CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 17, 21 January 1936, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

REGENT THEATRE,

Richard Tauber's glorious voice carries "Heart's Desire," the new film at _<the Regent Theatre, to a triumphant conclusion. The story is a variation of the theme familiar to picturegoers through "One Night of Love" and "Love Me For Ever," that, of an obscure singer being carried to fame by someone with whom he or she falls in love. In the case of Josef . Steidler, a shy singer in a Viennese beer-garden, it is a woman who brings ' him to London and fame. Tauber sings two Schumann numbers which are the gems of the picture. There,is an exceptionally good supporting bill.

"Without Regret.".

Adapted from the famous Broadway stage hit, "Interference," "Without Regret,"..'. Paramount's daring romantic drama which comes shortly to the Regent Theatre, has been translated to the screen with Elissa Landi, Paul Cavanagh, Frances Drake, and Kent .Taylor in the leading roles. "Without Regret" pictures the strange predicament in which a woman finds herself enmeshed. Marriage to a dashing, dissolute aviator in China after a one-day romantic adventure with him, leads "her- to1 regret her mad moment years ■later-Vwhen, believing, him dead, she marries a noted London doctor. When he is .-,' about ■to be.-, given a title

, in recognition of his.medical service, . the old sweetheart,.of her first hus- " band gives out the startling disclosure that the first husband is alive. How 'she attempts to save her home, hus- ' band, and baby from scandal, ruination; and disgrace forms the basis of this gripping, sophisticated film.

NEW OPERA HOUSE. '

"The Melody Lingers On," a drama of. war and post-war days in Italy which has achieved great popularity, is now showing at the New Opera "House. Tils'picture tells the career of the world-renowned pianist Ann Prescott; and of her struggle to assure the future of «.her sdn. As Miss Prescott; .Josephine Hutchinson gives a wonderful interpretation of a role that :calls.for the highest ability. The heroine appears on the screen first as a girl of nineteen, and the picture .deals-with, subsequent stages of her life. Acting the double role of the great operatic baritone, Carlo Salvini, and of his fson, whose mother is Ann Prescott, George Houston also reaches new heights by his portrayal. "The Melody Lingers On" is a charming and melodious, romance. An interesting selection of supporting pictures is also shown.

IDE LUXE THEATRE.

With the modern liking for films of atmosphere it is surprising that someone has not translated Captain Marryat's "Mr. Midshipman Easy" to the screen before now. But the British Empire Films version of it, which is now showing at the De Luxe Theatre with the new juvenile star Hughie Green playing the title role, fills this / gap competently, . and does good! work in bringing to the world of entertainment the youthful, theorising, adventurous midshipman whom so many readers know. While the names of the cast, including Margaret Lockwood and Harry Tate, are ndw to filmgoers, they are excellent artists. The supporting bill embraces newsreels, Pathe Pictorials of interest, a coloured cartoon "Balloon Land," and a novelty, "6.30 Collection." The De Luxe Concert Orchestra, under Mr. L. _D. Austin, presents some brilliant numbers.,

A 'hilarious comedy with music is Stanley Lupino's latest hit "Honeymoon, for Three," which opens at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

A programme of more than usual balance and entertainment is the offering at the Paramount Theatre this week, where "Wanderer of the Wasteland" and "Here Comes Cookie" are being screened. The former brings all the charm and action of Zane Grey to life, with the desert he made so human as the background. The thrills of this production are balanced by the bright comedy of "Here Comes Cookie." A man has: money; and two daughters, one eligible and the other definitely "nitwit." The elegible one has a suitor, who, papa thinks, is just after his money. So he conceives the bright idea of signing all his money over to his not-so-bright daughter, and giving out that he is poor. It is fast-moving fun, and before it there is a good colour feature.

KING'S THEATRE.

