ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 126, 25 November 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

\ REGENT THEATRE. ' William Somerset Maugham's book •"J'lie Circle," has been long tii reaching, tho screca, but It is now presented under tlio title, "Strictly Uncouventinal," nnd Is appearing daily at Kegent 'Theatre. "Tho Circle" la bused on I lie human weakness to allow the heart to ruu away with the head, and tho .■■tragic experiences of a wife who runs away with '.another man does nol deter another llilrl.v . , years/Afterwards-from doing the =;une thing. . Tho author has unfolded bis olui nlilvc'ramatle artistry, bis characters are very real, ■■'. and; Mb. dialogue always smart ■unl pointed. .is the young wife who refuses-to I't-liove (hut her experiences will be the sanie aa tn-r mother-in-law's wcro three decades before, Catherine Dale Owen,, an English actress, does convincing work, and*a good character study of her fotrisb husband iis given by Trycli Dot Jos. I'aul Cavauagh. Ernest Torrcnce, Alison Slripworth, i'ltd LevJs Stone are also in the-cast. Among Ilio supporting picture!! is a real "thriller" entitled "The Message." 11 is excellently' st:<;;?d. A number of clever children do mjuio clever dancing! in "Baby Follies." The programme also includes good, supports. 1 PARAMOUNT THEATRE. : ; licit ■;-Wheler and ltobert Woolsley have;, ...already.- .appeared beforo Wellington /udlerices in the fle3h, •as the merrymakers in tho musical coincdy "I!io Kita," and all who appreciated their drolleries in that piece will welcome the opportunity of laughing, again at, and with the ill-assorted pair of humorists in "The Cuckoos," ivfcich is enjoying an .extended season at the Paramount Theatre ■-' Tho plot in some • respects resembles that of "Bio Blta," the action taking place in Mexico. : Intermingled with plenty of s cgirritlanteta ; Intermingled with plenty of stirring action there is a big supply of catchy songs, smart dialogue and large-scale- ballet dancing^ One of the strongest, points of. the picture is that the Interest of.the audience is never allowed to Oag. In addition to the two comedians named there are in the east Hugh Trevor, Juno Clyde, Dorothy Lee, and' Jobyna Howland: In support . of the big picture ..there , are ' two news reels and a comedy, ' . . : Dorothy Jfackaill, Hilton Sills, Kenneth SlacKenna, and Sharon Lynn will appear to advantage in the leading Voles of "Man' Trouble," a Fox Movietone all-talking romantic drama, which will open at the Paramount Theatre on Friday. They arc ably supported by a cast of screen notables that includes Itoseoc Karris, , Oscar Apfel. James Bradbury, ,lm\, Harvey Clark, lSdythc Chapman, and Lew Ilsirvisy. The . .. story deals' with' the struggles' of. a young, man -I and v a beautiful girl, w.ho, after they have, fallen In love,.discover .themselves menaced by a night club-owner who has a. claim upon tho girl. Aided by circumstance, they outwit the tyrant and are free to continue their romance. The picture is adapted from one of Ben Ames Williams's stories. .The box plans are available at The Bristol and at the theatre, telephone 21-542. . ' -. '' ~'■ ST.' JAMES THEATRE. Large audiences throughout Saturday showed their approval of "A Show Girl in Hollywood," a'talking, singing, > dancing, and dramatic attraction now' showing at St. James ■ Theatre.'. There is" an atmosphere of truth1 and sincerity about this story which suggests that It was taken from actual f3ct. The re-sult-is that the interest of tho audience is captured at the outset and held to tho end of the film. There Is some excellent acting. Uuusually good characterisations arc given by Ford Sterling, tho ever-reliable John Miljan, as the polished scoundrel of the. piece, Blanche Sweet, Alice' White, and popular Jack Mulhall, as tho hero.' The theme-song, "There is a Tear for Every Smile," is-tuneful and likely to become popular, as .also are other incidental . vocal numbers. The ballet work is far above average. The action of tho play works up to the "Rainbow Climax." Box plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre. . *On Friday next Clara Bow's latest and highly spoken of Paramount picture, "Lovo Among the Millionaires," will be shown for the first time in New Zealand. It is a Paramount Studio talking attraction with Clara Bow at the head of what the producers claim to be "the most efficient cast of actors and actresses in- their respectivo roles that has ' ever been assembled in one picture; there is not a weak link in tho strong and long chain." After the