CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 55, 6 March 1937, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

' "Sweet Aloes," the excellent film version of the highly successful London play, now showing for a second week at the Regent Theatre, is a human drama of a beautiful girl, the daughter of a book collector, who fell in love with the married son of an English lord. The girl, Linda (Kay Francis), is lost in the fog of her own emotions, and her father dies at Naples before she can ask his advice. A mutual friend of her father and Lord Farrington. "Tubbs" Barrow (a part admirably played by Roland Young), comes to her assistance. She is about to become a mother and Lord Farrington is informed. Desiring an heir, he offers to take the child, and give it all the advantages of wealth and affection, if she will surrender it and bury herself in America. She does so, marries Jim Baker (George Brent), and moves in fashionable New York circles, but is unable to force from her mind the memory of her former romance. The drama moves to a fast and happy climax. Difficult situations throughout the film are delicately handled, and the most emotional scenes are treated naturally throughout. The humour of Roland Young provides a very excellent palliative to the emotional tenseness necessarily incidental to the development of the plot. Henry Stephenson plays the old Lord Farrington and ■Frieda Inescourt the role of Rosamond Melford. The supports include a coloured cartoon. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature, •■"The Gorgeous Hussy," which is in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, is certainly one of the season's outstanding films. Adapted from Samuel Hopkins Adams's novel, the film tells the story of the stormy circumstances in which Andrew Jackson was elected to the Presidency of the Union, and the part played in the life of the President by his niece, Peggy O'Neal, the daughter of an innkeeper. Peggy, who is splendidly played by Joan' Crawford, found a few years' happiness in marriage with a naval officer, who, however, is killed in action. At this stage Peggy stepped into the gap left in Andrew Jackson s heart by the death of his wife, and became his unofficial "first lady." The plots of conspirators against the Union, the excitement of the election campaign, Peggy's sacrifice of her love for John Randolph, a Virginian Senator, on account of their irreconcilable political beliefs, and her marriage with John Eaton, Secretary of State for War. in order to help her uncle in consolidating his position, lead up to a brilliant climax. Melvyn Douglas is excellent as RpXdolph, Robert Taylor is. good as the gay naval officer, and Lionel Barrymore is excellent as Andrew Jackson. ST. JAMES THEATRE. There are very few pictures the dialogue of which is interrupted by applause or which end to the applause of audiences, but "Three Smart Girls, at St. James Theatre, is one of those few. It is a delightful picture in every way, in its appealing story'of three girls who are determined to end their mother's unhappiness and to separate, by the greatest distance possible, thenfather and his gold-digging lady friend, in the extremely clever dialogue, and in the splendid cast, headed by Charles Winninger, 'of "Show Boat' memory, and brightened by Deanna Durbm, a new star, who, unlike quite a number of discoveries, will remain a star. Deanna Durbin is fourteen years : of age, and gained her start because of Her wonderful lyric soprano voice. She has-a charming natural manner, and; is altogether happy .in her first big film Two of her songs are "My Heart is Singing" and "Someone to Care for ,Me" but she . sings also—in a police station, of all places—operatic numbers, anduses.her voice as one way of bringing happiness again to the, family. 'Offiefs in the cast are Binme Barnes, \he blonde menace, as the gold digger, of ' course, Alice Brady, her mother, John King, and Ray Milland. There are also interesting supporting pictures, including gazettes, giving the latest world news. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. ■ Carole Lombard and William Powell prove that they are two of the finest comedy stars in Holly wood. m My Man Godfrey," which is playing a return screening at the Paramount Theatre. The cleverly-written story concerns one of the richest and. at the same time, maddest, families in New York—the Bullocks. These delightful people apparently have the idea that anyone with less than a million dollars is on the dole, and having plenty of money themselves, and nothing to. do with it, they spend a bit of time thinking it- over, and this process leads to slight insanity on all sides. During one of the wildest products of this mental state, a "scavenger hunt' in which everyone has to find something that is "forgotten," Irene .Bullock (Carole Lombard) and' Corneillia Bullock (Gail Patrick) set out for a city dump, where they find a "forgotten man—William Powell as Godfrey. He is'taken into the Bullock household as butler, and lives in an atmosphere of slight but universal madness. Having survived many strange situations, Godfrey