eddie (Ted Healy) .10 buy a ticket in the Irish sweepstake, unbeknown to his affectionate but effervescent Irish wife Nora (Louise Fazenda). who has a rooted objection to gambling. The announcement th.t Joe is the holder of the winning ticket, which alas! cannot be founn creates a series of hilarious situations as the trail leads the Tomasello family ana | its numerous relatives in anu out of trouble. The supporting orogrammo includes a Metrotone News, a traveltalk, and a short comedy skit. "The Tin Man." ST. JAMES THEATRE. One of the most exciting films screened in Wellington for some time is "Men Without Names," at the St. James Theatre, a powerful and exciting drama dealing with the perils that beset members of the American secret service in their ceaseless vyarfare against the criminal organisations of that vast country. The theme centres round the efforts of Fred Mac Murray to track down a notorious gang responsible for a daring robbery .of an armoured truck. A desperate hunt takes place, the secret service agents following their1 men until a desperate battle is forced, ending in the complete destruction of the gang. Fred Mac Murray is cast as Richard Grant, the young agent, and the leading feminine player is Madge Evans, as Helen, a newspaper woman staying at the same lodgings as Grant. On the supporting bill are several excellent short subjects, including scenes showing the Abyssinian army mobilising at Addis Ababa, and Abyssinian women warriors leaving for the front. PLAZA THEATRE. Excellent acting, direction, and photography have made a film triumph of John Buchan's well-known novel "The Thirty-nine Steps," showing at the Plaza Theatre. Commencing with panic in a London music-hall and the accidental meeting of a beautiful, mysterious woman, and Hannay, a young Canadian, on holiday in England, the story grows more intriguing as the plot progresses. In answer to tha stranger's request for temporary protection, Hannay takes her to his home, but her adversaries are too clever, and the young man is horrified to find her dying after being stabbed in the back. However, before her death Hannay himself is in possession of her secret; and the importance of this knowledge involves him in a series of adventures. Robert Donat makes Hannay an appealing and handsome personality, while the beautiful Madeleine Carroll, as the girl who tries to give him away, plays her part admirably. Godfrey Tearle and John Laurie also have important roles. An interesting supporting programme is shown. STATE Tii£ATRE. "Curly Top," which is entertainment for all the family, is now in its second week at the State Theatre. The brilliant young star ■ Shirley Temple has the support of John Boles and Rochelle Hudson in this story of a youthful millionaire who adopts an orphan and finds that he must take her sister too—not 'difficult, perhaps, when it is realised that the sister is Miss Hudson—and who finally falls in love with the girl. Shirley gives no less than three hew songs including "When I Grow Up" and "Animal Crackers in My Soup." The story contains the elements of comedy and surprise which show Shirley's talents tc greatest advantage. The supporting programme includes an interesting range of films, a Mickey Mouse number showing pranks in the garden, the Pickens Sisters, famous radio stars, in a novel and entertaining comedy, the latest newsreels, with 'scenes from Abyssinia, and a Terry Toon about what happens when a radio station holds an amateur night. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Harold Lloyd' makes a welcome reappearance on the screen in "The Cat's Paw," which heads the new bill at Shortt's Theatre. The story is set around the adventures of a young American missionary, who, returning from China to find a wife, is thrown into the maelstrom of a .typical American mayoralty election/campaign. "Princess Charming," starring Evelyn Laye, will also be shown. An excellent cast appears with Evelyn Laye, including Yvonne Arnaud and George Grossmith. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. • "Abdul, the Damned." which will be screened' at the Seaside Pictures tonight at 8, is a tense, dramatic story of the most-hated monarch the world has known. Afraid that he might follow the other Abduls who were assassinated, he lived a life of terror. Fritz Kortner, Nils Asther, and Adrienne Ames are the leading players. Excellent supports will be shown. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Tonight at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, "Naughty Marietta," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's spectacular translation to the screen of Victor Herbert's masterpiece, will be screened. Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy head an elaborate cast. "Naughty Marietta" has been a phenomenal-suc-cess everywhere it has been screened. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Maurice Chevalier has his first dual role as star of "Folies Bergere," 20th Century's lavish picturisation of the famous French musical comedy institu.tion, now showing at the Palace Theatre. Merle Oberon, Ann Sothern, Robert Grieg, Lumsden Hare, Walter Bryon, Eric Blore, Ferdinand Gottschalk, and Ferdinand and Munier are prominent in the cast. Chevalier sings five songs. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Ralph Rainger, of the Robin and Rainger composing team, originators of Love in Bloom" and other recent hits composed the music and score for Paramounfs "Rumba." which commences tomorrow at the Grand Theatre, Petone. George Raft is starred with Carole Lombard, his dancing partner of "Bolero." EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE. Co-starred for the first time since their appearance in the epic picture, "Cimarron." Irene Dunne and Richard Dix come to the screen of the Empire j Theatre. Petone. tomorrow. in |"Stingaree,"' a romantic tale o£ the seventies in Australia, with Mary Boland. Una O'Connor, Conway Tearle, Andy Devine, and Henry Stephcnson are also in the cast. "THE CIRCASSIANS." On Thursday next at 8 p.m., in the Town Hall Concert Chamber. "The Circassians" will give their final subscription concert for 1035. A most attractive group of concerted numbers will be sung by the chorus of 80 voice?, under the baton of Mr. Thomas Wood, L.P..S.M. Solos by such wellknown cinders as Eileen Courtenay, soprano,- Almq Cowis. mezzo-soprano and Victor Woodward, tenor, humorous quartets, octets, etc.. will add colour to a very diversified and entertaining programme. "Tha Circassians" will as usual appear in their picturesque P.ussian costumes. Miss Barbara Bannister. L.R.S.M., is the pianist. Popular prices are boing charged and patron? ara advised to book early at Begg's.

