ENTERTAINMENTS REGENT THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 103, 28 October 1933, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

So winning has been, its appeal Unit the season of the Warner Bros.-First National production, "The Working Man," starring George Arliss, at tho Regent Theatre, has been extended for another week. There is probably a tendency to measure up an Arliss plcturo by a comparison with his splendid performance in "Disraeli." Though in "Tho Working Man" there is not a historical background, sucli a mental measurement of his latest picture will not leave the scales heavily weighted in favour of "Disraeli" for entertainment value, nor should there bo found any great disparity in the standard of tho Arlias characterisations. As Reeves, a shoo manufacturer, in "Tho Working Man," it is tho Arliss of old who is the central; figure of tliia' excellent production. The story Is a neat one, and, what is more, Arliss has plenty of scope for high dramatic acting and bis quiet humour. Having made a success of his business, he loaves his young nephew, efficient but very conceited, in charge, and sets out under an assumed name to save tho young son and daughter of his old rival Hartland from wasting their lives and also to save tho business, whlcli has got into the hauds of an unscrupulous manager. Reeves has been' a fighter all his life, and at sixty he proves ho is still a fighter. There is a spectacle of Reeves really fighting himself. With his zest and under his driving power the Hartland firm flourishes, and the interesting situation which Is developed is exploited by Avlisa to the full. Tho nephew is shown the limit of his efficiency, and, supplying a touch of romance, is the affection which springs up between the nephew and old Hartland'a daughter. George Arliss is supported by a very fine east. Also on tho programme are a newsreel, a travelogue, a-musical novelty, and the famous Mickey Mouse provides a lot of tun In "Building a Building."

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

A double programme at the Grand Opera House gives a sharp contrast of subject. Each story is thrilling in its May. "The Song of the Eagle" depicts the rise, fall, and rise again of an American brewery through the Eighteenth Amendment and after. It is one of those period stories, and is characterised by flno acting by Hoffman, the brewer, and his wife. They are lovable people, and loved by their many employees. Then comes the war and the closing of the breweries, bringing in the incipient beer racket. Employees find bis money behind tho machine-guns of the racketeers, and tragedy thins, tho cast until tho dramatic ending. There is plenty of humour, as. when the ex-soldiers talte charge of the situation and/ blot out the racketeers. Old Hoffman is "put on the spot" because neither as a closed nor reopened owner will lie break the law. It. is an unusual story with strong human appeal and a fair sprinkling of sensational killings. Charles Blckford as the gangster, Jean Hcrsholt as Hoffman, and Louise Dresser as Hoffman's wife provide tho chiof interest. "Sunset Pass" is a Zane Grey cattlo story featuring Tom ICeene. Randolph Scott is. the weak but likeable follow who comes into the • power of the rustlers and sides with them.- Kathleen Burke.has the part .of a girl who owns a ranch: and la drawn into the troubles, which end with a cattle stampede in the pass, a thrilling- spec-' tacle. ' Both- films hold the interest well. .

DE LUXE THEATRE.

"Tho Uebel." Universal^ great production of tho era of the Napoleonic War, which began its screening at the Do Luxe Theatre last evening, must certainly be rated as one of the outstanding films of. the year. The picture marks the return to the -lscreen of tho famous star Vllma Banky, and it is directed by Luis Trcnker, the Austrian actor who made such a great- success in "The Doomed Bat-, tallon" and who also stars'in this picture. Thero is a great supporting cast. The invasion of the Tyrol by Napoleon's troops and tiie heroic robelllon of the Tyroieso are tho main themes of the picture which also contains a romance between ,tho daughter of a Bavarian Magistrate sent by the French to the area and a medical student who becomes the leader of the rebellion. Tho fllnr, which Is colourful, replete with action, and contains some breathless scenes of a great pursuit over the mountain tops and of a fight between the mountaiuoers and the French, has much of the quality of "Tho Doomed Battalion." It Is brilliantly photographed and well acted. Tho well-known actor Victor Varconi is in support of the stars; apart from that, tho cast is almost completely German. The result is distinctly an outstanding film.. There is also a big supporting bill in which the main features aro a series of Universal News"reels, a New' Zealand' Sound Scene 'with the Dominion women's golf champidnships, a newnumber of tho "Strange >As It Seems" series,. and a musical-comody, "My Pal the Prince." At the orgaiii Miss Iris Mason also.-plays ;twp series of musical offerings in lier usual accomplished manner. Tho bill will be .repeated until Thursday evening next.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Vocal entertainment of a very high quality, is presented In "Tell Me Tonight," a British picture which began Its, season at tho Paramount Theatre last.-night. The, star is Jan1 Kicpura, the world-famous Polish tenor, whosoperfect voice is heard iv half a dozen golden songs, the principal one. being tho theme number "Tell "lie Tonight." In addition, -Klcpuradelights the audience with gems from "Travlata" and "Rlgoletto," "0 Sole Mlq," tho wonderful "Che Gellda Manina" from "La Boheme," and a picturesque Italian folk-song. His performance in every number is flawless, and local music-lover 3 cannot fail to appreciate the melody of his voice. In his acting, which is all that could be desired, Kiepura is supported by Magda Schneider, a winsome Continental actress, and by Sonnle-Hale, Edmund Gwenn, and Athene Soyler, who In the respective roles of a confidence ( man , and the Mayor and Mayoress of a. small - Swiss' town.' provide an element of . healthy .-■comedy \ that contributes largely to the success^ of the .plc--turc. Wild mountain and placid lako. scenery forms a fitting background to the story,, and the film generally is one of the best British productions in Its' line that has been shown for some time. On the first half of the programme is a notable film depicting the work or the British Navy. It Ms superbly produced and photographed, and is in truth a show on its own.; • - ■

KING'S THEATRE.

