CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 154, 27 December 1935, Page 3

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

REGENT THEATRE

"The Last Outpost," now showing at the. Regent Theatre, is a very worthy successor to that most popular romance, "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer." Unlike it, however, "The Last Outpost" has a heroine, and contains a love story which is an integral part of the plot. As the handsome commander of an armoured car squadron who is captured by the enemy, and subsequently helps to defeat a native uprising and avert a flank attack on Mesopotamia, Gary . Grant, is admirably cast, and most convincing. Claude Kains acts the part.of. .the. British intelligence officer outstandingly.- His part is a difficult one,-as the-character portrayed is strikingly like that of the mysterious Law-rence-of Arabia. The third side of the strange triangle, the nurse, who is the wife of the intelligence officer and in love with the armoured car captain, is played by Gertrude Michael, who fives a'very fine portrayal of her role. he New Zealander, Colin Tapley, has a prominent part. Some of the scenes in the picture fall not far short of the magnificent. Such a series shows the flight of a tribe from the enemy across a, flooded river, and over an almost impassable range of mountains. Tho stormy tale of love and sacrifice ends in the sands of the Soudan, where one of the two men gives up, his life in An attempt to warn an approaching column of an ambush. The supports include the latest newsreels, a musical' novelty showing the progress oC popular music for Hie last century; a BettY Boop cartoon, and a very fine Christmas featurette.

NEVv OPERA HOUSE.

A thrilling picture, "The Arizonian," with Richard, Dix heading the cast, is • at- the. New Opera House.' It depicts in exacting detail the early settling of the-West, and the warfare that raged between outlaws and peace officers who were fighting to bring order to thexturbulent towns of the frontier. Dix is seen ia'the most dramatic role of his long career as a fighting marshal who delies , crooked politicians and law enforcement officers in an effort tp clean up Silver City, where he has accepted the job of peace officer to protect his brother and sweetheart. The climax comes when Dix is arrestc.. on faked charges by- those trying to destroy him. The star fights his way.'from a burning gaol to defeat his enemies, and brings to. the picture an unusual ending. Many well-known actors supijort Dix in the new production. MargotGrahame, the English star, is seen in the leading feminine role, with Preston Foster, Louis Calhern, James Bush, Joe Savers, Te*.. Oliver, Willie Best, Ray Mayer,' Francis Ford, and Ted Oliver in : support.' a ...

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

"Midnight Club" is the principal attraction in the change of programme at Shortt's Theatre. In this picture Clive Brook is the master mind of the shadow world who plans baffling crimes; George Raft, a daring detective who poses as a thief to catch a thief,1* only to be caught by love; and Helen Vinsen, a lovely thief who seeks thrills but finds romance. Alison Skipworth and Sir Guy Standing are also in the cast. The action of the picture centres around a supper club which a gang uses as,a "blind" for its operations. The second feature is "Take a Chance," a musical film. In the cast are James Dunn. June Knight. Lillian Roth, Cliff Edwards, Lilian Bond, Dorothy. Lee. Chatler. "Buddy" Rogers, an-i a hundred beautiful"show girls. -Th.? picture .■ introduces six song hits and some spectacular ensembles.

HEX THEATRE.

,- Aerial thrills said to surpass anything ever ' shown on the motion picture screen are incorporated in "Ace of Aces," which heads the programme at the' Rex- Theatre. Richard Dix is in the starring title .role, . supported by Elizabeth Allan and Ralph Bellamy; Daring motion pictui'e stunters perform countless breath-taking feats in "Ace of Aces." Squadrons of trim fighting aeroplanes zoom, tvyist, and darf about in the sky. Burning aeroplanes, crash in sensational flights and bullet-ridden ships disintegrate in midair and. fall as debris to' the grqund. Jean, Herscholt, S,tuart Erwin,. Wynne ■Gibson, and Frances Dee head the cast of "The Crime of the Century." a newstyle mystery drama, which is the associate feature. The crime is confessed to police before it is .committed, and yet it is carried through While they watch. Half-way through there is a 60isecorid . intermission, during which the various clues to the solution are reviewed briefly, tnd the audience invited to attempt .to solve the mystery.

