ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 72, 27 March 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

"Evenings for Sale," now showing at the Regent Theatre, is one of the best starBpangled versions jet produced of the "Blue Danube." The producers have set the main portion of the picture In Vienna, where, with the assistance of a penniless count, the desirable maiden, and a rich widow with too much money, the conventionally logical conclusion is reached. It is a picture of many laughs, a touch of pathos, and an excellent cast. An American widow who ls seeking her ideal of the "Alerry Widow" Vienna and its romantic associations with Strauss waltzes is finely played by Mary Boland. She meets a penniless gigolo-count In a cafe where he lias found a job, arouses his sympathy, and finally saves the old family castle from being sold. For some reason, at the beginning of the story, the count chose to go to a masked ball instead of shooting himself in a dark moment as he had intended. Shaken Irom his idea of disposing of himself, the count accepts a position as a gigolo. It is then that he meets the widow, who rescues "the family traditions" by buying the castle. In the meantime his girl has changed her mind about him on learning that ho is a gigolo; she consents to marry someone else, again changes her mind, and regains her original status In the passions of the count —now to be made a partner in a hotel which ls to be formed of his castle. The widow, after some tentative inclinations tp amours with the count, finds she is a grandmother and departs aud leaves the pair to live happily ever after. Thirt is an excellent supporting programme. "The Kid from Spain." Tromised by Samuel Goldwyn as the biggest as well as the funniest picture from Hollywood this season, "The Kid from Spain" comes to the Regent Theatre: next Friday. It is the annual screen song-and-dance comedy of Eddie Cantor, succeeding his ■•Palmy Days" of last season and "Whoopee" of the year before. Eddio makes but one picture a year,. saving his energy, his voice, and his laughs fov a single big- effort. "The Kid from Spain" is the.-story of a button-eyed lad, who, getting kicked out of school with his: room-mate for suspicious goings-on in a girls' dormitory, gets involved in a bank robbery and escapes to Mexico disguised as Don Sebastian 11, the I famous bull-fighter. He accepts the acclaim of I a great fete in his honour, trying desperately to maintain his masquerade until the minute he is forced. Into the arena to fight the four bulls in tho thrilling climax of the picture. For the beauty and colour of the arena and for the gala fiesta that precedes it, Goldwyn marshalled together seventy-six of the proudest beauties of tho world.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

A crook story in which all the principal characters are trying, each in his. own way, to circumvent the driving of tho Devil, for money at all costs, is "Tho Devil is Driving."-, at tho Grand Opera Ilouse, an unusual,' superbly-acted story, set in a fifteen-storey garage. The swiftly-moving tale concerns Itself chiefly with the workers in the garage. Beef Evans (James Gleason) has been driven,1 Into the dishonest side of the trade for his family's sake^ while "Gabby" (Edmund Lowe) his brother-in-law, knows nothing until he and the boss's -girl Silver (Wynne Gibson), fall In love. As the story progresses one sees the fevered chasa of stolen luxurious cars through tho streets, the swift turn lv to tlie secret entrance to the garage, the rapid climb at dizzy speeds to tho safety of a steel curtained room on the top floor, where an army of experts rips tho car to bits, repaints it, and by many lightning changes, even to parts of tho machinery, havo it ready within the few moments before the police arrive. The "climaxial killing inseparablo from American 'Stories, is followed by a terrific fight on the top floor, and a head-on collision on the twelfth floor which wipes out the killers, both cars breaking through the wall and crashing down the light well in the centre of the building.

OE LUXE THEATRE,

"Face in the Sky" at the De Luxe Theatre ls one of those films of American life with a different background from that encountered by the ordinary person. The story centres around an artist in an advertising business who in the beginning- of the film ls travelling around the country by motor-van and painting signs. He becomes embroiled in the affairs of a farming family, and finally has an elopement forced upon him, and after that events move fast. The scene of tho story eventually shifts to New York, and "it is only after an exciting climax that Joe Buck, the" artist,, and Madge, tho girl he found in tho back country, are united. ■

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Every time that great favourite Jack Hulbert appears .on the screen in Wellington he makes himself more popular than ever. Each successive comedy characterisation ha is seen in emphasises the cleanness of his art. In

"Love on Wheels," his present wonderfully dressed, mounted, and acted whimsicality, Hulbcrt is seen at his very best. "Love on Wheels" may be classed as the merriest, sauciest. ( musical comedy ever turned out by tho famous Gainsborough studios. Jack Hulbert has never been so well supported as ho now is. Leonora Corbett, the new "find" is a captivating artist who acts, sings, and dances charmingly; Gordon Harker is excellent as usual, and Edmund Gwenn could not be improved upon as the general manager of the big London store in which most of the action of the piece takes place. ■ ■ .-

KING'S THEATRE.

