CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 126, 23 November 1935, Page 8

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

REGENT THEATRE.

IVterle Oberon, the exotic young Australian actress, captures the hearts of picture-goers with her piquant charm and her expressive and emotional acting ability in the outstanding film "The Dark Angel," which is now in its second week at the Regent Theatre. She is supported by two of the finest-male actors of the day, Herbert Marshall and Fredric March, who maintain their own high standard in this production. The story deals with the love of Alan Trent (Fredric March) and Gerald Shannon (Herbert Marshall), for Kitty Vane, both waiting for her to choose between them. England is suddenly plunged into war, and the two men are called .to the front. Just before leaving Alan is accepted by Kitty, and they spend one night at Folkestone before he departs. The film is fortunately free from morbid battle scenes, and the glimpses of the front are just sufficient to impart a tense atmosphere to the story- Following a raid Alan is missed, and years later appears in England, a blinded man, sensitive about the loss of his sight, and living under an assumed name. The emotional passages that follow are beautifully and poignantly acted by the members of the cast, and the reuniting of Alan and Kitty forms a powerful climax to the story. The supporting films include newsreels and a coloured cartoon by Walt Disney entitled "Mickey's Garden." Lance Fairfax, well known to New Zealand theatregoers, is heard singing "The .Last Round-up."

DE LUXE THEATRE.

An attractive new team, Charles Boyer and Loretta Young is starred in

"Shanghai," the film of strange events in the Far East, which began its local screenings at the De Luxe Theatre yesterday. This story of a Russian exiled since the Revolution and the tangle of his love for a beautiful American girl is well told and its unusual twist at the conclusion robs the spectator of any clue to the end. Dmitri Kosloff comes to Shanghai with his father, a Russian general, and as long as his father lives the young man ministers to his delusion that some day they will return to Russia. But with his father's death Dmitri feels free to appeal to an old family friend and obtains a position in a bank. His knowledge of finance and his ancestry give him an advantage when dealing with his rivals; he becomes rich and powerful and at the same" time very much in love with Barbara Hammond. Under the promptings of his doubtful friend, a high Chinese noble, Kosloff then gives a.party at which he will put his sweetheart's love to the test. He does so with apparent failure, but there -is a double surprise waiting, and the film when it closes has reached a situation which no one foresaw. Warner Oland and Alison Skipworth are in the supporting cast. The supporting bill includes British and American newsreels, a short picture recapturing- famous I scenes from films which have made history, and a coloured cartoon classic cf more than usual humour. .

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

A -well-balanced programme of more than ordinary merit- is the offering at the Paramount Theatre this week. The. double-feature bill is. headed by George Raft in "The Glass' Key," arid the exciting nature of this production is balanced by W. C. Fields in "The Man on the Flying Trapeze." "The Glass Key" is topical, because it has to do with politics and pre-election energies, but the methods by which cam-

paignirig is carried on in America are 7. taxing'to sober imaginations. Politics,1 , according to this film, are a hotch-potch ■' of graft and rackets; threats and fulfilled, threats. An attempt to indict • one of the biggest men in the town on . a charge of murder, an attempt that is v bolstered up by one of the news- - papers, is only one of the tricks, to ./' influence the votes of the public. . George Raft, out of his gangster roles, - has the leading part. "The Man on .... the Flying' Trapeze" savours strongly of old-time comedies, and for that reason alone it is welcome. It is clean, ; wholesome fooling without modern in-

nuendoes and subtleties.. The start.of all the trouble was applejack, a potent beverage that has more than a touch - - of anaesthetic in it; wrestling causes r a little more trouble, and a mother-in- ';- law with all the traditions of her class is always an unfortunate background. „ Also on the* programme is a Merry -■■ Melody cartoon.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Curly Top," which is entertainment for all the family, is now showing at the King's 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 new 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 to greatest advantage.- , "Thunder in the Night," starring Edmund Lowe, is the second feature.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