KILBIRME KIN EM A.

Warner. Bro%'«new and sensational musicale,' "Broadway-Gondolier," starring Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, Adolphe Menjou, Louise Fazenda, the Four Mills Bros., and Ted Fiorito and his band, will be screened finally at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. The supporting feature is "The Nit Wits," with the inimitable Wheeler and Woplsey. The main attraction on tomorrow's double-feature bill is United Artists new thrilling adventure comedy, "Red-Salute,'* starring Robert Young, Barbara Stanwyck, and Cliff Edwards. The-picture has just concluded a most successful^ run in the city, and is guaranteed to keep an audience in convulsions of- laughter. The . additional supporting attraction is the hilarious arid fast-moving comedy, "It's a Bet," starring Gene Gerrard, with Helen ■Chandler and Judy Kelly. "Red Salute" will be screened at tomorrow's matinee, •at 2 O'clock.

ROXY THEATRE.

In addition to unfolding a sparkling romance, the First' National production, Red ■ Hot Tires," now screening at the'Roxy Theatre, depicts some of the most thrilling automobile racing scenes ever shown on the screen. Daredevil stunts performed specifically for the picture by : nationally famous racers, and. in which six members of the cast participated, are such as to cause'even the most blase motion picture fan to gasp in amazement. The cast includes Lyle' Talbot, Mary Astor, Roscoe Karns, Henry Kolker, Frankie. Darro, and Gavin Gordon. "The Woman in Red,"- the second feature, is Barbara Stanwyck's latest starring vehicle for First National Pictures. The picture is based on Wallace 'Irwin's popular novel, "North Shore,". a glamorous romance with intensely dramatic scenes replete with thrills.

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

"Six-day Bike Rider," starring Joe E. Brown, is to be shown finally at the' De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, tonight.' : There will be a change of programme tomorrow. The selected feature film ■is "The Bride of Frankenstein," starring Boris Karloff. The central part of the story deals with the work of Dr. Frankenstein and Dr. Pretorius in creating a bride for the monster, the subject of an earlier film. The woman comes to life, but she shrinks from the monster and screams in terror. The monster swings a lever in mad fury and the great laboratory in which he. has been created explodes into a heap of burning ruins. There will be a matinee tomorrow.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

Screening finally tonight at the Palace Theatre, Petone, is Hugh Walpole's saga of the Herries clan,

"Vanessa," co-starring. Robert Montgomery and Helen Hayes, who are supported by Lewis Stone, Otto Kreuger, and May Robson; ' .

Commencing tomorrow afternoon and showing for three nights is an uproarious comedy, with strong underlying drarria. This outstanding entertainment film is "No More--Ladies." costarring Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, and Franchot Tone, with Charles,Ruggles and Edna May Oliver. Fast,' spirited, and very funny, the story builds rapidly to a climax of pure humour, in which through being suspicious of her husband, Robert Montgomery, Joan Crawford decides to invite all his ex-sweethearts to their home for a weekend.

STATE THEATRE

PLAZA THEATRE.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

PRINCESS THEATRE.

; Moving to the swing of half a dozen catchy meludies destined for immediate popularity on the dance floor and over the air, and sparkling with witty dialogue and intriguing situations, ■Thanks a Million." now showing at the State Theatre, is' by far the greatest of the many and popular Dick Powell films. . He has with him such a troupe of performers as has seldom been brought together in the history of the screen, and for the plot the novel, adventures' of an entertainer and his concert, party fighting a wild and exhilarating political campaign for a State Governorship. It is just the sort of tonic that a mind surfeited with the heavy business of the recent elections and overcome with the serious celebration of the'festive season should most enjoy. Songs that deserve to be remembered are "Thanks a Million," "I've Got a Pocketful of Sunshine," "I'm Sittin' High on a Hilltop." and "Sugar Plum.". As the carefree young entertainer who, all unwittingly, wins his way to the State Governorship, Dick Powell is at the top of his form. Ann Dvorak makes an appealing heroine, and her friend and fellow-trouper Patsy Kelly provides many comic touches, as well as 110 inconsiderable part of the singing and dancing. Fred Allen is the theatrical agent who first thinks of the scheme, and Raymond Walburri makes a -suave and very crooked politician. After the Powell troupe have created an impression by getting well on the way to 'singing and dancing their candidate into power, the opposition produces no less a celebrity than the great Paul Whiteman; with his orchestra and a famous singer Ramona. The balance of power is more than secured by the presence of the Yacht Club Boys and Rubinoff under the Powell colours. Newsreels, a fine travelogue, a singing novelty entitled "The Last Dogie," an^ an amusing cartoon complete a very fine programme.

