CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 107, 7 May 1936, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

REGENT THEATRE.

"These Three" concludes at the Regent Theatre tonight. ,"Rose of the Rancho" commences a season at the Regent Theatre tomorrow.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

- "A Tale of Tvvo Cities," now showing at the Majestic Theatre, is one of the most noteworthy pictures to come to "Wellington. With his wealth of characters and his art of catching the atmosphere of the time, Dickens appears to give a producer every facility for transferring his novels in spirit to the screen. As Sydney Carton, Ronald Colman undoubtedly has one of the most congenial roles of his career, and distinguishes himself by fine acting. As Lucie Manette, Elizabeth Allan is also splendidly cast. The part of Charles Darney, the young French nobleman who marries her before he is caught up in the toils of the Revolution, is played well by Donald.Woods, Others of note in the cast are Edna May Oliver, as Miss Pross; Basil Rathbone, as the sinister. Marquis. d'Evremont; Reginald , Owen, Blanche Yurka, Henry B. Walthall, Walter Catlett. Fritz Leiber, H. B. Warner, and Claude GillingwaterV The supports include a ' thrilling Pete Smith Xeaturette on sail-planing. ■•

ST.-. JAMES .'THEATRE,

■ "The Music .Goes' Round" opens at the St. James Theatre tomorrow; ■;

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

! Jack Buchanan is at his' best in ".When Knights Were Bold," which' concludes tomorrow ■night :;at. the Paramount Theatre. From ■ Poona. India, to Little Twifterton, England, is a far cry but thither Lieutenant Guy De Vere hurries when he receives news that he has inherited" the title of Lord of Beechwobd. He is determined not to copy history, but to make it, and this he succeeds in accomplishing after a most amusing series of events, ■ ■ - .-•

The recent British picture made by Charles Fan-ell will be shown at the Paramount Theatre commencing on Saturday next. Entitled "Falling in Love," it is a story that sQould appeal immensely, as if is of the type which has endeared the star to many thousands the world over.. Set in a beautiful English, rural background, this film will be a delight to picture-goers who enjoy the beauties of the country-; side. . Monty Banks—star of many, pictures and director of several recent. successes—has achieved another excellent result' in this,. the first British picture made.by Charles Farrell. Gregory Ratofty Mary Lawson, Margot Grahame, and Diana Napier are supporting players.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Follow the Fleet" and "Hi Gaucho!" conclude tonight at,the King's Theatre, i What happens when a shy and quiet young man suddenly tears loose and spends hundreds of dollars entertaining his best girl during a single night' out is aptly revealed in1 "His; Night Out," starring Edward Everett Horton, which opens tomorrow at the . Kingts Theatre. ; Supporting Horton is-beauti-ful Irene Hervey, cast as secretary tb Horton's boss in a chain drug store concern, played by Robert McWade. Romance, comedy, and adventure sparkle in "Don't Get Personal," starring James Dunn and Sally Eilers, which will be the i : associate feature. The story opens witli Dunn and-Pihk'y ToihlinKin jpreeaxibus-- circumstances, .possessing -no assets; except -twb-/col-lege degrees? and a.battered flj.yyer. While trying to sell: their; services fi-qm :-th'ev ainctionr-blockiiithey imeefcv \Saliy EilersV Then tne fun breaks loose when they start a cross-country tour to return Sally to her. family in Ohio.

SHORTT'S rTHEATRE.

"The' Black Room" and "Beyond Bengal" conclude tonight at Shortt's Theatre. -

With a score contributed by that master of light music, Jerome Kern, and that brilliant lyricist Oscar Ham- ' merstein 11, the new Fox Film spectacle, "Music in the Air," starring John ' Boles, Douglass Montgomery, and June Lang, will head the new bill at Shortt's Theatre tomorrow.' The nine hit songs include' "'I Told Every Little Star," "We Belong Together," and "The Song :is You." "The Man Who Knew too Much," " Gaumont-British's thrilling melodrama, which will also be'shown, has: a story of international criminals, child kidnapping, and gangster, warfare. Leslie Banks, Edna Best, and Nova Pilbeam are husband, wife, and .child respectively, and Peter Lorre, Frank Vosper, and- Cicely Oates present sinister roles in the anarchist organisation. ' ■■■;- .■.■'■.:■ „■;