"Looking on the Bright Side," nu A.n;P. musical comedy, starring the inimitable Gracie Fields, and now screening at the Kings-Theatre, is the bright side of screen entertainment. Gracie Fields is irresistible. She sings and laughs her way into one's heart and then gives ;an outing of sunshine and happiness. For years Gracie has been the acknowledged Queen of British stage entertainers, and her talents are such that after only, one screen appearance, in "Sally, in Our Alley," she easily topped the poll in ,i star popularity contest recently conducted by the "Dally Mall." Box plans arc at Tho Bristol and theatre.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"The Big Timer," the Columbia comedydrama featuring Ben Lyon, Constance Cummings, and Thelma Todd, now showing at the Queen's Theatre, is the story of a small-town

"chump" who wanted to be a big time "champ," and nobody believed he had the- makings except a girl. The second attraction is "The Night. Mayor," a snappy, breezy,- comedy-drama about the chief executive of a -large city, who discovered that his heart as well as his head .belonged to the public.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"Atr Mall," TJniver6al's great drama ot the men who' wing their -way across the continent with the Government mail, is now being presented at the Britannia Theatre. Events centre around a desert airport mall relay station,' where a group of flyers of different types of character and various pasts are gathered to "put the mail through," regardless of all obstacles. The drama of their lives in the constant shadow of a flyer's death, and the clashes of personalities in the isolated station provide the film with unusual power and excitement.

PRINCESS THEATRE,

A gusty adventure-story of the hectic days (luring the Russian Revolution provides a vehicle for George Bancroft In the current programme at the New Princess Theatre. Bristling with tense dramatic thrills, "The World and the Flesh" provides the ebullient Bancroft with his most sensational characterisation since

"The Mighty." On the same programme is presented "Personal Maid," featuring Nancy Carroll, Pat O'Brien, and Gene Raymond.

SHORTT'S THEATRE. , The romance and drama of this ultra-modern age and the marriage problems which all modern couples encounter, are beautifully and poignantly portrayed in "The Age For Love," now being shown at Shortt's Theatre. Among other delectable features, it brings back to the screen, after more than a year's absence the beautiful Billie Dove. It is without doubt Miss Dove's finest performance. A comedy extravaganza. "Cock of the Air," is also showing.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Now showing at the Kilblrnie Kinema, "Love Me Tonight," a Chevalier film,'with Jeanette Mac Donald in the feminine lead, is one of the best romantic comedies that the French singing actor has" made. The story ls as fantastic as a comic opera should rightly be, but It is also a good one, chock-full of both romantic and hilariously amusing situations. The songs include "Love Me Tonight," "Isn't It Romantic?" "Jllmi," "A Woman Needs Something Like That," and "The S.on-of-a-G\\n ls Nothing But a Tailor."

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

Two special Universal Film productions will be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. Tho first production is "Igloo." This is a story of adventure and thrills laid among the icy wastes of the 'Arctic. The second attraction ls "Penalty of Tame," starring Lew Ayres. Thrills and laughs play the leading part In this adventure story concerning a young radio announcer. A Universal Newsreel, featuring Graham McXamee, completes the programme. On Wednesday and Thursday George O'Brien will be seen in "The Golden West."

CAPITOL THEATRE", MIRAMAR,

An exceptionally good double-feature programme is to be seen at the Capitol Theatre, Miramar, tonight, for the last time. In "Love on the Spot," a sparkling British musical play, Richard Dolman and Rosemary Ames are to be seen in a film In which captivating music, comedy, and tuneful songs predominate. In "The Golden West" George O'Brien, Janet Chandler, and Marion Burns are to be seen in the most outstanding Western from the pen of Zane Grey.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

EdmuDd Lowe plays the title role 1n "Chandu," the Fox mystery drama, to be shown at Our Theatre tonight. Lowe, as Chandu, goes In search of the arch-fiend Kozor, played by Bela Lugosi, chief villain of the film. Chandu's effort to regain possession of a powerful death ray stolen by Rozor, furnishes the chief conflict of the story. There are excellent supports.

majestic Theatre,

•*- r' o' of music, dancing, and laughter ls Sleepless Nights" at the Majestic Theatre. The plot involves a reporter who is sent to interview an American millionaire aboard his yacht at Kice, and ends up by being found under compromising circumstances with the millionaire's daughter. The audience is fully entertained by the succession of unusual tallet tableaux, step-dancing of the principals, and the humour ■of tricky situations and clever dialogue. Stanley Luplno, the writer of the original play, is at tho head of the cast, and his inimitable antics and expressions have seldom produced better results.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