Departing from his usual role of the cultured gentleman, George Arliss in his latest picture, "The Guvnor," now at the Plaza Theatre, makes his bow to the public as a decrepit old tramp, with a philosophy of life that makes him prefer liberty to money and his peace of mind to anything. He is not too comfortable when the coincidence of his name being Rothschild- makes him' willy-nilly a famous financier, but for the sake of his tramp friend (Gene Gerrard), who seeks a permanent job, and to save the home and fortune of a titled family who befriended him in his tramp days, he enters into his new-found job with.a simple cunning that ultimately defeats the cunning machinations of the crooked financiers. Having made a fortune for his friends, "The Guvnor" goes- back to his wandering life- again. This Gaumont British production is so different from the usual Arliss picture- that comparisons between it and former ones are difficult, but it can safely be said that Arliss' creates as much enjoyment for his audience in "The Guvnor" as in any previous picture, and to those who prefer interesting plot to elaborate spectacle the picture will long be remembered as one of his best. The minor characters do their share of the work to perfection, and altogether "The Guvnor" more than.upholds the high reputation gained by "the first gentleman of the screen." On the varied supporting programme are scenes of the StricklandLoughran boxing match, Earl Jellicoe's funeral, and the wedding of Lieutenant Home Kidston, formerly of H.M.S. Diomede. .

Enchanting music, spectacular dance routines set.in backgrounds of unprecedented. snlendour, a pageant of the world's greatest entertainers, headed by Jack Benny, and an intriguing story combine to make "Broadway Melody of 1936." Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's most ambitious, musical extravaganza, the j screen's outstanding eye arid ear entertainment of the year. The popularity of the picture at the Majestic Theatre shows,no, signs of waning. \ As the young and impressionable musical producer; Robert-Taylor is most convincing. As the' sweetheart of his schooldays who succeeds, in recapturing his heart orr Broadway.- Eleanor Powell provides a heroine who can" add more to a picture than merely acting; her tap-danc-ing captures the show as well. June Knight plays the role of the spoiled society girl • who provides the money for the'revue'and at the same time displays her talents in ballroom dancing. As the producer's secretary, Una Merkel. certainly gives her best performance to date. ' Others in the cast are the fcamed 'Vilma and Buddy Ebsen, the acrobatic dancer' Nick, Long, the radio singer. Frances Langford, and the baritone Harry Slockwell. Jack Benny and Sid Silvers, provide further comic touches to a picture full of laughter and music. The supports include- newsreels, a Robert Benchley oddity" entitled "How. to Sleep,": and a Fitzpatrick travelogue in colour about Mexico City.

"Where's My Man?" with Tom Wails and Cicely Courtneidge, is at the Paramount Theatre. This is their first picture together and each is said to be funnier than ever. "Where's My Man?" is a gay, rollicking romance. The story is unusual and the picture provides Cicely Courtneidge_with the most novel role of her career. She plays the part of a daring miss who joins the army as a man, gets into scrapes and bounces out of them with a toss and a wink: The part of a great general is something new, too, for Tom Walls. How seriously he took the part of Marlborough will be appreciated when it is realised -that for this picture he parted with his world-famous •moustache! The moustache went and with it . went—temporarily—the Tom Walls known to millions...ln his place emerged a 'new Tom Walls, with a handsome mouth, a magnificent dignity, a grand seat on a horse, and a bluff .forthright manner looking very like the pictures of John Churchill, first Duke, of Marlborough. The.two stars of the film do not meet until the film is half-way, through.' By- this time the dauntless Cicely, as the little womansoldier Kit Ross, has been in a dozen daring, adventures. ■■■■•■ •: Special, morning sessions are being held., at. 11. o'clock daily, for one week. This is a special programme for the children, and contains five Mickey Mouse and coloured Silly Symphony cartoons, and the child actor, Buster Phelps, in "Handle With Care,'1; with James Dunn and Boots MaUory.. ' '

