CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 70, 19 September 1936, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Mary Ellis, the Metropolitan Opera star, makes another appearance on the screen in "Fatal Lady," wmch opeuoci its Wellington season at thi Regent Theatre yesterday. The plot is not the ens usually encountered in musical films;' it is dramatic, at times powerfully so, the action is rapid, varied, and interesting, and the principal actors are convincing in their various roles. The story is that of a singer (Mary Ellis) whose charm makes her beloved by all,: but whose lovers are all slain by an unknown hand as soon as they declare their love, in circumstances that in each case place the famous singer under' suspicion, and ruin her career in the country concerned. Consequently 'she spends her time travelling from country to country in pursuit of her career, but just when success and happiness are within her grasp the unknown murderer strikes, suspicion falls on her, and she is. forced to disappear. The plot is cleverly managed, and the climax is convincing. Miss Ellis's glorious voice is one of the strongest features of the film. In the chief romantic role is Walter Fidgeon, and the others in an exceptionally strong cast are Norman Foster, Guy Bates Post, John Halliday, Alan Mowbray, Ruth Donnelly, Edgar Kennedy, and Samuel Hinds. The supporting programme includes a Popeya the Sailor cartoon.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The glorious voice of Grace Moore, splendid acting "on the part of all, and an'intriguing theme make "The King Steps Out," now in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, excellent' film entertainment. . Grace Moore sings her way to fame and love through a series of interesting and colourful sequences. There is no question about the acting t-n'd singing capabilities of this actress, and she teams splendidly with Fran-' criot Tone. Both stars are supported by a very strong cast, who strike a convincing note for the film. The theme is not a new one, but it has been given a new application, and therefore is refreshing. An Austrian king falls in love with a singer who masquerades as a dressmaker. In reality she is a princess, who, with her sister, visits this nearby kingdom. The matchmaking propensities of the kings mother result in the betrothal of -her son with the singer's sister, and as it is not a» love match both parties are upset. Gtace Moore sets out to rectify the position by captivating me king with,her own charms. . Everything, as usual, turns oiit for the best: the singer becomes engaged fo the king after' her identity has been revealed, the sister finds solace in the arms of her former lover, and everybody else falls into the scheme of things in.true storybook fashion.' The supporting programme is of a variety ,and quality in'keeping with the principal picture. ST. JAMES THEATRE.

The French-Revolution provides an excellent background for the screen version of Rafael Sabatini's romance, "The Marriage of Corbal," now showins at the St. James Theatre. .A new actress, Hazel Terry, the grandniece of Ellen Terry, makes her screen debut as a young aristocrat who is to: the guillotine, but is saved by the young'revolutionary leader, ,a .part admirably played by Nils Asthfcr. .Masquerading at a drummer boy, she makes her escape from Pans. While being pursued' she is rescued by the Marquis of Corbal. The attempts of the citizen-deputy to win her back lead the story to an exciting climax. A second feature of the programme is the thrilling romance by Harold Bell Wright, "The Mine With the Iron Door." A young salesman purchases an estate in Arizona and finds that its only value is in the possible' existence of a treasure deposited by -Spanish monks.' He follows-certain clues, but discovers"'' mine something very. different from, what he expected. Richard Arlen and Henry B. Walthall have the leading parts.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Gangster - intrigues in New York city; form the background for the drama of "Penthouse," the picture now „.. - showing at the Paramount Theatre. In '* it Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy are the principals; as a criminal lawyer and a night-club girl respectively. The story revolves around the efforts of them both to prove the innocence of a man "framed" for murder, by exposing the actual perpetrator of the shooting, a task-in which they have the assistance of one set of gangsters and the unremitting enmity of another. Nat Pendleton invests the part of the friendly gang-leader, snatched from the electric chair by Warner Baxter's legal skill, almost with heroism, especially in the dramatic climax in which he rescues' the heroine from seemingly certain death at the cost of. his own life. Additional strength is given to the picture by the performances of the minor characters, chief of whom are Charles Butterworth and Mae Clark. The excellent supporting programme includes a comedy in which Thelma Todd and Patsy Kelly are seen at their best. ... KING'S THEATRE. A splendid double-feature programme combining comedy with drama i%showingi at the King's Theatre. "Love on. a ; Bet," presenting a new romantic team. Gene Raymond and Wendy Bar- ■, rie, tells of the adventures of a penni--1 less young man who journeys fromi New York to Los Angeles, clad only in his underwear, in order that he may win a bet, and finance an important theatrical venture. A condition of the bet is that on his arrival in - Lbs Angeles, he should have provided himself with a suit of clothes, one hundred dollars, and a wife. The first of these conditions is easily fulfilled, though there is doubt as to the possibility of the second two being satisfied until the last yard of the film is passing. "The Last Outlaw," which is the associate feature, stars Harry Carey, Hoot Gibson, and Margaret Callahan. It portrays the difficulties of a man released from gaol after serving a sentence of twenty years imprisonment. Plenty of excitement is provided in the story by a party of gangsters, who are brought to check by Harry Carey. PRINCESS THEATRE. A . stirring drama of smalltown bigotry and intolerance, the Warner Bros, production, "I Married a Doetor," is the chief attraction at the Princess Theatre. The picture K~ based an s .novel by Sinclair Lewis, which caused a furore, and is filled with pathos 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," is a 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 ever known. Conspicuous among the short subjects is a musical revue in new Technicolour, entitled "Okay, Jose." ROXY THEATRE. As a successor to their two previous full-length hits, "Fra Diavolo" and "Babes in Toyland," the gay buffoons, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, make their latest feature-length film appearance in "The Bohemian Girl," Hal Roach's ambitiou's filmisation of the world-famed operetta which has- thrilled generations, now screening at the Roxy Theatre. All the music of the Balfe musical has been retained in solo numbers as well as score accompaniment and sequences featuring choral singing and dancinfi. 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 of the finest performances of her vivid career. BROOKLYN THEATRE. The main feature at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight, "Without Regret," has Elissa Landi, Paul Cavanagh. Frances Drake, and Kent Taylor in the mam roles. "Call of the Prairie," featuring William Boyd, will also be screened.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

