CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 141, 11 December 1935, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

A light-hearted romance of carefree law-breaking, with moments of high drama, "Red Salute," now'showing at the Regent Theatre, witli Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Yo\ing in the leading roles, has .not a dull moment. The story deals with the adventures of an American general's daughter in Mexico in association with a'happy-go-lucky soldier. Also on the programme are a very interesting film of Sir.Charles Kingsford Smith's exploits, newsreels, and a very fine Mickey Mouse colour cartoon, "Pluto's Judgment Day."

"Joy Ride."

Laughs abound in "Joy Ride," the British comedy starring Gene Gerrard and' Zelma O'Neal, which will start on-Friday at the Regent Theatre.'The story has been tailored to fit the screen personality of Gene Gerrard and it suits him perfectly, giving him every opportunity for that robust type of humour which he inaugurated in "My Wife's Family," and which he has since continued in many other successful British comedies. But he is not alone responsible for "Joy Ride!' being such a jolly entertainment; the direction is such that the merry pace of the story never slackens, while the dialogue abounds in wit and cleverness. Gene Gerrard fools, throughout at the top of his bent; Paul Lake even outshines Ralph Lynn in his portrayal of a "silly Ass.. .. Amy Veness' is immense, in both senses of the word, as the truculent aunt; Zelma O'Neal has a nice sepse of .comedy, and Gus McNaughton appears in another of his laughable butler roles. "Joy Ride" has its musical moments, also, and the theme song "Bats in the Belfry Blues" is an apt accompaniment to the unrelieved hilarity of this new British production.l

GITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

NEW OPERA HOUSE.

. ■ What has been rightly described as .the most sensational battle in fight his-.-tqry—the clash in which Joe Louis beat the one-time holder of the world title, Max Baer, is being shown at the . Neyr '■ Opera House. As Baer reels before the onslaught of the "Brown Bomber" in the third round,, vainly endeavouring to cover up before: tht battery and seeing his prestige already slipping, the cameraman misses not one "move.. And then the fourth and final round, Baer a virtually beaten- man, arid the vast crowd swelling to the sensation of the battle. In the main part of;the programme is the exhilarating boxing comedy, "Two-Fisted." With Lee Tracy at the head of the strong cast, the action never flags, and the audience is carried along with a story that is ingeniously deep and healthily -leavened with humour. Ro'scoe Kearns, Gail Patrick, Kent Taylor, Gordon "Westcott, Florence Lake, and five-year-old Billy Lee are others in the cast. Further excitement is added by an excellent short . subject, "Scraping the Skies." ■■'•■••

DE LUXE THEATRE,

One of the most thrilling of the recent films revealing the fight of the ■>. Government agents against the postwar wave of lawlessness in the United States is "Secret Agent," which stars Bette Davis, with George Brent, Ricardo-Cortez, Irving Pichel, and a large and competent cast in support, now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The supporting programme includes the newly-returned De Luxe Concert Orchestra, . under the baton of ■ Mr. L; D. ' Austin, playing specially • chosen numbers, a Bobby Jones golfing film, a fine musical film, "Love Departi menV-a "Believe It or Not," and the ■ latest newsreels. . I ".B.°ys WiU Be Boys," a GaumontBntish picture based on the famous "Narkover" characteristics of "Beach- . comber." which commences at the De ; Luxe' Theatre on Friday, stars Will ; Hay, the great schoolmaster of the I films, in an amusing schoolmaster role! ? With him are Gordon 'Harker, who" : plays, an "old lag" with his eye on a priceless necklace, and Claude Dampier, the famous "silly ass" who takes the part of a lugubrious assistant . master. The only lady is Norma ; Varden, who'plays Lady Dorking, vicechairman of Narkover, whose diamond necklace plays a big part in the story. "Narkover" is the imaginary school where the boys are more famed for having a good time than for their literary achievements. • ■

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"Baroud," a realistic portrayal of life among . the warlike tribes of Morocco, is now showing at the Paramount Theatre. From start to finish the picture is exciting and moving, and it catches the spirit of the kast' with peculiar ease. The second feature is "The Unwelcome Stranger" in which Jack Holt and Mona Barrie have, the principal roles.1 The story is a very human one, and it contains plenty of laughs. The problem of the eternal triangle and how it affected the lives of two sisters is presented in a new light ,in Walter Wanger's Paramount picture, Smart Girl," which commences on Friday at the Paramount Theatre. Featuring Ida Lupino, Kent Taylor, and Gail Patrick in the leading roles, "Smart Girl" tells the story of two girls both of whom fall in love with the. same man at the same time. Miss Lupmo and Miss Patrick play the parts of the sisters, both beautiful, smart, and.rich. The second feature will be "That's. Gratitude," starring Frank Craven and Mary Carlisle.

KING'S THEATRE.

