ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 85, 7 October 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. MI3S Tallulah Bankhead appears at the Begem Theatre as the leading lady In the talking picture, "The Tarnished Lady," a story or matrimonial and monetary troubles Interwoven in New York society life. Tallulah Banlthead's performance shows that the trans ference of her talents from the legltimato stago to the screen has meant a distinct gain to me one at the expense of the other. Cllye Brook maintains the high plane he has set In previous productions. To maintain ncr mother in the cocial position to whlch Blie was accustomed before her father died, leav ing debts instead of the eipected l«;"- le3' Nancy Courtenay marries Norman travaiu," multi-millionaire, despite her love fora suu» gllng young writer. After some mouths she is unable to carry on under the existing conditions any longer, and leaves her husband to go to her lover, only to find his alliance transferred to a woman who Is her rival nun both men. From that point the story takes several unexpected turns. The ■supports are excellent. ' "THE DEVIL TO TAT." ■With direction that makes the most of a good story, sparkling dialogue, amusing situations and a fine supporting cast, Konald Colman rounds out a splendid entertainment Dyjsiv Ing one of the best portrayals of his career m "Tho Devil to Pay," which will open at the Kegent Theatre on Friday.' The Btory, wit the zip and go of witty lines, concerns certain Important episodes in the life of the lion. Willie Hale, wayward son of Lord Lceland. As played by Ronald Colman. h« Is. presenteu as the kind of chap' every man would like 10 be—and, too, perhaps, the sort that any woman would gladly choose. Gay, and clever at getting out of scrapes, a devil with women, "aPPy-go-lucky in any situation, the role fits Konaia Colman as if made for him, as indeed it was, and by the famous writer of smart comedj drama, Frederick Lonsdale.

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 'P*1? 8!^ of Douglas Fairbanks himself, the feminine role Is taken by that most popular actress, Bobe Daniels. The picture is a typical Fairbanks production, and, aa Larry Bay, 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 tho 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 the r humorous side, but he ultimately »«»um m? goal, though not before he has almost given up hope. There is a strong cast, which Includes Edward Everett Horton (Boger), Claude AUster (Sir Horace Partlngton Chetasford), Jack Mulhall (Carrington), Walker Walker (James Benton), June MacCJoy (Kitty), ana Helen Jerome Eddy (the secretary). '

TWO BIG FEATURES.

"The Lady Refuses," Btarrlng Betty Compson,. Gilbert Emery and John, will be one of the two big films on a splendid double-feature bill to be presented at the Grand Opera House on Friday.next. It Is a tense drama of I<onaon society life in which the action moves speedily to a most dramatic climax. Betty Compson s acting, as June Loring, is said to be inimitable. The other feature film on the programme Is "Sladonna of the Streets," starring Evelyn Brent. It has been preceded by most favourable reports.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"The Man in Possession" is the draw at the De Luxe ; Theatre this week. Robert Montgomery and Irene Purpell 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 high Spirits, and Is. an excellent example of what the talkies can do In smart comedy since they embarked on that road. In addition to the appeal of Irene Purcell, there Is the humour of the elongated Charlotte Greenwood. The supporting bill Includes another of the goMng leisons of Johnny Farrell, the American Open Champion of a hir B«a«M MC '» Par." Here the famous Farrell free swing is once more seen In perfect surroundings, and all manner of shots from the drive to, the flfty■yard pitch are Illustrated. In addition there are tWFour WSbutle!r roles, each a well-knit and complete characterisation, are played in James Cruze's smart comedy sensation, "Once a Gentleman," featuring Edward Everett Horton and Lois Wilson, which opens on Friday next at the De Luxe Theatre. Hovton portrays Oliver "the perfect butler," the chief comedy role in this hilarious talkie. When he leaves for a month's vacation in which to play gentleman, he obtains as a substitute Timson (Drew Demarest). Through mistaken identity he becomes a guest at a millionaire's Long Island home, where Charles Coleman officiates as Wugglns, the house butler, and William O'Brien as Reeves, assigned to Horton as his personal vaiet. Witty, entertaining dialogue, riotously funny situations, and expert acting make this James Cruzo talkie a, joyous laugh feast.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Lewis Ayres- takes -the leading part in "Illegal," now being screened at the Paramount Theatre. •• He portrays Lou Rlcardo, a mild-mannered but ruthless head of a gang' engaged in illegal practices wbfch bring 'them into conflict with the police. ,He retires to a quiet life for a time, and is engaged In writing the thrilling atory of his life, wlien he hears that a number of gangsters have plotted to kidnap his young brother, and, in carrying out their pUn, one result is that the' boy loses his life. Fired with the determination to avenge the child's death, Rlcardo returns to his former life and , suffers the retaliation of his. former comrades. Dorothy Matthews excellently portrays the part of the girl who plots with her mate to lay a trap for the king of the underworld. Famous tor 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 PrAn aStanding Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer drama opens Friday next at the Paramount Theatre, "Five and Ten," a brilliant adaptation of the celebrated Fannie Hurst storj'. Leslie Howard and Marlon Davles head a fine cast.

