CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 137, 6 December 1935, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

NEW OPERA HOUSE,

I People who like tull-bloocßd. exciting entertainment should r-'vel in th 2 special programme which will start today at the New Opera House. First there will be the linn ot the recei.i light between Max Baer and Joe Louis the Negro boxer, Cor the world's heavy weight championship. Just twenty seconds after the start of the fourth round Louis put an end to the pretensions of Baer in what has been described as one of the most sensational battles in ring history Every momeM of this exciting fight was taught by the Fox Film cameraman Two see1 liont. are repeated in slow motion—th? battering of Baer iv the third roiuici and the knock-out punches in the fourth. Both give expressive reasons why Louis is likely to be the next heavyweight champion. In conjunction with the Baer-Louic fight ■ lihsi there will be screened the Paramount boxing comedy feature, "Two-Fisted."' This is.'saii to contain an engaging story, swift-paced action, and hilarious performances on , the Dart of all concerned. Lee Tracy. Roscoe Karns, Gail Patrick, Kent Taylor. Gordon Westcott, Florence Lake, and five-year-old Billy Lee have the principal parts. "Scraping the Skies" is- the t.ame of a thrilling short subject.

DE LUXE THEATRE,

That there is something new in motion pictures has again been shown by Warner Bros., whose special features based on the workings of various Gow ernmental Departments have been bright lights in the entertainment world for the past year. It was this company that filmed the extremely successful "G Men," the first time the operatives of the Department of Justice were made the subject of dramatisation. Now Warner Bros, have another and even bigger success in the Cosmopolitan production "Special Agent," which commences today at the De Luxe Theatre. To a motion picture as gripping and dramatic as "G Men" has been added a stirring romance between Bette Davis and George Brent. Ricardo Cortez is again a villain in the part of a ruthless, but cool, resourceful, and polished criminal. Henry O'Neil, Joseph Crehan, and Robert Barrat have important parts. The excellent supporting programme includes Bobby Jones's new golf series, "Hip Action," a delightful musical revue, "Love Department, and other outstanding featurettes. The new De LuxeConcert Orchestra will present a new musical, presentation.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"Baroud," the somewhat intriguing title of the Gaumont-British picture released by Fox Films and coming to the Paramount Theatre today, means in • English "tribal warfare." Tribal warfare caused, by three-cor-nered love between an Arab princess, her French officer lover, and a bandit chief who also loves her, gives the picture its name, as well as most of its drama and action. "Baroud" was produced on the: site of its locale by Rex Ingram, producer of many famous silent pictures, who also appears as its star. The second feature is "The Un welcome. Stranger," starring Jack Holt and Mona Barrie. Nol only is its story a very human one of interest w both adults and youngsters but the production is excellent, the cast splen did, the direction sympathetic and the heart-throbs and laughs wisely spaced.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

"Private' Worlds," the new Claudette Colbert starring picture, is the leading feature now. being shown at the Princess Theatre. The picture reveals the story of a brilliant young woman psychiatrist who is unable to apply to the "privpte worlds" of her own mind the same skilful understanding that wins her fame in dealing with others. Excerpts from well-known operas and several original numbers form the musical background of the additional attraction, "Going pay," in which the principal players are Magda Schneider, Arthur Riscoe, and Naunton Wayne. Entertaining featurettes will also be shown.

REX THEATRE.

Two attractive features are now showing at the Rex Theatre. The principal picture, "West of the Pecos," the Richard Dix starring vehicle from RKO-Radio studios, has sweep, power, and scenic grandeur, and faithfully portrays the vivid days of the old West. As a special added attraction, Mac West appears in Paramount's unique comedy-drama, "I'm No Angel," which excels anything Miss west has yet attempted. Her supporting cast is a splendid one, headed by Cary Grant. A number of entertaining short subjects are included on the programme.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

An exyelient double-feature programme is being screened at the Cap!tol Theatre tonight at 7.45. "After the Dance," starring Nancy Carroll, George Murphy, Thelma Todd, and Jack Le Rue, is the story of a night club entertainer who is "framed" by his dancing partner and is sent to the penitentiary to serve a term for manslaughter. "The Farmer Takes a Wife," which will also be screened at a matinee tomorrow at 215 p.m., is a tale of simple folk in the early days of the grat Erie Canal. The supporting programme includes the running of the Melbourne Cup and a Walt Disney coloured Silly Symphony.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

Naughty Marietta" heads the weekend programme at the Karori Theatre Apart from the superb singing of the two principals, Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy, the story is a spectacular and gripping' drama of New Orleans in the old Creole days. A notable cast includes Frank Morgan. Elsa Lanchester, and Edward Brophy. A Laurel and Hardy comedy, a Fitzuatrick Travelogue in technicolour, and two newsreels complete the programme.

