ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 138, 9 December 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

"On Approval," at the Kegent Theatre, is a picture of a type that makes a strong appeal to British audiences, not only because it Is a British production starring British actors, but also because of the peculiar difference between the typo of humour that brings the best response from a British audience, and that which proves most entertaining to Americans. The story, briefly, concerns two society couples of which the man in one Instance and the woman in the other are taught a few points about selfishness before they are accepted in marriage. Tom Walls, whoso ready tongue made so much capital out of "Rookery Nook." takes the leading role, the three other parts being taken by Winifred Shotter, Tvonne Araud, and Edmond Breon respectively. The supports include three songs by Madame Maria Kurenka, a comedy with many thrills starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, and a newsreel. "GRUMPY." Cyril Maude, the distinguished actor, makes his debut in pictures with the talking Paramount plcturisation of the famous play in which he has appeared all over the world. Many will remember "Grumpy" on the stage, and now many more thousands will enjoy this tale of a lovable, irascible old man who solved a mystery and helped along a budding romance. "Grumpy" will be presented for the first time in Wellington at .the Regent Theatre on Friday next. Cyril Maude is one of the greatest actors of the English stage. He has played in Australia, America, and England, but with the exception of one appearance in films some twelve years ago he has devoted his life to the stage. Paramount, and the invention of talking pictures, lured him from retirement, and he is said to have made a marvellous picture in "Grumpy." This story of an old man who hid an active brain behind an irascible, garrulous temper, and who solved n mystery and brought a romance to conclusion, is described as one of the best that lias ever been seen on the talking screen.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"Shooting Straight," the mala subject at the Paramount Theatre, is the story of a gangster who reforms arid proves that at heart he is possessed of excellent qualities that win not only.the admiration of the audience but also of a flue woman, who does much to bring about a happy ending to the play. The leading part is taken by Richard Dlx. As a reformed gangster, he achieves a wonderful success. Mary Lawlor, as the girl with whom he has fallen in love, acquits herself admirably In a difficult role. In addition to an excellent selection of news reel sound featurettes, there is a comedy in which a scries of pretty theatrical dancing displays is given.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

None can cavil at the fare submitted at the tion of which is the musical play, "Bride of the Regiment,", which reproduces "The Lady of the Rose," a Wellington stage success of some years ago. The picture is calculated to suit every taste. The story is decidedly interesting, the dressing and the mountings are exceptionally rich and in good taste, while the whole production is embellished by the use of technicolour. The music is good, and the vocal numbers demand trained singers with exceptional voices. The comedy in the piece Is supplied excellently by Lupino Lane, Ford Sterling, Louise Fazenda, Myrna Loy, and Claude Fleming. An excellent assortment of supporting films Is shown. One of these subjects, "The Question of To-day," is a one-act play which deals with the question of ladies' dresses, manners, find moruls of the moment. The box plans are at the Bristol, and also at the theatre after G p.m. For Friday next "The Lady Surrenders," an unusual play, is underlined for presentation. It will introduce for the first time in New Zealand Genevlevo Tobin, who is heralded as Ruth Chatterton's most serious rival.

KING'S THEATRE.

"The Loves of Kobert Burns," which is showing at the King's Theatre, has Joseph Sislop, England's leading tenor, at the head of the cast. The picture is not merely a biography, but a brilliant concoction of powerful drama, and all that Is lovely in the inspiring poems and lyrics of the most famous of Scottish poets and writers. Much of the action was filmed in Scotland at the actual places where Burns made history.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"A great play on the stage—an even greater picture on the screen—that is 'The Awful Truth,' a 100-psr-cent. dialogue attraction of supreme merit—the finest talking production of the season, starring the supremo dramatic figure of the day." Such Is the description applied to "The Awful Truth," which is screening at the Queen's Theatre. The. second feature is the new Pathe all-dialogue comedy of college life, "The Sophomore."

