ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 73, 23 September 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

In the dramatic story, "Born Reckless," now being screened at the Paramount Theatre, Edmund Lowe, whose career has been one of very marked success, rises, as Louis Berettl, from tho depths to the.heights by an act of heroism. After a varied career of crime and war service, Beretti in the end meets the most intensive situation of his lifetime. The act of heroism performed by Louis Berettl is tho rescue of a child who has been kidnapped. Tho mother appeals to Louis to help her, and, though he itnows It may moan his death, he consents. In recovering tho child, he Is wounded, but he knows that he has kept his word to a friend on tho battlefield. The first half of tho entertainment includes a specially fine series of world events shown in a "Fox Movietone .Newsreel," a "Fox Australian News," and a "Paramount Newsreel"; there is also a movietone comedy.'

Keported to rank- among the most poignant dramas of modern times, the brilliant R.K.O. adaptation of the., famous work by Arnold Zwefg, "The Case of Sergeant Grischa," commences a season at the Paramount Theatre on Friday next. Produced by the renowned director Herbert Brenon, this picture ia 3ald to be fully equal in dramatic value to his other two highly-successful productions "Beau Geste" and "Sorrell and Son."' Some of the outstanding names in'the cast are those of Chester Morris, Betty Compson, Alec .B. Francis, Jean Hersholt, Leylahd Hodgson, and Gustav yon SelTerlitz, with a large number of supportiiiK players. Box plans are now available at both Bristol and the Paramount Theatre.

REGENT THEATRE,

Xorma Shearer plays the'most sophisticated role of her career In "The Divorcee," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, now ia Its second week at the Kegent Theatre. Tho picture deals In a frank manner with the attitude of modern society towards marriage. Determined that theirs shall be the old-fashioned marriage with no hint of divorce, Jerry (Norma Shearer) and Ted (Chester Morris) live happily together for three years, at th» end of which period Jerry discovers that Ted has been carrying on a liaison with another woman. He tries to persuade Jerry to see things from the man's viewpoint, and she forces herself to accept his (argument. Then, to prove that he ,is sincere, she meets him at his own same, and he deserts her. Utterly ■ disillusioned, Jerry abandons - herself to a life of absolute freedom among the most notorious of night-clubs. Unexpectedly the futility of such a life is brought home to her. Ted, she learns, is trying to I forget her in Paris, and she crosses the Atlantic to win him back. "The Divorcee" contains a moral, and a striking one, but the story Is handled with such delicacy and feeling that therß Is never'a jarring note. The supporting programme is well up to the Resent standard. '.

"THE UNBOLT THREE.

A voice that the world has been waiting over a- year to hear speaks from the screen at the Eegent Theatre on Friday next, where Lon Chancy is appearing in his first and only talkie, "The Unholy Three." Choice of this dramatic success for his debut ag a vocal screen star has allowed Chancy to use five different voice disguises; in fact, It is as difficult for his patrons to guess what his voice really- sounds like, as it is to guesß what the make-up master's face is really like when- not disguised. This new thriller deals with the story of a ventriloquist, giant, and. midget In a circus, who band together In one of the strangest plots ever seen on a nun or stage. Aside from the interest,ln Lon Chaney's voice, "The Unholy Three" is a magnificent piece of entertainment moving at lightning pace and with,never a slack moment or let-up in tho entire piece. Box plans are now open at the theatre and Bristol Piano Co.

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

"Show of; Shows," tha colossal spectacular all-speaking, singing, and dancing production which is a two-hours' entertainment in itself, continue! to draw very large attendances to the St. James Theatre. Done In all-technicol-our, the picture.is brilliant In prismatic effects which are very pleasing to the eye. The cast of characters is extensive, for concerned in the production is every star performer attached to the Warner Brothers' Vitaphone Studio. The-total number engaged Is 75 favourites, augmented by an exceptionally good chorus of 400 voices, and an aggregate ensemble of 1000 people. Winnie Llghtner, Nick Lucas, Richard Bartelmesa, John Barrymore, and other popular players are singled out for special receptions as,they appear in the pieced Resplendent dresses embellish tho production. Every manner of stage entertainment has a place in this "Show of Shows." Vaudeville contributes comedians, dancers, and acrobats, "A Bicycle built.for two," carries one back to the good old days; Shakespeare has a worthy exponent in John. Barrymore, who contributes the Duke of Gloucester's soliloquy from "King Honry V 1.,". and innumerable other specialties of real merit lead up to "Lady ; Luck," a gorgeous finale In which almost everyone appears, and in which Betty Compson and; Alexander Gray are the leading lights. A couple of sound news reels precede the main attraction, and each contains items of interest. Box'plans are at the Bristol and seats may be reserved at the theatre after 6 p.m. ■ •