. Two special features are now screening at the Princess Theatre. The big attraction, "That's a Good Girl," is based upon the famous stage success which Jack Buchanan produced and starred in at the London Hippodrome. Buchanan is in his element in the kind of entertainment which has made his reputation on the stage. The brilliant cast also includes Elsie Randolph, Vera Pearce, and Garry Marsh. Suspense is the keynote of "A Notorious Gentleman," the Universal drama which forms the additional feature. Charles Bickford plays the ririncipal part, and has never been seen to better advantage. Appearing opposite him is Helen Vinson. Enjoyable short subjects are also included.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

One'of the most unusual pictures of the season, in that it combines an exciting mystery story with a brilliant display of fashions, is Universal's latest film, "Rendezvous at Midnight" which is now showing at Shortt's Theatre. The picture is from an adaptation of the stage play "The Silver Fox," ana is said to be packed with thrilling mystery drama. Ralph Bellamy and Valeric Hobson, the new English beauty, play the leading roles. The rise of an auctioneer to the position of the nation's best-known radio announcer and reporter is the theme of Unive'lsal's colourful picture, "Gift of Gab," which will be the second feature. The picture boasts thirty radio, stage, and screen celebrities, headed by Edmund Lowe and Gloria Stuart.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's world-fam-ous production "David Copperfield" is to be screened at the Regal Theatre this evening. Sixty-five stars are featured m the unprecedented cast, among them W. C. Fields, Lionel Barrymore, Madge Evans, Maureen O'Sullivan, Herbert Mundin, and many others. Two newsreels are also shown.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"One New York Night," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayor special 'attraction, heads the current programme at the Empire Theatre. Franchot Tone, Una Merkel, and Conrad Nagel are starred. The story revolves around a mysteriour murder in a cosmopolitan hotel. A special feature of the supporting programme is "Star Night at the Coconut Grove," showing Bing Crosby and many other famous stars.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

At the Seaside Pictures tonight, at 7.30, a really good entertainment is in store for patrons. "Ruggles of Red Gap," a hilarious comedy featuring Charles Laughton and a huge supporting cast, will be screened: in conjunction with "The Girl from 10th Avenue," starring Bette Davis. A colour classic, "The Song of the Birds," and a Paramount variety film will be included in the featurettes.

BIAJESTIC THEATRE,

Weird but wonderful is the best description that can be applied to "The Hands of Orlac," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production which commenced a season at the Majestic Theatre last night. The story and its plot are both unusual enough to be something out of the ordinary and the way in which the strong cast presents the whole picture grips the observer. The principal players are Peter Lorre, as Doctor Gogol, Frances Drake, as Yvonne Orlac, and Colin Clive, as Stephen Orlac. and they are supported by a strong cast. The story in brief is that Doctor Gogol is in love with Yvonne but she prefers, the musician. Stephen Orlac. The unscrupulous doctor decides to destroy his rival and fate plays into his hands. Stephen meets with an accident which necessitates the amputation of his hands and Yvonne goes to the doctor to see if he can do anything to save them.' At the same time a notorious knife thrower is executed and the doctor secures his body and grafts his hands on to the unsuspecting Stephen. What follows may be imagined but should .be seen to be fully realised. The supporting features are all good and consist of an interesting news service, a laughable Charlie Chase comedy, and a delightful cartoon, "Good Little Monkeys."

