ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 43, 20 February 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS. Tho opeuiug programme to bo given by the Westminster Gleo Singers at the Town Hall Concert Clumber on Saturday will bo specially devoted to Old English part music, and will include an entirely new selection of folk songs. These old ditties have aroused enormous enthusiasm all over the Dominion, the beauty and charm of both words and music having a highly popular appeal. Tho series for Saturday'night will embrace two' lovely songs from Somersetshire, "Tho Smoothing Iron" and "Blackbirds and Thrushes," together with a Worcestershire favourite, "My Boy Willie," all of which have beeu arranged for choral singing by. Str. Edward Branscombe, in addition to some - highly diverting comedy numbers, such as "The Derby Ham" (Derbyshire) and "Tho Tytho Pig" (Dorsetshire),''the latter being sung by that excellent humorist, .Albert Greene. Many requests having been received for special items, the following will be added to the programme : "Widdlcoinbe Fair,". Albert Green and chorus; "The Song of the Toreador" (Alfred Cunningham), and "Oh, lor the Wings of n Dove," which will bo rendered by that remarkable boy soloist, Noitoan Clarke, with full chorus. The ever-popular sailors' chanteys, with hew solos by Donald Reid, Charles O'Connor, Krnest M'Klulay (Maori songs), and James Barber, will form interesting features of this brilliant programme. Special mention should also be mado of two magnificent specimens of Elizabethan part-music in "Since First I Saw Your Face" (Ford) .and "When From My Love" : (Bartlett), ', which, despite their longevity, have a wonderful melodic and harmonic charm for present-day audiences. The Gleo Singers will give 'complete changes of programmes every alternate night. The box plans arc now open at. the Bristol, and other particulars are advertised. '■.-' REGENT THEATRE. The al-talldng picture, "Jealousy," will be •shown finally to-night at the Regent - -Theatre. The scene Is Paris, where Yvonne, a mannequin under the patronage of John Rigaud, a wealthy dress de signer, who is much more to her than a business employer, falls in lovs with and marries a struggling painter, Pierre. The latter cannot believe that Kigaud acts purely out nf a fatuerly interest In his supposed ward when lie stages an elaborate wedding and hands ovei the business of Yvonne. Pierro eventually confronts Rigaud after the latter has given Yvonne a cheque for half a million francs to cover her debts. The tragedy enters on its final, stage on tho following morninp when Rigaud is discovered strangled in his . apartment. The part of Yvonne ia in the hands ol Jean Eagels, has a splendid voico for the screen, aud altogether makes a highly natural character. The jealous husband, Pierro, is admirably portrayed by Freklerlc { March, and Halliwell Hobbes could scarcely be bettered for the part of Kigaud. Tho remaining leads are played by Blanche le Clair, Henry Daniell, and Hilda Moore. The supports are particularly fine. "MARIANNE." 1_ Is o ■ pains are spared by the Regent Theatre = to see that the programmes presented cater B for all tastes. In the past some of the high- = lights in the picture world have been presented H at this theatre, and for the change next Friday g the management have secured a comedy that ™ will feature Marian Davies. A picture in a which she is starring is always looked upon ™ as an event. In whatever part she is called g on to play she gives a natural characterlsa- = tion and makes the story and the principal ■ very real. "Marianne" is Marian Davles's 1 first all-talking picture, and her speaking voice 3 is said to record with remarkable clearness. = "Marianne" is the' story of a French peasant ■ girl who tried to keep Allied soldiers at arms' = length at the end of the war, but finished up 1 by marrying one of them —in spite of the fact g that she once had a French soldier sweetheart i of her own. 'It is essentially a comedy picture. | The songs, specially composed for the picture, " are sung with merriment and gusto. A brilliant I cast surrounds the star, while the settings aud I the direction add materially to tho realism of j this post-war story. 5 . Unusual interest centres round tho opening 1 of "The Hollywood Revue," which is coming I to the Regent Theatre on Friday, 28th FebruS ary. This picture introduces all tho famous S stars of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios in | comedy sketches, song numbers, and ensembles, | and is in ■ every way identical with a straight I vaudeville show. There is no story in "Tho | Hollywood Revue," and reports indicate that I this production is something new and refresh- | ing for\ talking picture entertainment. i KING'S THEATRE. 