ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 109, 11 May 1931, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. The broad smile, Iho aplomb, and the wlaooracks, which arc always associated with Jack Oakle, uro present in good nieusuro. in his latest rlb-til'kler, "The Sap. l'rom, Syracuse," at the (iraiirt Opera House. Oiikie has a. part that was made lor him, ami as usual inaltea the fullest possible use of Ills opportunities. Ho is Littleton Looney, crane driver arid geuaral utility man, and fair game, for all tho jokers of Syracuse. Ilia ambition is to visit -'Europe, and his. chance comes wlion he Is. left an unexpected leguc\ On board steamer; as1 a result of tho work of the- jokesters of Syracuse, he is mistaken lor a famous mining engineer, supposed to hu travelling incognito. Theu it is that tho fun fairly gushes. He is courted and pursued all over tho ship. One Of. ills admirers is Ellen Saunders (Gliipcr Rogers), tho pretty owner of a Balkan mine, whom two men nve plotting to rob. Tho mine as may bo expected, is saved by Oakio.; and there Is the customary happy ending. Two vocal numbers arc featured in the picture. Tticy ara "1 Wish I Could Sins a Love Song," sung by Oakle, and "Captlallse. That Thiug Called 'It'," by Betty . Starbuck. "The Sap from Syracuse" provides tho lighter side of the programme, in the second Him, "The Sliver Horde."-which brines to the tallcing screen Rex Beach's Immortal story. In a splendid production, there la • tense, and gripping action. Most of the'scenes wero filmed in Alaska, and the slory relates tho struggles or a youiiK man, Boyd Emerson, assisted by. Cherry Malotte, to establish a nalmon fishing biise against the opposition of an unscrupulous cannery owner Fred-Harsh, who has ruined one man. The principal rnrts aro in the excellent hands of Evelyn Brent, Louis Wolheim, and Joe M'Ci'ea. -.-'-■ .:-■..■ REGENT THEATRE. \ hair-raising adventure of an ambitious shoe-clerk, who cannot keep his feet on the cround or-his heart under, control, is loot First," Harold Lloyd's latest comedy, at the Regent Theatre. Harold falls in love with Mary (Barbara Kent), social secretary to his-wealthy .employer, and mistaking her for his-employer's^, daughter, .turns himself inside out to reach a social piano which will, permit him to make love to her. His ambitious social climb carries him to the top of an unfinished skyscraper, projects him from a lolly window, makes him a stowaway on an ocean liner, and generally provides him with enough dare-devil situations to keen him going for a Jons time. An incident in Ills rise to fame is when Harold, after having hired a dress suit, butts in on a social function in order to make himself known and to impress tho gathering with a lecture on leather. ' There ho meets Mary anil his employer, who does not Know that Harold is or.o of Ills many, employees. They both-think ho is a well-to-do young man with millionaire activities. Several days-later, while delivering a-pair, of shoes to. a customer on an ocean liner, he bumps into Mary, Mr. Tanner-(his employer), and Mrs. Tanner. They are 'bound for San Francisco, and,.tell Harold they are .pleased to see him. making the journey too! : Unable' to avoid the .situation, he finds himself a willing but'most uncomfortable passenger. From, then qn-the: picture is full of exciting and humorous situations. Tanner learns that Mary.'has forgotten to send out a sealed bid for a large shoe contract. The bid for tho contract must bo delivered in Los Angeles not later than the next day. Harold gets possession of the bid, and after many hair-raising events manages to deliver it on time,.- The supporting programme includes a Paramount News., Paramount pictorial, comedy, and a'1 bouncing-ball singing cartoon. • ■ ■ . ■. ■ . . ' ( ; :-> . -V..:. .'"CITY -LIGHTS." - - -■• : ; "■Acclaimed his greatest contribution to the icreen, Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights" will ■ commence screening at the Regent Theatre next Friday. Tho picture is a non-dialogue motion picture production, which, it is believed, will bB.