ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 73, 28 March 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "Evenings For Sale.'

aZ^U^r S /° r ,Sale>" iow showing at the Regent Theatre, is one of the ' best starspangled versions yet produced of the "Blue Danube." It is a picture of many laughs, a touch of pathos, and an excellent cast. An American widow who is seeking her ideal of the "Merry 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 has 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 choso to go to a masked ball instead of shooting himself In a dark moment as he had intended. Shaken from his idea of disposing of himself, the count accepts a position as a gigolo. It is then that lie meets the wiiiow, who rescues "(lie family traditions'-' by buying the castle. In the meantime his girl, has changed her mind about him on learning that he 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 is to be formed of his castle. The widow departs and leaves the pair to live happily ever after.

"The Kid From Spain."

One of tho biggest hits of the year in England and .America is Eddio Cantor's latest musical comedy, "The Kid from Spain," which commences at the Regent Theatre on Friday. It has been produced on the same colossal scale as "Whoopee" and "Palmy Days," which were extremely popular in New Zealand, and now disinterested observers overseas consider that "The Kid from Spain" provides the comedian with his finest opportunity to date. The picturo opens with what is, perhaps, one of the most brilliantly directed <iance ensembles ever seen on stage or screen. In an elaborate dormitory at a co-educatiqnal college crowds of lovely girls are seen rising in the morning, amidst melodious sonir and dance. It is in this dormitory that Eddie finds himself, having been placed there by his co-students after a hectic evening. This episode leads to his expulsion, and he crosses Into Mexico, where he pretends to be Don Sebastian 11, tho great Spanish, bullfighter. There follow excruciating adventures, involving a kidnapping escapade to help Ricardo, a flirtation -with a beautiful blonde, and eventually an unwilling debut in the • bull-ring. Lyda Robert! takes principal feminine honours. Other capable artists in the cast are John Miljan, Noah Beery, Robert Young, Ruth Hall, Robert O'Connor, and Paul Porcasl. '

GRAND OPERA' HOUSE,

A crook story in which all the principal characters are trying, each in his own way, to circumvent the driving of the Devil, for money at all costs, is "The Devil is Driving," at the -Grand Opera House, an unusual, superbly-acted story, set in a flfteen-storey garage. The swiftly-moving tale concerns itself chiefly with the workers in the garage. Beef Evans (James Gleason) has been driven 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 bosses girl Silver (Wynne Gibson) fall in love. As the 3tory progresses one sees the. fevered chaso of stolen luxurious cars through the streets, the swift turn in to the secret entrance to the garage, the rapid. climb at dizzy speeds to the safety of a steel; curtained room on the top floor, where an army of experts rips the car to bits, repaints It, and by many lightning changes, even to parts of the machinery, have it ready within the few moments before the police arrive. The cllmaxlal killing inseparable from American stories, is followed by a terrific light 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.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"Face in the Sky" at the De Luxe Theatre is 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 is travelling around tho country by motor-van and painting signs. He becomes _ embroiled in the affairs of a farming family, andv. finally has an elopement forced upon him, and after that events move fast. The scene of the story eventually shifts to New York, and it is only after an exciting climax that Joe Buck, the artist, and Jladse, the girl he found In the back country, are united;

"Let Mo Explain, Dear," the comedy commencing at the Do Luxe Theatre next Friday, stars Gene Gerrard at the top of his form. Against lavish backgrounds of superb modern settings. Gerrard, as a misunderstood husband with a flair for falling in and out of domestic strife, has an excellent cast in support. Viola Lyel, as the stern, unrelenting wife, demonstrates her fine acting talent for this portrayal. Claude Hulbert gives his usual polished imitation of an inane and unhelpful accomplice, and is an admirable foil for Gerrard, while Jane Carr, as a snappy blonde who needs explanation, warrants the description of an important

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Lady Bledisloe- and' a party from Government House witnessed last evening's presentation of Gainsborough's delightful musicalcomedy entertainment, "Love on Wheels," at the Paramount Theatre. "Love on Wheels" is one of the cleanest and cleverest musical, dancing, and acting whimsicalities that has come to the screen. The tall comedian. Jack Hulbert, is at his best. The cast includes Leonora Corbett, a new British "flnd," who sings, acts, and dances well. Gordon Harker Is an unusual bus conductor whose one object In life Is to add to the comfort and happiness of his passengers, while that sterling player Edmund Gwenn -would be hard to rival as the general manager of the mammoth London stores in which many of the scenes are laid.

KING'S THEATRE.

"Looking on the Bright Side," an A.R P. musical comedy, starring the inimitable Grade Fields, and now screening at the King's Theatre, is the bright side of screen entertainment. Grade Fields Is irresistible. She sings and laughs her way into one's heart and then gives an outing of sunshine and happiness. For years Grade 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 a star popularity contest recently conducted by the "Daily Mall." Bos plans are at The Bristol and theatre.

