CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 74, 24 September 1936, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. I "Fatal Lady" will have its final | screening tonight at the Regent Theatre. "A Woman Alone." Beautiful and alluring Anna Sten, who has already a high reputation as an emotional actress, has once again scored a triumph in "A Woman Alone," which will start tomorrow ■at the Regent Theatre. The originality and individuality of the star clothe the story with that atmosphere of freshness and character that marks a picture as outstanding. Henry Wilcoxon, who is co-starred with Anna Sten, gives also a strong and forcible characterisation, but his work nevertheless must take second place to that of the feminine lead. The theme of the picture is laid in the native country of Miss Sten; and the essentially deep and emotional role which she is called on to play is well suited to her. The picture takes the audience back to the days of pre-war Russia, when yet there was a tremendous social division oetween the governing and the peasant classes. Anna is a peasant, Wilcoxon an officer of the Imperial Guards, and it is their love story. Add to that wide division of caste the complications of a wife for Wilcoxon and a sweetheart for Anna, and the wide field' of the drama is ready for the telling. Jonn Garrick and Viola Keats have the major supporting roles. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The glorious voice of Grace Moore, splendid acting on the part of all, and an intriguing theme make The King Steps Out," concluding tonight at the Maiestic Theatre, excellent film entertainment. The theme is not a new one, but it has been given a new application, and therefore is refreshing. An Austrian .king (Franchot Tone) 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 king s 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. Grace Moore sets put to rectify the position by. captivating the king with her own charms. The supporting programme is of a variety and quality in keeping with the principal Pl" Fury" opens at the Majestic Theatre tomorrow. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "The Marriage of Corbal" and "The Mine with the Iron Door" conclude this evening at the St. James Theatre. "Kelly the Second," a refreshing comedy with a bit of an Irish flavour administered by such popular sons and daughters of old Erin as Patsy Kelly, Charley Chase, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Edward Brophy, and Pert Kelton, will head the new programme at the St. James Theatre tomorrow. With romance, flying fists, racketeering, and high humour, the story reveals the social and professional, advancement of a ham-and-egg fighter under the tutelage and sponsorship of his sodadispensing . sweetheart. Chase asseen as a kindly neighbourhood chemist of the old-time apothecary type It is in his little establishment that Miss Kelly presides over a lunch counter and soda fountain. Offsetting the strong comedy theme of "Kelly the Second" will be a dramatic aerial thriller. '/Devils Squadron," starring Richard Dix. NEW OPERA HOUSE. "Klondike Annie" screens finally- tonight at the New Opera House. . Action, drama, comedy, and song are the ingredients (that make up lilema forest camp, which is the venue of Its a Great Life," which opens tomorrow at the New Opera House. The film has Joe Morrison, Paul Kelly, Rosalind Keith and William Frawley in the principal roles. That perennial i avourFte Charles (Chic) Sale has an important comedy.part and three of Hollywood's most popular baby stars—Baby Le Roy, David Holt, and Gloria Ann White-contribute their share. With Randolph Scott and Judith Allen in the leading romantic roles supported by such able players as Buster Crabbe, Noah Beery, Raymond Hatton. Blanche Friderici, Harry Carey, and Monte Blue, Paramount's film of Zane Greys romance of the great outdoors, "The Thundering Herd," will be the second Mickey Mouse's eighth birthday will be celebrated with a party at the New Opera House on Saturday afternoon. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. ■ Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy head the cast of "Penthouse," which concludes this evening at the ParamountTheatre. Baxter is at his best as a youthful member of one of New York s1 most aristocratic families, who, as a lawyer, has a penchant for championing the bottom dog. The picture is a vivid portrayal of modern life in New York, of happenings in mad Manhattan, and of political plotting and clandestine romance—a daring revelation of the rherry-go-round of life in the Gay metropolis. KING'S THEATRE. "Love and a Bet" and "The Last Outlaw" will be shown finally tonight at the King's Theatre. Shirley Temple's latest romance, •"Poor Little Rich Girl," and "She, Shall "Have Music" will commence a season "t the King's.Theatre tomorrow. "She ■ohall Have Music" introduces Jack 7lylton and his world-famous band in "i lavish and spectacular musical ■ xtravaganza. The story concerns a .hipping magnate who, for a publicity •■i.unt, engages Jack Hylton and hjs Boys to do a world broadcast from his '•acht when anchored in the South :ieas.' A rival ship owner,, arranges to "'nibe the crew of the yacht to smash -'he wireless apparatus and desert, leaving Jack and the rest of the yacht oarty stranded in mid-ocean. Jack nd the Boys decide to run the ship hamselves, and.after a series of'amusng adventures they bring her back ■ifely to port. The final scene shows ;hem triumphant at a mammoth contort in London. The cast, which supnorts Jack Hylton, is headed by June Clyde as the adorable "crooner" in the ~and, Brian Lawrence, world-famous -.'adio star, and Claude Dampier,.' the .ci-een's biggest "idiot." ROXY THEATRE. "The Bohemian Girl" and "Chained" conclude tonight at the Roxy Theatre. "The Garden Murder Case," latest of S S. Van Dine's delightful stories of he super-scientific detective, Philco Vance, with Edmund Lowe as Vance, nd lovely blonde Virginia Bruce as 'ie object of his affections, will be the Uraction at the Roxy Theatre toicrrow. Never has the character of "nilo Vance been more engagingly Mirtrayed; and never has he undergone .