ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "The Daughter of tho Dragon," showing at -lie Regent Theatre, is a picture of great dramatic intensity. Anna May Wong, the Chinese actress, reaches great dramatic heights. The picture also marks the return to the screen of the Japanese actor, Sessile Hayakawa, who has' lost none of his histrionic ability. Warner Oland, that arch-villain of the screen, once again fllls tho part of Fu Manehu, and he has all too little to do. Bramwell Fletcher gives a finished performance as the English lover or the Dragon's daughter. The supporting programme maintains the high standard which has been' set by the management of the Regent. "My Sin." Tallulah Bankhead's new picture, which is comius to tho Regent Theatre on Friday, is "My Sin," an unconventional, stirring story of a woman's regeneration, in which Tallulah Baukhead Is revealed as a convincing and brilliant emotional actress of quiet charm and persuasive beauty. Sharing co-starring honours with Miss Bankhead is that popular young actor, Frpdric March, recently seen with Nancy Carroll. in "The Night Angel." The action of "My Sin" begins in Panama, where Tallulah is a cabaret entertainer, and Fredric Slarch is a lawyer who has succumbed to tropic heat and liquor. These two, meeting under strange circumstances, are brought close together when March, rising to. an unexpected emergency, musters enough sense and decency to successfully defend Tallulah in a murder charge. Then, inspired by March's confidence in her, Tallulah is persuaded by him to leave Panama and begin life anew. DE LUXE THEATRE. There is a restraint In the acting of Mac Clarke and Kent Douglass in "Waterloo 3ridgo," now In its second week at the Ue Luxe Theatre. The story tells how a Canadian soldier meets with an American chorus girl ■luring an air raid in London and how they both fall in love with one another. Ending us it began, in an air raid, the story is a (remarkable one. "Strictly Dishonourable." Every year there are one or two pictures that everybody talks about and everybody goes to see. It is said that "Strictly Dishonourable," which comes to the De Luxe Theatre next Friday, is one of these pictures. Tremendous audiences have patronised this picture in England, America, and Australia. The reason for delay in producing the screen version is on account of a clause in the contract for purchase of the screen rights which stipulated that it would not bo made until the conclusion of the original New York season of the play. '.That season lasted over two years in the one legitimate theatre, playing continuously to crowded houses at admission prices ranging from 15s to 355. It is safe to say that the stage presentation will not venture beyond. America on account of the truly remarkable and faithful adaptation of tho play to the screen. The picture has been given one. of the industry's nioit capable casts, with strict attention to the choice of players that are most ideally suited to the portrayals required of them. Paul Lukas was specially borrowed from Paramount Pictures, Sidney Fox, although a stage star of wide experience, studied her role for over six months, Lewis Stone and Sidney Toler (the latter, another stage veteran) are said to he ideally suited for their respective roles of bibulous Judge and Hibernian cop, while the balance of the cast, George Meeker and William Klccardi, were secured to enact the parts' they played in the stage play. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Charles Farrell and Madge Evans have the leading roles in "Heartbreak," showing at the Paramount Theatre. The tale of an American attache to the Vienna Embassy who falls in love with a beautiful Austrian countess and then is called upon to flght her brother In an air duel on.the Italian front Is one of the old, romantic Vienna and of the madness of war. The supporting programme is excellent. ' Romance, intrigue, charm, and pathos are elements that aro said io make "Tho Yellow Ticket." opening at the Paramount Tlieatre on Friday, a picture of unusual entertaining quality. Ellssa Landl portrays the leading feminine role, with Lionel Barrymore and Laurence Olivier, handsome newcomer from the London stage, in the principal male parts. "The Yellow Ticket" reveals a dramatic picture of the days of barbaric splendour in Russia. It depicts tho dramatic adventures of a beautiful and -virtuous peasant girl who, .falling to secure a passport to visit her father who is dying in a distant prison, accepts a yellow, ticket.'which permits' scandalous women :to travel any place unhampered. • She becomes enmeshed .with the police, and how, she escapes a horrible fate offers one of the-most startling denouements ever, presented on the screen/ As the persecuted girl. Miss Landl is said to rise to new emotional, heights, and as the cruol and lustful head of the secret police, Barrymore, it is claimed, excels anything he has previously achieved on the screen. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. "Shipmates" is being shown at the Aricraft Tlieatre. Bobert Montgomery has the leading role—that Of an American enlisted man who Tails in lovo with an admiral's daughter, falls with tho admirals intended son-in-law, a lieutenant-on the admiral's ship, and anally, when In the act of deserting, has tlio good luck along with the admiral to fall in with a blazing barge. Admiral and 'deserter put out the flre, save the fleet from destruction, and in due course enter Into the relationship of father-in-law and son-.ln-law. The picture breathes the spirit of the American Navy. '"QUEEN'S THEATRE.' . ; Thrill_fqllo\?s thrill In "Men-Without Law," showing- at the Queen'sThcatr.e...' Biickr Jones, . the star,' does"'some of.vth6 most -- amazing riding- over seen on the.screen.. Added to this, the story has. a strong element of novelty, ..the", sets' are colourful, and the acting is excellent throughout.' How Buck outwits a rascal, defeats lilm in terrific hand-to-hand combat, and eventually wins the pretty daughter, - provides splendid entertainment "DußaiiyV Woman of Passion," Nornia Talmadge's new" starring .picture, commences at the Queen's Theatre on Friday. The story concerns a woman's conflict between love and luxury. Its locale is Paris at the height of that romantic city's splendour. The cast Includes Conrad Nagel and William Farnum. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Maid to Order," in which Julian Eltlnge, the great female Impersonator, makes his debut as a talking picture star, Is showing at Shortt's Theatre. It is a thrilling story of a gang of international diamond smugglers, overflowing with melodramatic action, aeroplano rides, and splendid settings, with just enough romance to furnish the required love interest. The other feature, "The Lone Defender,'.' stars the wonder dog, Bin-Tln-Tln. -PRINCESS THEATRE. "Man of the World," starring William Powell is being shown at' tho Princess . Theatre. Powell Is ■ presented as the undercover editor of a Parisian gossip-newspaper whose chief revenue la obtained from wealthy tourists anxious to keep tlreir guy-doings from their friends at home. As a blackmailer; Powell is ruthless; but to save the girl he lovos he forces himself to enact'a bitter disillusionment. , . . -.; ■ BRITANNIA THEATRE. Buster Keaton, in "Sidewalks of New York," at the Britannia -Theatre, plays a millionaire who gets, neck deep into tenement districts -and; becomes prey for "tough" kids and others not in accord with his altruism. Comical sequences In gymnasiums, chases with gangs, and other lively incidentals contribute to the mirth. 1 Anita Page is tho heroine, and Cliff Edwards, contributes added laughs as the comical Talet Poggle. ' EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY, "Sporting Blood," 'to: be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening, concerns a gambler and a girl. Racing of horses', the tricks of crooked manipulators, and the schemes of gamblers are exposed ruthlessly. . Clark Gable, Ernest Torrencc, and Madge Evans head a large cast. The 1 supporting programme Includes a Hal Roach comedy, "One Good Turn," starring Stan 'Laurel and Oliver Hardy, and a Jletrotorie newsreel. REGAL THEATRE. KARORI/ To-night at the Regal; Theatre, Karorl, a programme of special merit will be shown. Tho" feature is a United Artists' special, and is Ronald Colman's latest starring vehicle. He is ably supported-by an'all-star cast headed by Loretta Young. Special supports will include a cartoon (Micky Mouse), a Fox Newsreel, and a Grantland Rico sportllght. "Pardon Us," will \to screened on Friday and Saturday THEATRICAL EMPLOYEES' CONCERT. The members of the Wellington Theatrical Employees' Sick and Benefit Society will hold their annual e.Micert on Sunday, 14th February, at 8.13 p.m., at the Grand Opera House. The full programme will be supplied through the courtesy of the management pf Messrs. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., by tho following members of the Gilbert and Sullivan Cctnic Opera Company: Messrs. Menzies, Darnton, Stroud, Manning Fraser, Patterson, Sheard: Thompson, BroderieV, Baxter, and , Misses ; Bremner, Gardiner, Hotham, Ramsey', Wimpiley, Walslie, Bclmont. and Crotty. Gustav. SlapofTskl will conduct the orchestra. This premises to bo the outstanding concert of the! year, and the pro-, cecds are for a very worthy cause. our theatre; newtown. Our Theatre is showing Reginald Denny'ln tho Sreat hilarious comedy,' "Stepping Out." Patrons can be assured of a great night's entertainment. ■: KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Sparkling comedy, a;fast-moving story, and a triple romance feattre "Three Girls Lost." the Fox feature now showing at the Kinnma Theatre, Kilbirnle. Lcretta Young and John Wayne have the ieadliig roles in this exciting tale of modern life, (with Lew Cody, Joyce Compton, Joan Marsh; and other notables In the cast. ■ MARAMA'S TRANSHIPMENTS. Tho Marama, which. .arrived this morning from Sydney, includel In her cargo transhipments from tho following vessels: —Karoola, Narkunda, Baradlna Mangola, Mundulla, Annam, Tawall. Time, Ormlston, CJoulburn, Nankin, Mongolia, Tincred, and Canberra.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. ™T,°" tiu?' ana will be the last op- ?,? lli ~.M. Ot seelng "The sIQ o£ Madelon t n ! «a! tho MaJ est!c Theatre. It la a great t^lltle. Helen Hayes gives a magnificent portrayal of the title role. Not since "Madame A has been seen such 'a brilliant performa?