CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 49, 27 February 1937, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. . "Sweet Aloes" is the' unusual title for the unusual picture. which is now . screening at the Regent Theatre. Perhaps if it were translated as "bittersweet" one would get more of an insight into the situations around which the main plot is fabricated. Kay Francis has the difficult role of a woman who surrenders her child to the care of an . aristocratic family to save its name and to ensure it advantages in life which it could not have otherwise enjoyed. When, however, she herself finds herself in a position to offer it those advantages she realises - that to claim her child, or even to see it, would necessitate revealing her past life to her husband. Although the part played by Kay Francis is an emotional role, on no occasion does she over-act, and the situations throughout the film are handled with admirable restraint. Settings are tasteful, without being ostentatious, and the gowns worn by Kay Francis and other players are beautiful creations. One notable feature of the production is that the supporting artists are well above the normal range, and indeed Roland Young, starred beneath George Brent, v undoubtedly steals more of the pic--1 ture than the other. Young is responsible for most of the humour and witty dialogue in the picture. The supporting features include newsreels and an ax • cellent coloured cartoon in which a hilarious cock-fight is depicted. MAJESTIC THEATRE. . ' The spirit of courage and selfsacrifice prevailing among those responsible for the direction of the young United States in.the early nineteenth century is well brought out in me Gorgeous Hussy," now showing at the Majestic Theatre. The picture is partly a biography of the. beautiful Peggy O'Neal and partly one of Andrew Jackson, the beloved "Old Hickory" who, as seventh President of the United Slates, did so much for the Union. In the title role, Joan Crawford reveals still.further her talent as a character ' actress. Peggy O'Neal grew up in an atmosphere such as could only exist "■-in'a young republic. An inn-keeper s •■■daughter, she met and was influenced ". by such men as Andrew Jackson, Jonn ...Randolph, Martin Van Buren, John Cal- •' houn, and Daniel Webster, great names , ' in America's history. She came to wick. " an influence second to none m the land ■ on the country's President and chose , to forgo the only real love affair of her "' life because of the impossibility of carrying on as a staunch supporter of - the Won and as the; wife of Senator 1 John Randolph, of Virginia, the chief protagonist-of the individual liberty of the States. Lionel Barrymore, Robert Taylor Franchot Tone, and Melvyn Douglas all carry their parts well. A ""March of Time," newsreels and a Robert Benchley comedy complete a " fine programme. ST. JAMES THEATRE. ■-; A welcome return to the screen is - made by Clive Brook-, the debonair - English star, in "Lonely Road," the new British production which is now in its second week at the St. James Theatre. The film has an exciting and entertaining plot, he parts are capably handled by the actors and actresses, and the sceneiy .and staging is excellently carried out. Brook has the part of an ex-naval man, discharged because of a blunder, who finds himself mixed up with a gun-running Bang on a lone- '' lv part of the coast... He turns himself into an amateur secret service aaent and works in co-ordjnation with Scotland Yar;3. with whose officials, however, he does not always see eye to eye. Previously he has been very unsuccessful .in ...winning feminine hearts, but ;it.is in "a'Leeds dance hall that he meets a pretty professional partner (Victoria Hopper), whose brother, curiously enough, is also involved in the, gun-running racket. The supporting programme contains interesting newsreels and cinemaeazmes. KING'S THEATRE. It is not often that Wellington audiences are moved to applause at pictures, but in "Without Orders, a thrilling drama of the air, now showing at the King's .Theatre, there is an exception. From start to finish the audience is kept tense with excitement and the final scenes when the heroine (Sally Eilers) pilots a huge commercial aeroplane to a landing - when lost in a storm and out of fuel, provides a gripping climax. The story, centred about a big airport, concerns the love of two aviators for Sally Eilers, stewardess in one of the aero- . planes. Robert Armstrong is seen as a level-headed aviator and safest pilot of the airport and Vinton Haworth as a reckless, daring record-breaker seeking to become a pilot of transport machines. The triangle provides an excellent romantic touch and it is in only the last few scenes that the yellow streak in Haworth's character is exposed; when he leaps by parachute from the aeroplane he is piloting, leaving the passengers and crew to the mercy of the elements. The supporting picture, "The Plot Thickens," brings together again the famous pair of sleuths. Inspector Piper and Hildegarde Withers. In this picture of • thrills* and laughs, James Gleason and Zasu Pitts combine splendidly. . The story is both baffling and exciting and it is not until the last' scenes that the mystery is solved. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A picture which can be unconditionally recommended is "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," which is. in a return ' season at the Paramount Theatre. The direction of the young producer Henry Hathaway is outstanding, as also is the acting of the stars. . Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, Richard Cromwell, and the late Sir Guy Standing, .whose recently-announced death is said to have been the result of a spider bite, during the production of the picture.. "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer" opens with the transfer to the North-West Frontier of two young subalterns, Franchot Tone" and a boy fresh from Sandhurst (Richard Cromwell),- the son of the frontier regiment's colonel- (Sir Guy Standing). Lieutenant McGregor, a Scotch-Cana-dian, takes a big-brotherly interest in the boy, who is caught up in the intrigues of frontier plotting, and is kidnapped and carried off to a.mountain stronghold; McGregor is-put under for. insubordination, for his ex-cessive,-efforts to persuade the colbne-l that- a:-rescue is essential, and finally setsi'off in disguise with his brotherofncer'.to follow their friend. There is1 a" most exciting; finish. The supports'include a popular Pop-eye cartoon,' a sporting short, and newsreels. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Replete with the romance of the far north and filled with the drama of the lawless frontier, "White Fang," Jack London's great sequel to "Call of the Wild," screens at Our Theatre 'tonight. "White Fang" takes up where London's other stirring adventure drama left off and weaves a thrilling story of gold and greed, love and danger. Intermingled with the narrative is' the biography of Lightning, the dog-star of "Call of the Wild." "Moonlight Murder," the operatic detective story, starring Chester Morris and Madge Evans, is the associate feature. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Metrff-Goldwyn-Meyer's action-pack-ed production centred round one of the most colourful figures in history, "Robin Hood of El Dorado," will be the main attraction at the Regal Theatre this evening. Warner Baxter makes the most of the spectacular role he has been ■ given and is supported by a number of popular players. The second attraction is the thrilling "Secret Agent," featuring Madeleine Carroll, Robert Young, and Peter Lorre. BROOKLYN THEATRE. 'The Case Against Mrs. Ames," in which Madeleine Carroil and George ■ Brent are starred, is the main feature at Brooklyn tonight. "Border Flight," featuring Frances Farmer and John Howard, will also be screened. W' . . l" • ■ . -'

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

DE LUXE THEATRE. "Bengal Tiger," which heads the programme, at the De Luxe Theatre this week, is a novel circus film with plenty of thrills in and about the cases of the wild animals in the show. Barton Maclane has the role of a lion tamer with the ambition of taming Satan, a maneater from Bengal who has proved unresponsive to all efforts to make him take his place with the other tigers and whose escape early in the film provides one of the exciting moments in it. Satan and Cliff Ballenger are pitted against one another four times in the picture and each time there is a different outcome. On the second occasion Ballenger is badly mauled and Carl Homan, father of beautiful young Laura, is killed. Ballenger feels it his duty to make provision for the girl as Homan loses his life because of the animal tamer's folly, and when Ballenger falls in love wtih the youngster the stage is set for some dramatic developments, for Joe Larson (Warren Hull), the trapeze artist, also is in love with the girl and drama is not far away. The second film on the bill is a frothy comedy, "Where's Sally?" which has Gene Gerrard, Claude Hulbert, Chili Bouchier. and Rene Gadd in its cast and deals with the events of the first two days of a crazy honeymoon. The tangle which young Jimmy Findlay gets into when he marries Sally Hickory, heiress to a chain1 of grocery