ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20863, 4 May 1931, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

regent theatre. Maurice Chevalier wins further popu- . r V v i, v his natural and pleasing act- • in the Paramount production " Tlayf g of Paris,'' which heads (lie atlrac<ke programme at the Regent Theatre Spvilier is cast as a waiter, Albert, who, frae'to his nature, pays more attention women patrons than to his duties Albert immediately falls in lo\e with a l a dy who visits the cafe and his dreams arc brought close to rea;S, Vho,, » <■' 1-°°°-™ r '™r ic left to him. The owner of the cafe Luis of the legacy in advance and pcr'orles Albert to sign a contract bv which £wUr to to p»y.400.000 Urn* . he abandons his pos.t.on, thus Albert • fricpfi *° b? c ° nie a wa, * er h y an( I millionaire 'by night. The adventures "•Inch Albert's newly-acquired wea th en ji„ him to undertake make a highlynmiisinc stow, and a hilarious climax is "ached when the waiter is challenged to . ] l]C l by a/ prominent banker. Ihe hirlefnue 'of duel manners is one of the hit incidents in the picture. Hie disclosure of Albert's identity, however, renders the duel impossible for the "gentleman" banker. Chevalier is ably assisted in his mirth-making by Stuart Vnvin as the restaurant cook, and Frances Deali. as the leading lady, makes <he most of her role. Several new melodies are sung by Chevalier in his own inimitable manner. The shorter films have been carefully selected. The exlojts of Slim Summerville as a bugler in the American army cause unrestrained laughter in a comedy, "Hello Russia." An excellent description of Egypt is given in a " Vagabond Adventure " film, and there comprehensive newsreel. A Fong and dance number, " Moonlight and Komance." is also presented, and enjoyable musical selections are rendered by Eon Tasker's orchestra. The well-known comedian of the silent screen Harold Llovd has his/first talking rolo in " l-eet First," which will commence a season on Friday. '-The production is said to be even'more amusing than "Safety Last," in which Harold Lloyd made his last appearance in Auckland. ST. jA.MES' THEATRE. The talented artists Mario Dressier and "Wallace Beery are happily associated in Min and Bill." which is meeting with a successful reception at St. James' Theatre. The story centres around Min (Marie Dressier), the sharp-tempered but kindlydisposed owner of a waterfront apartment house, who, by self-sacrifices, is ablo to jrive 'her adopted daughter a chaneo in life. The girl's real mother attempts to ruin the girl's prospects and it is the manner in w'hicli the resolute Min ensures the girl's happiness that makes the piclure such an arresting one. Beery appears as Bill, a broken-down sea captain, ■who is a close friend of tho eccentric but lovable Min. An abundance of humour is provided by Laurel and Hardy in a comedy, " Tho Devil's Cabaret," while thero is a splendid Metrotone reyiew. j TICTURES FOR CHILDREN. Special children's programmes have / been arranged for tho day sessions at varicus picturo theatres in the city during the school vacations. At the Civic Theatre on Saturday morning only, the first three episodes of an exciting serial talking picture, " Tho Indians are Coming," will be screened. The • same picture will bo screened at the day sessions at tho Strand Theatre, commencing on Fridav. Tho attraction .at the Majestic Theatre will be " Fair Warning," a romantic drama of Western American life, with Georgo O'Brien in the principal role. Tho story, adapted from Max .Brand's novel "Tho Untamed" a "demon " horse and a clever dog as important characters. The picture, to be screened tifc flic day commences its season on Friday. LONDON THEATRE. An audacious attempt on the part of the enemy forces to gain access to the territory behind the British lines by means of an underground tunnel is used as the basis of a thrilling spy story in " Tho W Plan," the British production now at the London Theatre. Adapted to the talking screen from the novel by Lieuten-ant-Colonel Graham Seton Hutchinson, an intelligence officer during the war, the engrossing narrative is interpreted by a capable cast of English artists, including Brian Aherne as Duncan Grant, who repeals the plan, and Madeleine Carroll, recently fioen to advantage in " Young jWoodley." MAJESTIC THEATRE. Tho hazards and perils of the coastguards' work are vividly portrayed in -'the Fox film " Men on Call," which v.'ill be screened at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The plot is unfolded against a background of wrecks and burning ships, .with the heroic lifesavers always on hand to give timely assistance. Edmund Lowe gives an extremely convincing characterisation of a part which calls for spirited acting. He ik seen as an engineer who enters the service in order to flco from all associations with his past lifo yet finds that chance throws against him the one person he strove to avoid. There is #n entertaining .supporting programme. STRAND THEATRE. The current programme at the Strand Theatre is headed by " Tho Great Meadow," a film of the pioneering days, notable not only for the vividness with which the hardships of the great trek across the virgin continent are outlined, 'out also for tlte fine acting of the cast. The terrors of being lost in the trackless forest, attacked by fierce tribes of roving Indians and trapped in snowstorms and floods are vividly depicted in the film. The supporting programme includes a travel picture, " Peeps at Peking," a •" Monkeyville " comedv, newsreels and moving pictures of Queen Street during Week." REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. "Queen High," a rollicking farce with n cleverly constructed plot, will be B'Tpened at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, -''this evening. The second feature will bo ''Nigger Tricks." in which Hoot Gibson plays tho leading role. EMPRESS THEATRE. Based on a noted English stage success find interpreted by several London players of note, "Tho Perfect Alibi," to be Screened at the Empress Theatre this evening, is a fine blending of English and American talent. Ken Mavnard appears in " Song of the Caballero,' tho Second attraction. LYRIC THEATRE. In ''The Border Legion," which will hf.id (his evening's programme at the Lyric Theatre. Richard Arlen interprets the central figure of Zane < irev's wellknown lift vol. ''For the Defence" will als ■ bo screened. CAPITOL THEATRE. "The Social Lion" and "The Girl of the Port" will bo the I'eatuies at the .Capitol Theatre this evening. TUDOR THEATRE. The chief attraction at the Tudor Theatre this evening will be, ' Girl of the Golden West." "Wedding Rings" Jvill also be screened. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "The Lady of Scandal," a comedy■orama, will' bo screened at tho Pnuco J?dward Theatre this evening.