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Described: as reaching the peak in screen entertainment, "George -White 1935 Scandals" is now showing at the Kilbirnie. Kinema. The stars are Alice Faye, James Dunn, Ned Sparks, Lyda Roberti, Cliff. Edwards, Arlirie Judge, Eleanor Powell, Emma Dunn, - Benny Rubin, and George White, ' who conceived, produced, and directed the entire show. There are six lilting song numbers as well as delightful >dance spectacles. The associate feature is "I Give My, 'Heart," starring the beautiful.^, and famous • Hungariari nightingale, Gitta Alpar, supported, by Owen Nares and other popular artists. The picture has gorgeous frocking and spectacular settings. . ■ ■

SEASIDE THEATRE, I.YALL BAY?:

Tonight the ever-popular Claudette Colbert will be seen at the • Seaside Theatre in her dramatic triumph "Private Worlds." Miss Colbert, who has an exceptionally strong supporting cast, takes the part of a woman who, in : , her own privaje ; world, hides secret longings even, from herself. There will also be presented an exceptionally good comedy,- "Two Fisted," which deals with the trials and tribulations of a;, couple of, prize fighters who crash into society." The programme also includes an excellent comedy; VNo More Bridge," and a Betty-Boop cartoon. , "■

STATE THEATRE, PETONE. ;; i

Betty Balfour, once Britain's "queen of laughter," makes a remarkable return to the screen and to the affections of her immense public •in, the Gains} borough picture, "My Old Dutch,'} now at the State Theatre, Petonel Those" who remember Betty in her "Squibs" characterisations and also' ;in >HLove, Life, and Laughter," all outstanding silent films, will want to renew: their acquaintance again. Genevieve Tobini and Edward Everett Horton are the stars of Universal's .-sophisticated comedy-drama, "Uncertain Lady," which will be the second feature.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

.The main attraction at the Grand Theatre, Petone tonight will .be ;• Two Fisted," a Paramount comedy •in which Spencer Tracy plays the part of a fast-talking fight manager of a dim-witted boxer. Roscoe Karns, Gail Patrick, Kent Taylor, Grace Bradley, and Billy Lee are featured in the film. 'The Virginia Judge," Paramount's film version of Walter C. Kelly's internationally known'stage character is the second feature. .

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

•; "The Calling of Dan Matthews'.': will be screened finally tonight at the St. James Theatre.; ;'

In "Without Regret," Farambtint's daring drama of a woman who married two men, which screens again tonight and tomorrow night at the Palace Theatre, Petone,.,the leading roles are filled by Elissa Landi, Paul Cavahagh, Kent Taylor, and Frances Drake. Murder, mystery, romance, and, adventure all play an exciting part in this deeply-moving and soul-stirring drama. The supporting programme includes ttie latest "Popeye the Sailor" cartoon. s i*'Kmg o£ the Mardi Gras/* .

TIVOLI THEATRE.

"Broadway Melody of 1936" and "The Last Outpost" will be screened finally tonight at the Tivoli Theatre.

Songs, laughs, romance, and a galaxy of talent, including Dick Powell, Ann Dvorak, Fred Allen, Patsy Kelly, Paul Whiteman, and his band, with Ramona, and, the Yacht Club Boys, are. in "Thanks a Million," which comes tomorrow to the Tivoli Theatre. Crammed with entertainment, Twentieth Century's spectatcular new funmusical "Thanks a Million" has a frivolous^ plot woven about the wildcat adventures of a troupe making onenight stops under the masterful misguidance of comedian Fred Allen. Dick Powell is the'company's songster and Ann Dvorak the leading dancer. In some fantastic manner, Allen manages to get the troupe entangled with -a bunch of wild-eyed politicians, and before they have extricated themselves plenty happens. The romance of Powell and Miss Dvorak is threatened by the intrusion, of Margaret Irving, and Powell becomes temperamental and Allen becomes more stupid than ever. But it all comes out happily in the end with Powell a radio star and Ann ready to say "I do." "Thanks a Million" and "I've Got a Pocket Full of Sunshine" are the principal song numbers sung by Dick Powell. "In Pursuit of Happiness," the associate feature, has Francis Lederer, Joan Bennett, Charles Ruggles, and Mary B'oland in the main roles.

RIVOLX THEATRE.