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

"Forgotten Men" will be shown finally tonight at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt. Commencing at the matinee tomorrow at 2.30 p.m., the main feature wiil be "Public Hero No. 1 " an exciting story of the heroism of American Federal Government men in their war on organised crime. It is enriched by romance and lightened by many comedy interludes. Lionel Barrymore, Jean Arthur, and Chester Morris are the stars.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

"The Girl from Tenth Avenue" ;s screening finally tonight at the Palaco Theatre, Petone. Commencing at tlr: matinee tomorrow and then showing for three nights is the screen's first military musical, "Flirtation Walk," bringing with it the enchantment of Hawaiian nights, the spirit of the army, the thr-ill of West Point, and thn romance of glorious youth. Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, the worldsmost popular screen lovers, and Pat O'Brien, head an all-star cast

EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE.

In R.K.0.-Radio's newest thriller "The Silver 9treak," which is the main feature at the Empire Theatre, Petone, the Burlington "Silver Streak," America's first Diesel-motored streamlined train, is seen on the run which officially opened Colorado's remarkable MofTat Tunnel. Sally Blanc, Charles Starrett, Hardie Albright, and William Farnum are featured.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

The main attraction on the current pill at the Grand Theatre, Petone, is Paramount's "Torch Singer," a unique drama of the life of a famous radio performer starring Claudette Colbert, with Ricardo Cortez, David Manners, Lyda Robertr. and Baby Le Roy. "Here Comes the Groom," a hilarious comedy featuring Jack Haley. Mary Boland, Neil Hamilton, and Patricia KUis,. is the. additional attraction.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"Dr. Socrates," which oppr.p at tlw Majestic Theatre today is said to give Paul Muni one of. the most dramatic roles of his career. The pictuiv which combines thrilling advenlur • and a glowing romance, is based on the best-soiling novel by W R Bur noli, author of "Little Caesai " "Dr Sociates" is the colourful story of 4 : famous surgeon whose nerve has been ! broken through the loss of his fiance-; who dies from an operation Ik; himsefi ■i)erformed. He buries himself in w small town, a failure, with all hope lost, not even caring to live His redemption comes through the love of an innocent young girl, whom he rescuer, from the bandit gang that, ha? kidnapped her. facing death alone. Ann Dvorak, who plays opposite Muni, als.has a splendid role. Others in the cast who do noteworthy work includo John Eldredge. Hobarl Cavanaugn. Helen Lowell, Mayo Methol, RaymonJ Brown, Barton McLanc. Robert Bar rat, and Henry O'Neill.

"CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA."

The New Zealand Grand Opera Company will open a season with Cavalleria Rusticana" at the St. James Theatre tonight. Tomorrow afternoon there will be a matinee, and in the evening a gala performance in the presence of the GovernorGeneral and Lady Galway. Magnificently staged and dressed, the production stars Ray Trewern, the famous New Zealand tenor, whom the Sydney 'Sun' critic described as having the finest voice heard in Australia since Joseph Hislop. Ray Trewern is supported by a ,150-voice cast. As an additional attraction, the first half comprises that great singer, Richard Tauber, in "The Right to Happiness." Ims is one of the finest musical treats offered in Wellington for a very long time, and the double programme makes it all the more attractive to theatregoers.

STATE THEATRE.

Hollywood has at last produced an epic with a definite story compelling enough to hold the interest, and the result is "The Last Days of Pomoeji " wrote a critic recently. The picture has many virtues, not the least of which are good acting, capable direction, and superb staging. The attention to detail has been painstaking, and, so far as this writer knows, there are no anachronisms and no unauthentic touches. What strikes one particularly is the dialogue, which is salty modern, and minus purple patches. Th° characters do not invoke the gods any more than is necessary to get the proper atmosphere, and there is no fustian oratory, which one admits, is a great relief. The eruption of Vesuvius is as impressive as anything of the sort could be on the screen. The fleeing of the populace from the doomed city is, of course, the climax of the film. One great spectacle after another sweeps across the screen when the story is built up to its climax. Love between a father and an adopted son is the emotional keynote of the pirture. The picture commences its Wellington season at the State Theatre today.