release in America of "Love Among the Millionaires" the Press unanimously proclaimed "tho transformation of Clara Bow —a comparatively different Clara and an artist who how reveals dramatic, emotional, and high-class, eonfcdie ability which had been hitherto unsuspected and. presents a performance that will astound even her greatest admirers." '■ Little Mitzi Green receives a splendid boost from the1 . pen of-"Harrison,, the'harshest of ■*American critics,' who writes: "Mitzi Green's amazing acting Ills her to stand forth aud justly claim star status, side by side with any adult actress on the screen." Stanley Smith,' Skeets Gallagher. Stewart Erwin, Charles Sellou, Claude King, and Barbara Bennett arc all credited with acting of the highest order. -"Love Among the Millionaires" Is evidently something far above the ordinary,. Box'plans, are at the Bristol. KING'S THEATRE. A story which concerns the flirtations of a beautiful'girl, Mbna Marls,-Is "The Gay Caballero," a Fox 'Movietone, musical romance at the icing'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-.-->Blad ..: Kiss." '■„ Several' of tho songs are typically Spanish, and' tannot* but fail to appeal/ They include, "One Mad-, Kiss,"i "Behind too ..'Mask/-' and; "Oh 1 .Where Are You." Others ' in the cast iucludo'i.Antouio Moreno and < Tom Patricola. - ;■.:■ :'■)';■'-.'•" .' •' ■"'■;":"' ' ayEEN'STHEATRE. : ; One of ' the ' most dramatic and engrossing pictures which; have cpme. to Wellington for a long time is,"The-Trial of Mary Dugan," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer release, which is ' being screened at the Queen's Theatre' for a return season.. Drama, humour, and thrills uro cleverly interwoven In the production of -this dim. Tho picture Is ".an all-dialogue screen version of Bayard Veiller's.stage- success. vHch ran for more than a year on Broadway. Directed by .Velll'er hthisclfi the tllm retains all ot the elements that- made the drama; a worldwide hit. It is, a stirring and exciting picture. Noriua Shearer.has. the title role; and !s supported by Lewis Stone, H. B. Warner, and I.iiyniond: Hackett, ;- There: is an excellent supporting/programme; ;;:: : ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Sunny Siflo' Up." described as "the screen's first original all-talking, singing.- dancing, musical comedy." will commenco at the Artcraft Theatre to-night. -The principals arc .the popular pair Janet Gayrior and Cimrles Farrell, for whom "Sunny Side Up" was specially writ-, ten.by do Sylva. Brown, and Heudprson, Broadway's .most,, successful writers -Of, . musical comedies, it. is worth recalling, as testimony to the excellence of the current attraction: that the same stars* appeared in ""Seventh Heaven, and "Tlie,Street Angel." They sing delightfully. Jau'ct G.iynor, chief solo, in "I'm a Dreamer, Aren't .-We -All." -and the. duet' "If I Had. a Talking" Picture of You" is a high spot-in the coniedy.: The "Turn On the Heat number .sung by'Sharon. Lynn and staged by Seymour Felix with trick pictorial effects is described as "a production in itself." The management offers an excellent supporting; programme. , , ' •; OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.. • the : Paramount all-talking production, "Half-way to" Heaven"-is being shown at Our Theatre- to-night. Charles (Buddy) Rogers comes into the limelight as a daring performer in a carnival troupe, in love with lovely Jean Arthur. Paul'Lukas Is the third member of: tho' triangle. Through a series of exciting events'tlie romance of MISs Arthur and Buddy blossoms and fades and. , blossoms again in spite of the sinister menace of Lukas.. Finally Buddy foils Lulcas's attempt on his life and in-a smashing climax defeats Lukas and jsends him from the show. . \ SHORTT'S THEATRE. ( "Woman to 'Woman," starring Betty Compson and G'eorgo Barraud, is playing an cxi tended 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 docs not find out till years late, which forms the climax of ' the- film. The supports are excellent, amongst them being a screaming farcecoraody featuring those Inimitable comedians, Laurel and Hardy. ~ , .". " . EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A splendid British all-talking production, "Sleeping Partners," will he the main attraction at the Empire Theatre to-night. The-story concerns a rich bachelor, who falls in lovo ■V/ith 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 large cast includes Seymour Hicks, F-ilna Best, Lyn, Hai-dine, and David. I'aget. To-morrow and Thursday another British special, "Journey's End," will be screened. ' . ' REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.. ■ To-night at the P.ogal ■ Theatre. Karon, will bo screened tho wonder picture of tho year, "Journey's End.", This is the most vivid and spectacular story of: the'war; and most of the action takes place, in a dugout.. The wholo is unspoiled by. mock heroics or love stories. There Is another unusual flair in that not one woman is in the cast. It is a simple and natural story that defies description, and challenges comparison. "Sleeping Partners" will be screened on Wednesday and Thursday. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. : "The Vagabond King,"the .Paramount allcolour, all-talking picture, la to be. shown at Our Theatre to-night. The caFt is headed by. liennis King and .Teanette M'Donakl. Dennis King plays tho part of the romantic poet rowdy, Francois Villon—tho vagabond who consorted with the thieves and .ruffians of hb beloved Paris In the fifteenth century and who wrote, between crimes, snmo of tlie most beautiful -poetry of all time. There arc cm:cl--lciit supports. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. ■A good programme is bplug■'■presented at the New., Princess Theatre. Tho feature Qltn is "They Learned About Women," .starring Besslo Lovo .and Van and Schenck. Also showing Is a, ■ comedy, "They Go Boom," aud a Mctrotono news reel

DE LUXE THEATRE. "Loose Eiids" and "Not So Quid ou the Western Front" will be shown for the last time to-night at the De Luxe Theatre. ■ Following'upon tho great success of this "ll- ■ British two-feature programme .the -management announces for tlio week commencing tomorrow night air entertainment of similar calibre. nuttc the equal In quality and quantity to that mentioned above. "Inside the Lines" and "Amateur Night in London" are the two forthcoming productions -which arc confidently expected to repeat the success of the splendid Ifr'tisli bill vow being presented. From the'first- foot fo the lust fudo-out; "Inside tile Lines." Radio Pictures' all-talking drama featuring Betty I Compsoa is interesting, Ihrllliug, and ..entertaining, according to advance reports It is ! iiol- a- wnr picture, but a stwy ol' espionage at Gibraltar during the World War. Ito.v, Pomeroy, ■ the director, has succeeded in nialit Ing the Intimation of vrar moro powerful more pathetic, moro gripping than tho countless noisy .me) awe-inspiring spoctacles could. The story is of two lovers German spies, who meet ! unexpectedly In the heart of the British fortlincatloos at • Cii»raltar. They both have bcra charged with the task of blowing up the i.lbraltar fleet. Miss Compson is supported t>v a cast of English .stage and screen stars." I he story is from the pen of Karl Dnrr ISljjgcw (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 is reported to be another "straight from London laughter riot," and deals with some of London s would-be talkie and stage stars, and the hilarious results'of a public "audition." A particularly fine cast includes some-of England s foremost stage and screen "headllners . suen as' Billy Caryll, Duncan and' Godfrey. Charlie and Billy Rego. Jessie Hitter. Harry Kodgers, Archie M'Caig. Don and Luis, and the Plaza Boys. Box plans are available at Bristol and Aitken's. . . . MAJESTIC .THEATRE. The presentation at the Majestic Theatre of the current attraction "Strictly Modern," Won the approval of large audiences on Saturday. Them Is distinct dramatic value in this smart play, yet tho more tense momenta are overshadowed by diverting comedy dialogue and situations which are very much to • the tasto of patrons judging by the hearty laughter and applause which rewarded the unfolding. The smart story tells of an authoress who creates IdcaJ characters in her stories and endeavours to'induce her friends in real life to live up to them. ■;: She does not succeed in achieving this; l>iit she does bring about a scries of complications of a highly, cxnitlnc and very comical nature that make excellent '.entertainment. Every mo'mber of the cast shows to advantage, but the honours rest with Dorothy Miickaill. who- i« admirable in (lie stellar role: Sydney Blackmar. as the leading man: Warner Kichmoud, who is responsible for much fun and laughter;. Julian Johnston, Micky Bennett, and Catherine Clairo Ward. Five pleasing short subjects,well 'diversified as, to character, comprise the "first part" and round oil'tho satisfactoryi programme. . Tho noteworthy chief feature of next Friday' 3 change of programme will be Sir Charles Hawtrey's big London comedy success, "The Man from Blankley's," with John Barrymore in the star vole of "Lord Sfrafhpeffer." Eos plans are at the Bristol and also at. the theatre. ... .GRAND OPERA HOUSE. The combination of the stage and the screen Is proving a popular attraction ut the Grand Opera House. . Members of the versatile Humphrey Bishop Company are renewing their acquaintance with Wellington theatre-goers, and there could be no doubt of the warmth of the welcome accorded them and tho pleasure which their performance gives. The programme they present is well varied, and goes with' a swing which eliminates dull moments 'entirely. Maurice Barling, the principal comedian of the company.