'Bitterness of hate, lust of power, futility of conflict, glory of faith, and ecstasy of love are the elements that go to make up "The World Moves On," described as Fox Film's "love story of a century," which is now screening at the Rivoli'Theatre. Chronicling the drama of*a family which, over four generations', spreads its branches over four nations of the earth, the picture comes adorned with the reputation of an epic film. The film has for its leading, players Madeleine Carroll, glamorous star of "I Was a Spy," and the popular Franchot Tone, and the work of both won the praise of New York critics and the plaudits of the crowds. ' Their distinguished supporting cast includes Reginald Denny,- Siegfried Rumann, Louise Dresser, Raul Roulien, Lumsden Hare, Dudley Digges, Stepin Fetchit, Frank Melton, Brenda Fowler, Russell Simpson, Walter McGrail, Marcel! Corday, ' Charles Bastin, Barry Norton, -.• George Irving, Ferdinand Schumann-Heink, Georgette Rhodes^ Claude King, Ivan Simpson, and Frank Moran, . . : ; • 1

PRINCESS THEATRE.

"Captain Blood" and "The Virginia. Judge" will conclude this evening at the Princess: Theatre. : .; ~

• A fine double-feature programme will opeir.tomorrow at the Princess Theatre. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance, sing, and romance'.theirway through a 'gay, colourful ■ story in "Top Hat," their RKO Radio musical comedy, which features i lyrics 'and melodies by Irving Berlin, and which is the main attraction. Edward Everett Horton, Helen ■ Broderick, Erik Rhodes, arid Eric /Blore head the cast supporting" the co-stars, who introduce a number of.;.sensational new dances, climaxed by-the "Piccolino." Melody, romance, and .drama are attractively blended in "The' Melody Lingers On," offered as the additional feature. Josephine Hutchinson and George Houston head the cast, Among the short subjects is a beautiful coloured cartoon, entitled "Molly.Moo Cow and the Butterflies."

''^PICTURES AND VAUDEVILLE/ -Sf;

Fred.-Argyle; is presenting': a new revue at the Rex Theatre this weefc under the, title of 'Western Whpopee;,* "JH¥ the^acts are new, and" new jioveities are* being introduced. In the present offering there is a beautiful Indian scene, "The Indian Call," and the singing .of ,; Rae Williams will please everybody. William Boyd heads a stellar cast of players in the filmisation of Clarence E. Mulford's new story for Paramount, "The Eagle's Brood," which is the feature picture on :the screen. Portraying "Hopalong Cassidy," Mulford's famous Western fiction character, Boyd impersonates one of the ■ old West's fearless gun-fighters. _ Shirley Temple's picture, "Bright Eyes," will, be shown tomorrow.

ROXY THEATRE.

If I Had a Million" and "One-way Ticket" will be shown finally tonight at the Roxy Theatre. ' >. ■•:•■ "The Last Days of Pompeii," which opens, at the Roxy Theatre tomorrow as the main attraction, brings to the screen RKO Radio's spectacular drama of magnificence based on poverty, splendour founded on despair, \ and lavish?luxury thinly cloaking brute savagery, wiped from the earth in a single giant upheaval of Natures-Vesu-vius: in eruption. Preston Foster, Alan Hale, Basil Rathbone, Louis Calhern, and Dorothy Wilson head the cast. Columbia's "Too Tough to Kill,'.' which will be the second feature film, with Victor Jory, Sally O'Neil, arid Thurstoh Hall in the main roles, is a pictorial ; dramatisation of the gigantic Colorado Aqueduct project now in the process of construction high in the' Sierra ■Nevadas. Landslides, cave-ins, arid-dynamite death are intermingled in' this fast-paced story of a two-fisted boss: of the underground battling for life and laughing at lave. ■ ,

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

;.. "The Littlest Rebel," which is to be shown finally at Our Theatre tonighti brings .Shirley Temple to the silver sheet in her most appealing role. Laughter and tears, all the varying emotions of which humans are capable, are portrayed by this child with all the aplomb of, a matured artist. On the sanie programme is a thrilling melodrama, featuring a favourite player in George O'Brien. Supports are excellent, and Lola" gives details of. Our Birthday Club. ; ..

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT

. Dick Powell' and Ruby Keeler, the famous screen lovers who made their first hit in "42nd Street," following it with "Gold Diggers of" 1933," rFlirtation Walk," and other screen successes, abpear in their most pretentious picture in "Shipmates Forever," a thrill ing, drama of midshipman life, now showing at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt.' On the same programme are the Louis-Baer fight' film, Overseas News/ and-a ■ musical comedy shoct. _ ... : -.-. "-. .'.. ;■;, ; .■■.,