begins to find a real pride in seeing how long it will be before he, too, goes mad under the influence, and so he stays on to the end in this mad muddle of millionaires and millions. Those in the supporting cast are Alice Brady, Gail Patrick, and Alan Mowhray. The first half includes several interesting newsreels and travelogues. s KING'S THEATRE. •America's first semi-military organisation of State officers, the Texas Rangers, is made the theme of a panoramic film history of the early Lone Star State in King Vidor's epic "The Texas Rangers," a Paramount picture now showing at the King's Theatre. The picture, made in the colourful waste regions of New Mexico and Texas by a production company which spent nearly , three months on location, features Fred Mac Murray and the wise-cracking Jack Oakie in leading roles, as one-time "bad men" who sign up for duty with the rangers. The adventurous life of the fearless men who undertook to clean up Texas as rangers is depicted through the exploits of Mac Murray and Oakie. Dramatic Indian battles, fights of the rangers with rustlers, and the colourful career of Sam McGee, early desperado, are worked intp a story centring about the two, Lloyd ■ Kolan and Jean Parker. Bennie Bartlett and Edward Ellis have important supporting roles. PALACE THEATRE. PETONE. "Two in a Crowd," a romantic comedy-drama, with Joan Bennett and Joel McCrea heading a great cast, is showing at the Palace Theatre, Petone. 'Zling of the Royal Mounted," Zane Grey's greatest story. withßobert Kent starred and Rosalind Keith and Alan Dinehart heading a cast of screen favourites, is also on the bill. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. ■'-' "Come And Get It!" Samuel Goldwyn's production of Edna Ferber's colourful novel of the lumber camps, featuring Edward Arnold, Joel McCrea, ■and Frances Farmer, is the main attraction rt the^Grand Theatre, Petone. Arnoitfnas his greatest role as Barney Glasgow, a lumber baron, who, in- his youth had given up love for power, and years later is mocked by his own decision when he falls madly in love with the daughter of the woman he once loved, and finds his own son his successful rival. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "East Meets West," starring George Arliss, screens at the State Theatre, Petone, tonight. It is melodrama of a robust nature, with Arliss giving a characteristic performance as a crafty Sultan who replenishes his exchequer by deft diplomacy involving Great Britain, and an Eastern Power. Developed- with great effect, ornate set-tings,-large, crowd scenes, gripping suspense, and the star's personality have combined to make a rich offering for all lovers of spectacle and drama.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

DE LUXE THEATRE.

The new policy of the De Luxe | Theatre management in presenting practically two shows at the price of one seems to have been fully justified judging by the attendance at yesterday's sessions. The double bill contains two outstanding full-length films so different in character that all tastes are bound to be pleased. "The Flying Hostess" manifestly justified its claim to be considered as the aviation sensation of the age. The story gives an insight, and a very realistic one, too, into modern transport by air as now carried on across the mighty American continent, and it moves nearly as rapidly as the huge airliners which flit across'the scenes. Amongst the wouldbe: air hostesses was a girl rejected because of her alleged lack of nerve. But having proved by a parachute jump that she had the requisite nerve, she was taken on. The climax is reached when the aeroplane upon which she is travelling as hostess is held up by bandits whilst in flight. The pilot is put out of action, but the girl, the bandits having been overcome, takes control, and aided by telephonic communication with the ground station, manages to land the giant aeroplane and its passengers safely in spite of a thick fog. However, this is not achieved without having one of the landing wheels torn off by contact with telegraph wires, which makes the feat all the more wonderful. Romance and humour, are interwoven with the sensationalism with which this picture abounds, many of the flying feats having to be seen to be believed. The second big feature is a Columbia picture entitled "Adventure in Manhattan." This features Jean Arthur, who made such a captivating heroine in "Mr. Deeds." This time she "goes to town" with Joel McCrea, and the pair become deeply involved in the machinations of a suave criminal. Romance and detective work play a large part in this production, which is one with a wide, appeal.. Of the same high standard as the main features of the programme are the supports. A newsreel shows current world happenings, and there is a "Krazy Kat caitoon as well as a series showing athletic team work. A travelogue gives most interesting pictures of all the famous spots in the Holy Land. HEX THEATRE."Bengal Tiger," now showing at the Rex Theatre, is a melodramatic thrillpacked story of circus life. Besides Barton Mac Lane in the cast are Satan, a man-killing