ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 86, 8 October 1931, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "The Tarnished Lady" will be shown finally at the Begent Theatre to-night. ; "The Devil to Pay." With direction that makes tha most of a Eood story, sparkling dialogue, amusing situations, and. a-fine supporting cast, Ronald Colman rounds out a splendid entertainment by giving one of tha best portrayals of his career in "Tho Devil to Pay," which will open at the Resent Theatre' to-morrow. The story, wltn this zip and go of witty' lines, concerns certain important episodes in the life of the Hon. Willie Hale, wayward son of Lord Leeland. as played by Ronald Colman. he Is presented as the kind of chap, every man would like to tie —and, too, perhaps, the sort that auy woman would gladly choose. Gay, and clever at getting out of scrapes, a devil with women, happy-go-lucky In any situation, the role fits Bonaia Colman as if made for him, a. Indeed It was, and by the famous writer of smart comedydramas, Frederick Lonsdale. The youthful Loretta Young, In the sweetheart role, Is particularly attractive, playing up to Colman wmi an ease that adds to her charm. Slyrna toy. as the other woman. Is capable and effective. I'aul Cavanash is a personable young Grand Duke. Frederick Kerr and David Torrence, as the respective fathers of the hero aud heroine, -give--therfinished performances to bo: expected from their experience., GRAND OPERA HOUSE. ' "Reachiriff for the Moon" will be shown finally at,, the Grand Opera House to-night. v TWO BIG FEATURES. "The Lady Refuses." starring Betty Compson. Gilbert Emery, and John Darrow, will be one ot the two big film* on a splendid double-feature bill -to be presented at the Grand Op«m T Ho«?* to-morrow. -It Is a .tense drama of I*""*00 t society life 111 which the action moves speeauy to a most dramatic climax. -Betty Compsons acting, as June Lorlng. is said to "c Inimitable. - The other feature film on the programme Is "Madonna of the Streets," st«nln« Evelyn Brent. It haa .been preceded by most favourable reports.

DE LUXE THEATRE. "The Man in Possession" will be shown finally at the De Luxe Theatre to-nlslit, ' Keen comedy, sprightly, : well-spokeu <1!a----logue, a story that la novel and clever, combine, to make "Once a Gentleman," James Cruze's latest offering, starring Edward Everett Horton and Lois Wilson, opening to-morrow at the De Lux& Theatre, one of the gayest- and most sparkling ttlktel that the season has produced. Horten—^the perfect butlerr-**l ''* month on to play gentleman, and the predicament ho Bets .into when he Is mistaken for » colonel recently returned from- India, gives this versatile actor a glorious opportunity to pull all the comedy tricks he has tight out of his sleeve, and provides great entertainment for the audience. Cruze is isld to have done a masterly job in tho picture—first. In recruiting ■i cast of perfect players, each one seemingly the Inevitable choice for the role, and second. In directing them so skilfully. Every bit of comedy, arising from the, novelty of the situations and the characters, has been clearly extracted, and what remains is a brilliant comedy that holds the Interest throughout. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. . "Illegal" ■will be screened finally at ths Paramount Theatre to-night. : .'■ Skyscraper banquets, bachelor apartments,moonlight trysts, zooming aeroplanes, charity bazaars, private trains, steamships, and even Fifth avenue buses supply the kaleidoscopic backgrounds for "Five and Ten," Marian Davles's new Metro-ColdwynrMayer starring picture, which opens to-morrow at the Paramount Theatre. Modern,* daring, hilarious and yet Intensely dramatic,. the Fanule Hurst novel offers tho star something entirely new by way of characterisation. Miss Davies, a» Jennifer, daughter of the flve-and-ten-per-cent-store magnate, is a different Marlon Davies than has been seen on.the screen in the past- She 1* more convincing and repressed. Indeed, ncr -excursion into the realm of drama is _sald to be by. far the outstanding achievement of her career. Striking in. Its dramatic gtrengtn, tho Xry is strongly laden'with romantic, appeal, and Leslie Howard, playing opposite Miss Davies, serves to more ,than Justify that end. Richard Bennett and Ireuc Klch. play we parent roles, and Kent. Douglass, as thei brW ther, rounds out th.c Rarlck family,' of whlcn Jennifer is prime factor. . ....-,. . KING'B THEATRE. "Good Gracious, Annabelle," will be" shown finally at the King's Theatre to-night. . Commencing to-morrow,' ''Almost a Honeymoon" ■ will ■be the attraction at the' fclng a Theatre. It Is .acclaimed a »•»?_.o^Simib British comedy than either "The Middle Watch" or "Compromising Daphne. A nne cast of British stage and screen celebrities interpret the several roles, Including Dodo Watts, lamont Dlckson. Clifford Molllson, and Donald Calthrop. The picture Is replete with very humorous and cleverly-conceived situations. It is a farce of fresh, clean humour which is entertaining from start to finish: and Is a picture which will ; undoubtedly enhance the prestige of British^ "talkie" productlon. It must bo considered one of the best, entertainments to. date, Irrespective of country of origin. Box plans at Bristol and theatre. . ' '• ' ' '■■'~' ' QUEEH'B •■'. : •• • "The Fighting Legion" will' bo,shown finally at the Queen's Theatre, to-night. rt ,,..