In 'Rockabye." the new Constance Bennett picture at St. James Theatre, the star is cast as a woman in search of her soul. The search is the more difficult because the heroine is also a successful actress with a history, and' in the glitter of the footlights soul qualities and sex lures seem liable to be a bit mixed, so the actress that Miss Bennett has to portray in "Rockabye" becomes a rather elusive personality. Her candour about herself, and her zest in "intimate" scenes, also her dressing and general audacity, lift the eyebrows of the audience occasionally, but the dramatic strength of her emotional work is not helped by the strained situations in which the actress-heroine' finds herself placed.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

Ralph Bellamy, Pat O'Brien, Hussel Hopton, and Slim Summerville enact the featured male roles of the rapid action film "Air Mail" now at the Artcraft Theatre.

Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette Mac Donald are featured together in • "Love Me Tonight," which is to be presented for a short season at the Artcraft Theatre, commencing tomorrow night. Playing in support of these two famous film artists arc Charlie Buggies, Charles Butterworth, and Myrna Loy. Some of the catchiest songs for years are beard in this production, including "Jllmi," "Isn't It Romantic," "I'm an Apache." "Love lie Tonight" is described as depicting "the greater-than-ever Chevalier in the gayest, most human picture of the year." it has had extended seasons in many cities.

WELLINGTON PLAYERS,

The Wellington Players will present on Wednesday and I'hursday, March 29 and 30, a three-act comedy, "The Romantic Young Lady," translated from the Spanish by Granvllle Barker. It is comedy with a difference. There is plenty of laughter and plenty of action, but it has more than that, as audiences of taste and understanding have already discovered in London. Elizabeth Blake is the producer, and the cast includes Ailsa Newton, K. Abridge, Alison Klrkcsildle, C. Poppleion, P. W. Cousins, and Walter Tuck'well. The house is fully booked for the schools night tomorrow.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

"On Our Selection" heads the special programme at the Kegal Theatre, Kardri, this evening. All the original humour of the famous play has been retained in the equally famous talking picture. The well-known, scene .when an enraged bull break 3up "Dad's" 'appy 'omo is a positive scream. Bert Bailey plays the part of Dad, and Fred Mac Donald the part of Dave. The large supporting cast Includes LilUas Adlson and Willie Drlscoll.

SEASIDE PICTURES.

"The Sporting Widow," ■an original screen story by Harvey Harris Gates and Malcolm Stuart Boylan, will be shown tonight at the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay. It is a comedydrama of surprising theme, replete with living incidents and spiced with side-splitting humour. Alison Sklpworth, Itichard Bennett, George Raft, and Evaljn Knapp are the principals.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

There were over 400 skaters on the floor at the Hoyal Itoller Kink, Vivian Street, on Saturday evening, when the opening of the 1933 skating season took place. Many complimentcerning the excellent, manner In which the rink had been re-decorated, while the Improved skating surface, which is the largest in Wellington, came in for much satisfactory comment. A special advertisement in this issue draws attention to the learners' classes, which are held every evening from 6 to 7 p.m., while individual tuition can bo had at any time during the day by appointment. As skating offers one of winter's, healthiest indoor pastimes, anyono contemplating taking up this form of amusement Is advised to ring telephone 51-212, and inquire about the special terms for learners. An expert staff of instructors has been engaged, and there is strict floor control. A cafeteria on the balcony lounge supplies a light luncheon, and evening patrons can obtain supper at- a moderate cost.

PUPILS' VOCAL RECITAL. ,

Much interest is .'being shown In the vocal recital by pupils of Thomas C. Wood, L.A.8., of Wellington, be held in the Concert Chamber, at 8 p.m. tomorrow. Stuart Petersen, the young New Zealand violinist, will make his first appearance after eight years' study abroad. Well-known singers including Alma Cowie, singing "C.irmena" and "Trees"; Ron Cuwle.

"The Raiders" and "The Vagabond"; Frank Hlstcd, "Sons of tho Sea" (Coleridge-Taylor) and "I Travel the Road"; Harry Matthew, "The Smugglers" and "Don Juan's Serenade"; nilda Stevenson, "A Memory" and "Gipsies"; Alfred Hlnes, "Tomorrow" and "Here in the Quiet Hills" are among the various items. A feature will be two baritone choruses, "Jonathan Jones" and "Danny Deever." Austin Blackie tenor, will assist with "You Flaunt Your Beauty in the Rose" and "Long and Long Ago." Thomas C. Wood, bass baritone, will sing "The Broken Spirit," from Verdi's opera, "Simon Boccanegra," with violin obbllgato by Stuart Peterson. The accompaniments are in tho capable hands of Clement Howe and Violet Wakelin. The box plan ls open at The Bristol.