QUEEN'S THEATRE,

"The Big Timer," the Columbia comedydrama featuring Ben Lyon, Constance Cummings, and Tlielma 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.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

A gusty adventure-story' of the hectic days during tho 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 Ms 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 or the Air," Is also showing- v.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE,

Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald are featured together in "Love Ale Tonight," opening at the Artcraft Theatro tonight. Playing in support of these two famous film artists are Charlie Buggies, Charles Butterworth, and Myrna Loy. Some of the catchiest songs for years are heard In this production, including "Miml," "Isn't It Romantic," "I'm an Apache." "Love Mo Tonight" is described as depicting "the grcater-than-evcr 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 tomorrow and Thursday, March 29 and 30 a three-act comedy, "The Romantic Young Lady," translated from the Spanish by Granville 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 tho cast Includes Ailsa Newton. K. Aldridge. Alison Klrkcaldie. C. Poppietnn. P. W. Cousins, and Walter Tuckwell. The liouso Is fully booked for the schools night tonight. Lady Bledisloe will be present tomorrow night.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Now showing at the Kilblrnio Kinema, "Tho Most Dangerous Game" has a strong romantic note, usually absent in thrillers. Based on Richard Connell's prize-winning short story of the same title, "The Most Dangerous Game" narrates the unique experiences of a boy and a girl shipwrecked on an island owned by a sinister Russian who has turned his game preserve into a human hunting ground.

PUPILS' RECITAL,

Tonight in the Concert Chamber at S o'clock the pupils of Thomas C. Wood, L.A.8., will give- a recital. Choruses, ducts, and charming Imllads will he simp:. Sumrt IVterscn, a youim New Zealand violinist, will play solos, Including Rrelsler's "Liebesleid" and "The Rosary." Thomas E. Wood, bass baritone, will be heard In "The Broken Spirit," from Verdi's wonderful opera, "Simon Boccanegra." Those who havo not booked scats may obtain tickets at the door. A good night's entertainment Is promised.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

A riot of music, dancing, and laughter Is "Sleepless Nights" at the Majestic Theatre. The plot involves a reporter who Is sent to interview an American millionaire aboard his yacht at Nice, and ends up by belne found under compromising circumstances with the millionaire's daughter. The audience Is fully entertained by the succession of unusual ballet tableaux, step-dancing of the principals, and the humour of tricky situations and clever dialogue. Stanley Lupino, the writer ol the original play, is at the head of the cast, and his inimitable antics and expressions have seldom produced better results.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

In "Kockabye," at St. James Theatre, Constance Bennett 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 ol tho footlights .soul qualities and sex lures "seem liable to be a bit mixed, so'the actress that Miss Bennett has to portray'ln "Ro'ckabye" becomes a rather clusivo 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 tbe strained situations in which the actress-heroine finds herself placed.

EMPIRE THEATRE. ISLAND BAV!

Two special Universal Film productions will be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening Th6 first production is "Igloo." This is a story of adventure and thrills laid amoiig the icy is "Penalty of Fame," starring Lew Ayr™ Thrills and laughs' play the leading part in this adventure story concerning a young radio announcer. On Wednesday and Thursday George O'Brien will bo seen iu "The Golden West."

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI,

"On Our Selection" heads the special programme at the Regal Theatre. Karori, this evening. All the original humour of the famous play has1 been retained in the equally famous talking picture. The. well-known scene when an enraged bull breaks up "Dad's" 'appy 'ome is a positive scream. Bert Bailey plays the part of Dad, and Fred MacDonald the part of Dave. The large supporting- cast includes Lillias Adison and Willie Driscoll.

SEASIDE PICTURES.

"The Mask of Fu Manchu," a fllmisatlon of Sax Rohmer's famous mystery story, with Boris Karloff in the role of the sinister Asiatic wonder-worker, will be the attraction at the Seaside Pictures tonight. Thrills of every sort, from the uncanny laboratory where artificial lightning and a' mysterious "death ray" are created, to grim Oriental.torture chambers are among the bizarre thrills of the-plot. The cast includes .Lewis Stone, 'Karen Morley Charles Starrett, Myirna Loy, Jean * Hershblt, Lawrence Grant, and David- Torrence'. The plot deals with' the quest of; a group of English scientists for the hidden tomb of Ghengis Khan. v ...

CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR.

"The Ghost Train," starring : Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge, Is showingat'a matinee at the Capitol Theatre tomorrow ■at 2.15 p.m., and also at the: evening performance. This picture offers entertainment of the very highest order and has drawn business wherever it has ,been shown. Mystery, thrills, and humour which Is bound to cause roars of laughter are cleverly interwoven.

BRITANNIA THEATRE.

"Air Mail," tJniversal's great drama of 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. (

ROYAL ROLLER RINK,

The management of the Royal Roller Rink,Vivian Street, hare every reason to feel gratified with the manner in which the skating public of Wellington have received the latest presentation of their premises, which have been completely' re-decorated. Patrons praise - the sl;atins surface, which is now one of the finest floors in the Dominion, being free from noise and dust. Five sessions are '"being1, conducted daily-, and the special learners' ■ class, which is held every evening except Saturday, between G and 7 o'clock, is specially recommended to those desirous of mastering the art of roller skatinc. As skating presents a form of entertainment that caters for the entire family Including father and mother; skating parties are likely to be one of the winter's most popular entertainments.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

"fWrfn »»K V V th° titlo role In Cnandu the Fox mystery drama, to be shown at Our Theatre tonight. Lowe, as Chandu. goes in search of the arch-neud oV° Z?he m am Cd Chand*?!? <$£ ' ' T"Ia"" session of'"a powerful* dea'h' ra°y "stoW^y rIZ- LTeS^ 11' 1101 °f "" L"<