In "The Gov'nor," which is now screening at the King's Theatre, George Arliss plays the title role, that of a genial tramp with a genuine love of the open air. His constant companion and fellow-nomad, played by Gene Gerrard, the comedian, is a quick-witted fellow always ready to seize an opportunity to obtain maximum comfort with the minimum of physical effort. Discovering that "The Guvnors" real name is also that of an internationally famous financier, he cunningly, contrives to exploit the coincidence and to-coyer up "The Guvnors" errors when impersonation projects both into all sorts of embarrassing predicaments. Viola Keats provides the principal feminine interest in th.c.story. "Music is Magic," a musical comedy, will be on the same programme.

REX THEATRE,

Paramount's "Night After Night," which features George Raft, Constancfe Cummings,. .Wynn Gibson. Mac West, and Alison Skipworth, is now screening afthe Rex Theatre. The action of the. film is set in, a luxurious New .York night club. Ample humour and an appealing romance serve to relieve the many tense moments. A distinctive and well-balanced cast was selected by Warner Bros, for the leading roles in the rollicking comedy "Friends of Mr. Sweeney," which is the supporting feature. Charlie Ruggles, the in-, amitable comedian, has the leading role, with Ann Dvorak furnishing the romantic part of the story. Entertaining featurettes will also be screenedi

ROXY THEATRE.

s The.sinister charm of Georga Raft, the Oriental beauty of Anna May Wong, and the wistful loveliness ol Jean Parker, in the leading roles of Paramount's "Limehouse Blues," now at the Rcxy Theatre, combine to make this film of the famous London under-' world; a picture of unusual excellence, force, and drama. The story deals with the undoing of the gangster chieftain who dominates the river pirates of the Thames. "She Loves a Uniform,'' the supporting picture, is the story of a flighty young heiress with a penchant for uniforms who "adopts" a number of gangsters and changes them into polished gentlemen. The featured players are Patricia Ellis, Caesar Romero, arid Larry Crabbe.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"Love Me Forever," starring Grace Moore, is the principal attraction on the doable-feature programme at the " Empire Theatre. This latest Grace • Moore picture has been acclaimed by critics as a greater production than "One Night of Love." Leo Carrillo . and Robert Allen play the main supporting roles. The supporting feature is "Below the Sea," starring Ralph Bellamy and Fay Wray. A cartoon, ; sports thrill, and travel-laugh complete > the programme.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

"Look Up and Laugh," Grade Fields's latest musical comedy, is the main feature at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Her pictures always abound in catchy music, and "Look Up and Laugh" is no' exception to the rule. In addition to the theme songs there are several excellent numbers, notable among them being- "Love is Everywhere." Supporting Gracic Fields is a splendid, comedy team.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"China Seas," which is now in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, is one of the most outstanding films of the year. .It features Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and . Wallace Beery. The major part of the action takes place dn board ship, and there are some amazing typhoon scenes. The supporting subjects are good and include a coloured travel talk showing the beautiful' Canadian mountain scenery at Banff.

Stars, romance, music, gaiety, laughter, and drama all mingle in a new and unique blend of screen entertainment in "Escapade," a new romance of Vienna, to be shown at the Majestic Theatre on Friday next. It is a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, which stars William Powell and introduces Luise Rainer, brilliant Vienna stage star, to New Zealand audiences as his leading lady. .Frank Morgan, of "Naughty Marietta," plays the jealous doctor,' and blonde Virginia Bruce, of "The Mighty Barnum." and "Times Square Lady," his flirtatious wife who gets Powell into a multiplicity of comical ' complications. Mady Christians, European star of "The Waltz Dream," is his jealous sweetheart, and Reginald .Owen plays the absent-minded musician lover. The story deals with a debonair and lionised artist, played by Powell...who,falls in love, through complications over a painting of another man's wife, with the demure companion' of a countess. With a jealous doctor, a former sweetheart, and a flirtatious wife on his hands, he tries ;to balance the whole structure while' progressing on a rocky road of true love. Through flirtation he paints. an unconventional picture of the doctor's wife. Through mistake it goes to the publisher. He hunts a model to pass for the original as an alibi, falls to- love with: her, and a jealous former sweetheart interferes. Though not a musical picture, there are some elaborate musical sequences. The most important is the opera premiere in which the voice of Enrico Caruso amplified from records made during the tenor's life, with augmented orchestration, recreate his golden tones to grand opera level. Another is a Viennese concert hall, where the new song hit, "You're All I Need," is featured. The musical score is by Walter Jurmann and Bronislav Kaper, brilliant Continental composers of Jan Kiepura's hits.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

