ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 70, 19 September 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE,

Edmund Lowe's career reads like a Horatio Alger novel. Born at San Jose, California, lie .attended school in that city anil then Santa .Clara University, where he won his B.A. dqgrec when only 18 years old. He became a member of the university faculty a year later and attained his lI.A. degree at the ago of 20. His yearning for a stage career, however, overshadowed his professional ambitions, and he joined a stocU company in a minor role with Maude. Fulton's "That Brat." Whim Miss Fulton took' the play to New York she also took Lowe as her leading man. He remained on Broadway for six years. An interest In pictures led him to a small role in "Vivo La France" with Dorothy l\alton. He then played iv "Eyes of Youth," •'The Silent Command," "The Palace of tho Kinft." and other films until he scored his' big hit in "The Fool." Lator came his role in "What I'rlco Glory." On his l'Oturu to Hollywood he played in "Dressed to Kill," "In Old Arizona," and "Thru' Different Eyes," before his '•■ second "smash" in "The Cock-Eyed World." In "Born Reckless," the J?ox Movietone drama of gangland, which opens to-day at the Paramount Theatre, Lowe enacts the featured role of Louis Beretti, the East Side gang leader. Catherine Dale Owen and Marguerite Churchill enact the leading feminine roles, with . Lee Tracy. Warren Hymcr, Prank Albertson, William Harrigan, Roy Stewart, Mike Donlln', Paul Page, Eddie Gribbon, Ben Bard, and other favourites in tho cast.

REGENT THEATRE. "The Divorcee," with Norma Shearer in tlic leading role, will be commencing its second week at the Begent Theatre to-night. Critical /opinion of the production is to the effect that it is far and away Miss Shearer's greatest Individual triumph. Miss Shearer is seen as Jerry Bernard, daughter of a physician, who after three years of married life discovers that Ted, her husband, has recently carried on a liaison with Janice. Bitterly hurt, she forces herself to accept the explanation of her husband that he still loves her only, and that the affair was simply an unimportant phenomenon of the current moral , code of modem civilisation. When, however, she subsequently meets her husband at his own game iud gives herself to his best friend, Ted looks at things in an entirely different light, and deserts her. TJttely disillusioned, Jerry abandons herself to a period of free living. After a notorious existence, a climax reveals to her the futility of her actions, and in an unexpected manlier she contrives to win her husband back.again. The plot carries with it several ■minor situations, including a pathetic interlude in which the husband of a woman ■whose beauty has been ruined as the result of an1 automobile accident is torn between loyalty to his wife and his lovo for Jerry. In directing "The Divorcee," Kobert Z. Leonard has seen to it that the pace of the narrative never lags for one moment, it is stated. The costumes and settings of-the production are unusually luxurious, while brilliant photographic effects are achieved, particularly in a beautiful yachting sequence and in modernistic interiors. Threo prominent male actors, Conrad JNagei, ; Chester Morris, and Robert Montgomery are featured in Miss Shearer's support in the new film and each one appears to have walked off "with more than, his share of the picture. Others jb tho .supporting cast who have, been sing led out for praise include Florence Eldridge, Helene Millard, .Mary Doran, Tyler Brooke, Zelda ■ Sears; George Irving, and Helone Johnson. An excellent supporting east is promised. ST. JAMES THEATRE. • Unusual Interest is manifest in connection With the opening of the gigantic all-technicolour talking, singing, and dancing production, £>how of Shows," which will take place to-day at the St..'- JainesTheatre. The picture_ recently scored; outstanding success at Christchurcb, and concerning'it'the "Press" writes as follows; "Show: of Shows" is the most gorgeous and spectacular of talking pictures. Lasting over two hours, it is made entirely in techm-colour.-and.presonts every star of the Warner Bros: Vitaphone company from Rin-Tin-Tln to Georges Carpentier.: There are 75 well-known stars in the cast. The seventeen scenes which make''up'the revue are resplendently dressed, the chorus numbers 400 voices and it is the most perfectly trained combination of choristers that- the screen has so far shown, and specialty dancers, acrobats, comedians, and coloured entertainers complete the vast attraction. -A. prologue of the French ■Revolution shows "Old Man Prologue" being beheaded. "On with the Show of Shows—away with Prologue!" they shout. A brief sketch by Jack Buchanan, the English musical comedy star, is one Of the brightest of the numberless good things In the"-revue. The favourite of Gold