9 "Madame X" will be shown finally to--5 night .at the King's Theatre. Ruth I Chatterton and Lewis Stone are the leads. i The frailty of woman' and tho glory of ! motherhood mingle in the character of "Madamo I X," who leaves a dry and self-centred but other- ! wise admirable citizen for a. more -attractive [ man, only to find that the latter is false j and heartless. Her son presents her problem, j and when Florlot, her husband, the, well- ! to-do solicitor, refuses to have anything to I 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 i mixed.with the leaders of ■ fashion, she sinks I until 'in^tho-'hands'of- the"-scum of the" groat i cities of-the. New- World, by thlsTtiraovsodI den' with drink, she 'is', taken back',to" Paris j to blackmail her husband, now French AttorI ney. A comedy and other supports, includj ing a colour scene, are good. I An achievement' of considerable merit on ! the part; of. the King's Theatre management ;is made evident by the announcement of ! tho installation and aavllabllity, as from to- | night, of a number of "Talkie Audiophones," ! for the use of those whose hearing is in any way I impaired. The effectiveness of these splendid ' attachments lies in their simplicity of adjustj ment by the wearer, who may adjust the volume ■: to suit personal requirements, and also in their i complete unobtrusiveness. They are furnished ; in two styles, the one closely remembling the j headphones used with radio sets, and the other I a one-piece telephone receiver—the latter proj vided with a view to tho convenience of femii nine users. Those desiring the use of these I "Talkie Audiophones" apply for them at the ! office of the management, take seats where the diminutive plugs may be connected with the main connecting wire (both styles connecting in the same manner), and after comfortable fitting tho 'phones may, by a simple device, regulate tho 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 to-morrow at. the Kiug's Theatre, is a production of unusual interest and appeal. Its action is laid in tho colourful days just preceding the admission of California to the Union. Ken Maynard gives a fine performance in the. role, of a young American cavalry officer who falls in love with a Spanisli-Californian girl. There 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 Californian life, including a rancho festival and an old-time riding contest. Beautiful Kathryn Crawford makes a most appealing heroine. The strong supporting cast includes Gino Corrado, J. V. M'Gowan, Frank Yaconelli, Frank Beale, and Maynard's famous trick horse, "Tarzan." PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The fact that the season is being extended for another week (the fourth) 13 striking enough proof of the popularity of "The Desert Song," an all-talMng, all-singing picture. The romantic story of the mysterious Bed Shadow and the charming French girl he adores, 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. , Mr. Boles sings the haunting "De- I sort Song" and "One Alone" in a voice of fine timbre, and Miss King rises to heights In "I Love You," the military song and chorus. "Please Tell Me Why," and the other well-re- ; membered songs. The supporting roles are taken by a lengthy cast. A splendid role Is provided for Clara Bow In "The Saturday Night Kid"—her third alltalking production, which comes to the Paramount Theatre to-morrow for the season of one week. ■ The play deals with the lives of those who earn livings in big departmental stores. Miss Bow's rolo Is one that calls for n full range of tho emotions. "The Singing Realtor" is among those- cast in support of Clara Bow. His name is Frauk Ross, and it will bo his first motion picture appearance. Ross was engaged in the real estate business on Long Island when Jesse L. Lasky, vicepresident in charge of production of the Paramount Company, discovered him, and offered him a contract to act in films. Ross had achieved distinction in his home town as a singer and entertainer, and it wa3 at a social {Catherine that Mr. Lasky first heard him, and was impressed with Ills 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 conscientious girl, ambitious in her work and very deeply in lovo with Bill. Her conniving young sister, also employed in the big store, plans to win Bill for herself with almost devastating results. THE REGAL, KARORI Tho picturisod version of Warwick Dcoping's famous novel, "Sorrcll and Sou," comes to the Kegal Theatre this evening. Those who have ■read the book will witness in the film version a life-like reproduction, and tills human drama should appeal to many. "Sorrel and Son" is a picturo which sets an example, and is intensely British throughout. Good supports will also be screened. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. The story of a scheming woman who tries to wreck tho ties and filial affection is a, brief outline of the picture "Father and Son," which comes to. tho Capitol to-night. Dorothy Revier and Jack Holt aro admirably cast in their respective roles. Tho remainder of the programme comprises talkie pictures of an interesting and Instructive , nature On Saturday next "Broadway Melody," the famous all-talking picture, which''lias "created Interest in the cily theatres, will bo shown. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Cnptain Swagger," starring Rod La Itocque and Sue Carol, is the chief attraction to bo shown at Our Theatre to-night. It is a screen play of llfo in France and America when the world tried to settle down. The second feature, "My Friend From India," starring Elinor Fair, is the story of a man who, to win tho girl he loves, parades as an Indian prince.