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

Recommended by the censor as being more suitable for adult audiences. "Flamo of Lore," which commences screening at the Artcraft Theatre., this . evening,. Js a'traffic sex drama with Russia as its locale. The acting of'tlio famous Anna May Wong in the principal role is said to be all that could be desired, and despite the peculiar setting of the story she rises superior to her material. Supporting players are John Langdou, George Schnell, Alona Goya, Fred Schwarz, and Percy StandIng. The story turns principally around the lust of a Russian grand duke, and outstanding .incidents Include massed revelry, interpolated Jewish humour, and songs from romantic leads. In other respects the picture is distinguished by floridly theatrical dialogue and good recording and sets, but apart from an: appealing portrayal by the star lead the acting:, is not particularly noteworthy.■■ The morii Acceptable scenes. In a somewhat sordid ■story,- are those depicting, the. • pretty Chinese Victim ■making pitiful overtures to the grand 'duke'for mercy for her'brother and herself. There'is a tragic cllmai ; when she takes a fatal draught..

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

George •Bancroft, In his newest starring Paramount' .' picture, "The Wolf of Wall Street;"? now, • showiDg at the Britannia Theatre, portrays a quick-thinking, quick'actin?, chance-taking plunger in the financial dealings of the 'Change Outwardly he Is Immaculate. Inwardly he Is cruel, shrewd, and utterly fearless, feared by all who know him.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

Ramon Ndvarro. dressed In the handsome uniform of a lieutenant of Napoleon Bonaparte, making his escape'from a firing squad; cllmbiDg into a beautiful young woman's boudoir in the dead of sight; masquerading as a footman; duelling his way to fame and fortune—' these are. Boma .of the exciting sequences of "Devil-May-Cave," now showing at Shortt-s Theatre. There Is also an excellent" comedy, "The Night Owl."

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI,

To-night at the Regal Theatre, Karori, a fine double feature programme will be presented in "The Racketeer," an intense story of love in high society and the dark underworld. .The second feature is- one of high entertainment value, being "This Thing Called Love," a story of marriage tangles."

EMPIRE.THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

"Clancy In Wall Street," an all-talking laughter special, starring Charles Murray, is screenlug at the Empire Theatre. The story is that of an Irish plumber who gets Into a series of uproarious escapades as a result of having invested his partner's money—as well as ' his owu—on the stock market. There is a good supporting programme. On Wednesday and Thursday a Universal special production, "The btorni," will bo screened.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

An attractive double-feature programme commences at the Capitol Theatre to-night. The first of these pictures is "Jazz Heaven " a new melody show featuring Sally O'Neill and Johnny Mack Brown.- "The Very Idea" the second feature, is a brilliant comedy adapted from the famous stage success. Frank Graven and Allen Kearns, who put in such splendid work In "Lovin'the Ladies." handle the comedy situations admirably. "The Vagabond King" will commence on Friday.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

"The"Girl Said-No,'' William Haincs's new Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer all-ta'lklng picture is being shown to-night at Our' Theatre. The story depicts Haines as. a young man who loves his father'and faces the world for himself and family—and the girl who won't love him. An all-talking comedy, songs, and band items are. included in the programme. :

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

The performance at • tho Seaside Pictures liynll Bay, to-night will be in aid of the Mnranul Surf Club, and the supporters of that club, their friends and those interested in tho progressiveness of Lyall Bay, are expected to turn up in large numbers. "Temple Tower," starring Kenneth Al'Kenna, and based on the latest "Bulldog Drummond" story by H. C. Jl'.N'eilc, will be screened, together with ■' excellent supports. Patrons are advised to telephoue or call at theatre and rcservo their seats.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

The central situation of "The Storm," to be presented this evening at the Kilbirnie Klnema, is dramatic to a degree. Two men, old friends, are penned up in a snow-bound cabin In the Canadian wilds with the girl whom both love. While death by starvation closes down upon all three, the love hunger In tho hearts of the men hourly brings each closer and closer to the other's throat.

"THE IMPOKTANCE OF BEING EARNEST."

