ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 92, 12 January 1935, Page 14

ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Latest Programmes Under Review

KING’S THEATRE

Jean Parker in “Have a Heart” In Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Have a Heart,” which commenced at the King’s Theatre last evening, romance is attractively blended with tragedy. Jean Parker, who played Beth in “Little Women” with such success, takes the part of Sally, a crippled girl whose affliction becomes responsible for the estrangement of her first lover, and nearly results in her being for ever separated from the man of her heart. After her accident Sally meets Jimmie (James Dunn), an ince-cream vendor with a future. Suspicion is levelled at Jimmie when it is discovered that money was stolen from his firm. After much confusion, and not a little heartbreaking, Jimmie becomes freed from the stigma, Sally survives an operation, and the film has an ending satisfactory to the most exacting theatre-goer.

DE LUXE THEATRE

“The Gay Bride” Delectably frivolous comedy leavened with many an exciting episode such as only American gangsterland can produce, is “The Gay Bride,” which began at the De Luxe Theatre yesterday. Carole Lombard is the star, aud the hit she makes is no mean effort, even for the vivacious orchid that she is. With her are Chester Morris, forthright and engaging, as the hard-boiled but sterling gold gangster’s hired guard, Nat Pendleton, model for all good gangsters, Leo Carillo, another caricature “big-shot,” and Zasu Pitts, “lady of the knee-action wrists,” in ail her old type as her mistress’s maid. Carole Lombard is the hard-working girl whose beauty is about a million dollars above her estate, and whose ideas are even higher. She makes a peroxide pass at the great racket-king Pendleton, and he makes his will and passes above with a rival’s time-bomb supplying the impetus. Next the mighty Carillo and later another.-of his ilk have their turn, and it takes the impecunious Chester Morris, who falls unaccountably in love with the orchid three-quarters of the way through the film, all his time and ammunition to protect her from the other’s rightful revenge. The supports are excellent, and include a good news series, plenty of comedy, and Iris Mason at the organ,

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

“Upper World” To what lengths may a successful business magnate be led when his wife deserts him to follow the social life? W hat is the reaction of a man accustomed to wield power, to think and plan, to fill every working moment with action, when

(he finds himself repeatedly alone in those times when he had planned to enjoy his 'wife’s company. That is the theme discussed in "Upper World,” which opened its session at the Paramount Theatre ■last evening. And the answer is: murder. Briefly, the story is that of Alexander 'Stream, railroad magnate, whose wife is so engrossed in the social whirl that she postpones her wedding anniversary dinner, in order to go to an everyday dinner party elsewhere. Stream is one of the greatest railroad men in the United States, and is negotiating the final stages of a gigantic merger when he rescues a young lady from drowning. Acquaintanceship ripens into friendship, and gradually she takes the place of his wife in 'Stream’s life. In the meantime her other lover sees that blackmail may prove a pleasant way out of his difficulties. The action then begins. Warren William, •Mary Astor, and Ginger Rogers are the stars. Miss Iris Mason is at the Wurlitz'er.