Diggers- of- Broadway," Winnie Lightner, has lost none of her startling vitality in Singra in the Bath-tub," the burlesque of the popular song "Slngiu* in the Rain." Carpentier, surrounded by mademoiselles, sings, with tho Eiffel Tower as his background, "If I Could I/earn-to ( Love." Myrna Loy and Nick Lucas are'the' principals in a Chinese number."Bicycle Built for Two" is an amusing comedy \ sketch, of olden times. "The Execution is anottier excellent offering, and many other splendid turns too numerous to particularise .]ead-up: to"a-huge presentation by principals and chorus of the song "Lady Luck, winch is the-great finale to a great show. Betty Corapson and Alexander Gray are in this number,- supported by over 400 peoplo on a vast stage: in which acrobats, comedians, and eccentric dancers all disport at once in one ■junriralled ensemble. Box plans '"arc at tho -Bristol untilVp.mT'Snil-mcfifaffer^datß may Jbe.. reserved..,at. the .theatre. KING'S THEATRE. Presented by'"a superb cast, headed by Warner Baxter and Catherine Dale Owen, "Such Men Are Dangerous," Fox Movietone all-talk-ing sophisticated drama, based on Elinor Glyn's charming and fascinating story, opens a popular return season at the King's Theatre today. Baxter handles a most difficult role in masterful style, giving polish to the best part ha ever enjoyed in an all-talking picture, antl that Is saying a great deal. Miss Owen gives even a more convincing performance than she did In "His Glorious Right,"" with John Gilbert. „ The portrayal of the meddling sißter is in: the hands of Hedda Hopper, who In sophisticated roles has few. equals in pictures. Claude Aljister, in a "Lord Algy" role, Albert Conti, as' the suave secretary, do their work well. Bala Lugosi portrays the role of a plastic surgeon in his-.usual finished planner. Seldom has a picture "received a moro enthusiastic reception than that accorded "Such Men Are Dangerous." The Fox Movietone sound featurettes are of exceptional merit. Box plan's are available at. .the Bristol. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Monte Blue, known tho world over as a star of. Warner Bros.' pictures, is the proud possessor of one of' the finest of "talkie" speaking voices in Hollywood. Blue's VitaPhone "mike" tests were so successful that the Warner Bros, immediately made arrangements for him to appear In a number of their talking pictures. The,- star's first "talkie" was the epic ■ story of South Polar exploration, "Conquest." "The Greyhound Limited," which is MqnteS second Vitaphone picture, depicts him as a' happy-go-lucky, two-fisted railroad engineer whose -pne aim in life is to protect his rather wayward pal. His pal is ably played by .Grant Withers. The production opens a season-'.' -to-night at tho Queen's Theatre. ; ■-.-.,. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "High Society Blues," now showing at the New Princess Theatre, deals with the doings of the Devines and tho Grangers. Mr. Granger, who has a wife, a daughter, and a son (Charles Farrell), sells his chain of stores to Mr. Devine, who has a wife, recognised is a real snob, and a daughter (Janet Gaynor). The Granger family go to the East to enjoy life, and buy an estate next door to that of the Divines. Efforts of the Grangers to be neighbourly with the Divines are rebuffed. However, the daughter of one and the son of the other -family find a common ground. Complications arise, but by the time Eddie and Eleanor have settled matters in their own way, there is the happiest of endings. The supporting programme is excellent, being composed of all-dialogue short subjects. THE NEW QUALITY, ISLAND BAY. Wall Street activities motivate "The Gamblers," the newest Warner Bros. Vitaphone all-talking production, which comes to the Quality Theatre to-night, practically all its important characters being connected with the Emerson Trust Company, a great financial organisation which owns a sixty-story building, before which the curb market operates each day. The two characters not associated with the Emerson Trust, nevertheless, have a most important place in its activities, since one is a government prosecutor in the AttorneyGeneral's department, and the other, his wife, is a former sweetheart of the man who Is the active head of the financial company. JAN KUBELIK. The Wellington Town Hall has been selected for the opening concert of Jan Kubelik, the world-famous violinist, who commences a New Zealand tour afc the capital city on Saturday of next week, 27th September. It will be a real celebrity event, In continuation of the policy of Messrs. J. and N. Talt to allow New Zealanders to see and hear noted people iv the artistic world, who would otherwiso be merely names to them. Kubelik arrives in Auckland next Monday by tho Niagara from Sydney, and comes to Wellington a day or so after, when several receptions will be tendered the master violinist. Mr. Claude