I DE LUXE THEATRE. I Drama of a new kind comes to the ,De Luxe Theatre in "Public Enemy's Wife," the Warner Bros.-First National I film which presents Margaret Lindsay, ! Pat O'Brien, and Cesar Romero in main ; roles, and is of intense interest. Gene 1 Maroc is insanely in love. with his | beautiful wife. a wealthy girl he has ! dazzled into marriage just befor.: a;*I•■ ■=[, vn r >h ->ewel theH. He even attempts to have her imprisoned for a . lout, hSmj .a mat!' iu Keep her to himself. Eut she is .freed, falls in love, and is about to be married when Maroc, who has told her that he will kill anvone she cares for, escapes and starts on his murderous quest. The succeeding events are full of tense excitement. Relieved with the humour ol Robert Armstrong, who, with Pat O'Brien, has the role of a G-man, ana move to an unexpected ending. rhe supporting cast, which induo.es Dick Foran and Richard Purcell, i? excellently chosen, and the scenes of Maroc s escape, his wild dash to Palm Beach to murder his rival, and the trap laid for him by the Government agents are splendidly done. The supporting programme covers a wide range. .Jolly Coburn appearing with his orchestra in some novel numbers, Hal Leroy and Toby Wing being starred in a dancing frolic entitled and there being an uproarious comedy called In the Family." as well as newsreels and the Orchestra De Luxe under Mr. L. D. Austin, which plays with spirit such famous numbers as the Ippolitorl Russian M=rch." a waltz from Tsrhaikowsky's "Eugen Onegin," and the everpopular "Turkish Patrol."

STATE THEATRE. The beauty and colour of Old Spanish California makes an ideal background for such a spectacular film as "Dancing Pirate." a Radio which commenced a season at the State Theatre yesterday. It is not long since coloured films were received as novelties, yet this fine production snows the; marked advance which'has been made since "Golddiggers of Broadway set the town talking. No other country but Spain could have supplied such vigour and richness of colour Senoritas whirling and swaying in the graceful dances typical of their country, frocked in dancing skirts and shawls of. gorgeous colours, are partnered by handsome Spaniards, who perform wonders with -gaily-lined cloaks. Two score of expert Spanish dancers were engaged to take part in these elaborate Infembles and are led by Uns, ■ the newly-discovered dancing star, who is supported by Steffli Duna Luis Alberni, Victor Varcom, Jack la Rue, and the Royal Cansino family. The story centres around that, inimitable comedian Frank Morgan, whose work in this film, it is even his performance as the Duke -in "The Affairs of Cellini." There is a very fine supporting programme.