stores, is ended only after an exciting and entertaining twenty-four hours and an invasion in force of a country house where many amusing things happen. Also on the bill is the latest newsreel. ; t: NEW PLAZA THEATRE. The renowned Lily Pons discovers that love is far more valuable to happiness than the fruits of fame as a singing star in "That Girl from Paris," her new sparkling film starring Gene Raymond and Jack Oakie. Opening at the New ■ Plaza Theatre shortly, "That Girl from Paris" is a gay musical film offering one of the widest varieties of melodic entertainments ever recorded for a photoplay. Miss Pons sings three "hot" numbers by Arthur Schwartz; a modern interpretation of "The Blue Danube Waltz," "Tarantella," and "Una Voce Poco Fa," from "The Barber of Seville." Jack O.^kie sings an original and a. sv/nig" band plays another. "That Girl from Paris" is t.he sparkling story of a little French diva, who sheds her mantle of operatic fame and pursues romance incognito. STATE THEATRE. Set. in the jungle country of Nairobi, Kenya, the 20th Century Fox film, "The White Hunter," now at the State Theatre, is an interesting' type of adventure film, for it is packed with the thrills of big-game hunting, aeroplane views over little-known country, and unexpected ' glimpses of jungle life. It is in Kenya that Warner Baxter, known as the White Hunter, has arranged to act as guide to an Englishman, his wife, and daughter. When he meets the party the hunter recognises in Dr. Darrock, an early enemy, and the cause of his exile in South Africa. In the wife he finds a former sweetheart who also played a part in the plot to discredit him. Given an excellent opportunity for revenge in the jungle, the hunter decides to take it. Darrock, also discomfited with meeting the victim of his schemes, also plans a speedy end for him. The opportunity comes while hunting wild elephants but at. the critical moment a jungle windstorm plays a hand in affairs. June Lang, who is charming asDarrock's daughter, declares herself in love with the hunter. Both Darrock and his wife try through devious methods to. break the friendship and the-story"" works up to a tense climax. The humour of the piece is provided by Alison Skipworth as ■ the aunt for whom the jungle is a place of terror. The supporting programme includes a film of the first professional tennis match bstween Perry and Vines. , REX THEATRE. ."Murder by an Aristocrat," one of the most unusual . mystery dramas to come to the screen from the Warner Brqs.-First . National studios, is the main feature at the Rex Theatre. The picture deals, with mysterious and at times eerie happenings in the home of the proud and aristocratic Thatcher family, which includes a black sheep among its members. It is when this person begins a blackmailing scheme that things start to happen, piling up to a thrilling climax. The cast includes Lyle Talbot, Marguerite Churchill, Claire Dodd, Virginia Brissac, and William Davidson. "Orphan of the Wilderness," the action-filled Cinesound production of the Australian back-country, is the other feature film, with a cast headed by Gwen Munro, Brian Abbott, Joe Valli, Harry Abdy, Sylvia Kellaway, and Ron Whelan. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Merciless gangsters prove no match for the savage bravery of a girl fighting for the things she loves most in 20th. Century's "Show Them No Mercy!" which is the main attraction at Shortt's Theatre. The thrilling anticrime picture features Rochelle Hudson as its heroine, with Cesar Romero, Bruce Cabot, and Edward Norris in the supporting cast. "Metropolitan," the 20th Century production, which is the supporting feature, is Lawrence Tibbett's fifth motion picture. The world's leading baritone is supported by -Virginia Bruce, Alice Brady, Cesar Romero, and Luis Alberni in this sparkling story of the drama, near tragedy, and thrills in the life of a grand opera star. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Everything that goes to make a highly successful comedy-romance is possessed by the new attraction which will .start tonight.at the Kilbirnie Kinema. "My American Wife" has been heralded as possessing the qualities of that most delightful of Euro-pean-American comedies "Ruggles of Red Gap,'\and it fully lives up to expectations.'Francis Lederer and Ann Sothern give a first-class account of themselves in the main roles. A rollicking comedy of a. most unusual type, "Three Men on a Horse," which will be the' other feature, has claims to being one of the funniest stories ever brought to the screen. The cast is headed by Frank McHugh, Allen Jenkins, Ted Hart, Sam Leverie, Joan Blondell, • Carol Hughes, and Guy Kibbee. ROXY THEATRE. "Mark of the Vampire," the mystery film now showing at the Roxy Theatre, is said to eclipse any shocker ever presented on the screen. Tod Browning, past-master at the art of depicting blood-curdling dramas, filmed "Mark of the Vampire," and its cast includes Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allan, Bela Lugosi, of "Dracula" fame, Lionel Atwill, and Jean Hersholt. All phases of screen entertainment are brought to the screen in the supporting feature, "Absolute Quiet," in which comedy, stark drama, breath-taking thrills, and melodramatic action are deftly coupled together: The players include Lionel Atwill and Irene Hervey. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Commencing at the Grand Theatre, Petone, tonight is Helen Hunt Jackson's immortal romance, "Ramona," produced entirely in the new perfected technicolour. Loretta Young and Don Ameche' head the cast of screen favourites, including Kent Taylor, Pauline Frederick, Jane Darwell, Katherine De Mille, and John Carradine. An excellent array of short featurettes will be shown. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Crammed with thrills, romance, and sparkling comedy, Columbia's "Blackmailer," which is now at the Palace Theatre, Petone, stars handsome William Gargan and charming Florence Rice. One of the most exciting mystery dramas of recent times, the picture moves with breath-taking speed from one dynamic situation to another.

XIVOLI THEATRE. Charles Laughton, brilliant English actor, has a full-length comedy role in Paramount's "Ruggles of Red Gap," which shows tonignt at the Tivoli, and he proves beyond any shadow of doubt his consummate artistry. In sharp contrast to the many sinister ana villainous characters Laughton has portrayed so perfectly in nis other film roles, he is now the charming, lovable, rollicking Ruggles, just as Harry Leon Wilson, the author ot the famous story, might have imagined him. Supported by Mary -Boland, Charlie Ruggles. Roland Young, Zasu Pitts, and Leila Hyams in this bright and imaginative story of America in the 1900's, Laughton makes of this character of a sophisticated English butler in provincial Western society a role full of laughter, surprise twists, and delights. Round, jovial, and plump, he renders an inspired performance, and the balance of the cast match him laugh for laugh in the incredibly comic sequences. KIVOLI THEATRE. A powerful dramatisation of the undercover activities of the Federal J?Men guardians of the U.S. Treasury, provides the theme of Columbia's "Counterfeit," which is now at the Rivoli Theatre. Chester Morris, Margot Grahame, Lloyd Nolan, and Marian Marsh head the impressive cast which most capably and convincingly portrays the amazing story of underworld intrigue, drama, and romance. In a whirlwind climax, T-men and gunmea^ come to grips in a hair-raising battle, with the law emerging the victor. Modern war-torn China is the background for the fast-moving drama of romance, adventure, and intrigue, "The General Died at Dawn." The picture presents Gary Cooper as a soldier of fortune in the ranks of the people's army engaged in a war of annihilation with the war lords who have preyed upon the country for centuries. Beautiful blonde. Madeleine Carroll plays the part of the lure used by a war lord to betray him. PRINCESS THEATRE. Randolph Scott, Binnie Barnes, and Henry Wilcoxon head one of the greatest casts of stars ever assembled on the screen in "The Last of the Mohicans," Reliance Pictures' film version of the immortal James Fenimore Cooper classic, which is the main attraction at the Princess Theatre. Also appearing in important roles are Bruce Cabot, Heather Angel, Phillip Reed, Robert Barrat, Hugh Buckler, and Willard Robertson. Featuring the first radio chase ever staged in films, R.K.O. Radio Pictures brings to the screen the hilarious comedy with music, "Walking On Air," starring Gene Raymond and Ann Sothern, and offered as the additional attraction. Some very pleasing short subjects are included on the programme. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Making his first appearance for some time, George Arliss again gives an outstanding performance in "East Meets West." This time he has the role of a crafty Sultan who replenishes his exchequer by deft diplomacy. Deftly exploiting his famous mannerisms, he succeeds in presenting a study in the Arliss vein, peppering the dialogue with characteristic quips of his own. "Speed," featuring James Stewart and Wendy Barrie, reflects the pace of the mechanical age and at the same time humanises the scene in any typical American industrial . plant. It is a story of automobile manufacturing and of daredevil tests on dangerous curves,' with a colourful love affair in progress. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "East Meets West" is a robust melodrama with George Arliss giving a characteristic performance as a crafty Sultan who replenishes his exchequer by deft diplomacy. . Developed with great effect, ornate settings, large crowd scenes, gripping suspense, and the star's personality have combined to make a rich offering for all lovers of spectacle and drama.- With a combination of drama, laughter, and romance, "Three Wise Guys," . adapted from Damon Runyon's popular novel, relates the adventures of a rich man's son who strolls from his father's private car on a de luxe train and encounters a beautiful girl in a forward coach. ■ EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Empire Theatre patrons should be well pleased with the entertainment to be offered this evening. Heading the programme is the gripping mysterymelodrama "The Unguarded Hour," with Franchot Tone, Loretta Young, Lewis Stone, and Roland Young. The famous farce, "Are You a Mason?" with Sonnie Hale and Robertson Hare, and the Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Thicker than Water,' wil make up a firstclass programme. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. William Powell attains the distinction of being a butler for the nuttiest family in the whole country, in the Universal romantic comedy, "My Man Godfrey," which opens at the State Theatre, Petone, tonight. The charming, talented Carole Lombard is costarred with him in the screen offering, which was taken from Eric Hatch's sparkling, mirth-stirring novel of the same name. SUNDAY PICTURES. Tomorrow night at the Paramount Theatre there will be screened one of the finest pictures ever produced, "Dreyfus," the story of an affair which 42 years ago brought Europe to the brink of a great war. A zealous, patriotic French artillery officer was condemned to life imprisonment on Devil's Island on evidence fabricated to cover the real traitors. Years of untold suffering passed before his final vindication and reinstatement. His wife's faith remained unbroken, and she carried on the fight for his honour to a successful conclusion. A great French writer sacrified his career in order to compel the world's attention to a great wrong. The proceeds are to be handed to the Mayor's Metropolitan Relief Committee and the Smith Family. Rex Theatre. The English Press is unanimous in declaring "Radio Pirates" the best picture of the year. Usually in comedy the story is of little account, but even in its broadest moments "Radio Pirates" is entirely 'logical. Concerning itself with a young but unappreciated song writer's efforts to obtain recognition, the comedy reaches riotous moments when in desperation a "pirate" broadcasting station is started. ■ Then the fun begins. Roy Fox and his band are introduced in most artistic presentations featuring "Home on the Range, "Wagon Wheels," "Ol' Faithful," and "Little Girl, What Now?" The picture serves to introduce Jenkins and French, the two reigning stars of the London light-comedy stage, dainty little Mary Lawson, and Hughie Green, the remarkable fifteen-year-old lad who not only composes, writes, and performs his own material, but is conceded to be the outstanding entertaining genius in England. The management has also secured the services of the popular lightning-sketch artist, Mr. Philpott. The funds are for the City Mission, and a big house is expected. BOY GENIUS OF THE VIOLIN. Applications from as far north as Taihape for seats at the Wellington concerts of Louis Fox, the brilliant boy violinist, give an indication of the widespread interest which is being shown in the visit of this boy genius. From the time he made his first sensational appearance in the London Hall at the age of ten years, Louis Fox has gone on from triumph to triumph. His grand artistry and his remarkably wide repertoire will make a great appeal to music lovers in New Zealand, and his tour will be all too short. Hist first two concerts will be given in the Wellington Town Hall on Saturday, March 6, and Tuesday,-March 9. Positively no extra concerts will be possible. Box plans for the Wellington" season open at Chas. Begg and Co., Manners Street, at 9 a.m. Monday next. A queue will be formed at 8 a.m. Special concessions are offered to colleges and schools. BAND RECITALS. The Wellington Municipal Tramways Band will give a performance at the Wellington Hospital and the Port Nicholson Silver Band will give a performance at Lyall Bay tomorrow afternoon, commencing at 3 o'clock,