ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 42, 19 February 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

The all-talkiug picture 'Jealousy" Is the attraction at the Regent Theatre. The scene is I'aris, where Vvoune, a mannequin under tile patronage uf John Itigaud, a wealthy dress de signer who is much inure tip tier than a busiues* employer, hills ill love with and marries a si run klluk painler I'iene. 'I'ho latter cannot be lleve thai Uigaud acts purely out nf v fauieib interest In hia supposed ward wheu he stages nn elaborate wedding and hands ovei the business to Yvonne, so that in her married life she may continue to find the luxuries to which she liad been accustomed. (Jnawed by an ever-, growing jealousy. Pierre eventually confronts Rigaud after the latter has given Yvonne a cheque tor half a million francs to cover her debts. The tragedy enters on its linal stage on '.lie following moniinp when Iligaud' Is discuvsred strangled in- hia apartment. The part u~ Yvonne :a In Hie hands ol Jean Kageto wlio made her mark n ■'The Li- ler.' a picture of a similar typu. She has a splendid voice tor the screen, and altogether makes v highly uatur'al character The iealoua husband I'iene, is admirably portrayed by Frederic March,- and Uulliwell Uobhes cuuld scarcely he bettered fur the part of iligaud. The remaining leads are played by Blanche lo Clair. Henry Daniell, and Hilda Moore. The supports are particularly tine. "MAIUANNK." \* No pains are spared by the Regent Theatre to see that the programmes presented cater for all tastes. In the past some of-the highlights in the picture world have, been presented at this theatre, and for the change next Friday the management have secured a comedy that Will feature Marian. Davies. A picture in which she is starring is always looked upon as ail event. In whatever part she is called on to play she gives a natural diaraclertsaliun ■ and makes the stur.v and the principal very real. '•.Marianne" is Marian Davies's first' all-talklna picture, and her speaking voice is said to record with remarkable clearness. ■•Marianne" Is I lie 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 one of them—in spite of the fact that she once had a French soldier sweetheart of. her own. It is essentially a comedy picture. Tlie songs, specially 'composed for the picture, are sung with merriment and gusto. A brilliant east surrounds the star, while the settings and the direction add materially to the realism of ;his posl-v.ar"stun. Unusual ■ Interest w.ilrcs round the opening of "The .Hollywood Itevuc," which is coming to t lie Regent Theatre on I'Yiday, -Sth February. This picture introduces all the famous stars of the Metro-Goldwyn-Maycr studios in comedy sketches, song numbers, and ensembles, and is in every way Identical with a straight vamlcvilto show. Thero is no story in "The Hollywood Revue," iind reports indicate that this production is something new and refreshing for talking picture entertainment. KING'S THEATRE. One of tile strongest dramatic plays ever transferred from tliu legitimato stage to the screen is "Madame X," now at the King's Theatre.. Ruth Cliattertou and Lewis Stono are. the leads. The frailty of woman and the glory of motherhood mingle 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 her problem, and when Floriot, her husband, the well-to-do solicitor, refuses to have anything to do with her, she drifts iv search of oblivion over half the globo. A thing of grace and charm in the old days In I'aris, when she mixed with the leaders of fashion, she sinks until in the hands of the scum of the. great cities of the -New World, by this time sodden with drink,- she is taken back to Paris to blackmail .her husband, now French , Attorney. A comedy and other supports, including a colour scene, are good. An achievement of considerable merit on the part of the King's Theatre management is made evident by the announcement of the installation and aavilabilily, as from tonight, of a number of "Talkie Audiophones," for the fise of those whose hearing is in any way impaired. The effectiveness of these splendid attachments lies in (heir simplicity of adjustment by the wearer, who may adjust the volume to suit personal requirements, and also ill their complete unobtrusiveness. They are furnished in two styles, the one closely rcmembling the headphones used with radio sets, and the other n one-piece telephone receiver—the latter provided with a view to the convenience of feminine users. Those desiring tho use of these "Talkie Audiophones" apply for them at the office of the management, take seats where the diminutive plugs may be connected with tho main connecting wire (botli styles connecting in the same manner), and after comfortable fitting the 'phones may, by a simple device, regulate the volume of the sound to suit Individual requirements, and then enjoy both the visual and audible portions of the entertainment to an equal degree of perfection as any of their more fortunate neighbours. ; "Senor Americano," Ken Maynard's latest talking picture, .which opens next Friday at the King's Theatre, is a production of unusual interest and appeal. Its action is laid in the colourful days just preceding the