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

A light-hearted drama on the theme of the eternal triangle (with variations) i "The Goose and the Gander," now showing at the St. James Theatre, offers excellent entertainment. Early in the picture the triangle unexpectedly develops six sides, two of which are crooked. The scene is at a summer resort, at which the wife of a very high society gentleman decides to run off with a former playmate. In the meantime, the husband meets his first wife, who is still under the impression that she is in love with him, and who also knows of his second wife's indiscretions. A combination of circumstances largely:, brought about by the second wife brings both couples together at a mountain lodge. -At the same time, two hotel thieves take possession of the second wife's car, and join the other two couples at the lodge, posing as the original husband 'and wife. The- outstanding actress ' in: the I film is Kay Francis, who, as the first Mrs. Summers, makes a most charming schemer. The' part of the erring second wife is played by the sophisticated Genevieve Tobin. As the husband, Halph Forbes gives his usual polished performance. Opposite Kay Francis, in the role of the man who finally marries her, is George Brent, whose acting is, excellent. The suj*porting programme, which includes newsreels, a colour, cartoon, a musical novelty, and a comedy, is a .very strong one. • , ' • \

STATE THEATRE.

Of all of Dumas's works surely none is better known than his "Three Musketeers," the ■■■- adaptation -of ■ - which is now. showing, at the State Theatre. Untarnished ■ by- time, it is ! one of the most amazing books ever written, to Come to-the screen.- It will thrill a twentieth century world with a seyen'teenth century tale; a story of a brilliant age when the rapier ruled and kings and queens were only pawns in the bitter games of intrigue, treachery, and war. A famous New York stage star, Walter Abel, plays the fiery D'Artagnan, and makes the character a veritable whirlwind of action. His burning ambitions, his hotheadedness, and his wild willingness to prove his prowess with the sword gets him into plenty of thrilling situations. Then there are Athos, Aramis, and Porthos. The roles are played in fine, and dashing style, by Paul Lukas, Onslow Stevens, and Moroni Olsen respectively. Heather Angel', plays Constance, lady-in-waiting to* the 'Queen, while the role'of Milady de Winter, Cardinal Richelieu's seductive spy, is enacted-by beautiful Margot Grahame. Other favourites in a'lengthy cast include Ralph Forbes, lan Keith, Lumsden Hare, Miles Mander, and Murray Kinnell.

REX THEATRE,

"I Am a Thief," said to be one of the most thrilling' and baffling murder mystery dramas screened, is the main feature at the Rex Theatre. The story depicts the exciting battle between the French Surete and a band of international jewel robbers. There is an all-star cast headed by Mary Astor and Ricardo Cortez. "The Devil is Driving," Paramount's rapidfire melodrama .set against the background of organised car stealing and its death-dealing ramifications, is the supporting feature, with a cast including Edmund Lowe, Wynne Gibson, James Gleason, Lois Wilson, Dickie Moore, and . Allan . Dinehart. The supplementary featurettes comprise "The Radio Scout," "Seeing Stars," and a Paramount News.

ROXY THEATRE,

A vivid and graphic picture of the thrills,- adventures, and perils encountered by a pair of deep-sea divers is now showing at the Roxy Theatre. 'It. is called. "The Best Man Wins" and stars those. two rollicking screen he-men Edmund Lowe, and Jack Holt., "In Caliente," the' supporting feature, is First National's latest . musical spectacle, combining romance, comedy, and drama. There is an all-star cast, which includes Dolores Del Rio, Pat O'Brien, Leo Carrillo, Edward Everett Horton, Glenda Farrell, Phil Regan, Dorothy Dare, Miss Shaw, The De Marcos, and The Canova Family.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

The main feature at Our Theatre, Newtown, tonight, is "The -Lives of a Bengal Lancer," starring .Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, Richard Cromwell, and Sir Guy Standing. This outstanding screen offering combines magnificence, sheer spectacle, and poignant drama in a remarkable I manner. The second big attraction is "Here Comes the Groom," starring Jack Haley, Mary Boland, and Neil Hamilton in a hilarious high-speed comedy. Excellent supports will be shnwn.