Elusive, captivating, quaintly elfish Elisabeth Bergner has a role in "Escape Me Never," now showing at the King's Theatre, that is peculiarly suited to her talents. A volatile, appealing, thing; she is a child, with all a child's whimsicalities, throughput heij life, yet she is as Certainly a woman bearing her sorrow steadfastly; ,-neyeß looking back, never' quite losing heart. Fierce in her love for. her child;, there is in her little form £i strange power, a peculiar personality, that makes her seem halfwild. Laughing joyously one moment, in tears the next, Gemma Jones,, the little gamin of Venice, is surely, one of the- most • delightful personalities that have appeared on the screen. She is-supported by a strong cast.

ERINCESS 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 "private 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 Gay," in which the principal players are Magda Schneider, Arthur Riscoe, and Naunton Wayne. Entertaining fcaturettes will also be shown.

SHORTT'S THEATRE,

Joan Crawford and Clark Gable are again to be seen opposite each other m "Dancing Lady," which is the main feature at Shortt's Theatre. Comedy and mystery, twin elements of entertainment, are deftly blended in "Murder m the Private Car,'-' new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature, which is the second attraction. Charles Ruggles, Mary Carlisle. Una Merkel, and Russell Hardie have the leading roles. The M.G.M. film version of Dashiell Hammett's greatest detective mystery, "The Thin Man," starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, will head the neyr bill at Shortt's Theatre on Friday. "Operator, 13," a romance of the American Civil War, with Gary Cooper and Marion Davies in the leading roles, will be the second feature.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

■The main "attraction at the Empire Theatre tonight is "Oh! Daddy," starring Leslie Henson and Frances Day. It is the story of the visit of two officials of a local branch of a purity league to London and what befell them at • a big cabaret. The supporting feature is "The Phantom Light," with Gordon Harker and Binnie Hale playing, the leading roles. A Gaumont Mirror will also be screened.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The dramatic story of a young doctor's fight against a lawless band of. bank robbers and racketeers is unfolded in "Dr.. Socrates," a swiftmoving drama which is now showing at the Majestic Theatre. The outstanding player is Paul Muni, who gives a fine performance in the title role, and is ably supported by Ann Dvorak in the feminine lead. The plot of the film deals with the struggles of a young doctor whose fiancee dies from an operation he himself performs, and who breaks down in health, finally burying himself in a small country town where he is unable to establish a practice. The scene undergoes a swift change when a bandit leader forces the doctor to attend to his wounds, and there are many thrilling sequences. There are attractive supports.

The exploits of a New York star reporter who assists the police in solving a mysterious crime, only to find himself in jeopardy, are vividly depicted in "The Murder Man," the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature starring Spencer Tracy, with Virginia Bruce. The picture commences on Friday next at the Majestic Theatre with a featured cast headed by Lionel Atwill, Harvey Stephens, and Robert Barrat, and is replete with speed, suspense, drama, comedy, and romance. :

PLAZA THEATRE.

Revised and modernised, except for the Stranger himself, "Tlie Passing of the Third Floor Back," which is now showing at the Plaza Theatre, remains strangely effective as a thought promoter, because the limitations of human nature outlive fashions in dress, music,, or diction, and because the poorest nature is capable of some perception of the sublime. Conrad Veidt as the stranger is every whit as mysterious and compelling as the author- could, have desired, and there is a mesmeric quality in his influence on the audience which*puts the story through. The stranger comes to »typical London boarding-house just when everyone is on edge.1 Wright (Frank Cellier), a blatantly rich contractor, is the evil genius of the piece, while the stranger's compelling eye and' gentle insistence'transform the dross of these strangely assorted people to gold. Rene Ray's 'Stasia is a.fine bit of work, and there are plenty of humour and some thrills before the stranger disappears. There is a fine supporting programme.

state Theatre.

Those spectacular and popular, films, "Ben Hur". and- "The Sign of the Gross," are1 recalled in the splendour and the magnificent settings of "The Last Days of Pompeii," the compelling epic now screening at the State Theatre.. The story tells of Marcus, a happy young blacksmith, who later becomes slave trader, horse dealer, and, finally, head of the arena. The climax of the tale comes with the eruption of Vesuvius and the terrible earthquake. The strong cast includes Preston Foster, Alan Hale, Basil Rathbone, David Dolt, and Dorothy Wilson. The adventurous career of that benign detective, Charlie Chan, very nearly conies to an untimely end as Warner Oland, again playing Chan in Charlie ■ Chan in Shanghai," which opens at the' State Theatre on Friday, ventures into China's roaring metropolis to break up a dangerous gang of international opium smugglers. From the moment Chan sets foot in Shanghai, his adventures begin with the murder of his host, an English secret service man. Finally, in a thrilling gun fight in a waterfront cafe, Chan gets his men and uncovers the forces behind the mystery. Featured with Warner Oland. and Keye Luke are Irene Hervey. Charles Locher, Russell Hicks, and Halliwell Hobbes.

