ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 87, 9 October 1931, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "The Devil to ray," a comedy drama by Kederick Lonsdale, aud starrlDg Ronald Colmau, comes to the Resent Theatre to-day. A list of the' temperamental geniuses of tho cinema whose plaint is that they never get a good story could never Include Hie namo of Ronald Colraan; and If ever ho did find himself east In an unworthy screen play thoro Is little doubt that ho would make his own role In It an outstanding example of what a really fine actor could make of even poor material. Happily, the Idol of millions of talkie 'lovers may cross that bridga when l\c comes to it. Never a gllmpso has ho had of It as yet. Beginning with his first American screen appearance in "The White Sister," on through a .long list of romantic plays with Vlima Banky, starting with "The Dark Angel," to his incomparable "Beau Gcstc," "Ths Rescue," and "Bulldog Drummond" down to his more recent "Raffles," and tho current comedy-drama, his stories have been good. Ronald Column's genius enabled him to rise triumphantly above every story, cast, direction, or any : o_<t of tho multitudinous elements that enter into motion picture production. In again ringing tho bell, so to speak. In "The Devil to Pay," lie is most fortunate In all theso particulars. The picture Is a lavish Samuel Goldwyn production, set in Colman's loved London atmosphere, supported by a fine cast of players, together with a screen story and witty dialogue by a famous playwright who Is a personal friend of the star as well As a happy-go-lucky scapegrace prodigal son, Oolman proves his mastery of sophisticated modern comedy-drama. Playing opposite the star Is Loretta Young, who is an established screen player. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "The Lady Refuses," starring Betty Compson, Gilbert Emery, and John Harrow, will bo one of the two big Aims on a splendid double-feature bill to be presented at the Grand Opera House to-day. The story opens with Sir Gerald Courtney {Gilbert Emery) fondly. expecting his wayward-grown son to dine with him one night. Russell, the son (John Darrow) disappoints him, as usual. So instead of his son he has June Loring (Betty Compson), a woman he had brought, In off the streets. She recovers enough from her surprise at such generosity to note his sadness, and learns its cause. Sir Gerald explains that his son seems to be In tho toils of a woman called Berthlue Waller (Margaret Livingston), and the woman's master, Xlkolal Kabinoff (Ivan Lebedefl). They hit upon a plan to got Russell away from Berthine. Juno Is to let Sir Gerald outfit her with fine clothes, arid rent her a luxurious apartment In the building where Russell stays. The consideration is to be one thousand pounds sterling. One night, Russell. Berthine, Nikolai, and others of their wild crowd "pour" themselves put of the boy's apartment. Berthine makes secret plans with Bussell to return alone to the apartment. But June ensnares the susceptible Russell as he wends his way past her door, takes him In, gets him drunk, and puts him to bed. From this point onward the action moves, speedily to a most dramatic climax. The other feature film Is "Madonna of the Streets," starring Evelyn Brent. The story Is a dramatic tale of lovo and reformation, unfolded In the colourful locale of the Barbary coast of San Francisco. DE LUXE THEATRE. Keen comedy, iprlgntly, well-spoken dialogue, a story that Is novel and clever, combine to make "Once a Gentleman," James Cruze's latest offering, starring Edward Everett Horton and Lois Wilson, opening to-day at the De Luxa Theatre, one of the gayest and most sparkling talkies that tho season has produced. Horton—the perfect butler—geto a month off to play gentleman, and tho predlca- I ment he gets Into when he Is mistaken for a colonel recently returned from India, gives this versatile actor a glorious opportunity to pull all the comedy tricks lie has right out of his sleeve, and provides great entertainment for the audience. Cruze Is said to have done a masterly job in the picture—first, in recruiting a 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 cleverly extracted, and what remains Is a brilliant comedy that holds the Interest throughout. In addition to Edward Everett Horton and Lois Wilson, the roster Includes such stellar players as Francis X: Bushman, senr., George Faweett, King Baprgot, Gertrude Short, Evelyn Pierce, Charles Coleman, Estelle Bradley, and Emerson Treacy.- There Is an excellent supporting programme. Box plans are available at Bristol and. theatre. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Skyscraper banquets, bachelor . apartments, moonlight trysts, zooming aeroplanes, charity bazaars, private trains, steamships, and even EJfth avenue buses supply the kaleidoscopic backgrounds for "Five and Ten," Marian Dav[es's new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring picture, which opens to-day at the Paramount Theatre. Modern, daring, hilarious and yet Intensely dramatic, the Fonnle Hunt-novel offers the etar something entirely new by way of characterisation. Miss Darles, as Jennifer, daughter of the five-and-ten-per-ccnt-store magnate. Is a different Marlon Darles than has been seen on the screen In the past. She Is more convincing and repressed. Indeed, her excursion Into the realm of drama Is said to ba by far the outstanding achievement of her career. Striking In Its dramatic strength, the story Is strongly laden with romantic appeal, and Leslie Howard, playing opposite Miss Davics, serves to more* than lustlfy that end. The story concerns the family of a man who has been too busy amassing millions to consider the' happiness of his wife and children. The wife therefore compensates herself with a lover; the daughter finds herself snubbed by society and the son Is driven to suicide. Richard Bennett and Irene Rich play the parent roles, and Kent Douglass, as the brother, rounds out the Rarick family, of which Jennifer Is prime factor. There Is an entertaining supporting programme. KING'S THEATRE. "Almost a Honoymoon"' Is the attraction at the King's Theatre. It is a more outstanding British comedy than cither "Tho Middle Watch" or "Compromising Daphne." A fine cast of British stage and screen celebrities Interpret the several roles. Including Dodo Watts, Lamont Dickson. 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 enhanco tho prestige of British "talkie" production. It must be considered one of the best entertainments to date, Irrespective of country of origin. Box plans are at , the Bristol and the theatre. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Ken Maynard is at the Queen's Theatre to-day In "Sons of the Saddle," one of the best pictures of his career. Crowded with thrills, bristling with action, and interspersed with humour, the picture Is an epic in the long and brilliant career of Maynard as a porrayer of western characters. Two hand-to-hand j combats, and numerous running fights make the film one teeming with action. There Is plenty of the villainous clement to keep the story moving along at a rapid pace. The love.lnterest, although subdued, gives the heart-throbs. Doris Hill, Joe Girard, Carol Nye, and Francis Ford head an excellent supporting cast. Some good Universal Featurettes are Included. SHORTT'S THEATRE. , "The Squealer," starring Dorothy Eevier and Matt' Moore, is the principal picture , being shown at. Shortt's Theatre. It is an exposure of modern bootlegging methods. One BUrring situation after another follows with, amazing speed, and these lead to a breath-taking climax. The other feature Is "The Avenger," starring Buck Jones. It depicts the swift justice of the days of California in 1819. Based on the life of Joaquin Mulrctta, a Spanish bandit of the early California gold rush days, the story presents a skilful blending of colourful background, strong drama, and- breath-taking thrills. Dorothy Revicr is the feminine lead,, portraying a pretty school teacher who is in love with Joaquin. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Virtuous Husband" Is being shown at tho Britannia Theatre. The story, based upon the Dorrance Davis stage play, "Apron Strings," concerns the amazing and totally unuslia) antics of atl Idealistic young husband whose mother's letters of advice cause a highly amusing situation. The young wife objects, to put it mildly, and the ensuing situations easily attain the heights of coruscated entertainment. REGAL THEATRE. KARORI. To-night at' the Regal Theatre, Karori, "A Gentleman's Fate" will be screened. John Gilbert plays the part of a young man about town who has his Idea that he is a member of a famous family shattered when his father, a gangster, dies of bullet wounds. He takes Ills father's place and goes on to win love in gangland. The cast includes Louis Wolheim, Anita Page, and Leila Hyams. An Our Gang comedy, "Bargain Day," and a Mctrotone newsreel will be screened. On Monday and Tuesday "Body and Soul" will be screened. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Norma Sheerer Is starred by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer In the plcturisation of "Let Us Be Gay," which will ,be screened at Our Theatre tonight. The picture presents the amusing situation of a wife who, when she discovers that she has become too dowdy to retain her husband's affections, goes to Paris for a three years' training course in acquiring "it," and returns to make a sensational come-back. Excellent supports complete the programme. NEW SKATING RINK. Mr. Billy Preston and Miss Zona Tumor, famous Australian exponents of trick and fancy skating, will be presented next Monday at the St. George Skating Rink In a series of clever aud startling exhibitions. Both will appear nt the afternoon and evening sessions for a full week, and at the morning sessions Mr. Preston will perform solo skating stunts. Besides holding hlgb honours for trick skating, Mr. Preston Is the holder of the world's offlil.il championship for both skating and dancing endurance records nis best to date for cuntlnuous skating Is 106% hours, and this record he hopes to better during his stay In Wellington. The Skating Club already has a big membership, and is holding its first club night on Tuesday.