An unusually absorbing and exciting story is unfolded in "Grand Exit," the new Columbia picture starring Edmund Lowe and Ann Sothern, which is now screening at the St. James Theatre. The plot deals with the machinations of an embittered pyre-maniac who is obsessed with the idea of ruining a large insurance company which had treated him shamefully in the past. Working with uncanny success, the madman sets ablaze building after building insured with the unfortunate company. Lowe has the part of the fire insurance investigator who is called in to solve the mystery of the chain of conflagrations, but many more great buildings are destined to be consumed before he finally guesses the riddle. The picture is full of dramatic shots of huge buildings enveloped in flames, and gives a clear insight into the organisation of the fire prevention system and appliances of a large American city. The supports are excellent.

STATE THEATRE,

Excelling even their brilliant partnership in "Roberta," Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are seen again in "Top Hat," the new R.K.O. film, which is now showing at the State Theatre. The musical score was written by Irving Berlin. Among his new dances, Fred Astaire gives two versions of " The Strings" and also does a solo specialty, "Top Hat," in which a chorus of top-hatted young men perform some clever and intricate steps; With Ginger Rogers, Astaire sings "Isn't This a Lovely Day?" and r'Cheek to Cheek," while the final number, "The Piccolino," with i a chorus of sixty, is a fitting finale. Edward Everett Horton plays humorously as Horace Hardwicke, the mistaken husband, Helen Broderfck making a definite success as his matchmaking wife. One of the gems of the piece is the performance of Eric Blore as Bates, Hardwicke's resourceful man servant, who is responsible for much mirth. Erik Rhodes is the dress designer.

PLAZA THEATRE.

Nino Martini's glorious voice makes "Here's to Romance," which is the main feature at the Plaza Theatre, an unforgettable picture. This feature marks his debut on the screen, and in every way does full justice to his vocal and dramatic qualities. Technically, the reproduction of his singing is almost perfect, and right through, even in some of the more difficult and complicated operatic excerpts, the astonishing strength and tonal qualities of-his voice are preserved with matchless fidelity. In addition he has a striking stage presence. The story which acts as his background is slight, but it is very appropriate, and is splendidly interpreted by Genevieve Tobin, as Madame Gerard, a patroness of the arts, and benefactress of Nino; Reginald Denny, as M. Gerard, also a patron of the arts, with a partiality for good-looking dancers; and charming Anita Louise, as Nino's sweetheart. Some first-class supports supplement the main picture.

PRINCESS THEATRE,

Joe E. Brown in his latest - comedy romance : "Bright Lights," a First National picture, filled with mirth and melody, is now being shown, at the Princess Theatre. ■ In the cast are Ann Dvorak, Patricia Ellis, William Gargan, , Joseph Cawthorn, "Henry O'Neill, and the Maxellos. In . her new starring Paramount film "Now I'm a Lady," which is the added attraction, Mac West undergoes a strange and eventful transition from a cowgirl to the sweetheart of society in Southampton without losing her poise or her wise-cracking ability. Paul Cavanagh is her leading man. The programme includes a number of enjoyable short subjects. ■■'■'■'■■■■ ■•.'..'■

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOV ER HUTT,

The main feature of the new programme at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, is "The Scoundrel," a film wholly, written, directed, and produced for Paramount by Ben Hecht and Charles Mac Arthur to bring Noel Coward, world-famous dramatist, actor, and composer, to the screen in his initial film role. Julie Haydon, Stanley Ridges, Hope Williams, and Rosita Moreno are featured.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

The final screening of "Barbary Coast" and "The Flame Within" will take place tonight at the Kinema, Kilbirnie.