^,» Ken Maynard is 'coming to # the Queen_ s Theatre to-morrow In "Sons of the Saddle, one of the best pictures of. his career. Crowd-, ed with thrills, bristling with and Interspersed with: humour, the plcture_is an epic in the long and brilUant career of Mayr nard as a porrayer of western characters. Two hand-to-hand combats, ■ and numerous; ,running: llghU make the film one teemlag-with action. /There Is plenty of . the villainous element to keep the story moving along at a rapid Pace. The love interest, although subdued, gives the heart-throbs. SHORTPS THEATRE. "Plunder" will be shown finally at Shortfa Theatre <o-nlght. ; ' "The- Squealer," starring Dorothy Revier and Matt Moort, will be the principal picture to be shown at Shortt's Theatre to-morrow. It Is ah exposure of modern bootlegging metnods. One stirring situation after another follows witlr amarlng speed, and these lead to a breath-taking climax. The other feature will be "The-'Avenger," starring Buck Jones. It depicts-the swift justice of the days of California in 1849.

' ■■■'•:. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "The Secret Six" will be shown finally at the Britannia Theatre to-night. • ' . "Virtuous Husband" will be shown at the Britannia Theatre to-morrow. The' story. based upon' the Dorance Davis, stages play, "Apron Strings," concerns the amazing and totally > unusual antics of an idealistic young husband whose mother's letters of advice cause a highly amusing situation. The young wife objects, to put It mildly, and tha ensuing situations easily ■ attain the heights of coruscated entertainment. . . ARTCRAFT THEATRE. ' "The Big Pond," starring Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert, Is being shown at the Artcraft Theatre. The tongs are a feature, sung in the Chevalier manner, and the numbers Include "You Brought a New Kind of Love To Me," and "Uvin 1 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 tor hta fast-beatlnf heart, is also Ideally cast. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Lowell Sherman, master wit of the screen, is starred with1 Irene Dunne, star of "Cimarron," in the big Badlo feature fllm, "Bachelor, Apartment." to be shown at the Kllbirnie Elnema this evening. It la a modern etory with a new twist. , .. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. '• Greta Garbo-and- Lewli Stone are' starred In Metro-Goldwyn-Mayejr'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. EMPIRE THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. ■'Dracula" will 6e screened at the Empire Theatre' to-night. The story concerns Count Dracula, who was supposed to h»ve died 500 years ago. However, he makes Ills appearance in present-day society, and it is only after several de*hs and the i complete disappearance of three beautiful women that the'mystery of his presence Is eiplatued. The supporting programme consists of "Arabian Knight," a Slim Summerville comedy, an Oswald Babbit Cartoon, and two Universal talking reporter news reels. : REGAL THEATRE. KARORI. To-night, at the Regal Theatre, "Dracula," a thrilling, and spooky ■ fllm, 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 Summervllle comedy, and Oswald the Rabbit. Cartoon, called "The Farmer." and a special Universal Newsreel. On Friday. and Saturday John Gilbert, In , "Gentleman* Fate" will be screened. * CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. , "Reducing," Metro's greatest starring Marie Dressier and Polly Moran, will' be screened finally at the Capitol to-night. "The Sport of Kings." starring Leslie Henson, the British stage comedian, Who will be remembered in "A Warm Corner," commences to-mor-row. ' DANCE MUSICIANS' BALL. Of the many successful dances held this year few hare been able to offer the amazing feast of talent which is promised for the above^ dance to bo held at the 'Bex to-night. The/ dance musicians have decided to have some fun themselves this time, and others who attend are assured. a wonder* ful evening -too.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Lot's love and Laugh" will be shown finally at the Majestic Theatre to-nleht. To-morrow night's feature ' attraction at the Slajestlc Theatre will be "My-Past," a powerful drama with a very high reputation behind It. Bebo Daniels Is the star. In a role that suits her admirably. Ben Lyon, her newly acquired husband In real life, becomes her busband In the play, and Lewis Stone has a splendid part. Concerning "Sly Past," the American, paper "Variety" writes:—"There Is a sincerity about the acting of each of the characters that maksa the play especially moving. Lewis Stone, In the part of an old man, who discovers that his longing for the love of a younger woman must be, forgotten, is seen In a character portrayal which Is not exceeded by any of the roles which he has made memorable In other plays and pictures. He manages to give up the thine he wants most In life and to keep his friendship for the youth who takes it as his own, It Is like the gesture of the clown who, seeing himself supplanted by his son, cries 'The king ia dead, long live the king.' It is flna work." Box plans are at tho Bristol and also at the theatre. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Numbers were turned away from the St. James Theirtre last evening when the beautiful picture; "Daddy Long Legs," repeated the splendid Impression It has made on similarly big attendances: throughout the week.. Janet Gaylior endears herself to everybody as Judy Abbott. Her scenes with the clever bunch of kiddles in the orphanage are a joy to remember. Warner Baxter is admirable as "Daddy Lone Legs," and the supporting players do excellent work. The short subjects which precede the feature are notably good, and in conjunction with "Daddy Long Legs" they form a programme that will please young and old. It Is advisable to book at the Bristol or attend the matinee sessions. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. Lawrence Tibbett makes an attractive figure of the tramp, Jeffrey Farrdday, In "The Prodigal" to be screened at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, to-night. He sings "Home Sweet Home" to his grey-headed mother, and leads a negro spiritual chorus. There is also some smart photography, including a view of a fox hunt. Esther Ralston plays the role of heroine . and Roland Young and Cliff Edwards supply the comedy. A Metrotone News, colourtone revue, and cartoon will also be screened. "JOY UNLIMITED." Clever nketcb.es, spectacular ballets, and attractive inuslc will be features of the revue, "Joy Unlimited," which is bolng produced by Mr. Pat Ward, and will begin on Wednesday, 14th October, In the Concert Chamber. Many well-known Wellington people will take part. The entertainment, which will be repeated on the three following nights, is. in aid of the Cancer Campaign. The ballets are being trained by Mr. David Devltt, and' the many varied items which will follow each other In quick succession will be of a particularly gay and spirited nature. A. junior committee bag been formed by the cancer campaign to organise the Bale of tickets, and it Is hoped that the effort will prove an outstanding success. A DANCE'RECITAL. Many lovers of dancing and of charming scenes will be Interested In the dance recital by Miss Nancy Rabe and her pupils at the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, to-morrow evening. The proceeds are to bo given in aid of Red Cross funds. The need, for funds just now by those societies which are aiding the distressed, suffering from Illness and unemployment. Is so urgent that many will no doubt feel that It Is a pleasure to help this effort, which will embody the play entitled, "The Mermaid," showing beautiful colouring, and some very talented dancing. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. For the final concert of the 1931' season the Wellington Symphony Orchestra, under the ciuductorshlp of Mr. Leon eta Mauny, will present on Thursday week, 15th October, a programme that Is certain to be popular. Among the lighter item;) will bo the Strauss waltz, "Tales from the Vienna Woods," Mozart's "Figaro" overture/and Tchaikovsky's "Polonaise" from "Eugen Onegln." The most Important symphonic works will be Tchaikovsky's "Fifth Symphony" (In E Minor), and Mendelssohn's lovely Piano Concerto'; In G Minor. The soloist for this latter work will be Madame Evelyn de Mauny. The vocal number of the evening Is an aria from Gounod's opera, "The Queen of Sheba," and will be sung by Mrs. ■ Wilfred Andrews. ■ GLIDE SKATING RINK. i -The commodious bitumen floor- of the Glide Skating K|nk—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 la making the Glide very popular, and the management leaves nothing to. tie 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 ctty workers. Learners' sessions are held dally 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 Mise 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 the afternoon and evening sessions for a frill week, and at the morning session* 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 abating and dancing endurance' records.- Hla best to date for continuous skating Is 106% hours, and this record ho hopes to better during his stay >In Wellington. Patrons of the. St: George Blnk are reminded of the Monte Carlo to-night. Tho Skating , Club already has A a big membership, and is holding its first club night on Tuesday. •.' ■ ' ■'■■■•;•■. .' .V•.. ■''..'• .'■'■■ '■■■■■■ ; ■ ROYAL ROLLER . RINK} ; : 'V'^ The first Appearance in New Zealand of Billy Preston, the brilliant Australian trick- and fancy skater, will take place nest Saturday night at the Royal Boiler Blnk, Winter Show Building, John street, when this world's champion will be seen in exhibitions. This, wizard of the wheels Is known as "The; Human Top," and Is undoubtedly a master of art of roller skating In all Its phases. As his engagement Is for Saturday .night only,-It is expected that theer will be a "large attendance at the rink, and in order to be-sure, of obtaining a seat patrons would.be well advised to reserve a table, for which no extra charge js made. Skating has become very popular In Wellington since the opening of this new cabaret rink, and during the present week free tuition in the two-step is being given at all sessions. The rink Is available for private hire at concession rates, and monthly concession tickets are Issued for the convenience of patrons.