ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 84, 6 October 1931, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

Miss .Tallulah' BanJthead. appears at the Se- i gent.Theatre as the leading lady In the talking picture, "The .Tarnished Lady," a siory of. matrimonial and monetary troubles Interwoven ill New York society life. Though the characters are American, thu accents of tho players arc < English, and a splendid lead Is given by Jllss Bankhead and Cllve Brook. Tallulah Bunkhead's performance shows that the transterence of her talents from the legitimate stago to the* screen has meant a distinct gain to the one at the expense of the other. Her acting and her rendering of her share of the dialogue are both first class. Of Cllve Brook It Is unnecessary to say more than that he. maintains tho high plane he has set in previous productions, while the standard of the leadIng pair is by no means too high to be reached by Phoebe Foster, Alexander Klrkland, Osgood Perkins, and Elizabeth Patterson, who interpret the remaining parts. To maintain her mother In the social position to which siie was accustomed before her father died, leaving debts instead of the" expected legacies, Ivancy Courtenay. marries Norman Cravath, a multl-inUllohatre, despite her love for a struggling young writer. After some months she Is unable to carry on under the existing conditions any longer, aud leaves her husband. to go to her lover, only to find his allegiance transferred to a woman who Is her rival with both men. From that point the story takes several unexpected turns. The supports are excellent. • • , "The Devil to Pay." With. direction that makes the most of a good story, sparkling. dialogue, amusing situations, and a fine supporting cast, Ronald Colman rounds out a splendid entertainment by giving one of the best portrayals of his career in "The Devil to Pay," which will open at the Regent Theatre on Friday. The story, with the zip and go of witty lines, concerns certain Important episodes in.the life of the Hon. Willie Hale, wayward son of Lord Leeland. .

GRAND OPERA HOUSE,

Douglas Fairbanks is featured in "Reaching for the Moon," a United Artists picture, showing at the Grand Opera House. Apart from the attraction provided by the ■ inclusion of Douglas Fairbanks himself, the feminine role Is ■ taken by that' most popular actress, Bobe Daniels. The. picture Is a typical Fairbanks production, and, as Larry Day, a wealthy business man, Fairbanks puts any amount of "pep" into his work. The story is simple. Larry Day becomes Infatuated with the charming Vivian Benton (Bebe Daniels), and, without a moment's hesitation leaves his very important business affairs to take a passage on a ship by which Vivian is travelling. Most ■or the scenes are located on board, and the settings are a feature. In pursuit of happiness, Larry, undergoes many unusual experiences, ,some of which are: not without their humorous side, but he ultimately attains his goal, though, not before he has almost given up hope. There Is a strong cast, which Includes Edward Everett Horton (Roger), Claude Alister (Sir Horace Partington Chelmsford), Jack • Mulhall • (Carrington), Walker Walker (James Benton), Juno Mac Cloy (KlttyE and Helen Jerome Eddy (the secretary). "Reaching For the Moon"; contains any amount of swift action, with an ample sprinkling of comedy. The supporting programme is up to the usual high standard. ' ' • Two Big Features. • : "The Lady Refuses," starring Betty Compson, and "Madonna of tho Streets," with Evelyn Brent in the leading role, are the. two films which will be presented on a big doublefeature bill at the Grand Opera House on Friday next.- Both are said to be of excellent standard, and have been.preceded by most favourable reports. . '

DE LUXE THEATRE,

"The' Titan In Possession," Metro-Goldwyn's ntcturlsatlon of a well-known play, with additional dialogue by P. G. Wodehouse, is the draw at the De Luxe Theatre' this'week.* Robert Montgomery and Irene Purcell appear in this film as two unusual people/Montgomery as a bailiff's man turned butler for one night, Irene Purcell as a lady who lives by her wits, but is nice'withal. Both are admirably cast. The film is well played, ■ produced in a manner which does justice to its htgh .spirits, and Is an excellent example of what the talkies can do In smart comedy since they embarked on that road. In addition to tho appeal of Irene Purcell, who was last seen here in a somewhat similar film, "Dancing Partner," and Montgomery's Impudent face, there is tho humour of tho elongated '.Charlotte Greenwood. The supporting bill Includes another of # the golfing lessons of Johnny Farrell, the American. Open Champion of a few seasons ago, "Under Par." Here the famous Farrell free swing is once more seen in perfect surroundings, and all manner of shots from the drive to the fiftyyard pitch are illustrated. In addition there are two newsreels, and the whole programme Is one of the best tho De Luxe has had for some time.., . ' • ■.' ' : ,

PARAMOUNT THEATRE;

