ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 125, 24 November 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Bert Wheler and Robert Woolslcy have already appeared before Wellington /udiences in the flesh, as the merrymalters In the musical comedy "ltlo lUta," and all who appreciated their drolleries In that piece will welcome tho opportunity of laughing again at and with the 111-assorted pair of humorists In "Tho Cuckoos,", which is enjoying an extended season at the Paramount Theatre In some respects tho plot, in which they take a more or less Important part. Is similar to that of "Bio Rita." as the action is centred In Mexican regions, and cattle barons and border bandits are much in evidence. Intermingled with plenty of stirring action there !s a big supply of catchy songs, smart dialogue and large-scale ballet dancing. One of the strongest points of the picture is that Hie interest of the audience Is never allowed to tins. In addition to the two comedians named there are hi tho cast Hugh Trevor. June Clyde, Dorothy Lee, and Jobyna Etowland. In support of tho big iilcturo there are two news reels and a comody. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The chief attraction at the St. James Thcam •Show Girl in Hollywood," from First Nation nl Vitaphone studios, was particularly well re eclved on Saturday, by large audiences at the various sessions. Previous pictures connected with Hollywood have dealt with the lighter side of things as they prevail In studloland, but in the present Instance the author lias written and the producer has presented in admirable faslilun a strong human story relating the troubles thai beset a stage actress who secures a contract to appear In Hollywood. The plot ■•inks true to life-—it la unusually interesting, it carries conviction, and there Is a moral to it which should be noted by young women who aspire to a screen career. Jack Mulhall. the leading man, plays with a freedom and natural ness thai carries conviction,, while his sweetheart is well acted by Alico White, who. in this 11lay. appoars to greater advantage than she has ever done before. Blanche Sweet is seen In an excellent portrayal of the part of "Dollie Harris," a faded star of olden times, and she sings the theme song of the play "There's a Tear Tor Evory Snillo" nulte effectively. Ford Sterling's worli as a much worried director is excellent, and It would bo hard to select v bettor "villain" than John Milian proves himself to bo In tills drama. .The tlnal scene In tcchnlcolour. representing a human rainbow, is n most speclnciitar transformation scene. The supporting subjects, five in number, are all of it pleasing character. Box plans are at tlio lirlstol. and niter (> p.m. at the theatre. REGENT THEATRE. William Somerset Maugham's book "The Circle," lias been long In reaching- the screen, but it Is now presented under the title. "Strictlv»Uuconventllinl," and is appearing daily at Regent Thoatrc. "Tho Circle" is based on tho human weakness to allow, the heart to rtui away with tho head, and the tragic experiences of a wife who runs away with another man does not deter another thirty years afterwards from doing the same thing. The author has unfolded his nlot with dramatic artistry, his characters are very real, and his dialogue always smart and pointed. As the young wife who refuses to believe that her experiences will be the same as hrr mother-in-law's were three decades before, Catherine Dale Owen, an English actress, does convincing work and a good character study of her fet:r ish husband is given by Tryell Davlcs/ Paul Cavanagli Ernest Torrence, Alison Skirjtvorth. ?»d Lewis Stdne are also in the cast Among Hie supporting pictures is a real "*}y\''~ r m{ tltled "The Message." It is excellently staged. A number of clever children do .-ume cle\cr dancing in "Baby Follies." The programme also includes a successful sound picture made at the recent, wrestling match between Coleman and rasha, and "The Regent Review of World Events." KING'S THEATRE. A story which concerns the flirtatious of a beautiful girl, Mona Maris, is "The Gay Caballero,"- a Fox Movietone musical romance- at the King's Theatre. A new and handsome star Don Jose Mojica, plays the part of the caballero. Fascinating as she is beautiful. Mona wins the heart of this handsome and dashing caballero, who proves more than a match for the intrigues of a rascally governor The picture is adapted from the story. "One Mad Kiss." ..Several of the soups are typically, Spanish, and cannot but fall toi appeal. They include "One Mad Mas, Behind tho Mask," and "Oh 1 Where Are You." Others in the cast include Automo Moreno and lorn Patricola. QUEEN'S THEATRE. One of the most dramatic ami engrossing pictures which have come to Wellington, tor a longtime is "Tho Trial of Mary ;Dugan,' a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer release, which is bei nu screened at the Queen's .Theatre or a return season. Drama, humour, and thrills are cleverly interwoven In the production of this, film The picture is an all-dialogue -screen version of Bayard Veiller's stage surccss. wWc" ran for more than a year on Broadway "»•»■«- ed by Veiller himself, tho film retains all of roond Haekett, ../.There is an excellent supporting programme'.