-tbe forerunner of many more screen Ollerinfes introducing action, synchronised with music and'sound effects. "City Lights will occupy the screen for about one hour and twenty minutes. The story may bo termed a romantic comedy, although many of its highlights are brilliantly dramatic, in fact tragic. If Is an original idea, and was written by Chaplin. Ho is Hkewiso responsible for the direction. The action takes place in any largo city. There is nothing elaborate about the story. The characters are natural, such as rub elbows with each other throughout the dally walks of life. There are only,three; players vita! to the story. There is not: the eternal triangle, and that which happens has to do with a tramp, a flower girl, who is blind, and * millionaire, who lias his eccentricities. Incidental to these there arc three others—the girl's grandmother, tho millionaire's butler, and a prizefighter, while tho others makei up tho city, just like any city with its milling Ihronas"'. A new face comes to tho screen _ in "City Lights"—Virginia Cherrlll. as the girl. This Is Miss CherrHl's initial bow in motion pictures, and advance reports indicate that sue is duo to win favour. She entered the fihn world from a social life, and despite the difficult portrayal entrusted to her, it is believed aho has acquitted herself, with much credit The' young woman is a natural blonde with bluo eyes. Hairy Myers, who by no means is new to the screen, plays the part of the eccentric millionaire. :'...'. DE LUXE THEATRE. ■'/'Men on Call," a Mm of the United States coastguard, featuring Edmund Lowe and Mao Clark is showing at tho He Luxe Theatre, and Lowe as "Chuck," the coastguardsman who runs away from love, only to have it return to him by the long arm of coincidence three years later, is guilty pf all the pigheadeduess usually associated with the male sex when women are discussing them. He' does not deserve the prize he gets, but ho wins it by courago and in a dramatic scene on a. flaming ship. There are all sorts ot rescues but the decisive ono is the double rescue of "Cap," ■ a rival for the hand 6t Helen Morgan, a young dancer, and the captain of a burning l"*™!^"^ ship. ■ Tho . second picture is a British film of big game tracking, "Hunting 'iigers In India" with -description, of the adventures by Commander D. N. Dyotl, The picture Includes.'the shooting of elephants and tho rare single-horn rhlnocerous as well as tho tiger. There arc good supports. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. • Tho splendid Mctro-Goldwyn-Maycr dramatic success, "Mm and Bill," which presents Marie Dressier and Wallace Beery in , two _of tho best talking picture roles of the season, is in its second week at the -Paramount Theatre. Marie Dressier lives the part of Mm, tho amusing, caustic-tougued, but great-hearted proprietress of 'a wharfslde boarding establishment. Wallace Beery is Bill, tho comical skipper. Supporting items include a Laurel and Hardy *omedyvv"Be Big," an all-technlcolour revue, •'Devil's Cabaret." and a Metrotone newsreel. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. : There are beautiful colour sequences and many fine song and dance numbers in "Paramount on Parade," at the Artcraft Theatre. The stars of tho groat Paramount studios are brought before the audience as at a party. Maurice Chevalier, Buddy Rogers, and Lillian JJoth. Jack Oakie and Zelma O'Neal, Ituth Ohatterton, Nancy Carroll, Helen Kane, Leon Erroll, Skeets Gallagher, Dennis King, Nino Martini, Harry Green, Virginia Bruce, and Clara Bow all song. BRITANNIA THEATRE. A gripping story of love, sacrifice, and heroism in tho wilds of Morocco, with four jnembers o£ the famous Foreign Legion and *n alluring woman spy as the principal characters—such is "Renegades," now at the Britannia Theatre. Warner Baxter plays a French soldier in the leading role, and tho fascinating Myrna Loy appears as tho only woman. 