DE LUXE THEATRE Tho British sound film, "Blackmail," will 1)0 shown finally to-night at the Do Luxe Theatre. In the reproduction of sound this fllin takes technically a high place. Briefly, the story concerns a girl who is engaged .0 a detective. After a row with her lover, she meets a young artist. She leaves her flanco to Bo homo to tho studio of her newly-fouud friend. She soon finds that the man, with all his elder-brothorly kindness, Is not strictly honourable in his intentions. In tho struggle that follows her hand grasps for tho nearest weapon, a bread knife. Tho artist is killed. The only persons who know tho girl is guilty are her policeman fllauuu and a blackmailer who had the artist in his grasp. As it happens, the girl's lover is Immediately assigned tho case, and how the blackmailer, after trying to "fleece" both of them, meets his end by crashing through the glass domo of the British Museum, and how tho Involuntary murderess attains everlasting happiness with her detective lover makes a plot of unusual interest. The four principals 'In this picture aro Army Ondra, Cyril Klchards. Donald Calthorp,. and John Longden. Tho West has rarely, been the background for a. more colourful aud stirring romance than that depicted in' "The Great Divide," the alldialogue, singing, and dancing production which opens ? to-morrow at the Do Luxo Theatre. Dorothy Mackaill Is the star. A number of tuneful songs have been injected into the scenes. Dorothy M'Kaill portrays a flapper who has grown up. She is the life of a wild party on a Westbound train wiheh 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 Maekaill's role is of the type in which she had such great success in recent pictures. Myrna Loy, as a half-caste Mexican girl, gives an exotic portrayal. Among the players are Creighton Hale, Lucien Littlefleld, Hoy Stewart, James Ford, Jean Lorraine, and Claude Gillingwater. Lan Keith performs excellently as Miss Maclialll s leading man. Mary Nolan has tho chief role in "Shanghai Lady " which will commence at the De Luxe Theatro ou Friday. 2Sth February. It is a drama of the East. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. College life, with Its youth, its pranks, practical jokes and romantic outlook, gives abundant scope for a lively and entertaining piay All these elements are Introduced In So Ills is College," to he shown finally touleht at tho Grand Opera House. Ihe picture is an all-talking comedy and the story is enlivened by popular songs and tunes of the day. The stoVy chicflv relates to two college chums, whose friendship is broken up by their falling In love with tho same girl. They flght it. out on tho football field, come to the conclusion that they are fools, and agree to Ignore the charmer and devoto .all their energy to tho 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 tho cast aro Robert Montgomery and Elliott Nugent, of Broadway stage famo; Sally Starr, a new screen favourite; and Cliff Edwards "Half Marriage," tho second feature of the programme, Is another all-talking production, in which youth plays a prominent part. A girl student marries a young architect In her father's employ, and the Interest of the plot arises from the attempt.to keep the marriage secret. There aro dramatic scenes when a rich man, thinking the girl single, maltes love to her. A News Gazette of prominent events of the day adds variety to Ihe programme. Another. two-star all-talking programme will be presented at tho Grand Opera House next Friday. It will include of the Press,',' featuring Walter Huston and Kay Francis, and Molly O'Day in "Jazz Heaven," a delightful romance. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Witli the beautiful theme song of tho same name running through it, and starring Kichard Bartholmess and Betty Compson In the leading roles, "Weary River," will bo shown finally to-night at the Majestic Tlieart. This play is tho first talking film that Barthelmess has appeared in; but it will not bo his last. "Weary Biver" tells the story ■of a bold, resourceful gangster, a Napoleon of tho 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 liviDg. ' In gaol he finds himself at last as a musician, a poet, and a 6inger: writing his own songs, setting thorn 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 tho vaudeville stago. 