Kingston, concert director for the Taits, is already in New Zealand making arrangements for his Dominion tour. The virtuoso, who previously visited the Antipodes as "the wonder-boy violinist," has matured into the greatest exponent of the violin since Paganlni. Therefore, it is fitting that the compositions of Paganini should be interpreted by Kubelik, and Campanella has been chosen for inclusion in the'programme for the Wellington premiere. Bach, Salnt-Saens, Wieniawski, Schubert, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn will be represented in Kubelik's opening programme, also the famous man himself, for lie is a composer as well as a genius in violinistlc art. Booking arrangements are at the Bristol, where students may'obtain concession forms for privileges accorded budding musicians. Jt Is interesting to record that the genuine Stradivarlus used by Kubelik, tho "Emperor," will be on public view in the Bristol on Thursday and Friday next, from 12 till 2 p.m. dally, under the guard of Kubelik's faithful Hindu servant. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Mickey the Mouse, who is always given a thunderous reception, can be seen again at iho Capitol to-night in "The Haunted House," another ridiculously funny cartoon. "Navy Blues." starring William Halncs, supported by Karl Dane and Anita Page, and "His Glorious Night," starring John Gilbert and Catherine Dale Owen, complete the programme. "The Haunted House," and William Haines in "A Man's Man," besides a comedy and the serial, will be screened at the Saturday matinee.

"HOLD EVERYTHING."

A musical comedy containing many new features is "Hold Everything," which J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in conjunction with Richard White and Eric Edgley, will produce for the first timo in Wellington at the matinee to-mor-row. It is a musical comedy with a. punch. A London critic declared that the title of [his piece means that jt holds everything i» the-n-ay of record for all kinds of dnucinjr, especially of the massed liind. The public who saw "Love Lies" and "So This Is Love" will appreciate the fact that if there is one thing this popular and talented company can do en masse, so to speak, it 'is dance. "Hold Everything" dashes along at a great speed, anil there is nioro in it than fast and fancy stepping. There is, in fact, more really comic business than occurs in most musical comedies. And once again that brilliant comedian, Clem Dawc, will have a rich part '.hat gives such scope for his own particular kind of fooling. In what should bo the background, but what in reality is very much to the front, lucks one Gink Shiner, hero of a hundred fights and winner of none, and -his confederate, Skinny Uartiett, a loag and elongated boxing camp cook, gifted in the art of brewing a pernicious beer. In London these two roles were played by two comedians well known over here, George Gee and Alfred Frith. Clem Dawe will play Gink Shiner, the hero's sparring partner, a most unwilling and very unlikely boxer, who packs himself into an electric weight-reducing machine, which is operated with such effect that it explodes. Bobby Gordon, as the cook-, will again be Clem Dawe's companion In the crime of securing the laughs, while as the-hero and heroine of the piece Michael Colo and Betty Eley again have two parts that the public New Zealand have come to associate them with. A word must be said of the ballet for the popularity they achieved here on their last "visit, and that is, one of the outstanding numbers in the show is the "staircase" dance, in which the entire chorus and ballet execute the- most amazing steps while (lancing their way up and down a high flight of steps. Included In a long cast is Marie Baton, Dan Agar, Kitty Stewart, Mona Barlee, Eric Edgeley, Les White, and others. Box plans are now open at the Bristol. MAJESTIC THEATRE. A season of brightness and merriment will begin at the Majestic Theatre to-day with the screening of the highly eulogised all-British comedy, "Raise the Roof." It reproduces the actual London performance of the stage success of the same title. The ingenious story is by an English author, every actor and actress in the cast is British, the producers arc British, and'the scene of the story is in England and deals in wonderfully ■ clever fashion with the trials, troubles, and tribulations of the members of a London revue company, who, ss a result of the talkies invasion, are compelled to leave the Metropolis and present the show under irresponsible management with an attenuated treasury in the small provincial towns, where they find themselves "not wanted on the voyage." A young fellow from Oxford with, a desire to shine behind the footlights comes to the financial rescue and the show starts afresh, but the young man's father, hearing of his son's exploits, determines to cure him of his fascination, not only for the