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

A double-feature programme is to be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening.. The main attraction is "One Exciting Adventure," starring Neil Hamilton and Binnie Barnes. The story tells of a chase across a continent—of a jewel thief and of thrilling adventure. The supporting attraction is We re Rich : Again," and .stars Edna May Oliver and Reginald Denny. It is a hilarious story of a girl's fight to regain.-a lost fortune. An - excellent support will be screened: • ■

Two. big features offering ideal holiday entertainment are being screened at the Princess Theatre. The new Zane Grey adventure, picture Rocky Mountain Mystery." which is the main : attraction, is a blend of the famous Grey, rip-roaring outdoor action with the added element of a grippins- murder mystery. -Adapted from Zane Grey's "Golden Dreams," the picture features Randolph Scott and Ann bhenda'n in the romantic leads The supporting cast includes' Charles "Chic" Sale and Mrs. Leslie Carter. "Up to the Neck," the additional feature presents Ralph Lynn in an. excellent comedy. Up to the Neck" was- written by Ben Travers, and this in itself is complete enough evidence of the entertainment possibilities involved. Opposite Ralph Lynn is Winifred Shotter. Among, the featurettes is a pretty and amusing, tcchnicolour cartoon, "Country Boy."

RIVOLI THEATRE.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

KING'S THEATRE.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

"Naughty Marietta," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's spectacular production, with Jennette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy | operatic baritone, in the leading roles is at the Rivoli Theatre. "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life," one of- its greatest songs, is hailed as one of the world's musical masterpieces. "I'm Falling in i Love with Someone" is another song i that has come down Hie years as popular Uiday as at its premiere. "Go Into Your Dance," with Al Jolson and Kuby Kepler heading the cast,, is the second picture: It is a 1 spectacular musical him. j Fascinating Kay Francis has the lead ! in "The Goose and the Gander," which is to be shown at the Hivoli Theatre tomorrow. Also in the cast are George! Brent, Genevieve Tobin, and Ralpn! •Forbes. . The plot, involving both tne i theft of hearts and of jewels, is set in the gayest of atmospheres and carries I most exciting situations. The story j evolves about the plot of a divorced 1 wife to get even with the pretty blonde I who stole her husband's heart. She j manoeuvres- the second wife and her escort, with whom she is planning a ■trip to the mountains while her husband is away on business, into her lodge, where they are compelled to spend the night. At the same time she invites the ex-husband to visit her. With all under one roof, and 'a robber | and his wife, who have run out of benzine, thrown in for good measure, there ensues many lively, exciting, and embarrassing situations which culminate !in a surprising climax. Miss Francis displays a number of elaborate new model gowns. Genevieve Tobin and Claire Dodd also wear specially deI signed gowns, and Helen Lowell, in the ! role of a wealthy and elderly aunt of Miss Francis, demonstrates smart wear for elderly women. Also on the programme will be "The Secret Bride," with Barbara Stanwyck, Warren Wil-j iliam, and Glenda Farrcll.

