ENTERTAINMENT

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 41, 18 February 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENT

DE LUXE THEATRE. Tho British souud film, "Blackmail," at Iho Do Luxe Theatre, was tho first all-talk-ing plcturo to bo mado la England with British players and under, British enterprise. In the reproduction of sound tills Him takes technically a high placo. Briefly, the story cuncerns a girl who Is , engaged to a detective. The couplo- go to a well-known London tea-shop, where tho girl. after a row with her lover, meets a bandsonio young artist. Sho leaves her fiance to go home to the studio of her newly-found friend. Sha soon fluda that the man, with all his eldor-brotherly kindness, Is not strictly honourable In his Intentions. She protests strongly, and In the struggle that follows her hand grasps for the nearest weapon, a bread knife. The artist is killed. The only persons who know the girl Is guilty are her policeman nance and a blackmailer who had tho artist in his grasp. A» It happens, the girl's lover is immediately assigned the case, and how the blackmailer, after trying to "fleece" both of them, meets his end by crashing through the glass dome of the British Museum, and how the Involuntary murderess attains everlasting happiness with her detective lover, makes a plot of unusual Interest. The four principals In this picture are Auny Ondra, Cyril' Richards, Donald . Calthorp, and John Longden, and they play their parts excellently. The supporting 111 ms are of the highest order. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The fact that the season Is being extended for another week (the fourth) Is striking enough proof of the popularity and enormous success of tho magnificent musical play "The Desert Song," an all-talking, all-singing picture. The romantic story of the mysterious tted Shadow and the charming French girl he adores—both In the guise of' tho daring leader of a Hiff soldier band, and as the nitwit son of the famous General Blrabeau, seen so recently in .Wel- . lington on the legitimate stage—lends itself 'admirably to screen expression, and the producers, by the use of technicolour In certain of the outdoor and Indoor scenes, have .given a . picture that will live long in memory. John Boles, as the Red Shadow, and Miss Carlotta King, as Margot Bonvallet, reveal beautiful voices, the former a tenor of artistry as well as a romantic actor, and the latter a glorious soprano. Sir. Boles sings the haunting "Desert Song" and "One Alone" in a voice of fine timbre, and Miss King rises, to heights in 'I I Love You," the military song and chorus, I "Please Tell Me Why," and the other well-re-uiembored songs. Tho supporting roles are taken by a lengthy cast. -"Desert Song" 'with Its throbbing romance, beautiful clean singing, and spectacular, scenes is a big draw. KING'S THEATRE. , One of the strongest dramatic plays ever transferred from 'the legitimate stago to tho screen is "Madame X," now at the Kings Theatre, and In this case the voices reproduce so well that nothing ia lost, but rather there Is a-gain. This is particularly so with Ruth Chatterton and Lewis Stone In the leads. The frailty of woman, and tho glory of motherhood mingla in the character of. "Madame X, who leaves a dry and self-centred, but otherwise admirable citizen for a more attractive man, only to find that the latter is false and heartless. Her son presents nor problem, and when Floriot, her husband,, the well-to-do solicitor, refuses to havo anything to do with her, she drifts In search of oblivion over half the globe. A thing of grace and charm In the old days In Paris, when she mixed' With the leaders of fashion, she sinks until in the bands of the scum of the great cities of tho New World, by this timo sodden with drink, she ia taken back to Paris to blackmail her husband, now French Attor- ■ ney. One of tho most powerful plots ever .put'on scroon or stago gives Lowls Stone, as tho father, Raymond Hackett as the son, and other members of a strong cast wonderful opportunities. A comedy and other supports, including a colour Bceuo, are good. An achievement of considerable merit on the part of the King's Theatre management Is made evident by the announcement ot tho installation and aavilabillty, as from tou ght, of a number of "Talkie Audiophones," for the use of those whose hearing Is In auy way impaired. The effectiveness of these splendid 1 attachments lies In their simplicity of adjustment by the wearer, who may adjust the volume to suit personal requirements, and also in their complete unobtrusiveness. They are f" rnlsh ( <; d in two styles, the one closely reroembllng the headphones used with radio sets, and the other a one-piece telephone receiver—the latter pro--1 vlded with a view to tho convenience, of feminine users. Those desiring the use of these "Talkie Audiophones" apply for them at tne office of the management, take seats where me diminutive plugs may be connected with the main: connecting wire (both styles.Co. Uw n^i™ the same manner), and after