REGENT THEATRE

“The Count of Monte Cristo” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” based on the classic novel by Dumas, continues to be a powerful attraction at the Regent Theatre. The thrilling story of Edmond Dantes, the young Frenchman, torn from his sweetheart’s arms by his enemies and unjustly imprisoned and left to rot in the grim Chateau d’lf, is made to order for Robert Donat, and EUssa Landi is ideally cast as the girl Mercedes. How, when Dantes has l.ost hope of ever seeing daylight again, fhe sage old Abbe Faria, who occupies the next cell, tells him of a secret treasure buried on the island of Monte Cristo, and educates him so that when he finally escapes he may face .the world a superman; how Dantes escapes, following the good abbe’s death, locates the treasure, and returns, a > fabulously wealthy man, to visit a slow and sweet revenge on each of the three enemies responsible for his misery, is perhaps too ■veil known to require retelling here. Louis Calhern, Sidney Blackmer and Raymond Walburn are superbly villaiuous as the black-hearted de Villefort, Mondego and Dauglare, respectively; Irene Hervey ! s charming as the sweetheart of Mercedes’ young son, and "William Farnum makes a promising comeback in the role of Captain Leclerc. Rowland V. Lee earns a double distinction in connection with this superb production, for not only is he responsible for the film’s brilliant direction, but he also collaborated with Philip Dunne and Dan Tothcroh in preparing the Dumas story for the screen. There is a strong supporting programme. PLAZA THEATRE “The Fountain” “A green isle in the sea, love, a fountain, and a shrine”: that is how those given to lyrical praise might refer to the cinema presentation of Charles Morgana! famous war novel, "The Fountain,” at the Plaza Theatre yesterday for the first time iu Wellington, but more prosaic folk will simply say that it was a first-class screen play and a flawless entertainment of its kind. Anticipation of a good thing filled the theatre to.overflowing, and the satisfaction of the audience was obviously such as to justify a prediction that the place will be filled time aud again. Before reviewing the charm of the principal film it can be said with ready appreciation that “The Fountain” was preceded by a varied programme somewhat rare anywhere for uniform excellence. In addition to attractive up-to-the-minute reels of Fox Movietone news, including vivid pictures of the Duke of Gloucester’s reception at Ellerslie and the thrilling cup race won by Gold Trail, and his Royal Highness’s'welcome at Rotorua, a musical Mexican production in colour was a delight apart, both for its tints and its tone. Thq singing of “La Cucaracha” won an outburst of applause, A new comedy feature aptly described as “Dumbcll Letters,” guaranteed to be genuine epistles in the nature of “howlers" ,'n business and other correspondence, convulsed the audience. The mirth was a perfect counterbalance to the more serious sentiment of “The Fountain,” which fills the second half of the generous programme. The author’s rather sombre story was not distorted for* pictorial presentation, and the players did not spill the golden bowl of emotion which, in less skilful hands, might easily have happened. The theme is a story of great love without sordidness, and the atmosphere of war is free of explosions. Its significance is portrayed by Miss Ann Harding, Brian Aherne and Paul Lukas with admirable reality, and with emotion not allowed to break into hysteria. Altogether, a good entertainment. STATE THEATRE “Judge Priest” That whimsical screen star, Will Rogers, gives one of his greatest performances in. “Judge Priest,” the new Fox film drama, which was introduced to the Wellington public at the State Theatre yesterday. Adapted from the famous Irvin S. Cobb stories of the small-town iuilge and his Civil War cronies, the film gives Rogers probably the finest opportunity his screen career. His portrayal of the drawling but quick-witted Southern jurist is the blending of a splendid talent with a rich and splendid role. His performance stands alone for sheer dramatic power, and seldom has he had such opportunities to call both tears and laughter from his audience. The big scene in this gripping comedy-drama is the trial of the blacksmith, who is vindicated by the town preacher and Civil War veteran, splendidly acted by Henry B. Walthall, whose eloquent testimony to the accused’s gallant war record sweeps the courtroom to its feet. Life iu the sleepy Kentucky town of the early 'nineties supplies the background for the story, and much delicious humour is supplied by the negroes. There is a world of humanity in this worth-while picture. Anita Louise, Tom Brown, David Landau, Rochelle Hudson, and Francis Ford are all happily cast in this moving story of the American Civil War. Among the supports are views of the Duke of Gloucester at the Auckland Cup meeting, and nt Rotorua, and a stirring film of the B.oy Scouts' jamboree in Victoria. A topical Fox Australian News, an International News, and an hilarious comedy, “Big Flash,” also figure on the new programme. GRAND OPERA HOUSE “The payseeds” Come to Town The return of a premier Australian production, “The Hayseeds," drew a large and delighted audience to the Grand Opera House last evening. Apart from its entertaining qualities as a stronglycoloured story of Australian backblocks life there nre many artistic virtues in the wide variety of scenery which ranges from the heart of the Australian woodlands to moonlit glimpses of Sydney coves—and of course the bridge. “The Hayseeds,” typically representative of the Australian pioneering families of the waybacks, may have just stepped out of the pages of one of Steel Rudd’s immortal stories, so perfectly do they impart tn their actions and speed) the characteristics of the rough, homely people. The sturdy manliness and humour of Dad are delightfully depicted by Cecil Kellaway. with Mum faithfully portrayed by Katie Towers. Tai Ordell and Molly Raynor supply the comedy relief in copious splashes. As well as capital chorus nil ballet work by a J. O Williamson group, there is delightful singing by the principals. “Our Wife,” featuring the irresponsibles, Laurel aud Hardy, and “Treasure Island,” a lilting burlesque, complete an attractive programme. MAJESTIC, UPPER HUTT ‘Cuckoo in the Nest” and a programme of short subjects of topical interest will lie shown at the Majestic Theatre, Upper Butt, to-day and Monday.

