ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 139, 10 December 1930, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. The distinguished singing slurs oC legitimate opera, Vivl en.no Segal, Walter Pidgeou, and / Allan Prior, In combination .with the four star comedians, Lupino Lane, Ford Sterling, Louise Fazcnd;], anil Myrnn Loy, have won the favour of large audiences during the week at the St. James Thea'" ia the gorgeously coloured reproduction of the musical play, ".Bride <■£ the -Regiment." the dual screening of which will take place to-morrow evening. Sir Benjamin and John Fuller will present at the St. James Theatre, commencing on Friday at the early matinee session, "A Lady Surrerid.ers." In this picture tho first appearance is made of the celebrated legitimate stage star, Genevlevc Tobin, who, according to the Amercian journal "Variety," challenges comparison with the popular Ruth Chatlerlon. Miss Xobin's position on the legitimate, stage in America is unassailable. She made a great success in the loading role _ln "Fifty Million Hhe made her first appearance as a child actress at the age of 10 years at .Now York City in 'Toma'udcr Walk." "A. Ludy Surrenders" is an intriguing story bused on John Krskiiio's book, "Sincerity."' A (Sue cast of players supporting Miss Tobin in the screen version includes Conrad Kagel, liose llobaTt, Cavmel Myers, Basil Rathbone, Franklyn Pangborne, and Vivian Oakland. Special featurett.es. well diversified, will precede the screening of tho stellar attraction. Soats may be reserved at the Bristol or at the theatre after 6 p.m. . REGENT THEATRE. "On Approval," at the Regent 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 tho peculiar difference between the "typo of humour that brings the best response from a British audience, and that which proves most entertaining to Americans. Tom Walls, whose ready tongue raado so much capital out, of "Rookery Nook," takes the leading role, the three other parts being taken by ■Winifred Shottcr. Yvonne Arnaud, and Ldraond Breon respectively. "GRUMPY." Cyril Maude, the distinguished actor, makes liis debut in pictures with the talking Paramount plcturlsalion of the famous play In - which lie has appeared all over the world. Many will remember "Grumpy" on the stage, and now many more thousands will enjoy this talo of a. lovable, irascible old man who solv- : ed a mystery and lielped along a budding ro- : mance. "Grumpy" will be presented for the ■ first time in Wellington at the Regent Theatre on Friday ■ nest. Cyril Maude, is one of the greatest actors of the English stage. He has played iv Australia, America, and England, lmt 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 iv ■"Grumpy." This story of an old man who hid an active brain behind an irascible, garrulous temper, and who solved a mystery and brought a romance to conclusion, is described as one of the best that has ever been seen on the talking screen. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Shooting Straight," Ihe. main subject at the Paramount Theatre, is the story of a gangster who reforms and proves that at heart he is possessed of excellent qualities that vviu not only tho admiration of the audience, but also of a fine woman, who does much to bring about a happy ending to the play. . The leading part Is taken by Kit-hard Ulx. Mary , Lawlor acquits herself admirably in a difficult role. There is a comedy in which a series ' of pretty theatrical dancing displays is given, and other good supports. Zane Grey's thrilling, romantic West is brought- vividly to the all-talking screen in - Paraniomit's latest grippiug drama of the outdoors "The Border Legion," which opens at the Paramount Theatre on Friday. Richard Arlen is tho hero of the story; Fay Wray is the heroine, and Jack Holt, the beloved portrayer of Zane Grey Western roles, is the leader of a daring robber band.' Arlen has the role of Jim Clevc, a young cowboy who, through the operation of frontier justice, is forced to become a member of Jack Holt s ruthless group of desperadoes. Fay Wray has the only important woman role in the story. The plot, set in the riotous gold-rush days In California, is a man-plot, a story of virile and stirring action, into which Miss Wray introduces a glowing touch of love and romance. KING'S THEATRE. "The Loves of Robert Burns," which is showing at the King's Theatre, has Joseph ' «islop, England's leading tenor, at tho head of the cast. The picture is not merely a biography, but a brilliant concoction of power- '■ fill drama, and all that is lovely in the inspiring poems and lyrics of tho most famous of Scottish poels and writers. Much of the action was filmed in Scotland at the actual places where Burns made history. QUEENS THEATRE. "A great pia.v on the stage—an even urcsier picture on the screen—(hat is 'The Awful .Truth," a 100-per-cent." dialogue attraction ot supreme merit —the finest talking production of tho season, starring, tho supremo dramatic figuro of the day." Such is tho description applied to "The Awful Truth," which is screening at the Queen's Theatre. The' second