comfortable fitting the 'phones may, by a simple device regulate the volume of the sound to suit individual renulrements, and then enjoy both the visual and audibW portions of the entertainment to an equal degree of perfection as any of their more fortunate neighbours. ALEXANDER WATSON. An appreciative audience rewarded Mr. Aloxiiriaor' Wutsoiii'1 tho. * famous entertainer, 'when ho gave another.' of Ws delightful recitals In the Concert Chamber last ovenlug. hipllus selections formed tho greater part of tho entertainment, and . included "M'Andrews Hymn," "The English Flag," "The Glory of the Garden," "Tho Smuggler's Song,' and "If" Tennyson. C. Fox-Smith, and jr. Sraedlcy were also represented on the programmo. Mr. Watson will bring his season to a close 10-night, at tho Town Hall Concert Chamber, with a popular farewell programme. This will bo the final opportunity the many admirers or Mr. Watson will have of hearlntt him, as there will not be a return season. The programmo includes the first episode from the Mule Minister" (Barrie), describing the riot, the arrest ,and the escapo of the Egyptian; three popular numbers by Rudyard Kipling, ' Oonts, _ "Tha Hump," and "Mulholland's Contract, "Jessie Cameron" (Christina Rossettl), "The Defence of Lucknow" (Tennyson), "The Monk Felix" (Longfellow), "Mr. Winkle's Misadventure at Bath" (Dickens), "Tho World's Workers" (Tho Millionaire, and the Actor), Harry Graham; "The King's Breakfast," and other selections from A. A. Milne's works, and "Rubinstein's Piano Playing" .(Adams). QUEEN'S THEATRE. A well-balanced programme is offered by tho management of tho Queen's Theatre. ' On the new bill of faro are two featuro films, which should be to the liking of patrons. ; The first. "Manhattan Cocktail," comes from the Paramount studios, and in it there is plenty of action, and all tho other ingredients of popular entertainment. It is fast-moving. From the very start there. is plenty doing, and the events • which follow only serve to quicken interest; <• The story is excellently unfolded and in addition there are some splendid scenes. Nancy Carroll and Richard Arleu head a large cast, ■ "Playthings," the second attraction, is a drama of modern lives, loves, and intrigues. Eslello Brody plays tho principal role, and the other parts are also In capable hands.' ' *■.'"., ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Florence VidorJs-again given'the opportunity to display her talents as a comedienne in "Tho' Magnificent Flirt," a. French farce which ia now being shown at tho Artcraft Theatre. Mlsa Vldor plays tha role of a flirtatious woman. of wealth ■ who gets tho attention of. a count, the uncle of the boy who loves her daughter. Tho boy '. asks Miss Vidor for the- girl's Hand. and. she consents Ho is so happy that, lie kisses . Miss 'Vldor. This kiss Is seen by the count, who refuses to allow the boy to marry her daughter as a result. The uncle does not know that It was his own nephew lie «aw ] kissing Miss Vldor. The boy defends her, and the count decides to put the "magnificent' flirt, to- a test. The second attraction is "What a Night," featuring Bebe Daniels and Nell Hamilton. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. ' George Bancroft in hU latest picture, "The Wolf of Wall Stretet," which comes to the Kilbirnie Theatre to-night, portrays the role of an Investment broker who dabbles in stocks and bonds. So engrossed Is ho with his work that ho becomes entirely oblivious to his wife's social activities—who, before he husband became wealthy, was a circus performer. . Baclanova essays the role of the neglected wife. * Bancroft has a partner in his business, which part Is portrayed by Paul Lukas. Lukas dls.llkes Bancroft because his partner ,boasts too much, of his ability to make or break the stock market. For revenge be strikes up a flirtation . with Bancroft's wife. How Bancrdft works vengeance upon the two serves to make one of the most Interesting stories every filmed. Nancy Carroll and Arthur Rankln have Important roles in tho production. In addition a full selection of interesting and amusing short features will be screened. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. Commencing to-night at tha New Quality Theatre is tho mystery play "Tho Greene Murder Case." Tho cast includes William Powell, Jean Arthur, and all of Philip Vance detective a.ltl.i. The story is sensational. There is a double shooting affray in the eccentric Greene 'ipinlly's house. Philip Vance is called in, and Ivhllo lid is there another one of tho family •< killed. Wlifl is tho murderer? The picture , - supported by three selected all-talking, slng■;i and colour dims. THE REGAL. KARORI. "Trent's Last Case," which conies to the 'legal Theatro, to-night, is a mystery nieloIrnma with strong, sustained lovo interest ipon which the story revolves. A fiendish msband, misconstruing his wife's affection nr bis secretary, sets about to destroy both i.v planning a suicide which will look like iurder. Several surprlalnK twists reveal tho ictual murderer In a'series of exciting developments and bring about a reunion of the lovers. I'he cist includes Raymond Griffith, Raymond llalten, Marcellne Day, and others. A strong supporting programme will also bo shown. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Half a Bride," featuring Esther Ralston md Gary Cooper, Is now being shown at tho Vrtcraft Theatre. Tho story deals with the idvoiiturcs of a man and a woman who havo re» wrecked on an island. Tho second attraclon is "Sercnado," in which Adolpho Mcujou mrl Kathryu Carver havo tho leading roles. X young composer, inspired by the lovo of a ■;irl, writes an operetta that takes Vienna by storm. Famo turns his head, and he neglects the wlfo who had lifted him to the heights by tier devotion. He Is also attracted by a dancing girl and around this situation is built tho dramatic cllmas. ,

CAPITOL THEATRE, Ml RAM An. 11l "Careers," which will be shown at the Capitol Theatre this evening, Billio Dovo, In her rolo aa the wife of a. French Government official, shows talent on a par with anything she has previously clone, while Antonio Moreno, as the law official, and Noah Beery la the role of Resilient Commissioner of a'province In CochinChina, give the public soma tense and dramatic moments. Tho picture Itself elves an insight into life In a French colony, and tho actions of a despotic commissioner, who makes life anything but happy^ for tho Inhabitants. As this Is an all-talking picture, the dramatic sltuatlons v aro fully emphasised, and every' word of the dialogue may be heard. Talking supports of an interesting nature form tho balance or the programme REGENT THEATRE. Tho all-talking picture "Jealousy" Is tho 'attraction Nit the Regent Theatre. Tho scene is Paris, where Yvonne, a mannequin under the patronage of John Rigaud, a wealthy dress designer, who is much more to her than a business employer, falls in love with and marries a struggling painter, Pierre. The latter cannot believe that Rlgaud acts purely out nf a fatherly interest in his supposed ward when he stages, an elaborate wedding and hands over the business to Yvonne, so that In her married life she may continue to find the luxuries to which sne had been accustomed. Gnawed by an evergrowing jealousy, Pierre eventually confronts Rlgaud after the later has given Yvonne a cheque for half a mlllon francs to cover her debts. The tragedy enters on its final stage on tho following morning when Rigaud Is discovered strangled In his apartment. The part of Yvonne Is In the hands of Jean Kagels who made her mark in "The Letter, a picture of a similar type. She has a splendid, voice for the screen, and altogether makes a highly natural character. The jealous hushnnrt Pierre, is admirably portrayed by Frederic March and Halliwell Hobbes could scarcely be bettered for the part of Rigaud. The remaining leads are played by Blanche ie Clair, Henry Daniell, and Hilda Moore. The supports are particularly fine. "MARIANNE." At the next change of programme at the Regent Theatre ou Friday next, Marlon Davles will reappear, her latest picture belug ' Marianne," nor first all-talking feature. "Marianne is tho story of a French peasant girl who tried to keep ' Allied soldiers at arms" length ■at the end. of the war, but finished up by .marrying ouo of them—in spite of tho fact that she once had a French soldier sweetheart of her own. It is essentially a comedy picture, the type Marlon Davies has endeared herself with to her huge army of admirers, but there Is a tremeudous added thrill In hearing this popular star talk, especially as the broken English she utters is reminiscent of the phraseology the soldiers heard from., the French girls. Furthermore, the .songs, specially composed for the picture, are sung with merriment, and gusto. A brilliant cast surrounds the star, while the settings and the direction add materially to the realism of this post-war story. Unusual Interest centres round the opening of "The Hollywood Revue," which is doming to the Regent Theatre on Friday. 28th February. This picture'lntroduces all the famous stars or the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer stutlio3 in comedy sketches, song numbers, and ensembles, and Is in every way Identical with a straight vaudeville show. There Is no. story In "The Hollywood Revue," and reports Indicate that this production is something new and refreshing for talking picture entertainment. MAJESTIC THEATRE. With tho beautiful theme song of tho samo uamo running through It, and starring Richard Barthelmcss and Betty Compson In the leading roles, "Weary River," a drama of merit, is drawing good houses' to the .Majestic Theatre. This play Is the first talking film that, Bar.thelmess has appeared In; but It will not bo his last, for he has not only a fine talking voice and a fine singing voice, but ho can accompany himself with great expression and effect on tho piano. "Weary River" tells tho story of a bold, .resourceful gangster, a Napoleon of the underworld, who. Imprisonedl as the result of a plot, meets for the first time In his life with powerful influences towards right-think-ing and right living. In gaol ho finds himself at last as a musician, a poet, and a singer: writing his own songs, setting them to music, and singing them over tho radio, besides trainIng and conducting the prison choir. ' '■■ Released early from prison because of his good conduct he seeks fortune on the vaudeville stage, but finds himself hounded as a convict and shunned by his fellows. Betty Compson makes a most charming and convincing heroine. There is a good supporting programme. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The management of His Majesty's Theatre announce an extended season of the natural, colour, talking, singing, dancing picture, "On Wltu the Show," which has .drawn packed houses every night during the first week of Us run. Gorgeous costumes and, settings are seen In their own brilliant colouring, and the tlntings make the players all but living. Besldo the great cast, "On With tho Show" has a chorus numbering over one hundred. There is not a single scene In the picture which Is photographed tho old-fashioned way. The glamorous stage and back-stage story Is seen through the medium of enchanting, over-chang-ing colour. A new colour process ia being usad, which,* brings cut caph tiua. In Its proper value.- Jack h. -Warner; vice-president-in charge of the production, was quick to seize on this new art and combine tt with Vitaphono. The wedding of tho two bids fair to start another revolution lv tho Him Industry. Vitaphone, pioneered by Warners, It will be remembered, olimlnated the silent picture. Robert liord did the screen adaptation. The cast Includes Betty Compson, Arthur Lako, Sally O'Nell, Joe E. Brown, and Louise Fazenda. Alan Crosland directed. , GRAND OPERA HOUSE. College life, with Its youth. Its pranks, practical jokes, and romantic outlook, gives abundant scope for a lively and entertaining play. All these elements are Introduced in "So This Is College," now being screened at tho Grand Opera House. Tho picture is an all-talking comedy and the story Is enlivened by popular songs and tunes of the day. The story chiefly relates to two college chums, whose friendship is broken up by their falling in love with the same girl. They fight it out on the football field, coma to the conclusion that they are fools, and agree to:ignore the-charmer and devote all their energy to the winning of the football match, which they succeed In doing. The excitement and thrills of the scene at the football match spread from the actual spectators to tho audience. Included In the cast are Robert Montgomery and Elliott Nugent, of Broadway stage fame; Sally Starr, a new screen favourite: and Cliff Edwards: "Half Marriage," the second feature of the programme, is another all-talking production, In which youth plays a prominent part. r A girt student marries a young architect In her father's employ, and the Interest of the plot arises from tho attempt to keep tho marriage secret. There are dramatic scenes when a rich man, thinking the girl single, makes love to' her.' A News Gazette of prominent events of tho day adds variety to the programme. SHORTT'S' THEATRE. Buster Keatou battles with rum-runners, navigates a bunitae and deserted ship through a storm, wrecks a theatre and a night club, and; indulges in other strenuous and hilarious adventures In his latest comedy, "Spite Marriage," which is now at Shortt'a Theatr*. It is the story of a tailor who poses as a millionaire in the plumage of bis customers, marries a beautiful; actress, and - then is utterly submerged in comical- griefs, woes, mishaps, and adventures. Dorothy Sebastian is the heroine as the actress. "All at Sea,"'tbo new Karl Dane-Georgo K. Arthur picture, la the second blc picture. Itl ia one of the best comedies this famous .team have yet screened. * EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Tho attraction screening at the Empire The-, atro to-night is "The Great Well." Tho cast is headed by Suna Owen, Eva Moore, Thurston Hall, and Cameron' Carr. The story is ono of love and adventure, set amidst the oil wells of Africa. Tho supporting programme' has been specially > selected. ' ' , . OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "While tho City Sleeps" is the chief attraction to be shown at Our Theatre to-night. Lon Chancy plays the role .of a plain-clothes detective, and Is pitted against a vicious gang. Anita Page Is the heroine. The second feature, "Tide of Empire," starring Renee Adoree, is a romance ofj)loneer ii jiays ; _ i( _ <|i _ |> ACCIDENTS * A collision between two cars in Buckle street last evening resulted in Mrs. P- M. Chcyne, the wife of one of the drivers concerned, requiring medical attention for shock. She waa afterwards taken to her home at 81, Oroua street, Eastbourne, by tho City Ambulance. - / . Concussion and shock were suffered by a boy, Lindsay Beck, when ho was knocked down by a motor-van at the corner of Thorndon quay and Davis street late yesterday afternoon. The injured boy, who lives at 315, The Terrace, was taken to tho Hospital by the City Ambulance.