°™ woman's flghti against Fate as that ot Miss Hayes. She has truly become a star overnight In this, her first talking production. commencing on Friday at the Majestic Theatre is Algnt Nprse," a First National production, which details the adventures of a girl who enters a great city hospital as a student nurse, and leaves it as a woman who knows life from its depth to Its height. It is said to be a most unusual story vividly portraying an unexplored phase of the life of to-day. The J» c'"re based on the novel by Dora Macy. writing of Barbara Stanwyck, who plays the title role, the "Los Angeles Mail" says:—"lt is the night mirso herself who steals the picture and holds the imagination and sympathy of the beholder from first to last. Lora Hart is her name, and she has the great luck to be interpreted by Barbara Stanwyck. Miss Stanwyck has beauty and talent, but It is an indefinable quality which makes her dominate any scene, and her'portrayal of Lora — torn between temptations, fears, loves, ambitions, and loyalties—ls unforgettable." Supporting Miss Stanwyck is a cast of exceptional merit. Including Clark Gable, Ben Lyon, Joan Blondell, Charles Winniger, and two little girls, Marcia Jones and Betty Graham. Box plans are now open at the Bristol, and also at the theatre. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The last two days are announced of the bright and breezy "Broadminded," a sparkling comedy, featuring that merry monarch of mirth, Joe E. Brown, at the St. James Theatre. That the picture suits the popular laste Is evident from the convulsive laughter at every session. Lawrence Tlbbott, the magnificent baritone, will return to Wellington on Friday next at the St. James Theatre, in his latest and most entertaining musical romance, "The Cuban Love Song." This famous Metropolitan opera star makes a welcome reappearance In a role that gives his voico and his undoubted histrionic ability full scope. The lure of the lropics, the madness of southern seas under the blue skies of a Cuban paradise. Intermingled with haunting refrains, are said to make the play one of complete Interest and entertainment. Through it all there runs a big vein of comedy, the unloosing of which is in the capable hands of Ernest Torrence and Jimmy Durante, recently seen in' Wellington with William Hainea in. "Get Rich Quick Wallingford." These two are ably . assisted by the' well-known comedienne, Louise Fazenda. Lupe Velez appears as Nenita, a ■ little Cuban peanut vendor, who, it is averred, excels her excellent performance of "Naturich" in "The Squaw Man." Seats may be reserved at the Bristol and also at the theatre. ■; GRAND OPERA HOUSE. The enthusiastic welcome to "lolanthe" at the Opera House ou the opening night was given in full measure again by a packed house last night. The delightful opera will be given its final performance to-night. To-morrow evening and the following two nights and on Saturday afternoon the company, will present a revival of the popular comic opera,. "The Pirates of Pcuzance," which will bo preceded by "Trial by Jury." Ivan Menziea was described in Sydney as being "the very pattern of a modem major-general" in "The Pirates of Penzance," and ho causes much fun in "Trial by Jury" as the judge who, in his youth, fell in love with the rich attorney's ugly elderly daughter. AU the rollicking humour, the parody, and pointed jest of both operas are, it is said, capitally brought out by J. C. Williamson's company. "Not lor many years," wrote a Sydney critic, "has there been such a good set of principals in 'The Pirates of Penzance,' while the fresh and welltrained chorus gives highly effective support. The unaccompanied singing of the ensemble toward the close of the first act, and the vigour ana droll spirit given to the pirates' entry 'with catlike tread' were notable features of the performance. Miss Malsie Ramsay's soprano voice; which was produced under the tuition of the late Madame Melba, is heard at its fullest advantage in the splendid number, 'Poor Wandering One.'" On .Monday night next and two following evenings and on Wednesday afternoon next "Tho Yeomen of tho Guard" wIU be produced. CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. . "The Man Who. Came Back" 13 screening at the Capitol Theatre, Miramar. It stars Janet Gaynor and Charles Farroll. The picture depicts the son of a powerful financier trained only for a life of luxurious idleness, who slips from graco'and skids to the depth of depravity. There he meets a girl but one step above him on the ladder. Inspired by lovo and faith in each other they retrace every step of their downward path. There will be excellent supports. KING'S THEATRE. Euth Chatterton displays a new versatility in a difficult and entrancing role in her latest starring Paramount picture, "The Magnificent Ho," now showing, at the King's Theatre. In a story that calls for a character of verve and spirit which changes rapidly to almost tragic drama. Miss Chatterton is superb. Box -plans are available at tho Bristol and the theatre.