Lewis Ayres takes the leading . part in "Illegal," now being' screened at the Paramount Theatre. He portrays Lou Ricardo, a: mild-mannered but ruthless head of a sang engaged In illegal: practices which being them into conflict with the police. He retires to a quiet life for a time, and Is engaged in writing the thrilling story of his life, wh.en he hears that a number of gangsters have plotted to kidnap his' young brother, and, In carrying out their plan, one result is that the boy loses his life. .Fired with the determination to avenge the child's death, Ricardo returns to his -■ former Ufa and suffers the retaliation of his former comrades. Tho cast Includes such well-known players as James Cagney, Robert Elliott, and the child star, Leon Janney. Dorothy Matthews, a striking newcomer, excellently ■■ portrays the part of the girl who plots with her mate to lay a trap for the king of the underworld. Including marriage with him, and consequent possession of his fortune. Famous for his screen and stage detective roles, Robert Elliott again enacts one of his inimitable: parts as a police chief. A gazette of world happenings and a comedy are included in the programme.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Good Gracious Annabelle" at the King's Theatre tells the story of a beautiful girl who becomes the wife .of a rough. Illiterate miner. She escapes from his lonely cabin In the west and makes-her way to an eastern city. Meanwhile her husband strike* It lucky and becomes immensely wealthy. Though he makes no attempt to see or communicate with her, he sends her a llberarallowance .of -money, which she promptly squanders. After a lapse of some months, hor husband, sans beard, well dressed and considerably Improved; in other ways, appears on the scene, and his wife, not recognising him, promptly falls in love with him, and all ends well when his Wentity.is revealed. Victor JTLaglen; Jeanette M Donald, and Roland Young head a big.cast of players.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

Ken Maynard, TJnlversal's hard-riding, bardhitting, Western star, is at the <*™<g* Theatre In his latest success. The Fighting Legion," a picture of the old (tenting West. "The Fighting Legion" brings Maynard to the screen at his best in.a story full of action and excitement. Dorothy Dwan appears opposite him as the beautiful heroine of this whirlwind picture, and the supporting cast is one of the strongest ever- assembled for a Maynard film. "The Fighting Legion is a thrilling drama of the Texas Rangers. There is a list of entertaining short subjects. Box plans are available at Bristol and theatre, with popular ■ prices. ; ■ -'

GLIDE SKATING BINK,

A most interesting hockey match, on skates at the Glide Skating Kink last evening, between naval men from H.M.S. Dtomede and members of the Glide Skating Club, resulted in a win for the club; The match was keenly contested, and created much merriment to the onlookers. The, commodious bitumen floor of the Glide Skating Rink—the largest skating floor in Wellington—makes one of the finest and fastest skating surfaces of any rink in New Zealand. The courteous attention of. efficient attendants and tutors combine in making the Glide very popular, and the' management leaves nothing, to be desired in catering for the: comfort of patrons. Sessions are held every morning and afternoon, and two sessions held in the lunch hour (12-1 and 1-2 p.m.) are very popular with city workers. ' ""'"' " : ". * ■ " . ■

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

Large audiences tare attending at the Majestic Theatre. Tho. feature picture is high grade, and each of the short subjects is excellent. "Let's Love and Laugh" Is a truly British-production of the comedy . with : muse type, presented by a full company of capable English artists with excellent speaking and singing voices. Gene Gerrard, the star, is already popular with patrons, and he is sure to become an outstanding favourite of the screen. Muriel Angelus the coloratura soprano, wins approval, and Hie same may. be said.of every performer of the lengthy cast. The incidental songs are melodic, and being particularly well rendered they meet with a flattering reception. One of the short subjects, "The-Race for the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase, 1931, draws forth loud applause, so faithfully has the race been reproduced. Box plans are at the Bristol and also at the. theatre. .

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

There are large attendances at the St. James Theatre at all sessions, the attraction being "Daddy Long Legs." Janet Gaynor Wakes a host of new admirers at each screening, for in the part of Judy Abbott she Is "utterly adorable." She gets splendid backing from the youngsters in the orphanage scenes. Never a cleverer band of kiddies could.be wished for ; than the coterie of children who lend real humour to every scene they are concerned In. Warner Baxter is a great favourite as "Daddy Long Legs," Claude Gllllngwater ia responsible for a very fine study, and the remaining players of the cast are all well placed., The preliminary short subjects are gems of the first water, and in combination with "Daddy Long Legs" they make up an excellent programme. Early booking at the Bristol: is advised.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

It is Impossible to convey In words the screamingly funny humour In "Plunder," the British and Dominions film showing at Shortt's Theatre. Of the many funny incidents one situation stands but—a scene In Scotland Yard when Ralph Lynn, as D'Arcy Tuck, and his partner In crime Tom Walls as Freddie Malone, are Interviewing some of the detectives working on a mysterious burglary that took place In a country mansion. Ralph Lynn's Inane expression and his brilliant method of conveying In his fatuous remarks wistful appeal Is incomparable. Lynn, the laughmaker of England, is seen at his best. , ' • .