life of an actor, but for' the ■ very charming leading lady of the troupe. Miss Betty Balfour. To this end he bribes the "villain of the piece" to bring about the downfall .of the enterprise by causing the wardrobe baskets containing all the stage dresses to go astray on the railways. The company arrives at the town of Bolton to find,,much to their astonishment, a packed house awaiting them. At. the last moment they realise that all the luggage has been lost and that It will be impossible to present the entertainment. However, the plucky leading lady, being taunted by the villain with what he has brought about, evolves a scheme of dressing that for Ingenuity would be difficult to equal. The members get to work, and the show goes over with a "bang" that makes its reputation. The London "Daily Mail" refers to this episode as being "not only one of the funniest but one of the cleverest ideas that has come-from the brain of a playwright." "Raise the Roof" will be preceded by a first part of all-talking novelties. Box plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre. The usual late shoppers' session will commence to-day at 5 p.m., and .finish at 7 o'clock. DE -LUXE THEATRE. Internationally famous as a wit and philosopher, Will Rogers has, surely, an ideal vehicle for. the exploitation of just those talents in "So This Is London," his current starring production for Fox Movietone, which opens to-day at the De Luxe Theatre. Just teeming with wit, as would be expected from Rogers,' it has, too. Its philosophic side, for it gives the Oklahoma an opportuuily to discuss with Lumsden -Haro, who plays the role of a titled Englishman, the inability of peoplo of. different races .to arrive at a . complcto understanding. The discussion reveals tho fact that people of all races may easily arrive at the .pointl'of goodwill and understanding. ITO those who so thoroughly enjoyed Rogers's first; audible production, "They Had To Sco Paris," : the seemingly unbelievable has been accomplished_in his second production, for it is acclaimed in previews as far more entertaining that his first. Rogers portrays the role of a'weolthy mill-owner of Texas who is urged by his wife and son to make a trip to England for the purpose of purchasing a cotton mill there. They accompany him. Rogers is a-thoroughbred Texan with a keen dislike of anything British or savouring of England: --On- shipboard his/son finds a romance with a young English girl, and this, of. course,' brings"chaos. After a series of hilarious scenes, Rogers eventually-purchases tho'mill, straightens out his son's love affair, and decides that the Britons are "pretty good folks" after all. Irene Rich is again Rogcrs's screen wife, and this timo Frank Albertson is his screen son. - Other members of the cast include Maureen O'Sullivan, Mary Forbes, Lumsden Hare, Dorothy Christy, and Bramwell Fletcher. Box plans are available at the Bristol and Aitken's. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. New heights In the field of romance and adventure are reached In "The Lone Star Ranger," pox .Movietone Zane Grey's first .talking picture fascinating story, which begins at the Kilbirnle Kinema to-night. O'Brien, one of the most popular men of the talking screen, portrays the character of Black Duane, nn outlaw by force of circumstance, who eventually joins the Texas Rangers and becomes a dominant factor in breaking up a gang of cattle rustlers. Excellent sound featurettes will also be screened. Reserve at Theatre Confectionery ('phone 14-202) and Bristol Piano' Co. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Maurice Chevalier is to be seen to-night at Our Theatre in his first all-talking picture, Innocents of Paris." It is a story of Paris and the romance of a second-hand dealer who became famous. Chevalier rescues a little" boy from drowning, and in delivering a letter left by the boy s mother, meets Louise and falls in ove. Despite her father's protests Louise returns his love, and so' the story follows their romance to his success in the theatre. Here his choice between love for Louise and his career brings -the picture to a surprising climax. There are excellent sound featurettes! EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND' BAY. ..r,.Met^ 0'G°ld?-i Tn' s famous special attraction, lhe Last of Mrs. Cheney," will, he shown at,l6i,?mP£e ThcaiP tO-nleh'- A largo cast hicludes Norma Shearer, Basil Rathbone, and George K. Arthur. The story concerns a lady adventurer, who poses as a wealthy Australian widow, and manoeuvres her way into the upper crust of English society. Her retinue of polished servants are in reality a gang of thieves the Perfect butler her constant inspiration; How they attempt to pull off an amazing jewel robbery and the means in which they were frustrated makes a delightful and thrilling f m' £ feature of the production is the faultless English spoken by all the artists. An Bxcelelnt supporting- programme Includes an alltalking our Gang Comedy, a Metrotone News, and two, novelty featurettes. • THE APOLLO SINGERS. nfT?v"l?