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

i train wreck, a,man "framed" for murder, and a last-minute reprieve are some of the sensations pictured In the all-talking film, "The Greyhound; Ltd.," at the Queen's Theatre. As the title implies, it is a railroad thriller, with Monte Blue and a cast of • well-chosen players prdvldlng the thrills lln plenty. Monte Blue ia a happy-go-lucky, two-fisted ; railway engineer whose : one aim in life Is to protect his way-ward-pal;'ably played by Grant JVithers. From start to-finish "The Greyhound,. Ltd.," compels Interest."; There is a good - supporting programme. ■" -.'..' ■'- ■ ;

KING'S THEATRE.

"Such Men are, .Dangerous,", at the King's Theatre, is , based on the popular story by Elinor ' Glyn, and is also notable from ■ the . point of view that it presents Warner.-..Baxter ' at-his best. Ho has a part.which seems as though it were mado for him,' and his role, not an easy one for one loss experienced,.is handled in masterful style. There' is an': excellent supporting case, headed by Catherine Dalq, Owen, whclh assists considerably In.making the "picture; an all-talking presentation, from ( the Fox Movietone Studos, most . enjoyable entertainment. Also on the programme are a number of Fox sound featurettes of merit. "" , , :

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE,

■-"In High Society Blues," at the New Princess Theatre,:' Mr. Granger has a wife, a daughter, and a > son . (Charles Farrell). He sells,. his . stores to Mr.- Devine, who has a-•'wife./, and a ■ daughter (Janet Gaynor).: .Tlie-.Granger.' family buy an estate next door. to that\ of the Devines. Efforts of tho 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 tho time Eddie -and Eleanor have settled matters in their own way,, there, is the happiest of endings. The 'supporting programme is excellent. .-. . v\

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"The Rainbow-Man," a Paramount all-talk-ing-singlng: picture, is being shown at the Britannia Theatre:, Eddie Dowling has the leading role in this, his first talking and singing film, which was also Marian Nixon's first time ou the audible screen. Tho 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 in the film are "Sleepy Valley," "Smile, Little Pal," and "Itainbow Man." ' There are good supports. . . '~'•'

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

Lyof. Tolstoi's .poignantly tragic drama of (lie Russian ofllcer who, lured by tho nomadic call of gypsy ancestry, deserts his wife and family to find repentance too late when he returns, is' the vehicle ■ for John Gilbert's new all-talking picture, "Redemption," which is showing at Shortt's . Theatre. . A scene of rare screen effectiveness Is that of the marriage of Fedya to Lisa, played by Miss Boardman, the ceremony being that of • the Russian Orthodox form with all its interesting details.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

Fascinating Norma Shearer ' comes to the Regal Theatre to-night in "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney," her latest starring production. In tha title role Norma tlinches her reputation as tha screen's best voice. The story is built around the adventure of a beautiful London society "Raffles," and a member of the nobility who loves her, even when she robs his home: Basil Rathbono has the role of the nobleman, and it proves to have been a happy choice. George, Barraud, who plays Mrs. Clieyhey's burglarlng butler, does some deft character work. The supports consist of an "Our Gang" comedy, a-dance band, and vocal numbers of outstanding\ merit.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

A big double-feature programme will be screened at'the Empire Theatre to-night. The main attraction Is "Framed," starring Evelyn Brent and Regis Toomoy.. "Framed" is based on a most powerful story of activities in metropolitan gangland. The drama has been heralded as one o fthe best films of the year by critics. The supporting picture is "The Vagabond Lover," starring Rudy Vallee. The story concerns a small town boy, ambitious to become a band leader, who finally attains recognition of impersonating a popular snxaphone artist. The picture features five new songs, and the dunce! ensembles rank among the best seen on tho audible screen.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

The British all-tallilng picture "Atlantic" is belli? shown at Our Theatre to-night. The cast Includes John I.ongden, KllaUno Terriss, and 31 only Banlcs. It- 5s the story of a j;?eat liner ilisfletcr, with iconos' of unprecedented agony, frantic- struggles of the passengers, sailors hurling women into the boafs, a mass of seethinp humanity seen facing death with inelTacciiblc courage. KxcslJenL , sound supports complete the iirogramnie.' i. . . .