^; ' ' ARTCRAFT THEATRE. ■■Romance of Rio Grande"' la being shown at tho Artcraft Theatre. Warner Baxter Man Duncan and Antonio Moreno have the leadnv roes this is a story of love and iealouw £ &«£*« jsrss^sr <z P esentations of M«Jcan scenery are: realistic and the production is excellent, rheie are good supports. v OUR THEATRE. .NEWTOWN.1' The Paramount all-talking production, "Half-way, to Heaven" is being shown at Our .Theatre do-night. Charles (Buddy) Rogers, 'comes into the limelight as a dnrins performer in a carnival troupe, in love with lovely Jean Arthur. Paul-Lukas is the third member of the triangle. Through assenes of excit nt, event? the romance of Miss Arthur and Buddy blossoms and fades and blossoms again in spite of the sinister menace of Litkas iinailv Buddy foils Lukas's attempt ou his lite and in a smashing climax.defeats Lukas and sends him from the show. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Woman to Woman," starring Betty Compson and George Barnaul, is playing an extended season at Shortt's 'Theatre. The story deals with an English officer who falls in love with a cafe dancer, but loses his memory and marries someone else. A child is born to his Parisian sweetheart, but he does not Qua out till years lato, which forms the climax of the film. The supports arc excellent, amongst them being a screaming farcecomedy featuring those inimitable comedians. Laurel and Hardy. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. A hilarious comedy, starrring Marie Dressier Polly Moran, and Anita Page, will screen to-night at the Kilbirnie Kinema. "Caught Short" Is the tale of two mothers running boardtnghouses plunging into Wall street stocks in an encleavour to make some money. Excellent sound featurettes will also be presented. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. A-good programme is being presented at the New Princess Theatre. ' The feature film 'is "They Learned About Women," starring Bessie Love and Van and Schenck. Also showing is a comedy, 'They Go Boom," and a Metrotone news reel. NEW QUALITY THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "On With the Show" will again be shown at the New Quality to-night. Tho story, written by a New York advertising man, shows the try-out performance of a musical comedy, "The Phantom Lover," being got ready for its Broadway opening." "The Divine Lady," with ,Corrinno Griffiths, commences ou Wednesday, j Seats may be reserved by ringing 21-304 before 6.30 p.m. BRITANNIA THEATRE. ■ "Women Everywhere" is (lie title of the leading picture at tho Britannia Theatre J. Harold Murray and Fifl Dorsay have the star parts. This is a story of tho Foreign Legion and there are some good scenes ot" life in Algiers. Fifl Dorsay and Murray sing a riumbcr of catchy songs There are good supports. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Maurice ■ Chevalier, who has achieved popularity on the screen in a remarkably short space of time, will he seen to-night at tho Capitol in "The Love Parade." Excellent short subjects will also be shown. Another special dance entertainment has been arranged, and. Miss K. Haire's pupils will be presented In an entertainment even superior to the previous presentation on the occasion of the Rugby Club benflt night. Box plans are now on view for to-morrow night. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. "The Case of Sergeant (Madia." which will be screened at the Seaside Pictures. Lyail Kay, to-morrow night, is adapted from this novel b.v Arnold Zweig. It is laid In a world war setting, but it is not a war picture There is not one scene of actual warfare. In a most dramatic way it describes the adventures of a peasant soldier, an honest simple soul, who is caught in the claws of.war. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. To-night at the Itcgal Theatre, Kartirl. will hfj screened the wonder picture of the year. "Journey's End." This is the musl vivid and spectacular story of the war, and most of the action takes placo In a dugout. The whole is unspoHcd by mock heroics or love stories. Tllero is another unusual flair in that not one woman Is in tho cast. It is a simple and natural story that defies description, and .challenges comparison. "Slecnjjig Partners" will be screened on Wednesday and Thursday. ORGAN RECITAL. ' Mr. Bernard F. Page (City Organist) gave his weekly organ recital at the Town Hall last evening. Tho programme was arranged as follows: —Minuet by Mul'fat, Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue In C Major by Bach, Andante (from String Quartet) • b.v Debussy, Prelude, Cantileue, Scherzaudo do Concert, by Piernc; Improvisation-Caprice Op. 37 (No. 2), I by .Tongen; and Finale in B Plat COu. 21), I by. Cesar J?ranck ; 1