This programme, although of exceptionally high standard, yields place to one equally as good, namely "The Little Colonel," starring Shirley Temple, and "The Silver Streak," with Sally Blanc, William Farnum, and' Charles Starrett. It is.a story of the world's fastest train and what occurs on it as she hurtles acrbss a vast continent. In addition to Shirle v Temple, "The Little Colonel" stars Lionel Barryrnore and Evelyn Venable. At the matinee, special Shirley Temple souvenirs will be given to all the children.

DAYLIGHT HARBOUR EXCURSION.

What may be the last of the series of daylight harbour excursions for the present school vacation period is to be run on Thursday. The t.s.s. Muritai is timed to leave the Ferry Wharf, Wellington, at 10.30 a.m. and the Miramar wharf at 11 a.m. for the trip to the Heads and a harbour cruise. Day's Bay will be reached about 1 p.m., and time will be allowed ashore for lunch and swimming. The afternoon cruise will be via Somes Island. Mlramar will be reached at 3.30 p.m. and Wellington at 4 p.m. Large numbers are likely to avail themselves of this final opportunity for the season of making this popular trip. '

KIVOLI THEATRE

Maurice Chevalier sings five gay song hits in "Folies Bergere," Darryl F. Zanuck's new Twentieth Century screen musical extravaganza now showing at the Rivoli Theatre. The successful team of Jack Stern and Jack Meskill turned out "Rhythm of the Rain," "I was Lucky," "Au Revoir, L'Amour," and "Singing a Happy Song," while Harold Adamson and Burton Lane, who wrote "Stormy Weather," collaborated on "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth." In the first two numbers Chevalier is accompanied by Ann Sothern, who shares feminine honours with the lovely Merle Oberon. Chevalier also sings one chorus of the memorable "Valentina." The lavish dance and musical scenes featuring Hollywood's loveliest dancing girls, are all staged in the sensational manner for which the Folies Bergere is internationally renowned. The most spectacular production by the world's greatest maker of spectacles, Cecil B. DeMille's "The Crusades," is the other big attraction. This virile story.of the attempt to recapture the Holy Land from the Saracens is filmed on an overwhelming scale, with a cast of thousands, and backgrounds that set a new standard even for Hollywood. The cast, which includes dozens of motion-picture stars, is headed by Loretta Young and Henry Wilcoxon.

TIVOLI THEATRE.

• Jean Harlow and William Powell are co-starred in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical extravaganza, "Reckless," which is one of the current attractions at the Tivoli Theatre. Miss Harlow appears as a singing and dancing star for.the.first.time on the screen. Shq dances to the hypnotic rhythm:of original music composed by Jerome Kern who wrote the song hits of "Cat and the Fiddle," "Show Boat," "Music in the Air," and dozens of other successes. Franchot Tone heads the supporting cast, which also features May Robson, Ted Healy, Nat Pendleton, and \ Hobert -Light. The second feature is . "The Irish in Us," with James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, and Frank McHugh in the leading roles. Once a happy family, a rift sets in when Cagney arid O'Brien fall in love with the same girl, Olivia de Havilland. The film presents what is ■ said to be the longest and most fiercely fought ring bout in history. Although it takes but fifteen minutes on the screen, il

was five days in the making. Cagney and Harvey Parry, a former boxing champion) are the contestants. J. Farrell Mac Donald and Thomas Jackson also have important roles.

"WHITE HORSE INN."