feature Is the new Paths all-dialogue comedy of collego life, "The Sophomore." ARTCRAFT THEATRE. Recommended by the censor as being more suitable for adult audiences, "Flame of Love," ■ at the Artcraft Theatre, Is a tragic sex drama with Russia as its locale. The acting of the famous Anna May Wong in the principal role is all that could be desired, and'despite the peculiar setting of the story she rises superior to her material. The story turns principally around the lust of a Russian, grand duke, and outstanding incidents include massed revelry, interpolated Jewish humour, und songs from romantic leads. The more acceptable scenes in a somewhat sordid story are those depicting the ■ pretty Chincso victim making pitiful overtures i to the grand duke for mercy for her brother " -and herself. There Is a tragic climax when she takes a fatal draught. BRITANNIA THEATRE. George Bancroft, in his newest, starring Paramount picture, "The Wolf of Wall Street," now showing at the Britannia , : Theatre, portrays a quick-thinking, quickacting, chance-taking plunger iv. the financial dealings of tho 'Change.. Outwardly ha is immaculate. Inwardly ho Is cruel, shrewd, tnd . utterly fearless, feared by all who know him. SHORTT'S THEATRE. • Ramon Novarro, dressed iv the handsome uniform of a- lieutenant of Napoleon Bonaparte, making bis escape from si firing squad; climbing into a beautiful young woman's boudoir in tho dead of night; masquerading as a foot- :. man; duelling his way to fame and fortune— theso ore some of the exciting sequences of "Devil-May-Care," now showing at Shortt's : Theatre. There Is also an excellent comedy, : "The' Night Owl." KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "One Romantic Night" will be screened at the : Kilblrnie Kinema to-night. This picture is • Lillian Gish's first serious work for some time, I 'and brings the charming screen heroine of "The ■j liirth of a Nation," "Way Down East," ".Broken ■ Blossoms," "Intolerance," and "Hearts of the 1 World," back in a talking picture worthy of ' her talents. Reservations may be obtained at I the Bristol Piano Co., or by telephoning the theatre, 11-202. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "The Girl Said No," William Huines's new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer all-talking picture, will be 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 tho girl who won't love him. An all-talking comedy, songs, and band : items arc included in the programme. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Jazz Heaven" and "The Very Idea," 'the double feature programme which was screened at the Capitol last night, will be again presented this evening and to-morrow night. On Friday the all-talking, all-colour version of "If I Wern King," will be shown under the title of "The Vagabond King." Dennis King stars In the part, he played on the stage. .Teanette Mac Donald. the heroine of "the Lovo Parade," plays opposite, and Lilian Koth, who also appeared in that picture, lias n. larffii part. Plans are now open at the theatre. I REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Clancy in Wall Street," an all-talking comedy, dealing with the spectacular "crash" of October last year, Is a picture of outstanding merit. Clancy, played by Charlie Murray, Is made to buy somu pipe stock, much to his Scottish partner's, disgust. He makes a small fortune, however, and is indeed ,i gilded peacock. iU'lntosh, the partner, Is played by Luclaii Littloflisld. and is supported by Aggie Herring, Miriam Scrgar, and Edward. Mugel. A programme of supporting subjects Includes a cartoon, a. Sporting Youth, and News Reel. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "The Storm," a "Universal special production, will be screened at the Empire Theat.ro tonight. Through force of circumstances two men, one a stalwart son of the backwoods, the other a polished product of the cities, are imprisoned with a beauti'ul French-Canadian girl In a snow-bound cabin. Both desiro her, each in his own way. How the problem is solved makes a. most dramatic picture. Tho cast includes Lupe Velez, William Boyu, and Paul Cavanagh. An excellent supporting programme has been arranged. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's production, "The Ship from Shanghai," is the main attraction to be screened on Friday and Saturday. An excellent progranimo has been arranged for Saturday afternoon. RADIO-GRAMOPHONE RECITAL. After a ctinsldcr.iblo Interval Ernest. Tiawson, Ltd., will on Saturday, evening next, the 13th December, present another of their popular recitals in the Concert Chamber. This recital has been arranged especially to demonstrate the .mi "Hts Master's Voice," r.idio-zramophono combination which has just arrived in Xew Zealand. A special feature of Ihe evening will be a demonstration of the home-recording device, by means of which records can be made and reproduced at, once. An enjoyable evening is assured, for all vho attend this recital. Adr.risston Will be free, and seals may be reserved at ".Eeriest Dawson, Ltd,, 10, Mauncta street.