GRAND OPERA SEASON

.Last night's performance of "Cavalleria Rusticana" by the/New Zealand Grand .Opera Society in St. James Theatre marked the first appearance of Miss Doris Black in the role of Santuzaa. Miss Black is a dramatic soprano who has appeared throughout the Dominion with various musical societies, but until last night she had had no opportunity of displaying her histrionic abilities. Her interpretation of the role of the betrayed Sicilian peasant girl was in keeping with the best stage traditions, and found full favour with thg large audience. The other principals, each of whom has appeared during the present season, sang with confidence, the performance as a whole being a thoroughly enjoyable one. Only two more opportunities remain of witnessing this colourful musical story of love and tragedy in Sicily, as the 'season definitely closes tomorrow evening. In tonight's performance the principals will include Miss Eunice Standen, the gifted young actress who scored an outstanding success on the occasion of the gala performance on Saturday, also Miss Molly Atkinson and Miss Marjorie Bennie. The principals for tomorrow evening's final presentation of the opera will include Mrs. Plowden-Wardlaw, Miss Molly Atkinson, Miss Mar jorie Bennie, Mr. Kay Trewern, and Mr. George Gray.

REX THEATRE. The principal picture at the Rex Theatre, "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. The entertaining Warner Bros, features .coming- to the Rex Theatre next Friday are the- comedy thriller, "Here Comes the Navy," with James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, and Frank McHugh, and the spectacular musical production,. "Dames," starring Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler.

ROXY THEATRE

Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey turn amateur detectives to solve a murder mystery in "The Nitwits," i their new R.K.0.-Radio feature comedy now screening at the Roxy Theatre. The crime which the boys solve occurs in the' office of a song publisher, where two men are shot and Wheeler's sweetheart is accused. Wheeler and Woolsey are supported by Fred Keating, Betty Grable, Evelyn Brent, and Erik Rhodes in this hilarious .. comedy. The supporting feature is "Front-page Woman," a fast-moving comedy romance with Bette Davis and George Brent.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

The main attraction at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight is the exciting Oriental drama, "Oil for the Lamps of China," starring Pat O'Brien and Jean Muir. The novel by Alice Tisdale Hobart, upon which the picture is based, is a colourful delineation of the life of American pioneers in China,' who fought flood, fire, and famine, as well as pestilence, and banditry, to carry on their work. The supporting feature, "liorna Doone," starring John Loder and Victoria Hopper, tells of the immortal romance of that dare-devil lover Jan Ridd and the lovely "Princess" of the Doones.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Claude Rains,. Fay Wray, and Jane Baxter have'the leading roles in "The Clairvoyant," the Gaumont-British picture which heads the double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre tonight. It is an intriguing story of a fake mind-reader who struggles along doing a small act in the halls. He suddenly becomes genuinely clairvoyant through the medium of a girl, and makes undanny prophecies, which lead to his arrest. The Paramount farcecomedy, "Tillie and Gus," featuring W. C. Fields, Alison Skipworth, arid Baby Le Roy, is the supporting attraction.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

In "Our Little Girl," the current attraction at the Regal Theatre, Shirley Temple plays at being happy to rebuild a shattered dream, when her parents separate in a domestic rift caused by misunderstanding. Rosemary Ames, Joel McCrae, and J. Farrell Mac Donald play the main supporting roles. There are good supports.

TIVOLI THEATRE.

"In Caliente," First National's latest musical offering with Dolores del Rio, is now showing at the Tivoli Theatre. Busby Berkeley, famous creator of screen spectacles, has staged three big song and dance numbers entitled "In Caliente," "Lady in Red," and "Muchacha." Phil Regan sings the "Muchacha, vwhich features Dolores in a dance scena, and "To Call You My Own," a ballad. Winifred Shaw sings the "Lady in Red," and -In Caliente" is sung by a group of entertainers. Others in the cast include the famous De Marcos, who do some specialty dancing, and "The Canova Family,", radio's "Hin Billies of the South," Dorothy Dare Luis Alberni, George Humbert, William Davidson, Harry Holman, Soledad Jiminez, Herman Bing, and Florence .Fair. "The Scoundrel," a film wholly written, directed, and produced for Paramount by Ben Hecht and Charlss Mac Arthur, is the vehicle chosen to bring Noel Coward, world-famous dramatist, actor, and composer, to the screen in his initial film role. The picture, which is to be the second feature, is a brilliant and satiric treatment of New York's smart set and its people, too wise to love well. Julie Haydon, Stanley Ridges, Hope Williams, and Rosita Moreno are featured.

RIVOLI THEATRE.