- keeps his audience amused with a number of,, sketches, his burlesque' of AI Jolson singing "Sonny Boy" being particularly droll. Arthur Helmsley is also highly amusing In character sketches. On < the vocal side the company is also strong Walter Kingsley Is the possessor of a pleasing Baritone, and his singing of "The Cobbler's Song" Is very effective. ■ Other 'members of 'the company all . contribute successfully to the 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 tho leading,part, appearing as the violinist in a low-down cabaret. Her performance is that of a -'finished artist. ;,; '■■■•-.--■ SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. "The Case of Sergeant Grischa," to be screened a.tt the Seaside Pictures, Lyallßsy, to-night is adapted from the ..novel by Art.old Zwelg, and describes Ihe adventures of a peasant soldier, who is caught in the claws of war when lie tries to escape from a prison camp to return to his home Although the picture has a world war setting, there is-not a single war scene. Chester , Morris, Botty Compsou, and Alex .Francis, are the featured players; Scats-may-.-be-reserved -by .telephone. X CAPITOL. THEATRE. MIRAMAR. ; v A special programme will be offered'-at-"the1 Capitol to-night. Miss Kathleen Itaire'S daiieing pupils-, who it will be remembered .ware presented on the occasion of tho nimby1' Club.*: benefit night, ■■ wlir.agiiiri' berseen-lrf another splendid dance entertainment. -On the screen Uudy : Vallee, the, popular; American .radio iStar. will be-seen in a° pleasant muslca) "romance entitled "The Vagabond ':' Lover." .*, To-morrow night short" talkie subjects will replacu the danclne-: ;■' ■ , ..' ■■, .-'..■" .. •.-,. - "."." -■;,^;^:.^;r.S/RECITAL:>:'BY^STubENTS. .-' ! -^U .-;.Tlio, history ■,'of-\philqlogy,i;is: for the greater part-'the^hlstory 'of:,-tlid.:;;mutatioD of language through .the ■'.llp-Aziness;! of, the people. At the present;-,time\'tlils;.'tendency,<.;Js'. helping to • de-' strpy";.the purity and the .virility pfithe spoken word,, and 'any effort- to,'-.cl'iech., slovenliness ,of speech without agoing ■_■ to;'i)iii,!iother'. cxtremo— afl'ectatlou—must comineniTitSplf to every lover of. his mother tongire.KThe-tSsk of \t\w elocution Iteacher lies.aloiig''t!jese rlines, and he-can also:do further service by - teaching his students to appreciate'.',and- understand the works that have made. the. latlgiiaxe -what it is. Unfortunately there is" v. tendency among elocutionists^ —as there : isVamong visiting pianists —to confine their-..'activities ..to ' a few stock pieces which are trotted .out every year. And some of these, pieces .to •begin with are not wort]) Hie time, wasted In": memorising them. Tills was apparent^-though 'not wholly so— at the recital presented. by Mr. Clement May's pupils at the Concert.. Chamber hist, night. Stock scenes froin'.Tiickens;:'some of those "humorous" musical monologues, and a few contributions from ."pur1-1 old. friend . Anon were fortunately relieved "by .A.1 A. Milne—noLlilng could.be more suitable"1 for. children—Drinkwater, and Barrie., Shakespeare rightly found a place-on> the iprogramme, but not a 4 single work by a .poet laureate,; for example, was in: eluded among the Items., Would It not he better to 'drop'.;6n'e..or<. : hy0.,,0f the "old favourites" for a'b'ca'r';-"dr two;'.. and turn to something more . inspiring. . more majestic, and more beautiful? Perhaps the outstanding performance in last evening's entertainment was the scene from "Lord Fauntleroy," in which Mr. May, as the crusty old. Earl of Tlorincourt, was assisted by Miss Irene Nelson,- who. played the part of the young Lord very naturally. Another natural performance-was Miss Edith Hind's 'beautifully spoken "The Crowning .of Dreaming John,',' by John Drlnkwater. Miss Audrey May gave a-pretty conception of Barries "Peter Pan," and a' sceno from "Macbeth" ' was well visualised by Mr; John Storr and Miss