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK." Crowded houses continue to greet "The Belle of Now York" at the Grand Opera House, whom It, hns heeu revived by tils ,1. C. Williamson Light Opera Company. "As fragrant and flowery" as when she first graced the footlights so many years ago, "The Belle" never falls to impart ln:r freshness and clinrni, and captivates all hearts. Lust night proved no exception to thu rule, tlio applause being so pronounced that repeated encore numbers had to lie supplied. As "Tlio Kelle," Miss Romola Hanson registered still another triumph, and eiiual successes were scored by Mr. Jim Gerald iis "Bllnky BUI." Miss Miriam Lester as ■•.VIM," Mr. Leslie Holland as "Jchabod Brouson," ami Mr. Sidney Bvirelmll as "Harry Bronson." The chorus work met all demands, excellent.' '■'The Belle of New York'"' will be repented throughout Hie remainder of the week. DE LUXE THEATRE. There Is liberal melodrama in "Lawful Larceny," the film which features liebo Daniels Iv a battle of feminine wits and charm at the Do Luxe- Theatre. There Is a lengthy supporting programme, including a Fox Movietone, a "Summer Harmonies" Cartoon, a Fowler Studios Keview, and an Knglish Xcws Special. The programme will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night. Set In thu colourful, dashing romantic atmosphere of a cavalry post, "His First Command," Falhe's all-dialogue picture starring William Boyd, which, opens on Friday nest at the De Luxe Theatre, Is an outstanding hit. Boyd, as a rookie cavalryman, has the finest opportunity of Ills career for comedy. In addition to laughs, "His First Command" furnishes thrills, drama, and pathos, so cleverly blended as to keep the interest of the audience keen every moment during the entertainment. Particularly thrilling are the steeplechase scenes, with thirty thoroughbreds, ridden by dashing cavalry officers, taking tho hazardous slides and water jumps at Port RHcy, Kansas. This sequence reaches a climax when Jio.rd rescues a little girl from beneath Hie hoofs of the horses just as they take one of the dangerous jumps. Dorothy Sebastion has the feminine lead. Tho support is excellent. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The baffling mystery play, "In the Headlines," tho sensational newspaper story which has been drawing largo attendances to the Majestic Theatre throughout the week, will finish its Wellington season 10-morrow night. It is well acted by Grant Withers, Marian Xison, Clyde Cook, Edmund Brecse, and a strong-supporting cast The added attractions are pleasing novelty subjects. The popular favourite Betty Compson, supported by an exceptionally strong cast, which includes Hugh Trevor, Lowell .Sherman, June Clyde, Rita Laroy, Raymond Hatton, Marcclle Corday, Ivan Lebcdelf, William P. Hurt, and .Sydney Dollwell, will appear at the Majestic Theatre on Friday morning next, in "Midnight Mystery,'" a thrilling play that strikes a new note. The interest Is said to never wanein fact, to increase as the drama works up to a stirring climax, while holding tho solution of the mystery back right till the end. Betty Compson is credited with scoring a triumph as a female "Sherlock Holmes," who outpoints and outwits tho cleverest brains of the crime world. "Midnight Mystery" reproduces -word for word the successful stage, play. "Hawk Island.:' its producers claim the word "novelty" is written, across every inch of the Him. The novelties to be shown on tlio first part of the programme will be worthy of the ■prpstiffl of the main feature. "Box plans arc at (he Bristol and also at tho theatre. WADESTOWN SCHOOL CONCERT. Tho I'arish Hall. Wadcstovu, was tilled to overflowing last night for the concert of the Wadestown Sellout pupils, who presented a delightful programme of song, dance, recitation, instrumental items, character sketches, etc. The headmaster,. Mr. S. H. Ferguson, and start" have every reason to be proud of tho shelving made by the pupils, for a good standard was maintained throughout the generous fa', provided. Much interest was shown In the Trial Scene from "The Merchant of Venice,". portrayed by tho senior pupils; in a scipieucc of outstanding characterisations, those of Ray Hedges as Shylock and Dulele Stafford as Portia, must .be specially commended. Others who acquitted themselves with a due sense of Shakespeare s linos were Roy Simpson as the Duke ot Venice; Derek Granger, Antonio; Pete Hay, Bassanlo; Bob Smith, Gratiano; Bob Bass, Salanlo; Ivan Cochrane, Tubal; Joyce Ryalls, Nerissa; Arthur M'Donald, page; Ken James, herald; and Edward Goodwin, clerk of the court. The piece was staged with full costume effect, and was quite a charming interlude. The programme was entertaining to a degree. Choruses, action songs, physical drill, dialogue, dancing, and cradle songs were given by pupils ranging from infants to higher standards, and individual numbers were given most engagingly by the following: Harold King, Billy Gardiner, Fatty Ferguson George f'owie. Molly Styles, Dulcie Stafford, recitations; Patty Rollins. Grace M'Kay, f" tele Smith Irene Clarkson, and Marjory Fianagan, dances; Jorie Bertl. 'cello solo; Dick Jones, character song; Marjory and Joan J lanagan, dance duo. _^^_____