ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 68, 17 September 1936, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

"Klondike Annie" will have its final screening at the Regent Theatre tomA* musical film that develops into a mystery with a really thrilling climax. "Fatal- Lady," which will start tomorrow'at the Regent Theatre, is a picture which should: have a wide appeal. Several fine operatic extracts, romance, and a baffling series of murders are deftly interxyoven, and towards- the finish an electric atmosphere of suspense is created' with1 one dramatic incident following another in quick succession. The story deals with the career of a gifted singer who falls tinder a cloud through the violent deaths of those who are attracted by her. First an admirer is found dead in Texas with a photograph in his pocket, then a wealthy Brazilian, .who offers her his hand, is fatally while enacting a mock scene, with.her. The-mystery deepens further ,when a young American, who has-followed her to Paris, is found dead iri^his cat1., His brother determines to clear the matter up by the desperate expedient of publicly wooing her himself with startling results that keep the audience' constantly on the gui vive. Mary Ellis, former Metropolitan Opera prima donna, is well cast in the chief role. Her fine voice is heard to advantage in, several extracts, including portions of two original operas, "Isabelle" and "Bal Masque." Walter' Pidgeon reveals an excellent screen personality in the chief romantic role, and an unusually strong supporting cast includes Norman Foster, Guy Bates Post, John Halliday, Allan Mowbray, Ruth Donnelly, Edgar Kennedy, and Samuel Hinds. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The King Steps Out," now at the Majestic Theatre, is a film, without defect.; Grace 'Moore's ability as a singer and' as an actress-are too well known to need description. The story/ is the old one of the king who falls in love with a princess masquerading as a dressmaker, but it is given a delightfully fresh interpretation by the director, Josef yon Sternberg. The music by Fritz Kreisler, embodies the slow section of "Caprice Viennois," arranged for the voice, fragments' of other familiar violin compositions and a series of soprano solos which have been drawn from Kreisler's opera "Cissy," which was staged in Vienna several years ago. Excellent supporting performances are given by Franchot Tone and1. Walter Connolly. The supporting programme is of a vauety and quality in keeping with Ihe principal picture. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Hazel Terry, seventeen-year-old pand-mece of the world-loved Ellei) Terry, is making her screen debut at the St. James Theatre tomorrow in Capitol's "The Marriage of Corbal," in which she is starring opposite Nils Asther. Director Karl Grune congratulates himself on his latest "'find,',' and-predicts that Hazel is destined to carry the immortal name of Terry to still greater heights in the entertainment world. Miss Terry's role in .this thrilling Rafael Sabatini/story, is that of a young aristocrat, during the Revolutionary days, who is rescued from the guillotine, and, masquerading as a drummer boy, succeeds in making her escape to the chateau of the Marquis of Corbal. How she manages to elude the attentions of an unscrupulous young tSeputy-citizen >and finally manages, wifn the • help" of the marquis, to escape to the Swiss border, is told in this exciting story.. Hugh Sinclair and No^h Beery have leading roles. Another book which has made a great appeal to many thousands of readers and should retain its appeal as a film is Harold Bell Wright's /'The Mine With the Iron Door," tlie v screen version of which will also be on the programme. / NEW OPERA HOUSE. ; Quest," showing ■ finally: tonight ait ■> the New Opera House,'is a rfeally delightful tale of- a boy's quest .for a mother for his .little: sister." The boy has Dori Quixote1 always before him as his ..hero, and this trait is cleverly woven into the story. The children are victims of baby farmers in a city saloon, butthey manage to make their escape., by giving a false alarm of'fire, ;. and: finally they are given; shelter in ; a farmhouse in the country. • Here :. 4 soilred and elderly . spinster, seems.i 4 most unpromising propositiqn- as .. an adopting mother, but she gradually melts arid all ends happily;-'The,secf ond feature, "The Sky Parade," is replete from start to finish with sensational flying, aeroplanes crash and burn, and one gasps with trepidation at the various "stunts."! The supporting programme is a good one. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Tonight will be the final opportunity of seeing the thrilling romantic drama "Devil and the Deep," starring Charles Laughton and Gary Cooper, at the Paramount Theatre., -Tomorrow at the Paramount Theatre a\~teturn season will, commence of the popular Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production "Penthouse," starring Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy, assisted by such favourites as Charles Butterworth, Nat Pendleton, Mac Clarke, Martha Sleeper, C. Henry Gordon, and Raymond Hatton. KING'S THEATRE. "Professional Soldier" and "Little Miss Nobody" will be shown finally tonight at the. King's Theatre. ■ A. new double-feature programme of comedy and drama will commence a season at the King's Theatre tomorrow. "Love on a Bet" deals with the hectic adventures of a.penniless young man "who, lor a wager, travels from New York to Los Angeles in his underwear. Gene Raymond, Wendy Barrie, and Helen Broderick have the leading roles in this fast-moving comedy-romance. The second feature, "The Last Outlaw," is an outdoor drama of the type of the famous "Covered Wagon" and "Gimarron." Harry Carey, Hoot Gibsort and Margaret Callahan are the leading players. \ PRINCESS THEATRE. "Anything Goes" and "The Keeper q4-the Bees" will conclude at the Princess Theatre tonight. Two entertaining features will commence tomorrow at the Princess _!Iheatre. A stirring drama of smalltown bigotry and intolerance, the Warner Bros, production, "I Married a Doctor,"-is the chief attraction. The picture is .based on a hqvel by Sinclair Lewisp which caused- a.furore, and is filled withpathos and- tragedy and dynamic ■ scenes, enlivened by; romance, sparkling dialogue, and comedy. Pat O'Brien and Josephine Hutchinson have the,: romantic leads. The supporting feature; "Peg of Old Drury,'\isa'great and, true story,; which . gives-; Anna Neagle the finest opportunity of her bright career. It also introduces Sir Cedric Hardwicke as David Garrick, one of the greatest actors the English stage has ever known. Conspicuous among the short subjects is a musical revue in new Technicolour, entitled "Okay, Jose." ' CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. -..."Sutler's Gold," screening at the ;!Eafpitol Theatre tonight, features Ed/ward, Arnold, Lee Tracy, Binnie Barnes, and a very large cast. The iistory deals with the romance of a man /who discovers gold and it shows the Jrush of humanity that takes place and .^the trials of those taking part in it. j h EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY '/ The principal attraction at the Empire Theatre this evening, "The VirAginia Judge," starring Walter C. Kelly 'and S|epin Fetchit, centres around the 'many problem's, both serious and amus-vinf,-which confront.. a -genial smalltown Judge. The supporting feature is "Without Regret," with Elissa Landi, Paul Cavanagh, and^ Frances Drake. A Paramount ' riewsreel ""will also be screened.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

DE LUXE THEATRE.

Jean Muir and Gene Gerrard, in "Viennese Love Song." and ■ Guy Kibbee in "The Big Noise," Avill be shown finally tonight at the De Luxe Theatre. . .

"Public EnemylsWife," Warner Bros.' new and unique thriller of,-G'-iho'n. activities, conies to the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow. The story by P. J. Wolf - son is said to carry some of the big-, gest punches ever shown in this type of picture, as well as being unusual in that a romance between the ace G-man .and the public enemy's wife forms a very definite and strong part j of the plot. The picture is enacted by an exceptionally brilliant' cast which includes Pat O'Brien and Margaret j Lindsay in the featured roles as. lovers, P'Brien the ace G-man and Miss Lindsay in the title role; Robert Armstrong} another G-man; Cesar Romero.. the- arch villain -and -murderous" head, of a band of desperate crooks; Dick E'oran, rich playboy; Joseph King.Richl' ard Purceli; Addivson-Richards, and,' others... In. addition-to: a" selected, list of short subjects, the supporting programme will include'musical presentations: by the Orchestra De Luxe and organ.: ' ■••'• -■ • " ■ .:■ "■ -••■ \ ;■■•■ " ' ;-! .;;" ' PLAZA THEATRE. ''.;■,■ '' ; ■' "Under Two Flags," the new and particularly' fine version of Ouida's famous-story1, is showing for an extended season at the Plaza Theatre. The excellent acting of Ronald Colman, Claudette' Colbert, Victor McLaglen, and Rosalind Russell has breathed into the drama an air of convincing reality, still further augmented by sound directing end by the beautiful and real desert scenes. The story opens in