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. | Tho drama "My Past," which will be shown for the first time In Wellington at the Majestic Theatre to-day, is said to rank amongst tho beat plays yet seen on tho talking screen. Us author states that it la founded on a hitherto unpublished iucldent in tho life or the famous English actress of the seventeenth century. "Nell Gwynne," but the story Is brought right up to date, and is told in a modern way amidst twentieth century surroundings. Noll Gwyune, the daughter of * broken-down soldier, was born in an al ey oil Drury Lano In London, and when Nell was in her twenties her mother was drowned while intoxicated. Nell sold oranges near Drury Lano Tlientro, and at the age or la she made her big hit on Its stage m IGO7 as Flodmel In Dryden's "Tho Maiden Queen. She was burled at St. Martin's-ln-the-lileUis Bebe Daniels Is said to do her very tot «ork In this leading part, and she recedes jcrj strong support from Ben Lyon, and Lew* Stono, who is a tower or strength to curj play he appears In. A strong set of PPprt--ing short subjects will nclude C°utr«ry Mary" (a technicolour novelty), '] «'« "ltlt of Time" (comedy), "Red Donahue" (^tcli*; Horace Heidt's California!) Band, and Fox Movietone News. The late slioppers bess on ,vill commence to-day at 5/« f'S at 7 p.m. Box plans are at tho Bristol, ami also at tho theatre. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The management reports that ••Daddy Long fh-it touch of "humour that rainbows me ears of the world " Janet Gaynor is an es|JnUdtheAtUle° role. aud_ the, o. ellent «n>porUnE players, she makes "Daddy Long Legs an entertainment that is a joy to see. The Cook ings at the Bristol are very heavy. CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. ••The Sport of Kings," an hilarious British comedy farce, starring Leslie Henson. the inln - table British comedian, commences at tlie Excellent featurettcs will be screened. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. •'The Secret Six," starring Wallace Beery, will be screened at tho Empire Theatre toBlent Tho production obtains its title from fhf story that six prominent c tons flndng the police helpless, set out to bring law and order to a gang-infested city. Jean Hartow and Clark Gable head ■»««£«* cast The supports Include a Hal K";»cn comedyT special vocal numbers, and a Metrotone Newsreel. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Critics-have unanimously agreed that "Mr. lemon of Orange," the Fox comedy co-star-ller, sen., nuth Warren, Donald Dillaway, and Joan Castle. ■ KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Lowell Sherman, master wit or the screen. Is starred with Irene Dunne, star of Ciniarron." In the big Radio feature dim "Bacheto Apartment," to> be shown at the kilolrnic Khfcma this evening. It is a modern story with a new twist. ABTCRAFT THEATRE. "Reducing," starring Marie Dressier and Polly Moran. is being shown at the Artcraft Theatre This Is an excruciatingly funny picture; reducing fat women being Polly's speciality. When Marie Dressier enters tho business things liven up. as she contrives to switch on the current at tho wrong tlmo in the beauty parlour and generally just about wtccUs the place. There are excellent supports. "JOY UNLIMITED." Clever Bketches. spectacular ballets, and attractive music will be features of the revue, "Joy Unlimited" which is being 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 bo repeated on the three following nights, Is In aid or the Cancer Campaign. The ballets are being trained by Mr David Devltt. and the many varied Hems which will follow each other in quick succession will, be of n particularly Ray and spirited nature. A Junior committee has been formed by tho cancer campaign to organise tho sale of tickets, and It is hoped that the effort will prove an outstanding success. ROYAL ROLLER RINK. The first appearance in Now Zealand of Billy Preston, tho brilliant Australian trick and fancy skater, will take place next Saturday night at the Boyal Roller Rink, 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," »nd. Is undoubtely a master of the art of roller skating In all its phases. As his engagement Is for Saturday night only, it Is expected that there will bs a large attendance at the rink, and In order to bo sure of obtaining a scat patrons would be well advised to reserve a table, for which no extra charge Is made. SkatIng has become very popular In Wellington since tho opening of this new cabaret rink, and during the present week free tuition in the two-step Is bciug given at all sessions. The rink is available for private hire at concession rates, aud monthly concession ticliols are issued for the convenience of patrons. GLIDE SKATING RINK. Patrons of the Glide Skating Kink In Wakcfleld street to-morrow evening will witness, and if they desire,1 take part In, a special novelty in the form of pony races on skates. This novelty is entirely new In Wellington, and the management have made preparations that will .ensure its complete success. Tho races, which will bo brimful of thrills and fun, will be run In heats, and a special race will be held for ladies. The • commodious bitumen floor of the («llde Skating Kink—the largest skating floor In Wellington—makes one of the finest and fastest skating surfaces of any rink in New Zculand. The courteous attention of efficient attendants and tutors combine in .making the Glide very popular, and tho management leaves nothing .to be desired in catering for the comfort of patrons. Sessions are held every morning and afternoon, and tivo sessions held in tjie lunch hour (12-1 and 1-2 p.m.) aro very popular with city workers. Learners' sessions are Held daily except Saturday, from C p.m. to