tiger, June Travis, Warre™ Hull Paul Graetz, Joseph King. Don Barclay Gordon Hart and Carlyle Moore, jun. The picture is a revelation of the intimate lives of the 3ig Top folk, both before the public and in their private tents', "Rhythm on the Range?' the associate feature, casts Bing Crosby and George Burns as cowboys. Crosby wins money to a prize bull, during the course jf a, New York rodeo, and starts for Arizona in a box car with the animal: He has company in the person of Miss Farmer, a society miss fleeing from an unwanted marriage. Six song hits ire heard in this rollicking tale of romance and melody. • . SHORTTS THEATRE. ■ Colourful and impressive, Columbia's "Hell-ship Morgan," featuring George Bancroft, Ann Sothern, and Victor Jory, which is ■• showing at Shortts Theatre, is a roaring and powerful tale of the sea and the men who earn thenlivelihood from the deep. The films action takes place aboard one of the typical fishing boats that ply the tuna trade- in the .shark-infested Mexican waters A dramatic portrayal of a man's fight to regain his former position of wealth and.power,; accomplished through'his love for a girl whose life he is ultimately called upon to save when she is accused of murder, provides the exciting theme of the second feature, "The .Final Hour Heading the cast are Ralph Bellamy and Marguerite Churchill. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Secret Agent," which stars Madeleine Carroll, Peter Lorre, John Gielaud, and Robert Young, opens at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. This grand successor to -the famous Hitchcock thriller, "The 39 Steps," is a gripping adaptation of Somerset Maugham's "Ashenden," and is the story of a secret service man who sets out to thwart a German spy during the Great War. A piquant romantic slant and deft comedy touches relieve the engrossing canvas of espionage. • Moonlight Murder," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer s amazing drama of the killing of an operatic tenor before an audience of 20.000 in the famous Hollywood Bowl, will be the second feature. Chester Morris as the detective and Madge Evans as his sweetheart solve the mystery, after everyone in the cast has been under suspicion. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. A clever and amusing comedy of modern city life is depicted in Wife Versus Secretary," the mam attraction now showing at Our Theatre. Clark Gable plays the part of a millionaire executive with a happy home and an attractive wife (Myrna Loy). Unfortunately he also possesses an attractive and clever young secretary (Jean Harlow), whom he relies on to a large extent for the safe conduct of .his .business. Although she tries hard- not to be suspicious of the movements of her husband and his secretary, the young wife finally becomes jealous, and matters reach a climax when the millionaire goes, on a trip to Havana, there to be joined by his secretary, while the wife remains m New York. Wheeler and Woolsey are co-starred in "Mummy's Boys," the associate feature. ■ ROXI THEATRE. Presenting William • Powell and Ginger Rogers, and telling a story replete with mystery, suspense, romance, and comedy,' "Star of Midnight," which is now showing at the Roxy Theatre, is a delightfully entertaining and completely absorbing picture. The well-conceived, closely-knit plot moves gaily at times, and at other times with stark tensity towards a hair-raising climax. The romantic theme is subtly woven into the main story. A thrilling Western romance, "Justice of the Range," starring Tim McCoy, will be the supporting feature. PRINCESS THEATRE. To film the greater proportion of the tropical scenes for "Uncivilised," which is the leading attraction at the Princess Theatre, the entire company journeyed to North Queensland. Wonderful scenic shots are seen, dark secrets unearthed, and unusual flashes of native life shown for the first time on the screen, as the party advances further into Northern Australia. The principal characters are portrayed by Dennis Hoey, Margot Rhys, Marcelle Marnay, Ashton Jarry. The second feature stars Maurice Chevalier in "The Beloved Vagabond," a sparkling screen adaptation of W. J. Locke's world-popular romance. Among the short subjects are an Oswald cartoon, an item of the "Stranger Than Fiction" series, and a Pathe Pictorial. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. That vivid story of the internal struggles of China, "The General Died at Dawn," is the main feature at the Capitol Theatre. The acting, scenery, and photography convey' a realistic image of the conditions of the country, and the romance and intrigue which form the plot have the benefit of a convincing background. Gary Cooper and Madeleine Carroll are the -stars. "Walking on Air," a bright comedy interspersed with popular songs, has Ann Sothern and Gene Raymond in the main roles. I I BROOKLYN THEATRE. "This Is the Life," featuring Jane Withers, John McGuire, and Sally Blanc, is the main feature at Brooklyn tonight. Claire Trevor and Paul Kelly will also be seen in "Song and Dance Man," and there will also be a full supporting programme.