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. "Sunny Side Up." another movietone musical playlet, will be shown to-morrow at the Jlajestlc Theatre. Tho stars of this story of .a modern Cinderella are Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. They are now to bo heard not only talking hut singing and. dancing, and amongst New York's highest social strata. In many respects this picture" ranks amongst tho best of its kind that have yet been screened In Wellington, and if the number of song numbers can be reckoned upon as a standard this assertion . can bo made without any hesitation, for It boasts" as, many as six popular and successful tunes, amongst them being "If. I Had a Talking Picture of You," '.'l'm a Dreamer, Aren't We All," "Keep Your:.. Sunny , Side Up," "You'vo Got Me Pickin' Petals off of. Daisies," and "Turn on the Heat." >. Janet Gaynor lives in the slums of New York and is happy in the caro of El Brendel (the Swedish comedian), playing the part of the local grocer. • By an act of chance Charles Farrell, in driving through this quarter, meets with an accident and is thrown into tho company. of Janet Caynor just as she is about to contribute to the Fourth of July Celebrations by singing to her neighbours. Farrell suggests 'that she shall come to his home in Southampton, and sing at his mother's charity feto. . A.house is rented for her, and her friends go with her as servants,' and from this point the picture proceeds to develop into a dramatic story still interspersed with infectious music and spontaneous fun. Box plans are available at.the Bristol and in tho theatre main foyer. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. "The Greene; Murder Case" constitutes the main feature 'at tho New Quality Theatro this evening.. The cast includes William Powell, Jean 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 ho is thero another one of the family, is killed. Who Is tho murderer? . Tho picture Is supported by three selected all-talking, singing and colour films. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A well-balanced programme Is offered by the management of tho Queen's Theatre. ■ On the new bill of fare are two feature films.'which should be tq the, liking of patrons. The first, "Manhattan > Cocktail," comes from the 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 the events which follow only serve to quicken Interest. Tho story is excellently unfolded and lv addition there aro some splendid scenes. Nancy, Carroll and Richard Arlen head a large cast. "Playthings," the second attraction, is a drama of modern lives, loves, and Intrigues. . Estello Brody plays-the principal role, and the other parts are also in capable hands. \ ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Half a Bride," featuring, Esther Ealstori/ and Gary Cooper, is now being shown lit.the Artcraft Theatre. The' story deals with the adventures of a man and a woman who have been wrecked on an island. The second attraction is "Serenade." in swhich Adolphe Menjou and Kathryn Carver have the leading roles. A young composer, inspired by tho love of a girl, writes an operetta,;that takes Vienna, by storm. Fame turns his head, and he neglects the wife who had lifted .him to the heights by her devotion. He Is also; attracted by a dancing girl and around this? situation is built tho dramatic climax. 4 , SHORTT'S THEATRE.■> Buster Keaton > battles : with rum-runners, navigates a burning and deserted ship through a storm, wrecks a theatro and a night clubj and indulges in othor strenuous and hilarious adventures in his latest comedy. "Spitei Marriage," which is now at Shortt'a Theatre. It Is the story of a tailor who poses as a millionaire in tho plumage of pis customers, marries a beautiful actress, and then Is utterly submerged t v comical griefs, woes, mishaps, and adventures. Dorothy Sebastian Is the 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 nave yet screened. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "The Long, Long Trail" is tho main attraction at tho Empire Theatre to-night, Tho story concerns itself with the adventures of a young cowboy who gets an unjustified reputation for hard drinking through his playful habit of shooting up tho town. A feature of tho plcturo is a big rodeo race. The cast is headed by Hoot Gibson, Sally Eilers, and Kathryn .Mac-Guire. Tho supporting .^programme includes an Empire Newsreel, an International News, a cartoon, and a comedy. ICILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Black Magic," tho melodrama which comes to tho Kinema Theatre to-night, strips South Sea life of its background of idealism, and, against a panorama of savagery, superstition, and death, unfolds a story of heroic love and courage, under the shadow of a diabolical witchcraft plot hatched by ithree tropical derelicts. Josephine Dunn ■ heads the strong list of players, and Is supported -by Dorothy Jordan, Jolm Holland, and the* veterari Henry B. Walthall In one of the outstanding achieve-

ments of his career. Tho Bocond feature, "The Climax," featuriiiff Jean Hersholt and Kathryn Crawford, is a romanco of Italy.