Madge Thomas. There.were one'or two touches, inva ■ scene'--from "Julius Caesar," in Which the- audience was greeted with a bearded .Marc Antony in a red and white toga. The make-up might have served for Caesar's ghost. . Mr. F. C. Pears made^an excellent Cassius, and. Mr. 8.. Cahill sustained the role of the gentle Brutus, but :Mr. W. .1. Mount.joy made ,too much: use; of tho "sobstuff" to be effective, as; Antony. The of her items of tho programme included: A. A. Milne's "Disobedience" ■ and "Christopher Itobin" by four girls; "Madame Defargc," by Miss Madge Thomas; "The. Girl -on the-Stairs." Master Ttolwrt Cheyne: "Dolly Yarden,"' .Miss Iris Austin: "Girls," Master Jack Williams; "And Yet I .Don't Know .".Miss Betty Day; "Nancy,' Miss Margaret O'Halloran ;' scene from "David Copperflcld."'Misses: Aiiiiie Mitchell and M.iv.ioric Elliott;. "The Umpteen Serial Stocy," Mr. John Watchman ; "Not Tjiiderstood," iMr. Errol M.itir; "ITer Day Out." Miss'Tul'Hall: "Do You Itemember?" and ""-Tea in the Garden," Miss Kvelyn .-Goldsmith:'. "Fagari." jrastcr Ccdrfc. Muir. Mr.R. Trewern, a tenor, sang "Vcsti la f.'uibba.'' from Leoncavallo's 'Tagllaeoi." and as an encore La donna c ..mobile, from Yerdl's "Jtigoletto." The. accompaniments were efficiently played' by .\Mr. H. Brusey. :■■.;, ,; '■'.;':;'' ' "CHEER; UP." .■■ : . At the Blue. Triangle .Hall, Boulcott street, on Thursday,, Friday, and Saturday--next,, tho Wellliigtpu Musicali , Comedy and .Dramatic Society is fo stage the revue "Cheer Lp. Encouraged.by its,success in a recent similar type of performance, the society hopes that the forthcoming entertainment will be even better than the preceding one. .The revue "Cheer Up't.wilLconsis.t of classical ami ballet dancing of a very high order, melodious musical- numbers, and light dramatic sketches. In addition,' the society- has. secured.-the services of-Chun--Yuen-Tai, who will present a clever aud novel turn of Oriental magic and mystery. A strong jnixed chorus will be one of. the fea-tures-of the show, as will also be the ballet of well-trained, perforihers. The dressing will be of a sumptuous and colourful nature, while special attention is being, given to the scenic effects. A number which will appeal particularly'ln this respect „ will be the act. "A Day] In China Town." The society believes that this type of living show is coming into Its own ■ again, "and- is;, anxious to. make the best Impression upon the public. An efficient -orch- j estra will be under the baton of Mr. Ashen- j don Harbord; and for those whose tastes run in- a- dramatic direction, there will be Interspersed light comedy sketches of an attractive nature. The whole Is under the direction of Mr David Devltt; whose work in this direction Is already well and favourably known'to the Wellington public. The prices aro moderate, and seats nlay.be reserved at tho Bristol Piano Company. SONATA RECITAL. On Friday evening next' a re'-ital will be given in the Concert Chamber, Town llali.by Mr. Leon de Mutiny (violin), and Mr. Vieriiard F. Pago (piano). Three sonatas will bo performed, the' Handel in D Major, the Ropartz In D Minor, and the Lckcu in G Major. The proceeds'of the recital .will be given to the I'orirua Mental Hospital Uadir) Fund. Hesorvel seats can be booked at the Bristol Fiauo Company (free of tax), Is, unreserved at the door, 2a. ■ • ,

KILBIRNIA KINEMA. Trapped in a crippled submarine 05 .feet below the surface—with' water slowly entering through an inaccessible leak, and the torpedo iubes, the only- avenues of escape, fouled by the collision which sent the vessel to the' bottom—is (lie .perilous situation confronting the players in "The Adventures of 513," now 'attracting audiences to the Kiibiruio Klncinu.' NEW QUALITY THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. "On With the Show" (vlll acalu be shown at ■the New (Juality .to-night.' The story, written by a New..York advertising rmin, shows tin; try-out performance of a.'musical comedy, "The Phantom Lover," being got''ready for its Bruneiway op.enJ.uLt ."The Divlno Lady." with Corrhine .Ciciffitlia. commences. ,on Wednesday. Scats may, be reserved b.v rliidus 'Jl-li'J-J before |U.oO p.m. I , "'"■''.'■ ' / BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Women Everywhere", is the title of the leading picture at. the Britannia' Theatre. J, Uuruld' Miirra'y and Flfl Uorsd.v'have the star parts. Thts :is a story, of Ihc''Foreign Legion and there are some sood- scenes of life in Algiers. Kifl Dorsay ""fJ .Murray sins a oumber of catchy. songs. There are ilooii supports.