PLAZA THEATRE.

Impressively adapted, from Jerome I, J^, r? me' s famous play, "Passing of the Third Floor Back," a stark drama of boarding-house life, will n.mmenca today at the Plaza Theatre. In it Conrad Veidt gives a fine performance as the stranger. The story of the troubled and horrid lives that are being led in Mrs. Sharpe's board-ing-house and of the transformation uiat takes place when the stranger pays a call is well brought out by Berlhold Viertel, the director, Conrad Vetcjt, and by a strong cast of distinguished artists supporting him. For more than a generation thousands of people have seen the play—it has been revived on several occasions—and it i« certain that those, and many more, will want to see the film, particularly when they .hear that ft has clung so Aalthf. uli y t0 the author's intentions. Apart from the quiet, impressive acting of Mr. Veidt Mary Clare as Mrs. Sharpe. Frank Celher as Wright, Anna Lee as Vivian, John Turnbull as Mr Tompkin. Cathlocn Nesbilt as MrsTompkin, and Sara Ailgood as Mrs". do Hopley are outstanding, while Renee Ray is excellent as the browbeaten Stasia," the only person to perceive the true goodness of the

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

ilie appearance together in a picture of Joan Crawford and Clark Gable is an unmistakable sign of screen entertainment above the ordinary run. The popular pair are again to be seen opP°s'te each other in "Dancing Lady " Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's adaptation of the widely-read James Warner Bellah novel, which is the main feature at Shortt's Theatre. Comedy and mystery, twin elements of entertainment, are deftly blended in "Murder in the Private Car," new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature, which will be 'he second attraction. Charles Ruggles Mary Carlisle, Una Merkel, and Russell Hardie have the leading roles.

ROXY THEATRE.

Inaugurating what many believe is ™ !?" a, in screen entertain-ment.RKO-Radio's first full-colour feature "Becky Sharp," is now screening at the Roxy Theatre. Based upon ihackeray's famous fiction classic "Vanity Fair," it stars Miriam Hopkins and is a revelation in beauty, fidelity to life an* clarity. Above and beyond this technical triumph, "Becky Sharp" offers an absorbing perfectly-executed drama, rich in striking characterisations and entertainment values "Front page Woman," Warner Bros.' fast-mov-ing newspaper comedy-drama and featuruig Bette Davis and George Brent is the supporting feature.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

The Scarlet Pimpernel," the current weekend attraction at the Empire Theatre, is a United Artists special attraction. Adapted from the well-known novel by Baroness Orczy. Leslie Howard plays the title role and Merle Ober,°°™? the large supporting cast. A Walt Disney Silly Symphony coloured cartoon, screen snapshots, and a newsreel complete the programme

"AFTER ALL."

The second performance by the Repertory Theatre of John Van Drutens play, "After All," scored another success at the Concert Chamber last night. Like most of the popular modern plays, it touches closely the average home life and wins interest through its very naturalness. Its witty, sometimes touching, dialogue bright repartee, and clearly-etched characters are its charm. The smoothness with which it was presented was a credit to the cast and to the producer Mr. W. S. Wauchop, who has made every line pull its weight. Miss Ngairc Horton played a difficult role with understanding and sincerity. Mr. Ralph Hogg gave an excellent portrayal of the restless, witty, and artistic son of the house. Mr. T. V. Anson made a strong character of DufT Wilson Phyllis's lover, and later, her husband' The parents were played by Mr. C. j" Bell and Miss Daisy Isaacs. Mr. Bell was the typical peace-loving father and as the exacting wife Miss Isaacs played excellently. Miss Lily Silverstone, Mr. N. V. Wotton. Miss Nitta Hammond, Miss Ruth Skerman, and Mr. Alan Howard also did intelligent and finished work. The scenes of the play were charmingly effective. The first, the drawing-room of the Thomas home, was carried out in warm browns and reds and polished mahogany pieces were most artistically arranged. The more modern drawing-room of Phyllis's home was beautifully designed in pastel tints, and Ralph's studio struck a Bohemian note with its gay, striped hangings and divan bed.

The frocking was particularly smart and there were many changes during the play.