-.ore thrilling adventures than in this "\v story. The supporting feature, The Flame Within," is a story of the notional reactions of a celebrated voman psycho-analyst when she finds c rself facing the same dilemma in her ".■n romantic affairs that she'had so jccessfully untangled in the lives of -> many of her patients. Ann Harding -d Herbert Marshall take the leading ies. ORAND THEATRE, PETONE. -Blossom Time," British Internaional Picture's lavish musical romance if Franz Schubert, starring Richard r^uber, is the main feature at the "rand Theatre, Petone, tonight. Tauber, preeminent among present■iay singers, "lives" the role of Franz Schubert, and his singing is rriag-i-vficent. "Joy Ride," the hilarious A T.P. picture starring Zelma O'Neal ■jnd Gene Gerard, is. also on the bill. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Tonight and tomorrow night, the Palace Theatre, Petone, will present "Invitation to the Waltz," a delightful musical romance, starring Lilian Harvey This feature is noted for its brilliant settings and superb music. On the fme nrogramme will be shown "At- ' iaritic "Adventure," starring Nancy Carroll and Lloyd Nolan, in a mystery drama on the high seas, , t

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

I DE LUXE THEATRE. I "Public Enemy's Wife," starring Pat O'Brien and Margaret Lindsay, will 'be shown finally tonight at the De Luxe Theatre. . . "Broadway Hostess, First Nationals rollicking new- musical comedy-drama, will open at the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow. The story treats of life on the Great White Way, particularly the night clubs and the palatial gambling halls. It is tlie story of a little country girl who goes to the • big city to make good in theatrical work. She finds it a tough job to crash Broadway, however, until she meets a "big-shot" gambler, who makes her the toast of the bright light district. Comedy and thrills follow in quick succession until the gambler is slain by the brother of the woman he loves. Winifred Shaw, musical comedy star, has the role of the little country girl who sings her way to fame. The supporting programme is headed by the Orchestra De Luxe, a special item being a piccolo and xylophone duet; "The Two Finches," by Jean Turner-Cottier and Arthur Eaton. PLAZA THEATRE. "Under Two Flags" has proved so popular at the Plaza Theatre that it is to be shown for yet another week. 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 hero of an inspiring battle between hordes _of Arabs and a handful of Legionnaires 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 sMids, sure-footed Arab steeds, and the flying garments of galloping Arabs into vivid relief. Other actors in the film are Herbert Muridin, 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." STATE THEATRE. "Dancing Pirate" concludes tonight at the State Theatre. Cold-blooded murder for the sake of a guilty love—or an act of compassion beyond human law? That is the question asked in "The Crime of Dr. Forbes," opening at the State Theatre tomorrow. Gloria Stuart, Robert Kent, Henry Armetta, J. Edward Bromberg, Sara Haden, and Alan Dinehart are featured in this film, the story of which is based on a theme new to the screen. Bromberg, a noted scientist engaged in research which he hopes will lead to a cure for a fatal spinal disease, hears of the excavation of some prehistoric skeletons in Arizona bearing unmistakable symptoms of the disease, and decides to visit the scene, leaving his laboratory and beautiful young wife, Gloria Stuart, in Kents charge. The young doctor and Gloria, without knowing it, fall in love. Suddenly word comes that Bromberg has been badly injured in an accident, and Kent and Gloria rush to the scene. There they find Bromberg hopelessly enduring agony, for he knows that his injury cannot be cured. Suddenly Bromberg dies—and unmistakable evidence points to an overdose of narcotics. " REX THEATRE. "My Weakness," the Fox picture now showing at the Rex Theatre, proves a fitting vehicle for the debut of Lilian Harvey, who reaches heights seldom achieved on the screen. As the young ugly duckling who is made ravishing on a wager, Miss Harvey goes through her sequences with a rare lightness of touch and an almost unbelievable charm of manner. She moves from conquest to conquest until she finally lands the man who made the wager that she could never be made attractive. Lew Ayres plays the masculine lead. Rich in originality and invested with unusual force, "The Dude Ranger," Fox Film's latest romance, is the associate feature. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "She Couldn't Take It" and "Grand Exit" screen finally tonight at Shorn s T'J'ipfitrG ' ' . " * Warner Oland, as the bland, imperturbable Chinese detective Charlie Chan meets with some of his strangest adventures and comes perilously near to death in the thrilling "Charlie Chan in Paris," which will be the mam feature at Shortt's Theatre tomorrow. Rarely, if ever, has the moving picture screen been the vehicle for such brilliant dramatic art as that of Elisabeth Bergner in "Escape Me Never," which will also be shown. This remarkable production is a revelation of what acting can be. It is no exaggeration to, say that Miss Bergner holds the audw ence in thrall. In the role of a carefree gamin, whose life strays into tragic paths, she reveals an emotional virtuosity that has never been rivalled on the screen. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. > . A tenor .famous throughout the world, and 'claimed by many to be the greatest since Caruso, makes his first appearance on the screen in "Forget Me Not," a delightful film now showing at the Kilbirnie • Kinema. He is Beniamino Gigli, the latest of the opera stars to succumb to the talkies. The second attraction is Metro-Gold-. wyn-Mayer's "The Perfect Gentleman," co-starring the popular Frank Morgan and Cicely Courtneidge. Given a lavish production with numerous musical numbers, it is easily one of the most entertaining pictures of the year. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. As travelling dentists in a small Western town, Wheeler and Woolsey provide many laughs in the comedy riot, "Silly Billies," at the Seaside Theatre. Jan Kiepura and Gladys Swarthout, with their glorious voices^ will delight all in the dazzling romantic operetta, "Give Us This Night." Music-lovers will welcome this opportunity to hear the beautiful music sung by two of the screen's foremost' singing stars. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Modern Times," which' is to be screened at the Regal Theatre this evening, was written, directed, and produced by its famous star Charlie Chaplin, and offers a generous supply of most novel and hilarious situations. Paulette Goddard plays the leading feminine role. An excellent supporting programme has been arranged. At a special children's matinee on Saturday the programme will comprise three Mickey Mouse cartoons, comedies, serial, and Slim Summerville in "Horse Play." OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. In "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford," R.K.O. Radio's mystery comedy, which is showing at Our Theatre, William Powell again displays his gift for gay romancing, wise-cracking, and pulling pranks in the face of strange death— that same gift that made his films "The Thin Man" and "Star of Midnight" outstanding amonglight murder mysteries. Jean Arthur is co-starred with Powell. A gambler j>ith.life—a player at lovethat is the type of role debonair Paul Cavanagh portrays in the drama of love on two continents, "Champagne Charlie," which is the associate feature. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The current attraction' at the Empire Theatre is "The Farm In The Dell," starring Fred Stone and Jean Parker, and blending comedy, romance, and drama in a delightful story. A tworeel' comedy, a musical specialty, a travelogue, and a Pathe newsreel complete the programme. ; CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. A story of courage, adventure, and blazing love on the Northland trail, "The Country Beyond," screens finally tonight at the Capitol Theatre, Miramar. The screen's new dog hero, "Buck," is featured, and Rochelle Hudson, Paul Kelly, and Robert Kent are the principal players.

TIVOLI THEATRE. "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "Men Without Names" conclude tonight at the Tivoli Theatre. "Keeper of the Bees," adapted from the famous Gene Stratton-Porter story, opens at the Tivoli Theatre, tomorrow. Playing the central role in this intriguing plot is Neil Hamilton, who gives one of the most inspired performances of his successful career. Appearing opposite him in the leading feminine role is pretty Betty Furness, M.G.M. featured player, while the supporting cast of outstanding excellence includes Emma Dunn, Edith Fellowes, Hobart Bosworth, Marion' Shilling, and Helen Jerome Ecldy. The associate feature, "Come Out of the Pantry," is rich comedy, with Jack Buchanan in the role of a penniless peer who. finding himself stranded in New York, is obliged to take a job as a footman in a Fifth Avenue household. There he falls in love with his employer's pretty niece (Fay Wray) and after sundry adventures persuades her to share his title. One of the high spots of the show is the dancing sequence in the kitchen when Buchanan sings the hit, "Everything Stops For Tea." RIVOLI THEATRE. A beautiful and brilliant woman driven from her home by a town's intolerance is the theme of Warner Bros, new and stirring drama, "I Married a Doctor," now showing at the Rivoli Theatre. Pat O'Brien and Josephine Hutchison arc teamed together in the featured roles in "I Married a Doctor." The story •is based on the famous novel by Sinclair Lewis, which , excoriates the hidebound bigotry of , narrow-minded small town folk who crucify a woman on the cross of gossip. A new type of ghost makes his debut in the person of handsome Robert Donat in the associate feature, "The Ghost Goes West," Alexander Korda's gay new romantic comedy. Jean Parker and