the military circle of the Foreign Legion in Northern Africa. Major Doyle (Victor McLaglen) is infatuated with Cigarette (Claudette Colbert), who runs a cafe frequented by the soldiers of the legion. Cigarette falls;. in<love with Sergeant Victor (Ronald Colman), but the sergeant is in love with; Lady Venetia (Rosalind Russell). ..Not know-: ing this; Major Doyle, in a.,passion .of, jealousy, sends Victor three; times;'.On a mission of doom and each time he. returns. The final scenes of desert warfare, when Victor ■ arid his garri son are relieved, are some .of the most spec-;: tacular in' the historyof, ;the". films. There is an .'excellent; supporting programme. ,'!,.::. \; •,','■//■■ ■'••.'.■' STT ATE.THEATRE/. '.'' "Sins of Man"''will be shown- finally tonight at the State Theatre. "Dancing:P,irate" opens-tomorrow at the State Theatre. < ,'^:fe:^liOXY THEATRE. • :>: ■'•''Riffraff";. and "The Night is Young" 'conclude ; tonight at the Roxy Theatre. :"': As'1 a;.successor to their two- previous vfull-lerigth'hits, "Fra Diav.olo" and "Babes in Toyland," Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy make their latest fea-ture-length film appearance in lhe Bohemian Girl." Hal Roach's ambitious fllmisation of the world-famed operetta which has thrilled generations, screening at,the. Roxy Theatre tomorrow. All the -music, of the Balfe musical has been retained in solo numbers as" well as score accompaniment and sequences featuring choral singing and dancing.. Joan Crawford and Clark Gable are co-starred in "Chained," the supporting feature. Clark Gable plays the role of a young rancher in South America. Joan Crawford gives one pf the finest performances of her vivid .career. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. .-. The Cosmopolitan comedy, •'Page Miss Glory," with' Marion Davies m the stellar role and a supporting cast composed ~of more than a score ot Hollywood stars and featured players, is now shdwing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. "Page Miss Glory" is,said to be the finest of Miss Davies's Stellar vehicles. The casting 6f Myrna Loy opposite Warner Baxter in Frank Capra's Columbia .picture, "Broadway Bill, which1-is the associate feature, brings her '■'■"■ together > again with the 'first- leading > man she ever had on--the screen. "Broadway Bill' is a romantic comedy in which, Baxter plays a reckless; lovable roustabout, and Miss Loy is a horse-loving feminine counterpart of him. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. With a sweep and realistic power probably never before approached by motion- pictures, 20th Century Fox brings" to the screen in "The Prisoner of Shark Island," now, showing-at Our ■Theatre'; the true story of the most tragic figure in America's history. With Warner. Baxter starred in the leading role,, the picture-tells/the story of the gentle Maryland ■ physician who was trapped with Lincoln's murderer, and who spent years in a living hell for a crime he had never committed. Gloria Stuart is cast as Baxter's heroic and loving wife. Fred Stone and Jean Parker have the leading roles in "The Farmer in the Dell," the second attraction. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. With Walter Abel and Margot Grahame co-starred RKO Radio assembled an unusually strong and well-balanced cast for its thrilling mystery film, "Two in the Dark," which'heads the excellent double-feature programme 'at the State Theatre,, Petone, tonight. Alan Hale, Wallace Ford, Gail Patrick, Erin O'Brien-Moore, Eric Blore, and Erik Rhodes have important roles. A lovely miss in danger and outlaws who test the mettle of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police furnish peril arid * adventure aplenty for George O'Brien in '.'O'Malley ;of the Mounted," the-action-crammed Fox drama which is also on the bill. Selected "shorts" are screened from 7.30 p.m. '.'■ PALAGE THEATRE, PETONE. The riotous adventures <of a schoolmaster, the pursuit of a priceless necklace, and the budding romance of a wealthy widow, are the main themes of the star attraction tonight and tomorrow night at the Palace Theatre, Petone, "Boys Will be :Boys,' starring Will Hay. and Gordon -Harker.: Comedy, suspense, and; drama-are expertly combined in the supporting feature, Hot Tip," featuring Zasu Pitts and James Gleason. Selected "shorts" ■' will be shown from 7.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. A splendid double-feature , programme screens tonight at- the Grand Theatre, Petone. The main attraction is "Woman Wanted," featuring Joel McCrea, Maureen O'Sullivan, Lewis Stone, Louis Calhern, and Adnenne Ames, and deals with the winning battle of law, against the underworld. "Men in White," the second feature, costarring Clark Gable and Myrna Loy, is a.dramatic hospital story. An excellent supporting programme will be shown from 7.30 p.m. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Tonight's programme at the Seaside Theatre, which will be screened for one night only, will be an exceptionally good double-feature bill. Edmund Gwenn and Maureen O'Sullivan, assisted by a large cast of favourites, will be seen in- the recent stage success, "The Bishop Misbehaves." The story concerns the doings of a bishop (Edmund Gwenn) who knew all the answers to.every crime, in ficti.on, and when he finally becomes entangled in a real burglary proceeds to unravel the mystery in a typical Sherlock Holmes manner. The second feature is "The Charm School," with Jack Oakie, Joe Penrier, and Ned Sparks, well known for their outstanding comedy performances. Saturday's double-feature programme will be Shirley Temple in "The Littlest Rebel." which will also be the matinee attraction, and Joan Crawford in "I Live My Life."1 Box plans for Saturday- night are now open. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight a special double programme will be screened at the Regal Theatre, Karori. "The Captain Hates the Sea," with Victor McLaglen and John Gilbert, is a splendid satire on liner life. In "Dangerous Intrigue" Ralph Bellamy and Gloria Thee appear in. a gripping,, sensational drama,

TIVOLI THEATRE. "The Gilded Lady" and "The Ghost Goes West" conclude tonight at the Tivoli Theatre. "Anything) Goes," which opens tomorrow 'at rthe Tivoli Theatre, is a jolly, tuneful, entertaining picture. This song-starred-Paramount presentation of the popular Broadway .musical, comedy which broke records during its New York run has in the cast such favourites as Ethel-Merman, Charles Ruggles, Ida Lupino, and Grace Bradley. AH the famous Cole Porter songs ot the Broadway show are heard in this mirthful picture. He has provided a number of others which are equally, as ■good as "You're.the Top" "Anything Goes," and "1 Get a Kick Out of You. The audience is: carried headlong from amusing escapades to diverting songs, and from spectacular night club scenes to madcap comedy. The. appealing Carole Lombard is seen in a brilliant sophisticated screen comedy, Love Before Breakfast," which will also be shown. In this Universal offering Miss Lombard portrays a self-determined, opinionated young woman who believes she wants to marry two different men. She gives them both a tempestuous lime while she is deciding between them. Preston Foster and Cesar Romero are cast as the two suitors. . . ■ rivoli theatre;'-'. "Gabriel Over' the.White House," now screening at the Rivoli Theatre, is based on the anonymous novel of the same name, a:book which stirred up some discussion in political.as well as literary circles because of its mode of approach'/ to present-day problems. Walter Huston, as the President of the United States, gives ' a performance magnificent in its penetrating quality and forceful conviction. Karen Morley gives a warm, human touch to her role, and the popular Franchot Tone is splendid as the President's secretary. The work of such supporting players as Arthur Byron, Dickie Moore, C. Henry Gordon, David Landau, Samuel Hinds, William Pawley, Jean Parker, and Claire Dubrey leaves nothing to be desired, while the direction of Gre-gory-La Cava is. striking and crisp. Also on the. bill -is the now famous '■Thin ■, Man," a picture which set a standard when first:presented for its crisp dialogue, its swift-moving action, and unusual.theme, and the remarkable acting of all, concerned., William Powell. and ■MyrnaLbyi' head a fine cast. " -.',, .;.; ';■ : ■ ■"'■.: ; REX THEATKE. i Zane Grey's action romance of the ■west, ''Heritage of the Desert," made into a Paramount picture with a cast headed by Randolph Scott, Sally Blanc, and J. Farrell Mac Donald, is now at the Rex Theatre. The picture follows the plot of the novel closely, and with its thrilling treatment of the activities of rustlers, and a romance between a young surveyor and a rancher's daughter, it is gripping entertainment. "The Girl in 419," a romantic drama set against the background of a police emergency hospital, is now also screening. James Dunn and Gloria Stuart have the leading roles,, and the supporting cast is headed by David Manners, Jack La Rue, Shirley Grey, Johnny Hines, and William Harrigan. All the excitement and humour of the day's routine in the receiving, ward of an emergency-hospital are crammed into the picture. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Bulldog Jack" and "Dante's Inferno" conclude- tonight at Shortt's Theatre. ''''■ ' '■■-. "She Couldn't Take It," the-George Raft-Joan Bennett romantic-comedy of an ex-gangster who inherits the guardianship of a family of' madcap bluebloods, will be the main feature at Shortt's Theatre tomorrow. Raft is seen as the reformed beer baron, Ricardi, whose major problem is his pledged duty to tame the "mad Van Dykes." The* spitfire daughter, Carol, is played by Joan Bennett. Reunited for the. first time since Ann Sothern's screen debut in "Let's Fall in Love," EdjiiUrid Lowe, versatile leading man, ari'dt.^He blonde star are co-starred in the'second feature, "Grand Exit," Columbia's excitia|;,,jComedy-drama dealing with :tliq;Ejct;4yj[ties..of a pyromaniac. Lowfevis .seen as atrelfert and ingenious fire insurance:lnvestigator who solves a., series: of incendiary .Hres-'and capturds the .perpetrator. '; KING GEORGi THEATRE, LOWER :;.-..".^H. . vHirrx.■ ■- ■■ - ■■ ■ The dreaded Island, painted in fact and fiction as, the heil-hole of the tropics, serves as the locale for a highly'"exciting;'melodrama called "Escape From Devil's Island/ now showing at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt. Victor Jory, Florence Rice, and Norman Foster head the cast. The romantic theme takes a ■■:'• tragic .. turn, climaxed by a novel and exciting denouement. ■"■ WELLINGTON MALE VOICE CHOIR. The, second concert of this season to be given by the Wellington Male Voice Choir tonight in the Concert .Chamber, Town Hall, promises to be a presentation of attractiveness. The soloists will be Mrs. George Holloway, violinist, and Miss Ena Rapley, soprano vocalist. The choir conducted by Mr. Frank J. Oakes will give a varied number of part songs and choruses,, including, by request, John Wood's New Zealand National Anthem "God Defend New Zealand," .with which- the programme will be opened. Since the visit of that, eminent musician, Dr. Malcolm Sargent, and owing to his wonderful work in the cause of choral music, together with his oft-repeated exhortations for loyal support by the public/ a new atmosphere has certainly been, created in the city, and the Male Voice Choir hopes that a well-deserved patronage will be accorded their effort tonight; The accompanists will be Mr. 'Clement Howe and: Mr. George Holloway., , . . : "THE DUTCH FAIR." Mr. Herbert F. Wood's' Concert Party and the Port Nicholson Silver Band will entertain at "The Dutch Fair" in the Town Hall tonight, at 8 o'clock. Evening admission to the fair is Is, children half-price. A cooking competition will be held; tomorrow afternoon, to which, admission is free. Coming evening attractions' are an exhibition of wrestling,.and music by the Artillery Band, tomorrow night; Miss Heather Wright in acrobatic, eccentric, and tap' dances; Miss' Oates's pupils hi an exhibition of clog; dancing; and Mr. Dan Hopa, Maori tenor,-, in characteristic songs, on Saturday. night. The children's grand fancy dress party will be held on Saturday afternoon, at 3 o'clock. Admission is, adults Is, children 6d. DR. C. J. ROLLS'S MEETINGS. Owing to a recurrence of malaria contracted by Dr. C. J. Rolls in his work in Abyssinia it was necessary for him to consult a physician on his arrival from Auckland yesterday and in consequence all meetings advertised for this week have had to be cancelled. This morning Dr. Rolls was reported to be much, better in health and it is .expected his meetings will commence in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Sunday next. Announcement will be made in the church notice columns of Saturday's "Post." POPULAR SUNDAY CONCERT. An excellent programme has been arranged for the sixth Sunday night concert under the auspices of the Wellington.City Council. The Ist Battalion Band of the Wellington Regiment will be heard in hymns and marches, etc. The Dominion Motors Harmonica and String Band will make its first appearance at these concerts and is sure to be popular. Other artists include a male quartet from the Wellington Operatic Society, ladies' sextet and duet from the Circassians, Ethel Hoy, soprano, and Thomas McNair, tenor. There will also be Highland dances, and one of New Zealand's best elocutionists, Len Crothers, will contribute humorous items. The full programme will appear in Saturday's "Post." MIRAMAR RUGBY CLUB. » The Miramar Rugby Club is to hold its annual gala day on Saturdayat the Polo Ground, and in the evening a carnival dance will be held at the Rex Hall, Kilbirnie. The committee is leaving no stone unturned to make the occasion a fitting conclusion.1 to a very [successful season,