REX THEATRE. A turbulent tale of thrilling adventure and romance jn one of the most exciting periods of American history is Richard Dix's newest picture, Yellow Dust," now showing at tne Rex Theatre. Drawn from the Broadway play, "Mother Lode, by pan Tot'heroh and George O'Neil, the story unfolds in the colourful territory where the frenzied days of the 1860 gold fever are revealed as a background for a "drama that makes full use of all the passions, romance, greed, mad gaiety, and lawlessness oi the period. Dix strikes'the richest mine and then nearly loses.it. and his life along with it, when he strikes romance in the person :of an alluring gold camp entertainer played by Leila Hyams. Also on the bill', is the musical : success Dance Band." At the head, of the cast is Buddy Rogers, who made such a decided hit in a series of Hollywood musical films some years .ago.', June -Clyde makes a delightful partner for him.

KILBIRME KINEMA. Joan Crawford (brings a new kind of. picture as well as. a new leading man to the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight with her new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, "I Live My Life." The story is novel, dramatic, arid at times uproariously funny. The leading man is Brian Aherne, the distinguished ; Englisn actor, who with this picture comes into' his own as a' leading man to be reckoned with. In the supporting feature, "She. Married. Her Boss," Claudette Colbert, has every opportunity to display the piquant charm that has so endeared her to the moviegoing public. The film is. in essence, a comedy, but enough of the dramatic runs through it to .give it backbone. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "The Prisoner of Shark Island" comes tonight to the. State Theatre, Petone, starring Warner Baxter with Gloria Stuart and a supporting cast of over one thousand. Dipping into the hectic days following the close of the Civil War, the picture depicts the assassination of Lincoln and the flight of the assassin to the country home of Baxter, a doctor. In stark, terrifying fashion the picture reveals the physical and spiritual agonies of an unjustly sentenced man, his desperate : attempt at escape, his courage under the brutal degradation of prison life, and his final vindication. Patrons are particularly advised to book early. Specially selected; featurettes jvill also be shown from 5 7.30 p.m. < Telephone reserves cannot be held after 7.15.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. S. S. Van Dirie's newest mystery, ! 'The Garden Murder Case," screens tonight, Monday, and Tuesday, at 7.30 at the Palace Theatre, Petone. Edmund Lowe is the famous Philo Vance and his nonchalance as he moves through a series of perilous situations is at once thrilling and humorous. His sunoorting cast includes Virginia Bruce, Nat Pendleton, H. B. Warner, Henry B. Walthall, and Grant Mitchell. Based on Phil Stong's novel, the supporting feature is "The Farmer in the Dell," starring Fred - Stone and Jean Parker. Featurettes screening from 7.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. are newsreel, M.G.M. Miniature, and a comedy.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Sparkling comedy, captivating singing, inspiring dancing, fine acting, lovely songs, and a delightful story are the elements of Columbia's new musical film, "The Music Goes Round," which opens tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Harry Richman, one of America's premier entertainers, Farley and Riley, composers of the sensational song, "The Music Goes 'Round and Around," Douglass Dumbrille, Lionel Stander, Henry Mollison, and Etienne Giradot head the huge cast. CAPITOL THEATRE, MTRAMAR. "Professional Soldier," screening at the Capital Theatre tonight, stars Victor McLaglen, Freddie Bartholomew, Gloria Stuart, and Michael Whalen. This grand adventure picture tells the amazing story of a little, king and a blustering soldier of fortune wno become pals in peril. "It's In the Air, the associate feature, stars "Jack Benny, Ted Healy, Nat Pendleton, Una Merkei, and' Mary Carlisle, and is a hilarious comedy. _ ■ .; "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" will commence'a season on Monday.

SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Amid the stirring conflict and trying times of Civil War days, Shirley Temple blithely threads (her way as the heroine of "The Littlest Rebel, screening at the Seaside Theatre tonight. "The Littlest Rebel" presents Shirley with a supporting cast which includes John Boles, Jack Holt, Karen Morley, and the wonder tap dancer, Bill Robinson. Also screening is,the comedy-romance "I Live My Life," featuring Joan Crawford, Frank Morgan, and Brian Aherne. «

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY, "Little Lord Fauntleroy," which is to be screened at the Empire Theatre, this evening, tells of a little American lad who becomes a lord and goes to England, where he transforms his gruff old grandfather into a loving and delightful person. Freddie Bartholomew, C. Aubrey Smith, and Dolores Costello Barrymore head the cast.