ST. JAMES THEATRE

“What Every Woman Knows”

After the vanities, the fripperies, and the vulgarities of many pictures, it is like the breath of the dawn wind to get back to J. M. Barrie, whose wholesome sentiment and deep humanity is always intellectually stimulating and richly entertaining. That is the case with “What Every Woman Knows,” the sweet levealing play of a brave little Scotswoman’s loyalty, and a good man’s rather stupid egotism. - What every woman knows is the contribution she makes to her husband’s success in life, with or without his knowledge. Quaint little Maggie Wylie, when she marries John Shand, senses more about him than his talent as a student of polities. She knows her ■man—and never tells. Her great trial is when John Shand, the successful M.P., falls to the lure of the exquisite Lady Sybil. She does not blame him—she ■knows him through and through, and by the way she leads him, with invisible ■reins, back to the fold of her heart of gold, is exquisitely Barryesque. Maggie ■s very touchingly played by Helen Hayes, ■while handsome Brian Aherne is ideal as John Shand. Madge Evans makes a lovely Lady Sybil, and David Torrence Donald Crisp, and Dudley Digges were convincing as the three Wylies. • The programme also includes the amusing farcical comedy, “I’ll Be Suing You,” and an interesting series of views of the funeral of the late Archbishop Redwood. MAJESTIC THEATRE “Here Comes the Groom” and “Wagon Wheels” Two film stories, each outstanding in its class, comprise the entertainment at ihe Majestic Theatre thus week. The first, "Here Comes the Groom,” la a comedy that is really funny, and it forsakes wellworn themes. It tells of the matrimonial fortunes of a rich girl, played by Mary Belaud, who has married a "masked crooner.” He deserts her on her wedding day, and the bride, to excite her real .over’s jealousy, persuades a burglar to masquerade as the vanished husband. Complications develop and amusing situations tumble over oue another as the plot unfolds. The second picture and featured one, "Wagon Wheels,” is a splendid story of Zane Grey’s. There is a reversion to tales.of this type, a relief from the succession of triangle and society plays which have flooded the talking screen these several years. This film depicts the heroic trek of colonists moving by caravan from Missouri to Oregon and their adventures by the way. Randolph Scott is a scout and guard for the party. Gail Patrick presents the role of a young girl whom adverse fortune drives on the long march. A romance springs up, the love of the two running like a thread of gold. An old favourite, Monte Blue, reappears as a treacherous trader who organises raids by Indian marauders on the wagon column. There is beautiful singing, happy comedy asides and splenddid character portrayal. INTERNATIONAL REVUE Opening Next Saturday Mr, Frank Neil is known throughout Africa, Australia and New Zealand as an entrepreneur who has never been associated with commonplace or vulgarity, but Always with entertainment brilliant, clean and at every point delightful, and because of this J. U. Williamson, Ltd., has chosen his new international variety and revue company to commence their New Zealand activities, for 1035, at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, opening with a matinee on Saturday next, and continuing thereafter twice daily at 2.30 and 8. "This is pre-eminently an intimate show,” says a Sydney critic, “one that gets over the footlights and takes the audience, to -its heart. It attracts seasoned theatregoers and those who rarely go to theatres. Young folk and old delight in it. It is a show of thrills and infinite variety. It covers a diversity of entertainment in accordance with the best traditions of vaudeville, and is right up to the minute with its show girls and decor. A galaxy of comedians, specialty acts and gorgeous girls, together with the latest London revue ‘New Faces,’ make up an ensemble that would win success in any part of Hie world.” A number of artists new’ to New Zealand are included in the company of twenty-five performers. PALACE, PETONE “The House of Rothschild” (George 'Arliss and a big cast) is the feature film at the Palace Theatre, Petoue, to-day, Monday, and Tuesday. DE LUXE, LOWER HUTT To-day and Monday the main film at the De Luxe,. Lower Hutt, will be “Love, Life, and Laughter” (Graeie Fields). On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the thriller, “The Billion Dollar Scandal," and on Thursday and Friday nights the mystery drama, “The Four Masked Men.” PRINCE EDWARD, WOBURN Bebe Daniels and Lyle Talbot will be seen at the Prince Edward Theatre, W»iburil, to-day at 2.30 p.m. and 8 pan. in "Registered Nurse.” On Tuesday night “Beloved,” starring John. Boles aud Gloria Stuart, will be screened, and on Thursday night “Baby Take a Bow,” Shirley Temple’s starring vehicle. KING GEORGE, LOWER HUTT “Charlie Chan in London” (Warner Gland) will be the chief film at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt, to-day, Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday it will be "Night of the Party” and “Orders are Orders.” KINEMA, KILBIRNIE The management of the Kilbirnie Kinema have selected a special double feature programme fo'- to-night. “Murder at the Vanities,” a baffling mystery story laid in the glittering setting of a Broadway musical, and "The Girl from Missouri,” which brings Jean Harlow back to the screen, assisted by Lionel Barrymore, Franchot Tone, Lewis Stone and Patsy Kelly. There will also be a matinee at 2.15 with Buck Jones in a new serial, Tim McCoy in “Whirlwind,” Mickey Mouse and a Hal Roach comedy. GRAND, PETONE At the Grand Theatre. Petone, "Viva Villa” (Wallace Beery) will be shown to-day and on Monday and Tuesday.