- rrO. W ,wUI mark the flrst appearance of Wellington'^ new male cboir-the Apollo bingers—in a diversified programme that will a-ppeal not only to the musical connoiseur, but to the average man or woman with little musical trairing. The choir, which consists of carefully selected, solo voices. Is under the direction of Mr. H. Temple White, whose reputation for presenting work of only the highest standard has become firmly established during his seventeen years' residence here Tho programme will commence appropriately enough with Gounod's "Hymn to Apollo," from the opera "TJlysse,"- and will Include no fewer than twelve numbers by the choir. Tho Apollo bingers have been particularly fortunate in their assisting artists for this their first concert. Mr. Ernest Jenncr, A.R.A.M., has the notable distinction of having appeared as solo pianist with Sir Henry Wood's Queen's Hall Orchostra, London, and his items will lend distinction to an already distinguished programme. The vocalist will be Miss Myra Sawyer, the gifted soprano, whose engagements take her to all parts of Now Zealand. Miss Sawyer's flrst ' number will bo tho "Shadow Song," from "Dinorah," ah exacting number for any singer. The accompanist for the choir and Miss Sawyer will be a choir member, Mr. W. Blllington. who held a similar position with Dr. Bradhaw's male voice choir in Christchurch. Box plans are at the Bristol. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. - Universal's screen epic, "All Quiet on the Western Front." will be screened at the Regal Theatre to-night. The story "All Quiet" is based on the experiences and observations of Remarque, the author, who went to the front as a schoolboy. The battle scenes of "All Quiet," In which more than two thousand soldiers participated, are most spectacular. The story opens with "Paul" and his comrades enlisting In the hysteria of patriotism, and carries on as one after the other Is killed. Through all the stark realism of war and the shatterIng of the Hveß and illusions of Remarque's schoolboys, runs the golden thread of human understanding and true c adeshlp. A huge cast is headed by. Lewis Wo.liulm, Lewis Ayres, John Wray, and Slim Summerville. Patrons are requested to be seated before 8 o'clock, as "All Quiet" commences directly after, the overture. There will be no interval. REPERTORY SOCIETY. Two more opportunities to hear the second production of the 1930-31 season of the National Repertory Theatre Society are available. A triple bill is being presented tonight and to-morrow night at the Blue Triangle Hall in Boulcott street. Tho first item Is John Galsworthy's "The First and the Last," while Sir James Barries "Shall We Join the Ladies?" and a satirical playlet, "The Scene That Was to Write Itself," a tragi-comedy by G. D. Grlbble, complete the programme. The producer of this excellent entertainment is Mr. W. S, Wancbop,

SHORTT'S •TH.EATRE. Lyof Tolstoi's poignantly tragic drama of the Russian officer who, lured by tho nomadic call of gypsy ancestry, deserts his wife and family to find repentance too late when hi; returns, is' the vehicle for John Gilbert's new all-talking picture, "Redemption," which is showing at Shortt'a Theatre. Aided by a supporting cast of such capable players as Reuun Adoree. Conrad Nagel, and Eleanor Bonrdman, Gilbert gives an inspired performance of the downward career of Fed.va, who casts all discretion to the winds In Ills search for freedom and happiness. It is no small tribute to Gilbert's acting talent that he can achieve near perfection in roles so diverse in character and meaning. Several scenes are conspicuous fur their picturesque beauty and their faithfulness to pre-war Russian conditions. A scene of rare screen effectiveness is that of tho marriage uf Fedya to Lisa, played by Miss Bonrdman, the ceremony being that of tho Russian Orthodox form with all its interesting details. Winter scenes of the sleighing parties of the nobility, and later the dives which Fcdya frequents as he sinks lower and lower in the social scale—all have an important share in making this picture something out of the ordinary run. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "The Rainbow Man," a Paramount all-talk-ing-siuging picture, is being shown at the Britannia Theatre. Eudie . Dowling has the leading role in this, his first talking and singing film, which was also Marian Nixon's first time on the audible screen. The picture is a melodious romance of life in a-small-town minstrel troupe, and it is notable for new plots, new actors, new technique, new thrills, comedy and pathos. Three haunting melodies iv the film are "Sleepy Valley," "Smile, Little Pal," and "Rainbow Man." There- are good supports. . ■ ■ -