1 QUEEN'S THEATRE. Two big features raako up tho new programme at tho Queen's Theatre The first "Skin Deep," is a gangland drama, but somewhat different from tho usual run of'pictures of > this typo. Monte Blue, Dotty Compson, and Davey Leo head a strong cast, which includes Alice Day and Tully Marshall. In the second attraction, "The Sap," Edward Everett Horton is- in fine form. "Tho Sap" is a splendid comedy, and should meet with wide approval. ',■:'■ KING'S THEATRE. ■' From the story by Ilex Beach, "Son of tho Sods" is back at the King's Theatre for a return season. -.It features Richard Barthelmess-in ono of his finest roles. Tho Hex Beacli story supplied excellent material ■upon which to work, and the director has carried out his part faithfully, making a picture ■which has won high approval everywhere it has been shown. The supporting programme Includes several sound featurettes—the Revellers' Quartet, Horace Heidt and his hand, and a comedy, "Outlaw-in-Law." OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. . Norma Shearer's new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer "sll-talking picture, "The Divorcee," will bo ahown at Our Theatro to-night. It is tho story of a woman who attempts to show her husband that there is a double standard for •women as well as for men. Excellent sound supports, complete .tho programme. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. An Invigorating adaptation of Captain Frank Shaw's naval story, "The Call of the Sea," is screening »t the Kilbirnlo Kinema. Henry Edwards gives a delightful portrayal of Lieutenant Good, R.N., and Chrissie White, as the charming English wife of tho villainous halfcaste deputy-governor, and Bernard Ncdell play other prominent parts. ■ i NEW PRINCESS THEATRE., '. Reginald Denny, Cliff Edwards, George" Grossmith, Fifl Dorsay, Landra Ravel, and Tola D'Avril are the principals in "Those Three Frmich Girls," at the New Princess Theatre. The dialogue Is by P. G. Wodchousc. There arc cood supporting subjects. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. .'. .. "The Sea Wolf" will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story introduces a unique triangle—a domineering, brutal, sea captain, a young waster who is "shanghaied" aboard as the vessel is leaving port; and a mysterious girl, who has a strange desire to .help the youngster. Tho drama that ensues as the thro care cooped up on the schooner during her long cruise to the sealing grounds, "provides plenty of action. Milton Sills heads the case, and supporting him on Raymond Hackett and -lane Keith. An excellent comedy and two Fox .Movietone Xewsreels complete the programme. On Wednesday and Thursday,. ''On "Approval," starring Tom Walls,' will be shown.

ST. JAMES THEATHE. .: Ther.d can ho no two opinions concerning the merit of that lino comedy-drama, "Holiday" at St. James 'Theatre. It grips attention right from the : outset. Clever us is the 'play,, it must owe much of Its success to the 'splendid acting, of the 'players cuuccrnoU ml its production. Ann Harding, the star, is recognised as a leader of,the world's stage, awl she acts just as well for the screen as she does in the legitimate theatre. The artists-supporting her are 'high-grade players. Mary Astor, is ileUt'htful in a part mat rums. .Miss-Harding fa|rly close' for llrst honours, and Edward Everett llorton loTuses comedy into the piece in ills own delightful way, while each and every member of the cast plays his or her role with distinction, liox plans are at the Bristol and also at the theatre. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The Majestic Theatre was packed on Saturday evening when the great Jirillsh farce. "Tho Middle Wulcli," moved thai the managerial praise bestowed1 'upon it ■1n advance was even more than justified. Such uncontrolled laughter has rarely been heard in a theatre. Tliu acting by every lnonfljer of Hie cast is of au unusually high, standard, as is only to be expected, for every a dor save one ivas a member of the company which originally presented tho farco at tlie-Shaflcsbury Tlicatre, London. Tlio personnel includes Owen Kares, Fred. Yolpo, Martinet llalsfou,' i)odu Watts, Harry Weu■iiinn, Jack' Hnlnc, Phyllis l.orlng, and H. Keen, aiiginoulud by Jaciueliue liusraii as this frisky American 'girl ".Mary Carlton." While Britain-continues to make pictuivs like "Tlio Middle Watch" it need not appeal to patriotism to fill .tlw theatre. The merit of such pictures will do' that.: Bookings arc at the Bristol. :. ... : . • HISLOP ON THURSDAY. Joseph Mislop arrives in Wellington this week to again, charm with the.beauty of his magnificent tenor voice. When ho was here four year's ago,, tlie eminent British tenor confounded the pessimists who were sure our musical tastes were deteriorating by attracting to the Town Hall crowded audieuces. Those thousands acclaimed Hislop then as one of the World's best tenors. His present New Zealand tour, which commenced at Auckland, promises to eclipse his;, momentous "progress through the Dominion of 1927: The" effortless artistry of Hislop's singing; the clarity.of his dazzling notes; and his platform manner aro points that remain in the memory of those who heard him when he was hero last, or who have heard his records. He is not only a great operatic artist, as his programmes have proved, but lie is also sm ideal concert performer, lor he has a prodigious repertoire of biillnds and song themes with which to charm the car and satisfy the heart. With triumphs in the world's most notable centres of music iuid art to his credit, mii,-C'JK--:-'s at Covent .Garden .-that were little slmri »l -s-.-.'Rational; and a name that Is rcgarui.'il as :i password, in all the' big cities of tlie world u-iiuse he lias sung, Hislop comes to Now Zealand to give of his best. Wellington'music lovers will, have an opportunity of1 hearing him next Thursday night, llth May.; on Saturday the lGth, and "on Tuesday, 10th May, heforo ho goes. South of fultll engagements .there. Isldor Goodman, who is accompanying Hislop as solo-pianist, is a young man in-his early "twenties" who has already fulfilled tho promise of early years with solo performances of outstanding beauty. Goodman's playing is said to be'a revelation. Booking arrangements are at the Bristol. ; REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. To-night at tho Regal; Theatre, Karon", one of the year's flnsat double fcaturo programmes will - be' screened. ' Tho' main picture will be"The Last of the Duaues," starring tho ever popular George. O'Brien; My'rna toy, and Lucilo Browne. .'The story is the best ever written by Zane Grey, and is faithfully reproduced in tho picture production. Tho second feature Is "Soup:to Nuts," ono of the funniest picturos to rc'aeh this country. From to-night the one shilling seats will be increased by over 80. On Wednesday and Thursday "The Cohens and Keilys in Africa" will bo screened. ■ . - CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Maurice Chevalier admirers havo a last chance of seeing their favourite in "The Big Pond" at the Capitol Theatre to-night. "The Big Pond" is a delightful comedy. A powerful supporting programmo includes a Mickey Mouse. Cartoon and a Paramount Talkartoon. "Women Everywhere," a musical, romance of Morocco and tho Foreign Legion, which-commences tomorrow, features J. Harold Murray and Fill Dprsay; ;' TRAMWAYS BAND CONCERT. The Tramways Band presented their second recital In St. James Theatre to a crowded hotiso last evening.' A special feature of tho programme was the engagement of 'the coucert party from the Adelpht Cabaret, comprising Messrs. Cliapplo (piano), Coltmuu (corneth and Downs (drums and cll'eotsh and . their playing delighted the audience, who recalled them five times. Miss Esmo Crowe, the popular monologist, gave ;i good rendering of tho piece "You Know What 1 Mean," arid had to respond with a number cutitled "Tho Safety Pin." Miss Holly Power, contralto, sang "Down iv tho Forest" in her usual good stylo. Mr. Terence, O'Brien, the Irish tenor, who has createil such a fine impression, sang "Tho Rose of Tralee" by special request, the encore number being "1 Hear a Thrush at Eve." The band gave n, well chosen programme as follows: March, "Entry of the Gladiators"; : "Seven Minutes'' with Richard Wagner"; Musical Sketch, "By the Swanco Elver," and "March Middy." Mr. J. Haydock was at tho piano. .