REGAL THEATRE. KARORt,

The main attraction ,at the Kegal Theatre to-flight will be "Not Exactly Gentlemen,' starring Victor M'Laglen, Lew Cody, and Eddie Grlbbon. The story concerns three adventurers each with a price on his head. They join forces for mutual protection from the police, when each tn turn finds tho girl he loved just a double-crosser. The supporting picture is "Too Many Crooks," a British special production. Two Fox Movietone J.ewsreels will also bo shown. ... On Wednesday and Thursday "Dracula" will be screened.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY:

"Body and Soul," the main attraction at the Empire Theatre to-night, tells of a dashing young aviator (Charles-Farrell), who falls In love with a beautiful. woman (Elissa Landl), accused of being a spy. He becomes involved In the accusation. There is a startling denouement.when the. gir,l reveals her identy A comedy, "Good-bye Legs," and two splendid Foi Movietone Newsreels complete the programme. On Wednesday and Thursday "Dracula" will be shown.:, ■

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"The Secret Six,'' a sensational drama of American city . politics and , the underworld. ( Is the attraction at the Britannia Theatre. With Wallace Beery, hero of "The! 812 House, and "Mm and Bill," , Lewis Stone, John Mack Brown, Jean Harlow, Marjorle Bambeau, and John Miljan heading one of: the biggest casts assembled in years, the picture unfol&J: an astounding tale based on actualities of modern American city life. There is. an excellent supporting programme, . . .

ARTCRAFT. THEATRE.

"The Big Fond," starring Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert, is .being,shown at the Artcraft Theatre. The songs are a feature, sung in the Chevalier manner, and the numbers include "You Brought a New Kind of Love To Me," and "Llvln' In the • Sunllghtr-Lovlnf in the Moonlight." As the Frenchman who mixes business with love, Chevalier plays'one of the gayest roles of his career. And Claudette Colbert, who is the reason for'his fast-beating heart, is also ideally, cast. ' .

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Starring Leslie ' Henson, England's foremost comedian, lan Hay's well-known^ story, '-The Bport of Kings;" will" be screened at the-Xll-birnle Kinema this evening.. The supporting films are excellent. . .

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

Greta Garbo and Lowls Stone • are starred In Metro-Goldwyn-Mayef's 'all-talklne drama, "Romance," which will be shown at Our. Theatre to-night. The story centres around an opera singer who falia ,in love with a young clergyman, but because of her; past life feels duty bound not to marry him. Excellent supports complete the, programme.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

'Metro-Goldwyn's big special' "Reducing," starring Marie Dressier and Polly. Moran, commences at the Capitol Theatre.to-night. This excellent comedy, is even funnier than "Caught Short." Excellent featurettes ■ will be screened.

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY.

I'he Universal special attraction, "Dracula," starring Bela- Lugosl,: David Manners, and Helen Chandler, to be screened af the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night,, is a mystery drama based ion the sensational/ novel by Bram Stoker. It tells of the mysterious master of Carfax Abbey, who, although : dead . for 500 years, came to life at night and sought his. victims. The picture Is thrilling and mysterious. A Universal l^ews, [ Oswald- cartoon, and Slim Summervillo comedy will, also be screened.

NEW SKATING RINK.

Mr. Billy Preston and ■Miss Zena Turner, famous Australian, exponents of trick and fancy skating, will' shortly be presented at the St. George Skating Blnk' in a' series of clever and startling exhibitions. Both will appear at the afternoon and evening, sessions for a full week, and at the,.morning sessions Mr. Preston will perform solo skating- stunts. Besides holding high honours for trick skating, Mr. Preston is the holder of the world's official championship! for both skating and danc-, ing endurance records. His best to data for continuous skating is 106% hours, and this record he hopes to better during his stay In Wellington. Patrons of the St. George Rink are reminded of the.Monte Carlo next Thursday, night. The Skating Club already has a big membership, and those desirous of joining are asked to Inquire at the-office.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

A special attraction to-night at the Royal Holler Rink, Winter Show Building, John street, Is a sensational motor-cycle act, which Includes fcroadsiding and hurdling on skates. The daring act was enthusiastically received by the large audience on Saturday evening at its first presentation. The 'opening of this new cabaret rink has been the means of popularising skating, in Wellington, Us interior arrangement being modern and attractive. Free tuition In the two-step is being given during all sessions this week, to the:case of the tink being hired for private partleß, special concession rates apply, and monthly concession tickets are available for convenience of patrons. This new rink is the first of its-kind in the Dominion. Next Saturday night Billy Preston, Australia's brilliant all-round trick and fancy skater, will appear under special engagement In thrilling exhibitions of the art of fkoUer skating. ; •.■

PETONE' ENTERTAINERS.1 '

An entertainment unique in' Its character to Wellington will be , staged in the • Concert Chamber to-night when the Petone Variety Entertainers, a band of 25-talented people, will perform "Bed Murder." In support there will be the well-known Maori "• artists, the , Love Bros., N. Toki, M. Puketapu, and 3. Warren. There will also be songs and ballets by the Nippy Six,■: a "delight to eye and ear."