CIVIC THEATRE. An exceptionally brilliant cast is one of the factors in (he great success of " Sin Takes a Holiday," the sophisticated comedy drama at present being shown to large audiences at <ho Civic Theatre. The principal part is in the hands of Miss Constance Bennett, whose portrayals of dramatic roles have placed her in the foremost rank of the screen world. Supporting artists are Basil Rathhone, Kenneth McKonna and Rita La Roy. Miss Bennett is seen as the private secretary to a philandering millionaire ivho persuades her to marry him in order that he may escape the attentions of a designing woman. There is no love between them, hut the husband agrees to pay her £IOOO a year and maintain her in Paris. The change in the situation when she blossoms into a woman of fascination and beauty provides a striking climax to the picture. With unusually artistic settings, witty and amusing dialogue, and a story of exceptional appeal, the picture has real charm and beauty. The supporting programme includes items of a wide variety of interest. The next change of programme at the theatre will be headed by " The Bachelor Father," a comedy based on Belasco's well-known stage success. Miss Marion Davies, the vivacious comedienne of " Show People," " The Gay Nineties " and " The Battle of Paris " plays the principal role and others included in the cast are Ralph Forbes and Aubrey Smith, a prominent London player.

NATIONAL THEATRE. An exhilarating outdoor adventureromance is presented in " The Santa Fe Trail," the Paramount production which will be shown at the National Theatre to-day. Based on Hal G. Evart's absorb ing novel "Spanish Acres" it deals with the bitter rivalry which existed between sheep-owners and cattlemen in the United States in the middle of last century. The principal actor, Richard Arlen, is seen in the part of a young ranchowner who is forced to drive his immense flocks from range to range and to overcome great difficulties and hardships before he finds the great virgin tract of country which finally repays him for all his efforts. A delightful romance is interwoven with the story, t RositrC Moreno plays opposite Richard Arlen. PLAZA THEATRE. " Ex-Flame," the Liberty Productions' version of Mrs. Henry Wood's well-known book " East Lynne," is attracting largo audiences to the Plaza Theatre. Although the story has been modernised by advancing the setting 70 years, none of the dramatic qualities or the pathos and beauty of the original novel have been lost. The leading rolo is in the capable hands of Marion Nixon, who appeared to advantage in " Courage " and " General Crack." Miss Nixon gives a splendid interpretation as the disillusioned wife who vainly seeks to forget the unhappy past by plunging into the whirl of Paris social life. The role of her husband, a young English lord, is faithfully portrayed by Neil Hamilton, one of the principals in the " Dawn Patrol." The third important characterisation —that of an unscrupulous woman whoso lifo is interwoven with those of tho other two •in this drama of conflicting emotions—is well played by Judith Barrie. There is a pleasing supporting programme of varied interest. RIALTO THEATRE. Drama is raised to a high level in " Shadow of the Law," tho impelling story of a travesty of justice, which is assured of a successful season at tho Rialto Theatre. William Powell, who first won recognition as a screen actor by his portrayals of S. S. Van Dine's PhiJo Vance in a number of mystery plays, is called upon to interpret a dramatic role as a young engineer, who, by freeing a woman from tho abusiveness of a drunken man, is mado the victim of harsh circumstance and a woman's vengeance. TIVOLI THEATRE. For the originality of the farcical story and the witty dialogue and entrancing music in which the picture abounds, " Let's Go Native," which is proving popular at the Tivoli Theatre, must rank among tho most entertaining films of its type. Miss Jeanette Mac Donald shows her ability in light comedy in the part of an ultra-modern modiste who, accompanied bv a party of musical comedy artists whom she has financed, arrives at an idyllic coral island. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. " The Pig House." a powerful and thrilling story based on prison life in America, will bo screened at, the Crystal Palaco Theatre this _ evening. Wallace Beery, Chester Morris, Robert Montgomery and Leila Hyams aro at tho head o: a largo cast. W.E.A. LECTURES. A lecture on "Tho Historical Development Toward the League of Nations" will bo given by Mr. Louis Phillips at the Old Grammar School Symonds Street, this evening.