MAJESTIC THEATRE. ' "Strictly Modern," tho eery pleasing alltalking attraction which Is being exhibited before large audiences at tho Majestic lhcatre. Is notable for the cheerful and entertaining airiness with which the plot unfolds Itself, llic story inspires a vast amount of quiet amusement and uproarious laughter, and In it Dorothy Mackaill,- an actress with a striding personality, achieves a wonderful success in every way The part she la cast for suits licr. and she does full justice to it. Tho legitimate stage actor, Sydney Blaekmcr. Is making his talking debut here In this lilrn, and playing opposite .Miss Mackaill, he docs some tine work. One of, the best played parts In a piece thai is well acted by every player in the cast Is the Judge Partlett of Warner Itichmond, which creates much hearty laughter. "Strictly Mod crn" is ingeniously constructed, and Is replete in situations that are pleasantly surprising. Preceding the main picture Is a series of short fcaturettes of diversified character, all are pleasing, and one In particular. 'Dave Drcyer" at 'the plona, is excellent. Box plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre. The star feature of next Friday's change of programme will bo John Kiirrymon: In Sir Charles Hawtrev's London comedy success, "Tinl Man from Ulauklers." GRAND OPERA HOUSE. ■ * The combination of tho stage and tho screen is tiruvim; a popular attraciiuii at ihe (Jraml Opera House. .Members of the versatile Humphrey Bishop Company are cuneiving their acquaintance with Wellington theatre-goers, and there could be no doubt of the warmth of the welcome accorded them and the pleasure which their performance gives. The programme ihoy present is well varied, and gws with a swing which eliminates dull imimunts entirely. Maurice Barling, the principal come dial) oi the company keeps his mr.ience amused with a number of sketches, his burlesque of Al Jolson singing 'Sonny Boy' being par ticuiarly droll. Arthur Uelinsloj 's alsn highly amusing In character sketches On the vocal side the company is also strung Walter Kingsiey is the possessor of a pleasing baritone, and his singing of "The Cobbler's Song" Is very effective. Other members ut the company all contribute successfully to tiie programme, which will bo repeated to-night. The main- picture presented is "A Dangerous Paradise,".an alluring story of the South Seas In which" Nancy Carroll takes the leading part Tho story is a gripping one, In which murdc/ and robbery, love and hato all play a part. Nancy Carroll appears fes Alma, the violinist in a low-down cabaret, and her performance is that of a finished artist. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Loose Ends" and "Not So Quiet on tho Western Front" are proving popular attractions at the De Luxe Theatre. "Loose Ends" Is a controversial and original film, full of excellent entertainment and some food for thought. Famous figures of the English stage.and screen, such as Owen Nares, Edna Best, Adrianno Allen, Miles Mauder, and Donald Calthorp. form the case. "Not So Quiet" is frankly an extravaganza with some music and more humour. Tho action takes place in a cafe in France, somewhere behind the lines, and there is a liberal supply of dancing. Following upon the great success of tho allBritish two-feature programme, "Loose Ends" and "Not So Quiet On tho Western Front," the management of . tho Do Luxe Theatre announces for Wednesday next 'an entertainment of similar calibre, quite the equal In quality and quantity, to that mentioned above. "Inside the Lines" and "Amateur Night In London" are the two forthcoming pronductlons which are confidently expected to repeat tho success of tho splendid British bill now being presented. From the first foot to the last fade-out, "Inside the Lines," Itadlo rictur.es' all-talking drama featuring Betty Coinpson is Interesting, thrilling; and entertaining, according to advance reports. It is not a war picture, but a story of espionage at Gibraltar during the World War. Hoy I'omeroy, the director, has succeeded ,ln making the intimation of war more powerful more pathetic, more gripping than the countless noisy and awe-Inspiring spectacles could. The story Is of two lovers German spies, who meet unexpectedly In the heart of the British fortifications at (iVt -altar They both have been charged with the task of blowing up the r.ibrnltar