DE LUXE THEATRE. LOWER HUTT,

Tonight at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, "Broadway Gondolier," Warner Bros.' sensational new musical comedy, which reunites the popular stars of "Gold Diggers of 1933," Dick Powell and vJoan Blondell, will be shown. The picture is heralded as one of the most humorous, as well as romantic productions of the year, and Adolph Menjou, Louise Fazenda, William Gargan, George Barbier, arid Grant Mitchell are featured.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

William Powell and Ginger Rogers in R.K.0.-Radio's "Star of- Midnight" bring to the screen perhaps the best of modern mystery dramas, which will be shown tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Strong in story, brilliantly enacted, expertly directed, and handsomely mounted, the picture is splendid. Specially selected supports complete the programme.

EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE.

"Girl Missing," a mystery thriller, which commences at the Empire Theatre, Petone, tonight, features an excellently-balanced cast with Ben Lyon, Glenda Farrell, and Mary Brian in the leading roles. Others include such well-known players as Peggy Shannon, Lyle Talbot, and Guy Kibbee. "3 on a Match," with Warren William and Joan Blondell, is the second attraction.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

"The Scarlet Pimpernel," which commences a three-day season at the Palace Theatre, Petone, tonight, is a spectacular period romantic drama of adventure, brilliantly adapted from Baroness Orczy's widely-read story. The starring players, Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, give wonderful performances in a picture representing entertainment of universal appeal.

PLAZA THEATRE,

Named by many of the most famous critics as the finest actress on the $tage or screen today, Elisabeth Bergner reveals emotional talent that has never been surpassed on the screen in the role of the carefree gamin whose life strays into tragic paths and forms the story, of "Escape Me Never," the brilliant British production which began at the'.-Plaza'Theatre yesterday. This little Austrian actress gives to the. role of Gemma Jones something of that heroic quality which is part' of her own personality; Elfishley elusive, she dances thrdugh the picture, gurgling with'laughter at one moment as a child will gurgle in sheer contentment, the next flashing, away in. impish mischief; but with it all is the woman, a ring of knowledge in her voice, a depth of feelin-? in her grief.' And suddenly: her mood changes—she lifts her empty hand; and it seems weighed with all the sorrows of'her tragic'little life. She makes of the lovable waif who is befriended with her' baby by a selfish, egotistical composer, who finally marries her, a living person. The film, which was directed by. Dr. Paul Czinner. is a perfect vehicle for the genius of the greatest actress in the world today., Technically it is perfect, and the casting and photography are also of first-class standard. Naturally Elisabeth Bergner dominates the production, but she has the assistance of the original West End stage cast. Hugh Sinclair does well as the callous husband, and Griffith Jones makes .the most of his part as his more matter-of-fact brother. As the society girl who infatuates both brothers, .Penelope Dudley. Ward makes a promising screen debut, and others in the cast are Irene Vanbrugh. . Leon Quartermaine, and Lyn Harding.

VIENNESE BOYS' CHOIR.

The first evening gala performance of the Viennese Boys' Choir will take place at the Grand Opera House tonight, commencing at 8 olclock. Additional matinees will be given next Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the final evening performance taking place on Thursday night. There will be a complete change of programme nightly. Each programme will include one of the delightful operas of Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert—all of whom were, in their, youth, members of the Viennese Boys' Choir. All operas are beautifully presented in costume and acted I with remarkable skill, the players having all the art of experience; the singing never fails to charm, and the humorous scenes captivate the audience. A visit to hear the Viennese singing boys is one of the most exhilarating experiences possible. In addition to the operas, the Viennese boys will be heard in selections from their unrivalled repertoire of sacred music, also in! joyful folk songs and the charac-teristically-Viennese waltz songs by Johann Strauss. These latter will include the ever popular "Blue Danube" and "Tales of Vienna Woods." Tonight's performance will commence at 8 and finish at 10.30, and the matinees will start at 2.30 and finish at 5 o'clock. Tickets at all prices will be available at the doors tonight from 7 o'clock. Day sales are at the theatre sweet shop.

WELLINGTON MALE VOICE CHOIR.