The splendour, savagery, and ro* mance of the old world come to the screen at the De Luxe Theatre this week in Cecil B. de Mille's latest production "The Crusades." This ornate and dramatic film has all the famous de Mille wealth of detail, and all the drama that the famous producer has been able,lo extract from an ingenious 'arrangement of a series of historic events relating to the Crusades. The film deals with the romance of Richard the Lion-Heart, his decision to lead an English army to Jerusalem, despite his lack of Christian faith, his feud with PhiliD of France,- and romance with the beautiful Berengaria of N,avarre. The brutal soldier's wedding which Richard gives his bride, the struggle he later makes, to win her love, and the scenes of battle and adventure through which his crusading adventure lead him before he finds himself trapped by the vow he made on his sword that he would lay his weapon on the tomb of Christ, are welded into a production of vast scale, with scenes of the siege of Acre which are a revelation of the possibilities of film spectacles, with romance and colour and much that is dramatic and humorous. Richard is ably played by Henry Wilcoxon, the star of previous de Mille films,. Loretta Young has.the appealing role of his Queen, and the rest of /the gigantic cast is headed" by lan Keith as Saladin, C. Aubrey Smith as the hermit who rouses' Europe for the Crusade, C. Henry Gordon as Philip of France, Katharine de Mille as his sister Alys, Alan Hale, William Farnum, and other famous actors. The supporting bill includes the latest newsreels, a coloured cartoon "Time for Love," and the De Luxe Concert Orchestra, in its usual brilliant style, playing the '.'Pilgrim's Chorus" and the "Tannhauser March."

. The nine-year-old motion picture actress. Jans Withers,. makes .her ciebut as a singing and dancing personality in "This Is the Life," which is screening at the King's Theatre. "This Is the Life" is the story of a child performer who sacrifices fame and wealth for happiness. Included in the cast arc John McGuire, a young Santa Clara graduate who was last seen in the juvenile lead in Will Rogers"s "Steamboat Round the Bend"; Sally Blanc, Gloria Hoy, Francis Ford, and Sidney Toler. Little Jane scored her first hit, in motion pictures in "Bright Eyes," which starred Shirley Temple. In this film she portrayed the part of an obnoxious child who made life unbearable for Shirley. In '"This Is the Life" Jane discloses that she is not only a capable actress, but a singing and dancing delightas well. Three songs, undoubtedly destined for immediate popularity, and produced amid lavish musical comedy settings, brought these latent abilities to attention. A story with a decidedly unusual twist gives Jane Withers an adequate vehicle for her talents. The'second attraction on this excellent holiday programme is "Thunder Mountain," Zane Grey's most recent story of the old west. In it George O'Brien, a star who fteyer fails to.thrill the audience, plays his greatest role. The picture is a faithful translation of the novel. .■-.■■'

The Bishop read detective stories, so he tried • his hand at .detecting, and then' things happened. That sums up .the sequence of events in "The Bishop Misbehaves," which heads the change of programme at St. James Theatre. There is whimsical humour, tender romance, and mystery- in this bright and interesting film. Edmund Gwenn, the eminent English actor, is seen in his first American picture. He is supported by Maureen O'Sullivan, and a good cast. "The Bishop Misbehaves" is a gay, light-hearted adventure into the mysteries of the underworld. As an inveterate reader of detective novels, the Bishop turns amateur sleuth for a night and attempts to capture the culprits with liis story-book tactics. It is hilarious and romantic, exciting and thrilling—and there is plenty of love interest in it for the younger people.

Tonight,' at the Regal Theatre; Karori, a: picture that will live "up to. every claim regarding it will head an excellent programme when Edgar Wallace's famous "Sanders of the River" will be shown: The picture has,an excellent cast, including Paul Robeson, the world-renowned negro singer. Highclass short subjects will also be shown.

"D'ye Ken John Peel. heads the doublcfeature programme showing at Our' Theatre tonight. The picture, which stars John Garrick-and Winifred Shotter, opens in the year 1815, following- Wellington's victory at Waterloo. The setting is colourful, and depicts life in Britain in the days when highwaymen made the roads unsafe for, travellers. The part of the handsome, fearless highwayman, who befriends the hero and heroine, is played- with great . spirit by. John Stuart; The romance "Behold My Wife," starring Sylvia Sidney, is the second, attraction. ■ '