Commencing tonight at the Rivoli Theatre the main features will be "Heritage" and "Private Worlds." "Heritage" is the greatest Australianmade motion picture to date, and one that gives great entertainment, for its story covers a wide range of emotions. Romance, drama, adventure, courage, and thrill are all embodied in this epic of the Australian people, which traces over a span of years the history of many of the Commonwealth's biggest social, commercial, and political events, in "Private Worlds." Claudette Colbert, who won the Motion Picture award for 1934 with a comedy portrayal , and whose roles in the past have ranged from an Egyptian sorceress to a modern devoted mother, essays a totally new type of characterisation. A story laid against the background of a hospital for the insane, "Private Worlds" presents Miss Colbert as a trim, efficient, and beautiful doctor who heals the mental illnesses of others although she cannot conquer the fear of love in her own heart. Joel McCrea, Charles Boyer, Joan Bennett, and Helen Vinson are others in featured roles.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Times Square Lady," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features three new stars, Virginia Bruce, Robert Taylor, and Pinky Tomlin, also Helen Twelvetrees, Nat Pendleton, and Jack La Rue. The story tells of a girl's fight to retain her dead father's important holdings in the sporting world of New York, and makes a fast and fascinating hour of entertainment. V

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

"McFadden's Flats" and "Legong" will conclude tonight at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt. Tomorrow and on Friday the main feature will be the adaptation of Gene Stratton Porter's famous romance, "A Girl of the Limberlost," which is beautifully interpreted by a cast headed by Marian Marsh, Ralph Morgan, and Louise Dresser. It is estimated that more than twelve million people have read the book and revelled in its tremendous human appeal.

BROOKLTN THEATRE.

"Female," which will be shown at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight, is a somewhat startling story in which Miss Chatterton plays the part of a super woman who takes her loves without regard to conventions. Others in the cast include Lois Wilson, Ruth Donnelly, Ferdinand Gottschalk, and Johnny Mack Brown.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

Screening tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone, is Warner Bros.' unusual and absorbing dramatic story, "The House on 56th Street," featuring Kay. Francis, Ricardo Cortez, Margaret Lindsay, Frank McHugh, and Gene Raymond. A number of entertaining short subjects are included on the programme.

EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE.

"Grand Old Girl," the new May Robson starring picture which will be shown at the Empire Theatre, Petone, tonight, is rich in humour. It is the courageous drama of an elderly schoolteacher who dares to figtjt fire with fire when the morals of "her boys and girls" are threatened by the sinister influence of town politicos. Supporting May Robsbn are Fred MacMurray. Mary Carlisle, and Alan Hale.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE

London, the greatest metropolis in the world, is graphically portrayed in "London Speaks," which commences .tonight at the Palace Theatre, Petone. It is a story of a traveller in London, the highlights of the film being the fact that the audience actually accompanies- the wanderer and shares in all the adventures, discoveries, and interesting episodes.

VIENNESE BOYS' CHOIR.

With the approach of Christmas, the special seasonal programmes to be presented by the Viennese Singing Boys will make a wide appeal to music lovers and the public at large. Not only will special- carols be sung, but two beautiful opera presentations will be a feature at each performance. Special arrangements had to be entered into in order to secure the Grand Opera House for the two performances next Saturday. There will be a final matinee commencing at 2.30, arid an evening farewell performance at 8 o'clock. At both performances, children will be presented with a souvenir programme. The Viennese Choir will Bail for America by the Monterey on December 17; therefore no further opportunity will be possible of hearing these celebrated singers , and actors. They are booked to make 200 appearances in America, commencing at Honolulu. Ticket sales for all parts of the theatre are on sale today* reserved seats at the D.I.C. and day sale stalls and gallery at the Grand Opera House confectionery shop. The gallery will be opened at Is 6d, no tax for the two performances. Full details are announced regarding the special prices.

"THE MESSIAH."

Tomorrow night at the Town Hall the Royal Wellington Choral Union will bring its 1935 season to « close with a performance of "The Messiah." The public have little idea of the work entailed in arranging a suitable cast for an oratorio in New Zealand owing to the dearth of artists of a high enough grade to grace the performance of a classic. The cast which has been assembled by the Choral Society is probably the strongest obtainable at present in Australasia. Placing Miss Dorothy Clark, the South African con-, tralto, on a pedestal apart, and coming to the other principals, there Eire Miss Chrissie Talbot, of Fairlie, one of the younger sopranos, who made such a name for herself in the recent aria contest; Mr. Harold Prescott, of Greymouth, probably the finest oratorio tenor in? New Zealand today; and Mr. Russell Laiirenson, one of the foremost baritones in the Dominion. The final rehearsal will take place at the Town Hall at 7.30 tonight, where only those taking part will be admitted. The chorus and orchestra will total over 250 performers, with Mr. Stanley Oliver directing. .The .box plan can be inspected' at the D.I.C. One shilling tickets will be on sale at the box office tomorrow.