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

"I cannot recall ever having heard ad; orchestra so good in- any city with the population of Wellington," said a distinguished musician who attended the last concert of the Wellington1 Symphony Orchestra. Similar praise has been given to the orchestra-by other overseas visitors, including such outstanding musical authorities as Percy Graingei\. Andersen Tyrer, and Mr. Lloyd Powell. The orchestra is at present playing -better than, ever and its first concert iof the 1936 season, to be given ,in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, should be a rare musical treat for lovers of orchestral music. The "programme for the occasion is a very attractive one, and includes the first performance in New Zealand of Guilmanl's' Symphony No. 1 in D Minor for Grand Organ and Orchestra.. Other 'numbers in the programme include a charming suite, "Jeux d'Enfants," by the French composer Bizet. Sibelius is represented by his tone-poem, "Finlandia," and lighter numbers include the overture to "Maritana," two settings for string orchestra of two Scandinavian folk songs, and Weingartner's brilliantly-scored arrangement of Weber's "Invitation to the Waltz." The guest soloist for the concert will be Annie Laurie Trewman,' from the Queen's Hall, London, a gifted mezzosoprano, who has achieved a big repu-1 tation at Home for her recital work.. She \vill be heard in. several songs' with orchestral accompaniment. The seating plan is now open at Chas. Begg's, Manners-Street

. „DE LUXE THEATRE.

"Dangerous" concludes tonight at the De Luxe Theatre. "Frisco Kid" commences a season at the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow.

"-PLAZA THEATRE.

"The -Tunnel" concludes tonight at the Plaza' Theatre.

The latest Margaret Sullavan starring vehicle, "Next Time We Love," opens tomorrow at the Plaza Theatre. The film is based on Ursula Parrott's sensational novel and relates the marriage adventures of a wife who is a screen star and a husband who pursues the news of world events as a foreign newspaper correspondent. Their separate careers almost wreck their romance until the wife.finds a surprisingly unexpected solution. Edward H. Griffith directed the picture and the chief cameraman was Joseph Valentine, remembered for his unusual photography of "Seventh Heaven." James Stewart plays the leading male role opposite Miss. Sullavan and Ray Milland is prominently cast as the husband's best friend; Other important members of the company which made "Next Time We Love" include Grant Mitchell, Robert McWade, Anna Demetrio, and Ronnie Cosbey. Margaret Sullavan. is said to have given a performance which excels, for emotional depth, her former successes, "Only Yesterday," "Little Man, What Now?" and "The Good Fairy."

STATE THEATEE.

"Show Them No Mercy" screens for the last time tonight. at the State Theatre.

' "Captain January" opens at the State Theatre tomorrow. ■ ■

"RICHARD OF BORDEAUX."

The final presentation is to be given in the Town Hall Concert Chamber tonight of the historical costume play "Richard of Bordeaux." It is a Wellington Repertory Theatre Society production, and the general consensus of opinion is that excellent results have been achieved, particularly in view of the fact that the producer. (Mr. W. S. Wauchop) had to overcome the handicap of a small-size stage. Mr. G. H. A. Swan admirably suits the part of Richard, and Mrs. Craig Mackenzie is also happily cast as the queen. This latter' comment, however, may be applied equally to every other member of the company and the result is a well-balanced whole and a very enjoyable evening's entertainment. Members of the "Fresh Fields" company will be,present this evening.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

The season's gayest musical, "Redheads on Parade," is screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, and features John Boles, Dixie Lee, Jack Haley, and Alan Dinehart. The second feature, "Black Sheep," stars Edmund Lowe, Claire Trevor, Adrienne Ames,- and Mundin, and is. a thrill-packed 'adventure mystery aboard 'a transatlantic liner.

REGAL, THEATRE, KARORI.

Tonight at the Regal Theatre the special double-feature programme will comprise "The Awakening of Jim Burke," with Jack Holt arid Florence Rice, a thrilling story of a huge construction project," and "Straightaway," with Tim McCoy and Sue Carol, a roaring story of the motor-racing track.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

• In "Top Hat," the current attraction at the Empire Theatre this evening, the ■ stars, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers,, introduce a number of sensational'new numbers, climaxed by "Piccolino." Edward Everett Horton arid Erick Rhodes are also in the cast. A splendid supporting programme has been arranged.

STUDIO RECITAL

An enjoyable recital by the junior pupils of Mrs.. Phyllis Murray was held on Tuesday evening. In spite of the stormy weather there was a good attendance, of.parents--and friends. All the^littleipeoplevshowed, promise, and aigood programme of recitations, mono-' »ldgues, songs, and- sketches was presented. A.delightfulscene from "Peter Pa^^was;i€iven,i"'those-.,taking part being?M'ary MiricheiSiDenise Crichton, Ron Murray, Mary and Brian Pohlen, Christine Heron, Miriam Skinner, uorothy, v and Shirley Leg£=. :