•"Mr. Skitch," co-starring Will Rogers and. Zasu Pitts, will be shown finally tonight at the Grand Theatre", Petone. "Hop-along Cassidy," the first of Clarence K. Mulford's stories to be picturised by Paramount, will be shown at a matinee at 2 o'clock and at 8 p.m. tomorrow, also on Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. .The picture is a thrilling story of the old West, revealing the adventures of one of the greatest cowboys who ever lived. Sensational horsemanship, exciting gun battles, red-blooded action, and heartstirring drama are part and parcel of "Hop-alo'rig Cassidy." The cast includes . William Boyd. Jimmy Ellison, Paula Stone. George Hayes, Kenneth Thomson, and Robert Warwick. An excellent supporting programme will be shown. The box plans are now open.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

John Buchan's popular mystery thriller. "The Thirty-nine Steps,"- is screening finally at the Capitol Theatre tonight. It features Robert Donat (the famous star of "Monte Cristo") and Madeleine Carroll- (star of "I Was a Spy"), together with a good supporting cast. ' The story is a powerful one of the machinations of an international soy organisation and the exciting adventures that befell a man in his efforts to outwit the gang. Breath-taking, daring' escapades' lead him to romance and the solution of a baffling mystery.

TIVOLI THEATRE.

STATE THEATRE, rETONE

EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE.

"All the King's Horses," a champagne musical romance, featuring Carl Bfisson and Mary Ellis in delightful roles, is to be screened finally at the Tivoii Theatre tonight. The piclure tells the gay and amusing tale of la handsome king who knew everything [about conferences and little about ! caresses. W. C. Fields has the star part in a laughter film, "Man on the Flying trapeze,' which is the second picture. The matchless P. T. Barnum is portrayed by Wallace Beery in "The Mighty Liarnuin," which is to be screen- ! eel at the Tivoii Theatre tomorrow. The story opens with Barnum's entrance into the sideshow business exactly a hundred years ago, when, having acquired a few reptile monstrosities and an aged negress named Joice-fteth, purported to be 160 years old and erstwhile nurse of the infant George Washington, he left liis failing Bowery grocer, rented a livery stable, and opened Barnum's Museum, the famous midget, General Tom Thumb, and his bride Lavinia, the Cardiff Giant, the Bearded Lady, the Fiji Mermaid, the Woolly Horse, and all the rest of the "natural oddities" with winch Barnum staggered New York a century ago are also seen. Adolphe Menjou, Rochelle Hudson, and Janet Beecher are in the cast. The second picture will be Helen Hayes in "What Every Woman Knows," a delightful film romance with a novel twist. The plot concerns the efforts of a retiring but capable Scotch woman to find romance, although handicapped by what she calls "lack of charm."

George Arliss hyes up to his reputa- !, 1011 "l. The.lron Duke," which is at the State Theatre, Petone. He brings to the story, the artistry an audience has come to expect from him. "The Iron puke is not wholly a picture of what happened on June 18. 1815. It is actually a story of the victor of Waterloo, and reveals the tremendous part Wellington . played in the councils of turope during the time when Europe was beinr held fast against the intentions of Napoleon. In the supporting cast ere Ellaline. Terriss . and Gladys Cooper.

Jane Withers, a chubby independent Mile gui of. nine years, is the star of Ginger, which is to be shown at the State Theatre, Petone, tomorrow. She will be remembered as the brat in "Bright Eyes," who imitated a machinegun, told tales on Shirley Temple, tried to run her down with a doll's carriage, and proved herself very annoying. "Ginger" is an excellent picture for the children, for whom there will be a special matinee tomorrow at 2.15.

"Tug Boat Annie," starring Marie Dressier and Wallace Beery, will be presented finally tonight at the Empire Theatre, Petone." Commencing at the matinee tomorrow, Edward G. Robinson will be seen m "Silver Dollar," which delves into the life stories of the pioneers and adventurers who swarmed the mining camps of Colorado during the richest I silver strike in the history of the world. The supporting cast includes Bebe Daniels, Aline MacMahon, and Robert Warwick. "They Call it Sin," starring Loretta Young and George Brent, which is an enthralling drama, is the additional, attraction.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON DANCE.

Th«.jyianagemc*ht of the New Majestice advertises for tomorrow an afternoon V.n and dance session from 3 o'clock to 5 o'clock to Lauri Puddi and his Band.