fleet. Miss Compson is supported by a cast of English stage and screen stars. The story is from the pen of Earl Dorr Biggers (author of "Behind That Curtain." The second feature is the all-British comedy-drama "Amateur Night in London," said to be a worthy successor in laughs and thrills to "Not' So Quiet on the Western Front." It has a talented company of British stage and screen stars. It deals with some of London's wouldbe 'talkie stars, and the hilarious results of a public "audition." Box plans are available at Bristol and Aitken's. EMPIRE THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. A splendid British all-talklns production. "Sleeping Partners." will be the main attraction at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story concerns a rich bachelor, who falls in love with a beautiful married woman, who. through a neglectful husband, is forced to* dine with a very enthusiastic admirer. Many complications, arise from this estrangement. A plensant air of mumour pervades the picture, which makes very good entertainment. A large cast Includes Seymour Hicks, Kdna Best. Lyn HardIng, and David Paget. An excellent supporting programme has been arranged. On Wednesday ami Thursday another British special. "Journey's End," will be screened. "CHEER UP." Encouraged by the successful result of its initial production recently of the revue "Look Who's Hero," the Wellington Musical Corned; and Dramatic Society is promptly before tho public again with an entirely new spectacle in the revue "Cheer Up." The revue will embody an ensemble of classical and ballet dancing, light comedy sketches, bright joyous tracking, and attractive musical numbers. As a special attraction the services have been secured of Chun 'Yuen Tal who will present a clever and novel turn of oriental magic and mystery. The dancing part of tho performance will com-, prise solo, duos, ballet, and classical numbers. A specialty will bo made of tho ballet, and patrons are assured of entirely new and clever turns. The comedy sketches have been judiciously selected, with a view to affording full scope for cleyer Interpretation. The society announces that It has made earnest efforts to produce a show which will effect what the title implies, and' help towards the dissemination of good" cheer and optimism in tho community. Kathryn Jlurie, Wanda Herbert, Robert Charlton, May Wilson, Alice Duthie, • Nancy Williams, Cyril Tlllcy, Jean Miller, and many other clever performers will take part. The whoje Is under the direction of Mr. David Devitt, whose mark in, this >fleld is already well known In Wellington. An efficient orchestra will be under the baton of Mr. Ashenden Harbord. The prices of admission are at a popular scale, and seats may be reserved at the Bristol Piano The show will open next Thursday evening at the Blue Triangle Theatre. Boulcott street, and will continue for two following nights. ' MUSIC AND MOVEMENT. There was a large and interested audience at tho Blue Triangle Hall on Saturday evening when the pupils of Miss Eileen Russell gave a demonstration of the fascinating art of cuhrythmlcs—or music translated Into movoment. Miss Russell explained that Professor Dalcrozo believed that to get perfection of enjoyment and expression in music the notation must be shown in -bodily movement. The purpose of euhrythmics was to show with the utmost grace and benefit to the pupil the music played. This was done excellently throughout the evening. In a demonstration by a group of children from six years of age to twelve, the value of each note of music was shown by the young ones, who were charmingly arrayed in short frocks of gold-coloured silk, barefoot, expressing with hands and feet the rear lisation of joy or other sentiment of the music. The performance was divided into exercises showing mood, time, and metrical accent, with exercises for attention, control, and rhythm. A number of graceful examples were given of tho minuet, movement to an old English round, and others. The older pupils gave a demonstration In the second half of the programme, and again grace' and freedom of movement were leading features. They gave examples of augmentation and diminution, dissociation, ' and combination of movement, also polyrhythm. simultaneous rhythm, and phrasing and conducting, leading up to frees work. There were a number of charming items, some being rhythmic sketches to Dalcroze's own compositions A Bach fugue which pleased so much that It received an encore. The' last item in a good programme showed a girl conducting the rest of the class through various movements . to music, the whole expressing the added charm a music lesson would receive, through such methods. Miss Russell, received a number of floral tributes at the conclusion of the entertainment. _______________