Eugene P,allette are featured in Donat's support. The story presents Donat in a dual role, as a charming and attractive spirit who hates frightening people and retains an eye for feminine beauty. and as the young heir to the haunted castle. RICHARD CROOKS. So great is the interest in the visit of Richard Crooks to Wellington that 1700 people waited in the queue yesterday prior to the opening of the box plans for the two concerts to be given in the Town Hall next week. J. and N. Tait state that this is a record for any concert artist appearing under their direction, not only for Wellington, but for any corresonding day for the opening of the plans in Sydney and Melbourne. Every effort has been made by cable to America to extend the season, but, owing, to contracts entered into some years ago, Mr. Crooks must return by the Mariposa on October 17, therefore it will defnir itely not be possible to extend the New Zealand season. Only two concerts will be possible in Wellington. In order to avoid disappointment as far as possible, steps are being taken by J. and N. Tait to increase the seating capacity of the Town Hall to its utmost limit. Seats in all parts of the hall may be reserved at the D.I.C. All country orders will be filed and seats marked off immediately on arrival- of wires and letters. PRINCESS THEATRE. "I Married a Doctor" and "Peg of Old Drury" conclude this evening at the Princess Theatre. An attractive programme will commence tomorrow at the Princess Theatre. Foremost on the bill, "The Moon's Our Home," stars Margaret Sullavan, with Henry Fonda, Henrietta Crosman, Charles Butterworth, and Beulah Bondi featured in important roles. It is the story of two inter-nationally-famous persons who learn to hate each .other by reputation, but^ fall desperately in love when they meet under assumed names. A gay romance and sparkling comedy is the Warner Bros, picture, "The Widow from Monte Carlo," which forms the supporting attraction. It is based on the play by lan Hay and A. E. W. Mason, and the cast includes Warren William/Dolores Del Rio, Louise Fazenda, Colin Clive, Herbert Mundin, and Warren Hymer. The short subjects comprise a Phil Harris Musical Novelty, a Betty Boop cartoon, and a Paramount news. STATE THEATRE, FETONE. An excellent double-feature ■ programme 'will be shown tonight at the State Theatre, Petone. A love which demands more courage than most women could muster is the dramatic foundation of "The Witness Chair," presenting Ann Harding in her newest stellar role. Walter Abel is Miss Harding's leading man, heading a talented supporting cast. The adventures and escapades of two light-hearted youngsters who look for thrills and. find glorious romance constitute the story of Fox Film's delightful comedy-romance, "The Gay Deception," the associate feature, which stars handsome Francis Lederer with lovely Frances Dee. Featurettes .will be shown from 7.30 p.m. kKING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Revealing for the first time in all its vivid horror and brutality the shocking story .of a nation's hidden shame, "The Prisoner of Shark Island" is now showing at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt. Warner Baxter-is in the leading role. Irvin S. Cobb, the man whose kindly wit and fascinating yarns have won him millions of friends, joins the lists of Hollywood's major celebrities as he makes his first starring appearance in "Everybody's Old Man," which is the supporting feature. POPULAR SUNDAY CONCERT. An attractive programme has been 'arranged for the seventh Sunday night concert under the auspices of the Wellington City Council. The Municipal Tramways Band will, play bright and varied items and will be supported by a number of capable performers. Gwen Meachem (contralto) and Dan Hopa (baritone) will give vocal solos that are certain to please. Master Sundberg will be heard in various numbers on the xylophone, 'and Ron Wakelin an elocutionist of merit, will contribute humorous recitations. Valmai Fredericks and Alexander Grant will perform a dance duo titled "Coquettne." There will also be double sword dances by clever artists. Mr. E. Franklin will conduct the band and Mr. E. Dean will be at the piano. The public are reminded that after this.one there will be only one more of these popular Sunday night concerts this season. SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY The annual rally of the Sunday schools affiliated with, the Wellington Sunday School Union in the western suburbs was held on Monday evening in the Parish Hall, Karori. The hall, which had been decorated with flags and evergreens, was crowded and the rally proved a most successful funcTlie president of the union. Mr. R. M. Russell, presided, and the Rev. A. M. Costain engaged in the devotional portion of the proceedings. A programme of varied items was much appreciated, chief of which were special concerted vocal numbers by-scholars of the Kelburn Presbyterian School, and Old plantation songs by the "Black Cat Minstrels" of the Karori Methodist School. An interesting address was delivered by Mr. W. G. Carpenter, formerly "Uncle George" of 2YA. Mrs. C. E. Wood, M.A., who for many years has been one of the examiners, presented the prizes and certificates, about 60 in number, won in the recent Scripture examinations. The Sunday schools represented were the Karori and Kelburn Presbyterian and the Karori, Northland, and Kaiwarra Methodist.