KING'S THEATRE,

"Good Gracious Annabelle" at the Kings Theatre tells the story of a beautiful girl who becomes the wife of a rough, illiterate miner. She escapes from bis lonely cabin In the west and makes her way to an eastern city. Meanwhile her husband strikes It lucky and becomes immensely wealthy. He sends her a liberal allowance of money. After a lapse of some months her1 husband, considerably improved, appears on the scene, and, Ul3 wife, not recognising him, promptly falls In love with- him, -and all ends well. . Victor M'Laglen, Jeanette M'Donald, and Roland Young head a big cast of players.

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

i Ken Maynard, Unlversal's hard-ridlne, hardhitting, Western star, is at the^ Queen's theatre In his '■ latest success, "The Fighting Legion," a picture of the old flgnting West. Dorothy Dwan appeaw opposite him as the beautiful heroine of this whirlwind picture, and the supporting cast Is one of the strongest ever assembled for a Jfaynard 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.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

it Is Impossible to convey in words the screamingly funny humour In "Plunder, the British and Dominions aim Bhowing at Shortt s Theatre. Of the many funny Incidents one situation stands out—a scene in Scotland Yard when Ralph Lynn, as D'Arcy Tuck, and his partner in crime Tom Walls as Freddjo Malone. are Interviewing some of the detectives worklne on a mysterious burglary that took, placo 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.

BRITANNIA. THEATRE.

"The Secret Six," a sensational drama of American city politics and the underworld, 1? the attraction at the Britannia Theatre. With Wallace Beery, hero of "The Bis House,' and "Mln and Bill," Lewis Stone, John Mack Brown, Jean Harlow, Marjorie Rambeau, and John Mlljan heading one of the biggest casts assembled in years, the picture unfolds «n astounding tale based on actualities of modern American city life. There Is an excellent supporting programme.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

"The Big Pond," starrlne 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 . "Llvin' in the Sunlight—Lovln' 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-beatlnj

heart. Is also Ideally cast.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Starring Leslie Henson, England's foremost comedian, lan Hay's well-known story, "The Sport of Kings," will be screened at the Kllblrnie Klnema thlß evening. The supporting films are excellent.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN,

Greta Garbo and Lewis Stone are starred in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's' all-talking drama, "Romance," which will be shown at Our Theatre to-night. The story centres around an opera singer who falls 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.

"Reducing," Metro's big comedy special, starring Marie Dressier and Polly Moran, commenced a three-day season at the Capitol last night, and drew a large attendance. Excellent supports will be screened.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