Saturday next, November 30, is the date fixed for the next concert by the Wellington Male Voice Choir. Those who have attended the previous two concerts this season of the society have been loud in their praise of the high standard that has been attained in male part singing. If the rehearsals are any indication, this, the final concert of the present season, promises to be even better than. any that have preceded it. The part songs have been carefully chosen to fit in. more with the spirit of the times and are bright and optimistic in character There are numbers to suit all tastes. Some of Wellington's leading performers will be heard at this concert. Miss Molhe Cummings, a coloratura soprano, will give some of the gems from her repertoire, and will be assisted by Mr. Cyril Ainsworth, who will play a flute obbligato as well as solo work Mr Roy Hill (tenor) and Mr. _W. Binet Brown (basso) never With Mr. Clement Howe at the piano and the whole under the skilful direction of Mr. Stanley Oliver, it will be seen that an excellent concert is asT?™ f X Plan will °Pen on Tuesday morning next at Begg's and patrons are advised to book early

FINAL PERCY GRAINGER CONCERT.

rJ^T i a \ booklng and a Programme calculated to appeal to all augur well ttW 0 be g-iven in the laree lown Hall this evening when Percy Grainger, world-renowned pianist-composer-conductor, appears with the combined choirs of the Harmonic Society, Apollo Singers, and Boys' Chbir and associated with a chamber orchestra in an all-Grainger programme of f, m°st varied character. In view of the heavy booking patrons having :reserved seats are requested to arrive by 7.30 p.m. Doors will be closed at 8 p.m.. sharp for the first item' As piano solos. Mr. Grainger is to play ■^One More, Day, My John," "Country Gardens,- _ "Paraphrase on Brahms," t.tHl . b/' ParaPhrase on the 'Flower Waltz' from Tschaikowsky's 'Nut-crack-er Suite'," and "Molly on the Shore." beldom, if ever, has a pianist aroused such enthusiasm as was evident when ne played on Thursday evening, and nis large contribution to tonight's concert should ensure a full house. Choral numbers of all kinds, accompanied and unaccompanied, mixed and male voice and numbers by the chamber orchestra make up the balance of the programme, and it should be noted that this is the final opportunity to see and hear this talented musician and charmmi* Mrs. Grainger, who will also take part in various numbers with her "tuneful percussion."

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

Two brilliant productions will be screened at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. The first, a masterpiece from the famous Korda studios, is the picturisation of Baroness Orczy's worldfamed book, "The Scarlet Pimpernel. Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon occupy the stellar roles and are ably supported by a notable cast including Nigel Bruce and Raymond Massey. Superlatives are unnecessary to describe this superb production. The record-breaking runs of this production are proof positive of its entertainment value. The sec-hfi-wn g attraction is Paramount^ hilarous farce "McFadden's Flats" starring Walter C. Kelly, Andy Clyde, Richard Cromwell, and Jane Darwell.

CAPITOL THEATRE, lUIRAMAR the Park Avenue home of the pampered Jackie Searle, O. P. Hegeie' Kathenne Alexander, and Walter King are featured players. The picture is full of humour and charm. There is a good supporting programme.

BROOKLYN PICTURES

"Belle of the Nineties," which will be shown at the Brooklyn Pictures tonight, features Roger Pryor, John Mack Brown, and John Miljan. "The Poor Rich." an up-to-the-minute comedy, will also be screened.

SCOTS CONCERT.

The national concert organised by the Wellington Association of Scots Societies was a great success last year. This encouraged the association to make the concert an annual affair, and the Town Hall has been engaged for St. Andrew's Day, Saturday, November 30. An excellent programme oE Scots national and Gaelic songs, music, dancing, and elocutionary items has' been arranged, and the programme should appeal not only to Scots, but to all "itha folk." Among the contributing artists will be Mrs. Wilfred Andrews, Mrs. Crawford, Mr. Ray Trewern, Mr. Trevor Thomas, and Mr. Angus MacKay (songs), Mrs. Greville Wiggs and Mr. J. B. Thomson (elocutionary items), chorus and part-songs by the Circassians, a reel and strathspey orchestra, a party of juvenile and adult dancers, and the Caledonian Society's Pipe Band. The concert should draw a crowded house, as it is in aid of the Presbyterian orphanages. Reserves can be made at Begg's, where tickets are on sale.