TIVOLI THEATRE. I "Imitation of Life," which tells the story of one of the most appealing characters Fannie Hurst 'has as yet created, comes to the Tivoli Theatre tonight with Claudette Colbert in the stellar role. Bea Pullman is a young woman who after the death of her husband, whom she has never really loved sets out to support her little daughter and herself by selling maple syrup from door to door. With the help of a • coloured woman she opens a little pancake shop and later makes a fortune by boxing the pancake flour and selling it. Then real love enters her life, but her daughter is then grown and an unusual triangle situation" develops. Bea realises that success and fame do not constitute real living, that it has all been an imitation of life until love came. Warren William plays opposite Miss Colbart, Rochelle Hudson, Ned Sparks, Baby Jane, Alan Hale, Henry Armetta, and other very well-known players complete the cast. "The Trumpet Blows," starring George Raft, Frances Drake, and Adolphe Menjou, will be the • second feature "The Trumpet Blows" is a thrilling, action-packed romance of Mexico and the most dangerous spot in the world — bull fighting. Raft's supporting cast is headed by Adolphe M'enjou, Frances Drake, and Sidney Toler. Katherine DeMille, daughter of the famous director, Edward Ellis. Douglas Wood. Nydia Westman, and Francis McDonald, are prominently cast. The supporting programme will be of the usual high standard. RIVOLI THEATRE. The long-awaited appearance of Charles Laughton, brilliant English actor, in a full-length comedy role finally occurs in Paramounfs "Ruggles of Red Gap," which will be shown tonight at the Rivoli Theatre, and proves beyond any shadow of doubt the man's consummate artistry. In sharp con.trast to the many sinister and villainous characters Laughton has portrayed so perfectly in his other film roles, he is now the charming, lovable, rollicking Ruggles. just as Harry Leon Wilson, the author of the famous story, might have imagined him. Supported by Mary Boland, Charlie Ruggles, Roland Young, Zasu Pitts, and Leila Hyams in this bright and imaginative story of America in the 1900's. Laughton makes of this character of a sophisticated English butler in provincial Western society a role full of laughter, surprise twists, and delights. A. gripping, melodramatic tale, set in the eerie confines of London's worldfamous Chinatown, Paramounl's "Limehouse Blues," the second feature, brings George Raft back to the screen with two leading ladies, the beautiful Chinese Anna May Wong and demure Jean Parker. It is a tale of tangled threads of love and devotion, set against a background of smuggling, Oriental luxury, and strife between the underworld and the police. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Girl Without a F.oom" heads the double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre. In the picture, a comedyromance of the Parisian art colony, Charles Farrell portrays an artist, with Marguerite Churchill co-operating in the love interest. The supporting cast is headed by Charlie Ruggles and Gregory Ratoff. The unusual and entertaining murder mystery story "Death at Broadcasting House," is the second attraction. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," featuring Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, Richard Cromwell, and Sir Guy Standing in the principal roles, js screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight and at a matinee tomorrow at 3.30 p.m. It is a stirring outdoor spectacle based on the exploits of India's famous fighting regiment snd a story of the extraordinary bravery, discipline, and skill that enabled a mere handful of English officers to hold sway over the teeming millions oj India. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre the programme^ in aid of the Children's Health C.imp fund will comprise Gracie.-Fields's great singing comedy, "This Weel: of Grace," and Anne Shirley and O. P. Heggie in "Chasing Yesterday." a successor to "Anne of Green Gables." "OUR MISS GIBBS." Experiment though the revival of musical successes of ancient vintage may be, the enthusiasm with which "Our Miss Gibbs," which is being presented at the Opera House, has been received by Wellington audiences is a tribute, not only to the evergreen appeal of this musical comedy, but also to the efficiency and talent of the members of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., company, headed by Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard. At first blush it would seem that the production was of 1935 origin, so great is the sparkle of the thoroughly balanced cast, and so spontaneous is the appreciation of the audience. This .revival is truly brilliant from all angles. With enchanting stage settings, dialogue abounding in clever wise-cracks, and incessant surprises, and tuneful melodies, the gay musical show "High Jinks" is to be staged for a short season at the New Opera House on Thursday night by the J.C. Williamson, Ltd.. musical comedy company, with Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard. High Jinks" promises to be as spark.ling and successful a show as the current production, • "Our Miss Gibbs." It is the result of the co-operation of eleven famous librettists, composers and playwrights, including Jerome Kern. Rudolph Friml, and Frederick Lonsdale. The Wellington season of "High Jinks" 'will conclude next Saturday night.