admission of California to the Union. Ken Maynard gives a flue performance in tho role of a young American cavalry officer who falls ill love with a Spanlsh-Californlan, girl. Tliero. is all the riding and fighting for which his pictures are noted, and a romance in addition. Of especial interest , are tho reproductions of scenes of old California!! life, including a rancho festival and an old-time riding contest. Beautiful Katliryn Crawford makes a most appealing heroine. The strong supporting cast includes Gino Corrado, J. 1\ M'Gowan, Frank Yaconelii, Frank Beale, and Maynard's famous trick . horse, "Tarzan." ii ■ MAJESTIC THEATRE. With tho beautiful theme song of tho same natno running through it, and starring Richard Barthelmess and Betty i Compson in the loading roles, "Weary River," a drama of merit, is drawing good houses to the Majestic Theatre. This -play is the first talking film- that Barthelmess has appeared in; but it will not be his last, for he has not only a fine talking voice and a fine singing voice, but he can accompany himself with great expression and effect on '.he piano. -'Weary River" te^ls the story of i bold, resourceful gangster, a Napoleon of the underworld, who, imprisoned 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 he finds himself at last as a musician, a poet, and a singer: writing his own songs, setting them to music, and singing them over the 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 ii most charming and convincing heroine. There is a good supporting programme. DE LUXE THEATRE. Tho British ,sound film, "Blackmail," at the De Luxe Theatre, was the first all-talk-ing picture to be made la England with British players and under British enterprise. In the reproduction of sound this flliu takes technically a high place. Briefly, the story concerns a girl who .is engaged to a detective. After a row with her lover, she meets a young artist. She leaves her fiance to go homo to the ■ studio of her newly-found friend. She soon finds that the man, with all his elder-brotherly kindness, Is not strictly honourable, in his intentions. In ■ the struggle that follows her' hand grasps for the nearest weapon, a bread fcuife. The artist is killed. The only persons who know the'girl is guilty are her policeman fliauco and a blackmailer who had the artist in his grasp. As 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 tlie involuntary murderess attains everlasting happiness with her detective lover makes a plot of unusual interest. The four principals jn tliis picture are Army Ondra, Cyril Richards, Donald Calthorp, and John Longden., Tho West has rarely been the background for a more colourful and stirring romance than that depicted in "The Great Divide," the alldialogue, singing, and dancing production which opens next Friday at the De Luxe Theatre. Dorothy Mackaill is the star. A number of tuneful songs have been injected into tho scenes. Dorothy M'Kaill portrays a flapper who lias grown up. She is the life of a wild party on a Westbound train winch ends when she is kidnapped by a. fake caballero in old Mexico. After wandering with him for many days through the beautiful Arizona country she learns to love him. Later she protects him from the law that has pursued them through mountains and desert. Miss Mackaill's role is of the type in which she had such great success in recent pictures. Myrna Loy, as it half-caste Mexican girl, gives nu exotic portrayal. Among the players are Crclghton Hale, Lucien Littlefleld, 'Roy Stewart, James Ford, Jean Lorraine, and Claude Gillingwater. Lan Keith performs excellently as Miss Mackaill's leading man. Mary Nolan has the chief role in "Shanghai Lady " which ' will commence at tho De Luxe Theatre on Friday, 28th February. It is a drama of the East. ALEXANDER WATSON. Lovers of the art. of elocution were at the Concert Chamber. Town Hall, in large and enthusiastic numbers last evening, when Mr. Alexander Watson made his final appearance in Wellington Mr. Watson held the attention ot las audience throughout. It was a masterful performance. Tho opening number was The Uefenco of Lucknow"--(Tennyson), followed by an outstanding Interpretation of part of "J'ho Little Minister," by Barrio. "Mr: Winkle s Misadventure at Bath" (Dickens) was excellent. The greatest successes of the evening, perhaps, were "Jessie Cameron" (Christina Kossetti) and "The Monk Felix" (Longfellow). In "Oouts" and "Mulholland'H Contract" (Kipling), Mr. Watson's memory unfortunately failed him, due, doubtless, to the heavy programme lie had undertaken. Also isiv>| were "The Hump" (Kipling), "The Millionaire" and "The Actor" (Harry Graham), "Tlie King's Breakfast" and "Sneezles" (A. A. Milne). and "Rubinstein's Piano Playing" (Adams). NEW QUALITY THEATRE; l "The Greene Murder Case" constitutes the main feature at tho New Quality Theatre this ovenlng. The cast includes William Powell, .lean Arthur, and all of Philip Vance detective aids. The story Is sensational. There Is a double shooting affray in the eccentric Greene family's house. Philip Vance is called In, and while he is there another one of the family is killed. Who is tho murderer? Tho picture Is supported by three selected all-talking, singIng and colour Sims..