DE LUXE THEATRE,

Will Rogers, star of ','So This Is London,, now at the De Luxe Theatre, is ; one of those comedians who have com* Into their own wltu the "talkies."- His sayings - are droll, and, coming from a man who B""'3 every indication of being a perfect hayseca, they carry so much more. weight. This Is London" tells the story of an honest-to-goodness American who goes to l-on-don with a deep-rooted prejudice against England and everything Kngllsh. His sou, much more modern and tolerant, falls to I"*8 w"h an English girl, whose father is deeply antagonistic towards things American and American people. Determined ,to prevent what seems to them to be-an undesirable match, th«A™f" h can mother and father • act as the thorougn bounders thoy are thought to be, and tney succeed beyond all their expectations. _ Tnen they set out .to mend, the break and brlng the young people together again, and in "» process both they and the' English parents discover that the others, are not so ■ bad after aii. There are many amusing situations, with plenty of laughs and the cleverest .of dialogue, mo supports are good, and the music Is' «™er hearing, one of the features- being a ««r''tz^ item, "Give Yourself-a.Pal on the Back, PWJ ed by Mr. Paul Cullon. . .

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

That a New Zealand public relishes the coming of a good KngUsh picture, written and played entirely by Britishers, is proved by tne liberal patronage accorded to the excellent comedy, "Raise the Roof," now showing at the Majestic Theatre. Clever 'handling and nrsiclass acting enable this production to deal wuu back-stage sceneß without in any way cUeape" Ing them, which Is something that many speasiug pictures previously seen- here have not accomplished. "Raise the Boor" is not a_ sexual smudge; it is clean, wholesome entertainment, and its main objective is to produce wholesome hearty laughter. It accomplishes its purpose m very happy fashion, for it is splendidly played by English actresses and actors- who Know their work. Betty Balfour; ■at • the head of a long and strong cast, is the bright^ particular star of the piece, and the saviour of the touring show around which the story revolves, wnen the bad man of the piece misdirects tne wardrobe basket to a wrong address and leaves the company to race the- presentation or a stage performance without the necessary dresses. A-pleasing first part of news reelß and novelties precedes the main picture. Box plans are available atThe Bristol and at the theatre. Tor next.Friday "The Flirting Widow" is underlined forUhe 'Majestic. Dorothy Mackam, and the fine British-leading man,. Basil Rathboue, are the star players of a strong cast.

GRAND OPEBA HOUSE,

Clem Dawe and his popular company have returned to Wellington, and, judging from the enthusiasm displayed by lait night's audience at the Grand Opera; House, the return is welcomed. "Hold Everything," properly presented, is bound to prove sood 'entertainment, and the Dawe-White-Edgley Company take good caro that the piece loses i nothing in the telling. There Is quite a substantial plot concerning pugilists, trainers, and friends (feminine), and it Is served up with-catehysongi, witty dialogue, and a smartly stepping ballet. Clem Dawe, as the "dud" pug., has seldom had a part that has enabled him, to fool - more successfully, and Miss Katherine Stewart, the .v popular comedienne, infuses a sparkle-Into her performance that carries all before ' It. The-lengthy Mr. Bobbie Gordon is again in partnership with Clem Dawe, and for thora who nave seen the pair together before. It !■>sufficient to say that much of the best-fun. In •«!• ahow again comes from the exchanges-between them. Others taking Important parts are' Mr. Michael Cole, as the boxing hero. Miss Betty Key, as his young lady, and Mr. Dan'Agar,. as;th« trainer. In addition to the solo numbers, there are duets and choruses, and an added attraction in the form of specialty dances by Mona Zeppell and Will Delaney. : Mr. Gregory Ivanoft directs an orchestra of exceptional; merit.

KILBIRMIE KINEMA.