To-night at the T.W.C.A. Hall, Boulcott street, the National Itepertory Theatre Society will commence a five nights' season of Oscar Wilde's farce, "The Importance of Being Earnest." The "London Mercury" says of the revival in London: "Sooner •or later Oscar will get you and you will roll about in your scat as uncontrollably as anyone else. It is still about eighteen , limes as witty as any play that lias >l)cen written since." Everything points to n successful performance to-night.. Tho final rehearsals have cone smoothly, and liavc.shown .that the cast is well suited to tho Misses'Loi>isc'Hall, ifazel -Wells, Beryl Earle, Kthel Oldbury-.lones, and Messrs. A. I). Priesticy, -Tohn Bown, Barton Ginger. J. H. Herd, and booked seats are strongly advised to. do bo, as the plans -.are filling.riipldly. .The box.plans are now open to ths-public at tho: BriEtol.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

. There ,Is liberal melodrama in "Lawful Larceny," the film which features Bebo Daniels In a battle of feminine wits and charm at the De Luxe Theatre. It is a somewhat older Bebe than the sunny little girl of years ago, and she acts Intensely. Husband, home, and. baby she sets out to defend against one of those modern vampires whom so few of us ever meet, and who prey upon mankind lawfully enough but with no saving qualities of humour or kindliness.1. There is a lengthy supporting programme, including a Fox Movietone, a "Summer Harmonies" Cartoon, a Fowler Studios Revue,- and an English News Special. Mr. Paul Cullen plaj's selections on the Wurlitzer.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

The newspaper tragi-comedy, "In the Headlines," is snowing to big attendances at the Majestic Theatre. This play, with its atmosphere of murder and intrigue, appeals very strongly, to the public, for Just as it is full of dramatic moments, it also possesses comic relief in the shape of laughter-creating dialogue and episodes, and in addition It forces the audience to do some rapid thinking, so that there. Is no time for dullness while the film is unfolding. Grant Withers plays effectivelyl: as the reporter who elucidates the mystery, and Marian Nixon as a press-woman does everything necessary as the leading lady of the piece. The short subjects shown in the first part of the programme are good, and the English Pathe Gazette contains matter above the average. The box plans are at the Bris T tol and also at the theatre. For Friday, next the main feature of the change of programme will'be "The Midnight Mystery," with .Betty Compson, Hugh Trevor, Lowell- Sherman, and a strong supporting cast. ".■■-. -...-.■■■

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK."

Great enthusiasm and many "curtains" showed the approval of a very large audience atL the: Grarfd. Opera. House last- night, when the "Belle of New York" was again produced. It 'was plain that the favourite of nearly thirty years ago still holds Its own gallantly and successfully. The bright music, the everdelightful "Of Course You Can Never be Like Us," and other tuneful melodies, were received with immense approval,-and at the conclusion the audience and performers sang the National Anthem together as a fitting conclusion to a fine play according to British traditions. Miss Romola Hanaen as the fascinating little Salvation Army lassie, and later as the wouldbe "vamp," was a thorough success, while Sidney! Burchall was one of the "bright young people" of the day with equal pleasure to the audience. Mr. Leslie Holland as Ichahod Bronson was enthusiastically received, and made a fine part still finer. The • song and dance pair, Jim Gerald and Amy Rochelle, kept their part, going with great success, and received many encores, while Don Nlcol. Dulcio Davenport, Miriam Lester, Sidney Wheeler, Leslie Donaghey, and Cecil Pawley were all excellent in their parts, the whole company doing excellent work.' The . scenery and frockIng are both' good, and the orchestral work Is also commendable. The play will bo produced again this evening.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

An attractive programme has been drawn up for presentation at. a special concert In aid of the Mayor's Unemployment and Christmas Relief Fund at the Town Hall on Tuesday, 16th December. The fact that the Wellington Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mr, Leon: de Mauny. is to provide tlie greater part of *flo evening's programme should be sufficient of itself to ensure a ' large attendance, and consequent substantial augmentation of the fund, but there are also to he items by twoi of Wellington's foremost vocalists, Mrs. Wilfred Andrews and Slgnor Luclen Cesaronl. The orchestral numbers will include "William Toll" Overture, the first movement of the- Unfinished Symphony, the "Faust" . Ballet Music, and Elgar's "Pomp qnd Circumstance" March. Mrs. Andrews will sing "Avo Maria" (Bach-Gounod), with Mr. Bernard Pago at the organ, and Slgnor Cesaronl will give "King ■ Solomon's Mines." Reserves may be booked at the Bristol.