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The fact that the season la being extended, for another week (the fourth) Is striking enough proof of the popularity of "The Desert Song," un all-talking, all-singing picture. -The romantic story of the mysterious Red Shadow and the charming French girl he adores, lends itself admirably to screen expression, and the producers, by the use of teclmtcolour In certain of the outdoor and indoor scenes, have given " 'picture thai will live long in memory John Boles, us the Red Shadow and Miss Carlutta King, as Margol Bunvnllet. reveal uuuutlfui voices, the runner a touoi of artistry us well v.« a romantic nctor, and (lie lulter a glorious so prauo. Mr Boles sings the Haunting "Uosen Song", and "One Alone" in a voice ot line timbre, anil Miss King rises to heights In "1 Love You," tho military 'song and chorus "Please Tell Me Why," and the other well-ro membered songs. The supporting roles hit taken iiy a lengthy cast. - A splendid role is provided lor Clara ltmt in "The Saturday Night Kid"—her third alltalking production, which comes in ihu I'arii ■ mount. Theatre next Friday for the season ot one week. The play 'deals with the lives ot tin so who cf.ni livings in big departmental stores. .Miss Bow's role is one that calls for a full range of the emotions. "The Singing Realtor" is among thoso cast in support of Clara Jiow. His name is If rank Koss, and it will |>c his first motion picture nppdarauce. Koss was engaged in the real estate business on Lour Island when Jesse 1.. Lasky. vice president in charge of production of the L'aramount (.'omnaiiy, discovered him. and oiVered him a contract to act in films.' Ross had achieved, distinction in his home town as a singer and entertainer, and it was at a social gathering that Mr. Lasky tlrst heard him, and was impressed with his personal gifts. Miss Bow herself is the Saturday Night Kid- a girl who has a different appointment for each Saturday" night. In reality she turns out to ,be a com-ientious girl, ambitious in her work and very'"deeply in love with Bill. Her conniving young sister, also employed in the big store, plans to win Bill for herself with almost devastating results. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. College liiu wilii 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 the Grand Opera House. The picture is an all-talking comedy and the story is enlivened by popular songs and tunes of the day Too story chief ly relates to two college chums, whose 'friendship is broken up by their falling In love with the samp girl They fluhl it out on the foolhall Held wine to Hie conclusion liiat rhev are fools and agree to ignore the channel and, devote ail llieii energy to the winning ot the football 'match which they succeed in doing The excitement and thrills of the scene at the football match spread from tho actual spectators to the audience. Included in the cast arc Robert Montgomery and Elliott Nugent, of Broadway stage fame; Sally Starr, a new screen favourite; and Cliff Edwards: "Half Marriage," tho second feature.of the Drogramnio; is another all-talking production, in which youth plays a prominent part. A girl studeut marries a young architect in her father's employ, and tho interest ot the plot arises, from the attempt to keep the marriage rich man, thinking the girl single.. makes love to her. A News Gazette of prominent events of the day adds variety to the programme. Another two-star all-talking programmo will bo presented at the Grand Opera House next Friday. It will include "Gentlemen of "tho Press," featuring Walter Huston and Kay Francis, and Molly O'Day in "Jazz Heaven," a delightful romance. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A well-balanced programme is offered by the management of the Queen's Theatre. On the new hill of faro are two featuro films, which should bo to the liking of patrons. The first, ' "Manhattan Cocktail," comes from tho Paramount studios, and in It there is plenty of action, and all the other ingredients of popular entertainment. It is fast-moving. From the very start there Is plenty doing, and tho events which follow only serve ; to quicken Interest. Tho story is oxcellently unfolded and in addition thero aro some splendid scenes. Nancy Carroll and Richard Arlen head a largo' cast. "Playthings," tho second attraction, is a drama of modern lives, loves, and intrigues. Estelle Brody plays tho principal role, and the other parts are also in capable hands. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The management of His Majesty's Theatre announce' an extended season of the natural colour, talking, singing, dancing picture, "On With the Show," which has drawn packed houses every night during the Qrst week of its run. Gorgeous costumes and settings are seen in their own brilliant colouring, and the timings mako the players all but living. Beside the great cast, "On With tho Shew" haa a chorus numbering over one hundred. There Is not a single scene in tho picture which Is photographed the old-fashioned way. The glamorous stago and back-stage story is seen through the medium of enchanting, ever-chang-ing colour. A new colour process Is being used, w,hlch brings out each hue In Its proper value. Jack L. Warner, vice-president In charge of the production, was quick to seize on this new art and combine It with Vitaphone. The wedding of the two bids fair to start another revolution In tho film Industry. Vltaphone, pioneered by .Warners, It will bo remembered, eliminated tho 'silent' picture. Robert Lord did the screen adaptation. The cast Includes Betty: Couipson, Arthur' Lake. Sally O'Kell, Joo E; Brown, and Louise Fazeuda. Alan Crosland directed. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Half a Bride," featuring Esther Ralston and llary Cooper, Is now being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. The story deals with the adventures of i( man and a woman who have been wrecked on an island. The second attraction is "Serenade," In which Adolphe Menjou and Kathryn Carver have tho leading roles. A young composer, inspired by the lovo of a girl, writes an operetta that takes Vienna by storm. Famo turns his head, and ho neglects tho wife who had lifted him to tho heights by her devotion. He is also attracted by a dancing girl and around this situation is built the dramatic climax. SHORTT'S THEATRE. ' Buster Eeaton battles with rum-runners, navigates a burning 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's Theatre 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 tho heroine as the actress, "All at, Sea," the new Karl- Dane-George K. Arthur picture. Is the second big picture. It is one of the best comedies this famous team have yet screened. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Tho Long, Long Trail" is the main attraction at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story concerns Itself with the adventures of a young cowboy who gels an unjustified reputation for hard, drinking through his playful habit of shooting up the town. A feature of tho picturo is.a big rodeo race. The cast is headed by Hoot Gibson; Sally Eilers, and Kathryn MarGuire. Tho supporting programme includes an Empire Newsreel, an International News, a cartoon', arid a comedy;. : OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Captain Swagger," starring Rod La Rocquc and Sue Carol,, ,1s the chief attraction to be shown at Our ' Theatre to-night. It is a screen play of life in France and America, when the world! tried to settle down. Tho second feature, 'ViMy-Friend From India," starring Elinor Fair; is tho story of a man who, to win the girl "he loves, "parades as an Indian prince. " -J .'•;; ,: ■ SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. Two special attractions will be screened at the Seaside Pictures,. Lyall Bay, to-night. "Tho Racket," starring Thomas Meighan, is a drama of the efforts •of a police captain to' clean a city of its' vices. "Three Passions," based on the novel, by Cosmo Hamilton, is a story of London.".lift), ranging from the elite of Fashion Row to'the. down and\outers of the underworld. ; "Three Passions" was made by Rex Ingram, and' Alice Terry, Ivan Petrovitch, and Shale Gardner;.(a New Zealander) play the principal roles. • KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Black Magic," the melodrama which comes to the Kinema Theatre to-night, strips South Sea life of its background of idealism, and, against a panorama of savagery, superstition, and death, unfolds al story of heroic love and courage, under the shadow of a,, diabolical witchcraft plot hatched by three tropical derelicts. Josephine Dunn heads the strong list of players, and is supported by Dorothy Jordan, John Holland; and the veteran Henry B. Walthall in one of tho outstanding achievements of his career. The second feature, "The Climax," featuring Jean Hersholt and Kathryn Crawford, Is a romance of Italy.