TIVOLI THEATRE. "Love Before Breakfast" and "Anything Goes" will be shown finally tonight at the Tivoli Theatre. Uary Cooper, as Mr. Deeds on. a £4 000,000 spending speed, and Jean Arthur, as Babe Bennett, the girl reporter who's ready to help him, are featured in Columbia's "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," Frank Capra's latest, which opens on Monday at the Tivoli Theatre after phenomenally successful seasons elsewhere. It has been heralded a*; Capra's first romantic comedy to top his own "It Happened One Night." Appearing in important supporting roles are George Bancroft, Lionel Stander, Douglass Dumbrille, H. B. Warner, and Mmf. Matzenaeuer. The screen play by Robert Riskin. who was responsible with Frank Capra for "It Happened One Night," was adapted from a story by Clarence Budington Kelland. How the American Government has organised scientific criminology and a picked body of men in the fight to exterminate crime in that country is revealed in Paramount's "Men Without Names, which will also be shown. Fred MacMurray heads the cast, with Madge Evans, Lynne Overman, and David Holt in supporting roles. Men Without Names" is the story of a secret service agent's adventures in running down the gang which committed a daring mail truck robbery.

NEW OPERA HOUSE. The droll humour of Mae "West is seen at its best in "Klondike Annie, her latest comedy romance, now show'ing at the New Opera House. This clever actress assumes the role of a lady of the nineties, and exploits all the manners and dress of that period to perfection. She ably demonstrates with her versatile ease that she can discard her humour to sink to the depths of pathos, many scenes affording her this opportunity. The story opens in the Chinatown of San Francisco where the '"Frisco Doll (Mae West"), while escaping to reach :the eoldfields in Alaska, is compelled to murder a Chinaman. She secures a berth in a tramp steamer proceeding north and causes the skipper (Victor McLaglen) to fall under her charm. Due to the influence of a woman missionary, '"Frisco Doll" is induced to relinquish her former ways and adopt a better life. How, in her missionary guise, she affects the life of the whole town and hbwlier romance is at last straightened out provide a unique and happy finish. There is a good supporting programme. 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, is the main feature at Shorn s Theatre. 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 F.all in Love, Edmund Lowe, versatile leading man, and the blonde star are co-starred in the second feature, "Grand Exit," Columbia's exciting comedy-drama dealing with the activities of a pyromaniac. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The magic of great song is the principal attraction tonight at Our Theatre, where Lawrence Tibbett is starring in 20th Century's "Metropolitan," the bright and charming romance of a young singer. Pictured with sympathy, vigour, and an abundance of sparkling comedy, "Metropolitan" traces Tibbett's career as a young singer who can brook no. delay, launches but on the world on his own, -meets discouragement disappointment, and romance and, at last, recognition. The associate feature is.. "Everybody's Old Man," a delightful comedy, starring ■ Irvin S. Cobb and Rochelle Hudson.

KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER ' : HUTT.

..The "Witness Chair," Ann Harding's new, picture, now showing, at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt, is one of the few stories filmed that acquaints an audience with the murderer at the beginning of the picture. A new romantic screen team is that formed by John Arledge and Louise Latimer in featured roles of "Two in Revolt," a unique motion picture drama of the friendship between a police dog and a thoroughbred horse, which will also be shown.

RICHARD CROOKS. So great is the interest in the forthcoming season to be given in the Town Hall by Richard "Crooks that over 700 applications have been received for seats for the two concerts, many wires and letters arriving from country centres as far distant as New Plymouth and Gisborne. Not on any account will it be possible to extend the season beyond two concerts in Wellington. The booking will open at the D.I.C. on Wednesday morning. Besides beingr one of the most famous tenors in the world, Richard Crooks is a fine allround athlete. This form of relaxation is not only beneficial to his health, but keeps him in good form, and provides a complete change from the routine of concerts and practice. He likes the feeling of a personal contact with his audiences. He believes that music is as personal a medium of expression as conversation, and he definitely enjoys sharing an evening with his audience.