By sheer merit and through the brightness and sparkle of Its dialogue and Incidental melodies, tho capital British production, "Let's Love and Laugh," attracts large attendances at the Majestic Theatre. Geno Gerrard, music-comedy comedian, pleases Immensely both vocally and histrionically. He Is a treat to see and hear, and .so also Is Muriel Angelus,' the coloratura soprano, who is the leading lady ot the happy play.- Every member of the cast is an artist adept at entertaining, and the result is a most satisfying play. "The Race for the Grand National Steeplechase at Liverpool," a remarkably fine record, is Included amongst the all-pleasing short subjects. "My Tast," heralded as "one of the very flenst plays that America has given to the talking screen," will be the chief attraction of next Friday's change of programme at the Majestic Theatre. It bears a splendid reputation. Bebe Daniels, the popular star of "Bio Kita," with her husband, Beu Lyon, who was so prominent in "Hell's Angels," and Lewis Stone, whose poise and strength have made him a favourite everywhere, are the three stars of an exceptionally fine cast of actors. A big season is anticipated. Box plans are at the Bristol.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Packed audiences rule each evening at the St. James Theatre, where the popularity of that delightfully entertaining screen attraction, "Daddy Long Legs," continues unabated. Janet Gaynor, always a firm favourite with picture lovers, has placed herself on a higher pedestal than ever by her wonderfully winning performance of the lovable rola of Judy Abbott. It would be difficult to name another actress who could so convincingly present the orphan girl. Warner Baxter, as "Daddy long Legs," and Claude Gillingwater, as, his confidential secretary, are towers of strength, while the clever children of the • cast release a delicious fund of humour in the orphanage scenes that Induce hearty laughter. The short subjects are excellent. In view of the heavy demand for admission, it is advisable to book at the Bristol. '

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

"Dracula," Universal's super-special melodrama, will be screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. The story concerns Count Dracula, who was supposed to have died 500 years ago. However, he makes his appearance in presentday society, and it Is only after several strange deaths and the complete disappearance of three beautiful women that the mystery of his presence is explained. The main role is played by Bern! Lugosl, and supporting him are Helen Cliandled, David Manners, and several other well-known players. The supporting programme consists of "Arabian Knight," a Slim Summerville comedy, an Oswald Rabbit Cartoon, and two Universal talking reporter newsreels.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI,

To-night, at the Regal Theatre, "Dracula," a thrilling and spooky film, will be screened. Never before has such an eerie atmosphere been screened as on this story of a man, dead for 500 years, returning to life to chill and startle a nation. Special supports are included, and are. "Arabian Nights," a Slim Summerville comedy, and Oswald the Babbit Cartoon, called "The Tanner," and a special Universal Newsreel. On Friday and Saturday John Gilbert, In "Gentleman's f«te" will be spreened.

"JOY UNLIMITED/

A revue in two acts and twenty scenes will be produced In the Town Hall next week by Mr. Pat Ward and a large company of Wellington artists, in aid of the Cancer Campaign Fund. Commencing on Wednesday next, and continuing for four nights, "Joy Unlimited" promises to be a first-class entertainment. Catchy songs and bright dancing and ballets will be staged, and much time and enthusiasm is being expended by the company to ensure a bright and attractive show. David Devitt has arranged and taught all the ballet dancing.

DANCE MUSICIANS' BALL.

Of the many successful dances held this year few have been able to offer tho amazing feast of talent which is promised for the above dance, to be held at ,the Rex to-morrow, Thursday, night. The dance musicians have decided to have some fun themselves this time, and others who attend are assured a wonderful evening too.

GLIDE SKATING RINK. 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 aro 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. Learners' sessions aro held daily except Saturday, from 10 to 11.30 a.m., and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

NEW SKATING RINK.

Mr. Billy Preston and Miss Zena Turner, famous Australian exponents of trick and fancy skating, will be presented next Monday at the St. George Skating Rink in a series of clever and startling exhibitions. Both will appear at tho 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 dancing endurance records. His best to date for continuous skating 13 106% hours, and this record he hopes to better during hU stay In Wellington. Patrons of tho St. George Rink are reminded of the Monte Carlo to-morrow night. The Skating. Club already has ft big membership, and Is holding Its first club night on Tuesday. . .

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

A special attraction to-night at the Royal Roller Kink, Winter' Show Building, John street, is the special late session from 10 to 12 p.m. for club members. The opening of .this new cabaret rink has been the means of popularising skating in Wellington, Its Interior arrangement being modern and attractive. Free tuition In the two-step Is being given during all sessions this week. In the case of the rink being hired for private parties, special con~ces3ion 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 roller skating. '