The list for preferential bookings for the approaching season of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., mammoth production of the musical play "White Horse Inn" was closed at the D.I.C. this afternoon, and the box plans for the ordinary booking for the opening gala performance on Wednesday, January 29, and for subsequent representations, will be opened on Friday morning. Altogether there are 150 people concerned in the production of "White Horse Inn," including Miss Romola Hansen, Herbert Browne, Alfred Frith, Don Nicol, Marie Conan, Alban Mack, Colin Crane, Miriam Lester, Charles Albert, Peter Gordon, Master Greaves, Daphne Low, and other well-known iartists. There are no less than fifteen scenes, but with the aid of the huge revolving stage there are scarcely any waits between them.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

Dealing chiefly with the problem of making a success of marriage in these days of financial uncertainty, Columbia's "I'll Love You Always," which is now showing at Shortt s Theatre, proves an absorbing, entertaining study of modern-day life. Nancy Carroll and George Murphy are featured, and once again Miss Carroll proves herself a dramatic actress of real talent, while Murphy, a comparative newcomer, further establishes his ability, drawing sympathy from a role that might easily nave been otherwise. Comedy, pathos, and tense drama make up the plot and story of "Among the Missing," which >is the second feature. Henrietta Crosman, Arthur Hohl, Richard Cromwell, beautiful Billie Seward.and Ivan Simpson have the main roles.' '"..-.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Murder in the Fleet," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features Robert Taylor, Jean Parker, Una Merkel, Ted Healy, and Nat Pendleton. The story deals with a series of baffling crimes and the work of a young naval lieutenant in ferreting out a criminal amid the civilian visitors and naval crew during manoeuvres.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

Tonight at the Regal Theatre a specially selected double-feature programme will be presented • when the return screening of the popular "Evergreen" will take place. The supporting feature is "Man of Aran."

EMPIRE THEATRE, PETONE.

The current programme at the Empire Theatre, Petone; is headed by "A Ticket in Tatts," starring the popular Australian comedian George Wallace. The picture is a most hilarious one. The other feature will be the weird drama, "The Old Dark House," featuring Boris Karloff as a malienant giant servant in a lonely old house.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

Two excellent' features in "Lady for a Day" and "The Line-up" comprise the double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre. "The Line-up" depicts in fascinating detail the inner workings of a powerful group of fur racketeers who eventually land in the police line-up from which the picture derives its title. Marion Nixon and William Gargan have the principal roles. The second, feature is the comedy drama, "Lady for a Day," and heading the' cast are May Robson, Warren William, and Jean Parker.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY,

| "Age of Indiscretion," which will be screened at the Seaside Pictures tonight at 8 o'clock, is a drama of an old woman's fight,to obtain possession of her grandson from his father and the love of a child for its parent. May Robson, Paul Lukas, and Madge Evans have the leading roles. An "Our Gang" comedy; two newsreels,. and "Poor Little Me," a cartoon in colour, will also be shown.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE,

The grand comedy successor to "It Happened One, Night" is "She Married Her Boss," starring Claudette Colbert. It is to be screened finally tonight at the Palace Theatre, Petone. Commencing a three-night season tomorrow night, with a special matinee tomorrow at 2 p.m., is Warner Bros.' drama with. music, "Shipmates Forever," starring Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. Dick Powell sings a number of catchy songs which fall naturally into the plot. Miss Keeler, who plays the part of an orphaned daughter of a naval officer, compelled to jam her living dancing in a night club, gives an exhibition of fancy tap dancing. Glamorous sequences have been taken with the Naval Academy as a background. The traditional customs of tho Naval Academy are all woven into the romantic and exciting plot. The supporting programme includes a riotous comedy, <TKeystone Hotel," starring Chester Conklin, Ben Turpin, and Ford Sterling.

STATE THEATRE, PETONE.

"The 39 Steps," with Robert Donat, the star of "Monte Cristo," and Madeleine Carroll in the leading roles, is the main feature at the State Theatre, Petone. The picture is an ingenious adaptation of John Buchan's well-known story of the machinations of an international spy organisation and the exciting adventures that befell a man in his efforts to outwit the gang. An excellent supporting programme will be screened.

A special children's matinee is to be held tomorrow at 2.15, when "Smoky" will be screened. In the evening the principal attraction will be "The Passing of the 3rd Floor Back," in which Conrad Veidt heads an excellent cast.

AFTERNOON TEA DANCE,

The New Majestic advertise an afternoon tea dance for tomorrow from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Lauri Paddi and his famous band will provide the music.