REPERTORY ARTS BALL. Wellington is at last to have a ball which promises to compete with the famous Chelsea Arts Ball —the Repertory Arts Ball which will be held in the Town Hall on Friday, October 9. Spectacular "stunts" will alternate with the usual dances and two bands have been engaged, one of which is making its first appearance in Wellington. This is the Hungarian Dance Band, a picturesque combination which should please everyone. Ballets, a spectacular pageant, a living poster parade, and special "sets" of characters are other features. Everyone will be in fancy dress and prizes will be given for the best characters from the stage, screen, art. and literature, a very wide choice which makes it possible for every dancer to appear in character. The decorations will be novel and amusing with an unusual charm and different from anything yet seen at the Town Hall. A limited number.of seats be available in the gallery for spectators and these will have the privilege of sharing the delicious supper which the Ladies' Auxiliary will provide. Altogether the function promises to be one of the merriest of the season. Tickets are • available at the D.I.C, where the plans for gallery and reserved tables will open shortly.

MONDAYS WRESTLING. The next professional wrestling match to be staged in Wellington will take place at the Town Hall on Monday night, when "Lofty" Blomfleld, the New Zealand champion, will have a return match with ( Bob Kruse. A previous match, which was held at Auckland, was a most thrilling affair, Kruse winning narrowly on points after each man had secured a fall. Blomfleld is not only anxious to have his revenge; but is also confident that he can do so. These two men are of the type that always appeals strongly to the wrestling public, their displays being marked by aggression, with many unorthdox touches which help to sustain the interest of the spectators at a high pitch right through. Blomfield's elbow jolts can be relied upon to cause Kruse a lot of trouble, but the Portland man will not be slow in resporiding very effectively to any rough tactics that may be initiated. There is particularly keen rivalry between the pair, and the bout is bound to be hotly contested from start to finish. Particulars are advertised. SUNDAY NIGHT PICTURES. Tomorrow evening "Blossom Time" will be screened at the Kilbirnie Kinema. This is a picture featuring Richard Tauber, the famous tenor, and is at least one case where a famous voice is' heard in all its strength and magnificence. Those who may have seen this picture will flock to see it again, and those who have not are assured of the musical feast of their lives.' The supports are of equal standing in their; own way. |

PLAZA THEATRE. "Under Two Flags" commenced its third week at the Plaza Theatre last night. This story by Ouida brings before the public very vividly the heat of the tropical deserts, the perp_etual strife and warfare, and the long desert marches that are all in the day's work of the Legionnaire. 1 Claudette Colbert, as Cigarette, the cabaret owner, mascot, and sweetheart of. a battalion, adds to the fire of the play. Ronald Colman (Sergeant Victor) is the herp of an inspiring battle between hordes of Arabs and a handful, of Leigonnaires at bay in a fort. Victor McLaglen, as Major Doyle, leads his men in another heroic battle.' The cool elegance of- Lady Venetia (Rosalind Russell) brings these scenes of hot desert sands, surs-footed Arab steeds, and the flying garments of galloping Arabs into vivid relief. Other actors in the film are Herbert Mundin, Gregory Ratoff, Nigel Bruce, C. Henry Gordon, John Carradine, and Lumsden Hare. Excellent supports are the latest newsreels, including the berthing of the Awatea in Wellington Harbour, and selected "shorts."

POPULAR SUNDAY CONCERT. An excellent programme has been arranged by the committee for the sixth Sunday night concert under the auspices of the Wellington City Council. The Ist Battalion Band of the Wellington Regiment will open the programme by playing a hymn a march, and will later be heard in "The Merry Widow," a popular waltz, and a fox-trot, "The Words Are In My Heart." A first appearance at Sunday concerts will be made by the Dominion Motors Harmonica and String Band of over 20 members. They 'appear twice on the programme, and are certain to make quite a hit with popular airs, etc, A male quartet from the Wellington Operatic Society will contribute an amusing number entitled "Topicalities." Leah Kerr, Peggy McKinnon,. Edna Whitelaw, and Peggy Tovey will dance Irish and Scotch reels to thevpiping of Pipe-Major C. Stewart. A ladies' sextet from the Circassians will sing "Snow Flakes," and Dora Look,; with Eileen Miller, also members of this society, will sing the duet "Calm Silent Night." Ethel Hoy,- soprano, will sing "When Yo'u Come Home." Thomas McNair, tenor, will be heard in "On with the Motley," from "I Pagliacci." Len Crothers, an outstanding elocutionist, will recite "Bertram at the Bachelors' Club" and "Monty on Health." Mr. Harry Baker will conduct the band, and Thomas Wood will be at the piano. A bumper house is anticipated. :