"After AH" will be repealed tonight and Saturday night. Their Excellencies, the Governor-General and Lady Galway, will attend tonight's performance.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

TIVOLI THEATRE.

"Caravan," the memorable Fox Film musical spectacle which comes to the Tivoli Theatre tonight, Charles l>oycr, favourite stage and screen star of the Continent, heads the cast as a dashing gipsy musician. The glamorous Loretta Young appears as a gay young countess and Jean Parker and Phillips Holmes complete the stellar quartet. Lavishly produced, with Hungarian villages, castles, inns, and yast gipsy caravans swiftly alternating as backgrounds, "Caravan" tells a romantic love story in a delightful new vein. The setting is idyllic—the grape country of Tokay during the wine harvest. Three songs are outstanding, tho romantic "Wine Song," a bubbling dance number, "Ha-Cha-Cha, and "Happy, I am Happy." Other melodies are employed throughout to point the moods and movement of the gay comedy. Tall Gary Cooper and blonde, exotic Anna Stcn are paired for the first lime as a new romantic team 111 "The Wedding Night," which is the second feature. tt is a dramalie romance in which Miss Slen portrays a modern American girl rebelling against the dictates and restraints of tradition, and Gary Cooper appears as a successful, sophisticated New York author with whom she falls in •nve.

RIVOLI THEATRE.

"In Caliente," First National's latest musical offering with Dolores Del Rio and Pat O Brien in the stellar roles, has been booked for the Rivoli Theatre beginning tonight. Busby Berkeley, tamous creator of screen spectacles, has staged three big song and dance numbers entitled "In Caliente," "Lady in Red, and "Muchacha." In the latter number Phil Regan as a bandit chief does the singing while Dolores Del Rio is featured in a dancing review. Lady in Red" is sung by Winifred bhaw, musical comedy star. Others in the cast include the famous DeMarcos, who do some specialty dancing, and Jfhe Canova Family," radio's "Hill Billies of the South," Dorothy Dare, Luis Alberni, George Humbert, William Davidson, Harry Holman,' Soledad Jiminez, Herman Bins, and Florence Fair. "McFadden's Flats," a human and robustly humorous story of a self-made Irishman ana a Scotsman who were the best of enemies, will be the second feature with Walter C. Kelly and Andy Uyde m the principal roles. Jane Darwell, George Barbier, and Howard Wilson are prominently featured in the supporting cast.

KILBIRNJE KINEMA.

Ihe spectacular Mexican musical S* "In . Caliente" and "Charlie Chan in Paris" will be screened finally at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. wif ,-I"™^ ?J t. raSi 10£, on tomorrow's bill is M.G.M.'s thrilling.picture "Public Hero No. 1." starring Chester Morris, Jean Arthur, Lewis Stone, and Lionel Barrymore. The picture depicts the heroism of Federal men in tne light to stamp out gangdom. The supporting feature.is "Mississippi." a romantic musical comedy which stars Bing Crosby. W. C. Fields, and Joan Bennett Three new song hits are introduced. "Public Hero No. 1" will be screened at tomorrow's matinee

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

The double-feature programme showing tonight at Our Theatre is headed by Hooray for Love." Ann Sothern and Gene Raymond play the leads in this charming story of two-ambitious youngsters out to win in the toughest game in the world—the theatre. They try a little of everything, including night club performances and radio, before Gene finally manages to present Ann as the star of his first bi<r revue. In the supporting feature "SilkHat Kid," Lew Ayres and Mac Clarke have the leading roles.

A MAGIC ENTERTAINMENT.

It is fully agreed among magicians, both professional and amateur, that an audience of children is most exacting and relentless. An outstanding example of this was furnished by the large assemblage of children at the Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, when the Wellington magicians staged their performance on behalf of the Health Camp. One of the magicians, drawing to the conclusion of a series of illusions the presentation of which had been punctuated with applause, brought himself to an apparent contretemps from which it seemed he attempted to escape by deliberately misunderstanding the clear wishes of his audience. Former friendliness quickly turned to hostility and .the "boos" would have done credit to a hostile election crowd. No stage "villain" could have expected greater success than from this incident, and, of course, the magician all along had been in a position to produce the last laugh for himself, which he did —when the joke had gone far enough. Another group of children, aged from sixteen to sixty, will be offered entertainment on Monday evening at the Concert Chamber by the same performers, somewhat augmented, p,nd for the same good cause.