STATE THEATRE. The Mississippi boat-dwellers, with their rugged, happy-go-lucky personalities and tneir inherent love 01 melody, make a story rich with romance and action and flavoured with whimsical humour in "Banjo on my Knee," now screening at the .State Theatre, lo the shanty boat of his father (Walter Brennan) Joel McCrea brings his landgirl bride (Barbara Stanwyck), lhe triangle is completed by Katherme de Mille, a river-girl, who makes no secret of her devotion to the bridegroom. After an unpleasant encounter with a land-man who has been unduly attentive to his young wife, McCrea sends the offender into the river. Thinking him drowned and anxious to avoid the police, McCrea leaves immediately for foreign parts and returns in six months, when the matter is cleared up, only to quarrel with his wife, who this time runs away also. In New Orleans she meets with adventure and success in a cafe and is later joined by her old father-in-law, who with his strange river music is an immediate success. Many of the old Mississippi songs are introduced m new settings. Among them are bt. Louis Woman," "St. Louis Blues, and the newer melodies, f Banjo on My Knee" (a song and dance number by Buddy Ebsen), "Where the Lazy River Goes By,". sung by Barbara Stanwyck, and "There's Something in the Air," sung by Anthony Martm, a find among screen voices. Comedy is provided by Buddy Ebsen and Walter Brennan, whose one-man band is an amazing novelty item. The shortfeature programme includes an interesting newsreel of Olympic events. TIVOLI THEATRE. Randolph Scott, Binnie Barnes, and Henry Wilcoxon head one of the greatpst casts of stars ever assembled on the screen in "The Last of the Mohi, cans," Reliance Pictures' film version of the immortal James Femmore Cooper classic, which shows at the Tilvoli Theatre tonight. Also featured in important roles are Bruce Cabot, Heather Angel, Phillip Reed, Robert Barrat, Hugh Buckler, and Willard Robertson. Scott is seen as Hawkeye, the brave and handsome colonial scout hero, beloved by the millions of readers of the book. Miss Barnes is cast as the glamorous Alice Munro, who is torn between love for him and loyalty to the gallant Major Duncan Heyward, played by Wilcoxon. Cabot has the role of Magua, the renegade Indian spy; Miss Angel is seen as the lovely Cora Munro, and Reed plays Uncas, the young Indian brave wt, o hopelessly worships h The associate feature "Where's Sally?" starring the-inimitable Gene Gerrard. is a wildly-hilarious story of the most impossible yet most entertaining type—a glorious melee of matrimonial mix-ups. RIVOLI THEATRE. Francis Lederer and the lovely Ann Sothern make gay the, screen of the Rivoli Theatre, playing in Paramount s "My American Wife." The picture spins the tale of a foreign nobleman who weds an American girl and returns to her Arizona home, only to learn that she wants him to remain in braid and spangles, while he wants to become a rancher. Fred Stone and Billie Burke, aided by Ernest Cossart and Grant Mitchell, round out the excellent cast and keep the romance moving at a brisk pace until the close. The Marx Brothers furnish the fun and three singing favourites of the Broadway stage, Kitty Carlisle, Allan Jones, and Walter King, furnish the songs in "A Night at the Opera,' which is also showing. Previewed on the stage to test original comedy situations before a single scene was filmed, the new comefly is the most ambitious and riotously funny of any produced by the Merry Madcaps of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. For the first time they have a story with a plot. This involves the humorous efforts of Groucho, Chico, and Harpo to further. the romance of two young opera singers. NEW GAIETIES REVUE. Tonightat the New Opera House, Mr. Stanley McKay is to-present his popular Gaieties Vaudeville ■ and Revue Company in the most spectacular revue in the present repertoire, "In. Sunny Hawaii." The comedy is in the capable hands of' Joe Lawman, the brilliant singing and whistling comedian, who has been such a general favourite during the last two weeks. His novel and snappy sketches, in which he has the assistance of George Corelli, Elten Black, Kathleen Howarde, and Stella Lamond, include "Rejuvenation," "The Nudist Movement," "Baby's Wrist Watch," and "The Bar 8.0. Ranch." The" talented Stella Lamond will be heard in new character sketches, and Miss Howarde (soprano) is the leading singer in the delightful song scena, "Chansonette," in which the Gaieties Ballet ■ and' May Brooke's Orchestra figure .prominently. One of the- highlights of tonight's production is a spectacular . scena, arranged by George Grieg, of the popular Hilo Duo, depicting village life in Hawaii, the whole culminating in a sacrificial war dance to Pele, the goddess of the volcano. The Flying Martmettis are to be seen in a new offering, even more thrilling than in the other revues. Seats may be reserved by telephoning theatre. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. For sheer drama and vital force there are few screen plays to equal "Dangerous," the Warner Bros, production which shows tonight at the Regal Theatre. Too much cannot be said of the fine Work of the principals, including Bette Davis, Franchot Tone, Margaret Lindsay, Alison Skipworth, John Eldredge, and Dick Foran. "Petticoat Fever," a sparkling comedy in an unusual setting, is- the , other attraction. Robert Montgomery is presented as the lonely operator of a Labrador wireless station, and Myrna Loy has the main feminine role. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Miss Pacific Fleet" comes to the Empire Theatre tonight, with that famous quartet of film comedians, Joan Blondell, Glenda, Farrell, Hugh Herbert, and Allen Jenkins heading a cast that includes'hundreds of sailors and marines. The picture is based on the rollicking comedy by Frederick Hazlitt Brennan, and is said not only to be hilariously funny, but to carry a humorous love triangle between Miss Blondell, Jenkins, and Warren Hull, the radio' star, who has the romantic role in production. Also screening is "Murder Man," with Spencer Tracy and Virginia Bruce. SUNDAY PICTURES. City Mission picture benefits on Sunday night are well established now at the Rex Theatre, Cuba Street. The offering this week stands out above all the" rest. Molly Lamont and Anthony Kennicott are the featured players in "White Ensign," which -is a thrilling story of modern life at sea. Sound City Films made such a good authentic story that the late King of England commanded two special screenings. H.M.S. Hawke and submarines play a big part; while the Royal Marine Band plays on the quarterdeck. Patrons are assured of a good night's entertainment and are advised to be early in order to secure a seat. De Luxe Theatre. At the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow night the Port- Nicholson Band will present the merry musical film, "Love, Life, and Laughter," featuring the inimitable Lancashire lass, Gracie Fields. This is easily her supreme entertainment. No less than £65,000 was spent on its production. Gracie sings five catchy songs, including "Love, Life, and Laughter," "Out in the Cold, Cold Snow," "Cherie," "I'm a Failure," and "Riding in the Clouds." A feature of the entertainment will be the appearance of the popular Hilo Duo, George and Wihi Greig, who are appearing by courtesy of Mr. Stanley McKay, of the Gaieties Company. Intending patrons are advised to be early in order to secure a seat. \ TRENTHAM RACES. The Railway Department's announcement regarding the train arrangements land fares to the Trentham races .is advertised in this issue. BAND RECITALS. The Wellington Artillery Band will .give a performance at the Botanical Gardens and the Wellington Regimental Pipe Band will play at the Wellington Hospital tomorrow afternoon commencing at 3 o'clock.

NEW PLAZA THEATRE. A splendid example of the speed and effectiveness of modern constructional and interior decorating methods is to be seen in the New Plaza Theatre, which opened again yesterday. An amazing transformation has taken place since the fire of December 28. After that visitation, the theatre was little more than a burnt-out shell. Yesterday saw it restored to structural perfection and converted into what is practically a new-theatre with an entirely new scheme of decoration. The elaborately simple design of the interior is most refreshing. . It is carried out after the original style, but is different in lighting and in colour. Concealed lighting and the simple curved formation of ornaments on which the lights play achieve an effect which could not be approached by the more formal decorations of the earlier'theatres. There is no doubt that the new theatre will be popular with Wellington audiences. Last night's attendance was an unusually large one for a Friday night, and expressions of approval were many. The seating accommodation is unaltered except for re-covering and repair work, and the theatre can still claim to be one of the few in which the screen can be seen from any part of the house. The main part of the repair work was carried out about the proscenium arch and ceiling, which have been almost entirely rebuilt. The symmetry of the interior, always a pleasing feature of theatres, of this type has been well retained. The choice of "That Girl from Paris" as the opening picture to be shown was a very wise one, as the picture bids fair to be the most outstanding musical film of the year. It may well do so, for as its star it has the beautiful and talented operatic soprano Lily Pons, whose as yet short career at Hollywood has been crowned with success. Hers is a congenial role, for she appears as Niki, the toast of the Paris Opera, who flees to America to escape from a manager and family who wish to ensure the success of • hoc career by throwing her into the arms of a director of the opera. Unusual enough is the opening scene of the film—the marriage ceremony of the opera star and the director. Niki s answer to the query of the officiating minister, however, is a most emphatic "I don't." Her subsequent flight into the country in full wedding regalia introduces her to the attention, 'of "Windy" McLean, a young American dance-band leader (Gene Raymond), who does not know exactly what to make of this strange person. After driving her back to Paris, he leaves