"Not So Dumb," aa adaptation of the successful stage farce "Dulcy," will be at the Kll--birnle Theatre with-Marion Davies In the starring role.to-night. The a«w talking picture is based upon • the London , and Broadway stage hit, "Dulcy," written, by-George S. Kautfman and Marc Connelly.' Mis» Davies Is seen to advantage! in demonstrating ■ her rare comedy talents. EUiott-NugentiPlayg opposite the star, and the supporting, cast'lncludes Raymond Hackett, William.Holden, Julia.Faye, Sally Starr, and George Davies.. Excellent sound featurettes will also be • screened. Kesem at Theatre Confectionery, Telephone ,14-202, and Bristol Piano Co. . '

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

The plcturlsatlon of Zane Crey's novel, "The Lone Star Ranger," will be screened at tho Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night. George O'Brien play 3 th« part of Buck Duane, an outlaw who eventually Joins the Texas Rangers and becomes a dominant factor in breaking up a gang of cattle rustlers. Sue Carol plays the feminine lead. Splendid ' supporting subjects will also be screened.. Seats may ba reserved by telephone. ■ ; ':.'.'■" ■ ■ • ~:

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

Metiro-Goldwyn's spectacular "Hollywood Revue" commences at-the Capitol to-night. Tho picture combines the best of the stage and the screen, making ,au- entertaining .picture. John Gilbert, Norma, r Shearer, Marlon Davies, Laurel and Hardy, Buster K«aton, and Joan Crawford are among the screen celebrities who appear to "The Hollywood Bevue;"

KUBEUK'S WELLINGTON SEASON,

Jan Kubellk, the/famous violinist, arrived In Wellington to-day from Sydney, via Auck-' land, and commencos. a, Dominion tour at the Capital City's Town Hall on Saturday night, with. two further ' recitals following on Wednesday, Ist October, and Saturday, 4th- October. The world renowned artist Is to play a brilliant opening.'programme, and there is a distinct atmosphere of interest arid enthusiasm in his advent among music-loving Wclllngtonlans. Kubellk's peerless violin . interpretations have made him the,idol; of. Continents, and it is indeed gratifying to have, in our midst tho man who has charmed huge audiences in tho world's music centres ' with his perfection. Messrs. J. and. N. Talt are sponsoring the New Zealand tour of the > famous man, and to them is owing a-deep-debt of gratitude for the noteworthy .event they have made possible. Kubellk's opening programme will embrace Mendelssohn, Bach, .'Beethoven, Saint-Saens, Schumann, Paganini,' Kubellk, Wienlawski, and Schubert; undoubtedly, a magnificent miscellany fnr a. debut.- Otto Hasa. Is accompanist. The box plans opened at,the Bristol this morning, "where students' concessions are also available. By courtesy ; of: Kubelik, the artist's Stradivarius violin. ','The Emperor," will be on view in the Bristol window on Thursday and Friday, next, between -12 and 2 p.m., guarded by the famous man's Hindu servant. _ .

WELLINGTON MUSICAL COMEDY AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY.

At the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, commencing on Saturday next, and i continuing for three nights, the Wellington : Musical Comedy and Dramatic Society will make its initial bow to the Wellington'public In a bright and snappy revue, "Look Who's Here!" This society is the latest addition to; the musical societies of Wellington; and has.been formed for the purpose of regularly placing before the Wellington public high-class musical comedy and dramatic entertainment. ,It;!s. felt that the dwindling of professional companies, has created a demand for this,'kind of entertainment, and that the field is open to ''.skilfully directed amateur effort. It is the aim of the society to stage elaborate productions of standard musical comedies;'but, owing to the heavy cost at.present of theatre accommodation, this project has been temporarily abandoned. The entertainment "Look Who's Here!" will consist of musical and dramatic sketches,, ballets and ensembles, supported by a strops cast of well-known amateur performers. Included . among whom are Miss Kathryu Murie, Kathleen Ferris, Wanda Herbert, Messrs. Ashenden'Harbord, Robert Charlton, Cyril Tllley,' and many others. A feature of the show, will ;be the strong choruses; and the frocklng will be of a sumptuous character. The dancing will be under the direction of Mr. David Devitt, whose work in this direction is well-known to'the Wellington public. Sir. Robert Charlton. will 'supervise the dramatic sketches, and a well-balanced orchestra will be under the conductorship of Mr. J. Garry, late or His Majesty's ■Theatre. The president of the new society is Mr. R. H. Nimmo, and the honorary secretary, -Mr. M. E. Nolan. The society is confident that its initial production will appeal t'd the .public as,a first-class entertainment, and that those who extend their patronago will have every: reason to be satisfied with tho talent offered. ■. , The. initial • performance will take place at the Concert Chamber at 8 p.m. on Saturday next, and will be.prefaced by a few short remarks from the president, Mr. R. H. Nimmo. The box plan; is now open at the Bristol Piano Company.