TIVOH THEATRE,

"Lady Tubbs," ■ the Universal picturisation of the funniest story ever written by Homer Croy, outstanding American humourist, heads the new bill at the Tivoli 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. How she helps along a romance and unearths some disturbing skeletons in the: closets of a couple who direct constant attention to the •'high-hattedness" ot their respective families, is screamingly funny. Douglas Montgomery, Anita Louise, June Clayworth, Alan Mowbray, and other popular players will be seen with Miss Brady. "Thg World Moves On," which will also be shown, has the , largest cast of principals of any picture made in Hollywood in many months. Headed by; the glamorous Madeleine Carroll and Franchot Tone, the cast includes -Reginald Denny, Siegfried Rumann, Louise Dresser, Raul Roulien, Lumsden Hare, Dudley Digges, Jose Mpjica, ■• Frank Melton, Brenda Fowler, Russell Simpson. Walter McGrail,. Marcelle Corday, Charles Bastin, Barry Norton, George Irvins, Ferdinand Schumann-Heink, Georgette Rhodes, Halliwell Hobbes, Ivan Simpson, Frank . Morari, and Stepin Fetchit. "The: World Moves On" is a Fox film by Reginald Berkeley; author of the screen r adaptation of "Cavalcade," and is described as, "the love story of a century."

MASSED BANDS AT BASIN.

Since the contest, held here the public of Wellington have not had the opportunity of hearing and seeing "several bands en masse. In iact the. local bands have not been encouraged to give of their best. An effort is being made tomorrow afternoon-to show,,that the bands of the city are prepared to cater for the. people and those who attend at the Basin Reserve 'should thoroughly enjoy the • performance which will be given. Eight bands will be taking part. Marching from the Town Hall at 2.25 p.m., the parade will procedd to the ground via Courtenay Place and .Kent Terrace, ■■• and upon a splendid programme'- will be given, including several massed items and spectacular evolutions. Two pipe bands will march and play pending the entry of the main body to-the Basin. If unfavourable weather makes, postponement necessary four flags will be flown at Mount Victoria signal station from 12.30 to 1.30 p.m. tomorrow.

PORT NICHOLSON BAND.

Tomorrow night, at the De Luxe Theatre, the Port Nicholson Band-will present a grand concert and picture entertainment. The band will be heard in several request items,* and "Mr. Bill the Conqueror," ai superbly photographed English comedy-drama,: set amidst the beauty of the Sussex countryside, will be screened. Termed by the English Press as "a lyric poem of rural England, many of the scenes are breathtaking in their beauty, while the plot as interpreted by Henry Kendall, Heather Angel, Sam Livesay, and Nora Swinbourne is rich in thrills and comedy. There is not a studio set in the picture, which is as refreshingly original as its famous prototype, "Song of the Plough." The concert will com-, mence at 8.15 p.m., and the picture is timed to finish in amnle time for patrons to catch cars to any district. The band will also present.a selected programme at Island Bay on Sunday afternoon.

SKATEWAYS. A special programme of attractions is advertised for this evening at Skateways, Vivian Street, Wellington's model rink. Included in the programme will be the Skaters' Medley, Statue Fours, Monte Carlo, gliding, waltzing, twostep, and barn dance, with prizes for the special competitions. The musical numbers will be supplied by the Manhattan Orchestra, and patrons are assured of a very enjoyable evening. The 1935 skating season will finish next Saturday night, with a monster programme of many competitions, novelties, and games, commencing at 7.30 p.m., and concluding at 12 p.m. A. special orchestra has been engaged for the evening, which promises to be^the" finest of the whole season. The rink will be open for five sessions daily all i next week. ' J