her in the arms of a handy gendarme. There follows a story rather like that of "The Cat Which Came Back for Niki is determined to get to New York, and sees that, as her passport has been stopped, the only way for her to manage the trip is with the assistance, willing or'unwilling, of the shipboard dance band, to which McLean belongs. The other three members of the band, of which Jack Oakie is effects man, are a very accomplished team, and should be seen again in light comedy. Having a road-house engagement, and a star whose singing is their best attraction but whom they must keep out of sight because of the immigration authorities, the quartet was faced with difficulties, which are not cleared up when McLean's fiancee Ball) a Kiss" a "swing" setting of. me la few ss. *. bIuS programme. SEASIDE THEATRE, I/TALL BAY. together in roles that surpass even the mlt magnificent of their pas triumphs, comes to the Seaside Theatre tonight Miss Colbert plays the role of "Cigarette" in ■ this, adaptation .of OuidaT immortal story of .the French Foreien Legion. Victor McLaglen and I°osXd LRussell head the,magnificg supporting cast. •■■ The . suppoiun^ future "Storm Over the Andes," a gripping drama of aviation and love has for its setting colourful South America In the main-roles are, Jack Hdtf Mona Barrie, and Antonio-Mo-reno. LOUIS FOX TONIGHT. Louis Fox, the boy genius of the violin will' open his New Zealand concert tour at the Town Hair Concert Chamber tonight. The world-famous Strad of the ltte Archbishop Redwood will be played by Louis Fox, and m memory of the Archbishop, his, favourite piece, "Meditation," from the opeia "Thais," will be given. This will be the first time this famous ■ Strad. has been played in Wellington. Included in tonight's programme are Concerto No. 7 in G Major (De Beriop, "Devils Trill" (Tartini), "Siciliano and Rigaudon" (Francoeur-Kreisler), "Legende (Wieniawski), Scotch Pastorale (Gus-. tave Saenger), Ballet Music from "Rosamunde" (Schubert-Kreisler), and, "Danse Espagnole," "La Vida Breve (De Falla-Kreisler). RUSSIAN BALLET. On Wednesday night in Auckland Colonel de Basil's world-renowned Monte Carlo Russian Ballet, numbering over 100 people, began its New Zealand tour under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and the occasion proved a memorable one. The whole of the large auditorium of His Majesty's .Theatre had been booked out days before the. gala opening performance, and each of the principal dancers received an ovation. Leon Woizikowsky, Valentina Blinova, and Helene Kirsova, the three principal dancers, created quite a sensation, and the beauty of the gorgeous ballets and the magnificence of the music, performed by 25 imported musicians, under the direction of Jascha Horenstein and Ivan Clayton, combined .to make the • most attractive entertainment ever staged by the'J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management. At the close of the performance each of the star dancers were called before the curtain again and again. Practically the whole of the theatre has been booked out for the remainder of the season. The Auckland season finishes on Wednesday, March 17, and on March 18 the company will appear at Hamilton. On Friday, March 19, they will visit New Plymouth, on Saturday afternoon and evening they will stage two distinct programmes of ballets at Wanganui. and on Monday, March 22, they will be presented at Palmerston North. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and on Wednesday afternoon, March 23 and 24, the Ballet will present two programmes of their finest ballets at Hastings, and on Thursday, March 25. the company will appear at Masterton. On Easter Saturday. March 27. a season will be commenced at Wellington, the opening performance including "Les Sylphides," a romantic reverie, with music by Chopin, "Scheherazade a powerful drama in one act with music by Rimsky-Korsakov, and Le Manage D' Aurore" ("The Marriage of Aurora"), with music by Tschaikowsky. The booking for the Wellington season will be opened at the D.I.C. on Friday, March 19. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. Representatives of the Congregational Church of New Zealand will be coming to Wellington next week for their 54th annual assembly, and there will probably be the greatest number of delegates which has. assembled at the annual meetings for very many years past.' The assembly will open with a welcome tea in The Terrace Hall on Thursday, March 11, when it is hoped that the Mayor of Wellington and the Bishop of Wellington, with other religious leaders, will be present. The Rev. Herbert W. Newell, who is chairmanelect for 1937, will be inducted at the public meeting which follows, and will deliver his presidential address. The Wellington Congregational choirs will combine for this occasion, under the baton of Mr. H. Brusey. VISITING LECTURER. "The Key Above the Door" will be the title of Rona Olsen's lecture tomorrow at the Conference Hall, Dominion Farmers' Institute, at 7.30 p.m. This is the first time this title has been given. Written questions relating to all aspects of life's problems will be answered at the conclusion of the lecture.