Starring Richard Barthelmcss, "Cabin in the Cotton" is now allowing at the King's Theatre. It is an epic formed from tho crucible of a little' "Cabin in the Cotton —epic in size, in conception, and in execution of Its important theme. In it Richard Barthelmess gives one of tho greatest performances of his remarkablo career. Supporting Mr. Bartholmess are Dorothy Jordan, Bette Davis, nenry B Walthall, Tiilly Marshall, and Dorothy Peterson. Box plans are at the D.T.C. and theatre.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

Action, pictorial and feminine beauly. and a "different" western story are the outstanding features of Tom Mix's latest picture, "Flaming Guns," the Peter B. Kyne epic, at the Queen's Theatre. This latest Mix vehicle, fr,om the opening, where Tom appears as an ex-sergeant of infantry during the World War, to the end. Is a whirlwind of action.' There is a spectacular stampede of cattle when Tom outwits the outlaws and captures them, single-handed. later, thero is a stampede of motor-cycle policemen when they try to prevent Tom's elopement.

ARTCRAFT THEATRE.

A rollicking affair of love, larceny, and laughter, with the whimsical HHlo Bobby Howes heading an outstanding cast, is "For the Love of Mike," adapted from the great playhit of the same name and directed by that mercurial comedymonger Monty Banks. It is now showing at the Artcraft Theatre, and It tells the story of Bob Seymour, who, "for the love of Mike," laughs at locksmiths and attempts to burgle a safe. - Arthur Biscoe makes a notable and comic screen debut, and Constance Shotter, a. charming film discovery, appears as Mike.

SHORTT'S THEATRE

Richard Dix is now appearing at Sliortt's Theatre in "Boar of tho Drgaon," a. stirring spectacla of tho Far East, reflecting a vivid panorama of tho hazardous frontier with its stately parado of adventure-seekers. Appearing .with Dlx is Gwlli Andre, who makes her screen debut ill the film. Miss Andre is seen as a Russian noblewoman, one of the pathetic patricians who havo haunted the frontier towns of Northern China since tho Red Revolution. "Crossfire," a Tom Kecne picture, is shown in support.

BRITANNIA THEATRE,

"Say. it With Music," featuring London's popular Jack Payne and his band, will open at tho Britannia Theatre tomorrow. This tllm is not merely a jazz music recital, as It contains a richly humaD story, written by William Pollock, fictional, but using as Us theme the dramatic'history of tho Irrlng Berlin number, "Say It With Miisic,". which Is famous throughout tho world as Jack Payne's signature tuno. Percy Marmont playa tha part of Philip Weston, tho composer of "Say It With Music," and a wartime pal of Jack j Payne's.

PRINCESS THEATR.

One of Edgar Wallace's greatest thrillers was recently finished at the British Lion Studios, namely, a talkie version of ."The Flying Squad," which is now being presented at the New Princess Theatre. A particularly strong, cast was lined up for this Important revival, and the leads aro played by Harold Huth and Carol Goodner. Supporting these two favourites are Edward Chapman, Harry WHeoxon, a promising young "discovery/ Abraham Sofaor, who will be rem'embered'for His .fine performance In "Dreyfus," and Campbell Gullan.

WELLINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

Next Thursday tho Wellington Symphony Orchestra-, under' the 'conductorshlp of Mr. Leon de Mauny, gives its final concert of the 1933 season. True to its' policy of engaging famous visiting artists whenever possible, tho council has on this occasion invited tho brilliant British pianist, Andersen Tyrcr, to play with the orchestra. Mr. Tyrer's items will bo two short concertos, by Liszt aud Arensky, to be heard with orchestra for the first time in Wellington. In addition, Mrs. Wilfred Andrews has been engaged to sing several operatic airs, including tho ever-popular "Softly Awakes My Heart." Other Items on tho programme include Beethoven's briefest and napplest symphony (the "Kightli"), Wncuer'a. stirring "Kicnzl" Overture, ami Massenet's'' well-known "Scenes Pittorc.=(iue." The box plan is Jiow open at the V.IX. , _

ST. JAMES THEATRE,

As- a farce-thriller (or thriller-farce) "Tomorrow at Seven" is in a class by Itself, and it greatly pleased the audienco Hint assembled last evening in tho St. James Theatre. The mystery crime phase of the picture is well carried through, and in this respect "Tomorrow at Seven" is quite equal to the best of thrillers, but it broke new ground when il secured Frank McHugh and Allen Jenkins to impersonate two "booh" detectives of Hibernian character, "Clancy" and "Dugau." Tho boobs are the life of tho party, being always present to arrest the innocent and always absent when tho demon murderer, "(he Black Ace," is getting in his fell work. Chester Morris is die hero and Vivlenno Osborne is the heroine, both of whom run the gauntlet of the murder series. Morris is a crime story writer who is rfiit to got "copy" out of the doings of "the Black Ace," and "the Black Ace" is out to get Morris, but who "the Black Ace" actually Is must bo kept secret, as the plot lias a clever denouement; Lights that flash in tho dark, windows that'rattle, mysterious knocks, taloned' hands advancing out of shadows, opening doors, movements dimly descried1 In tho half-dark, sudden "black-outs" and yells—all these "grippy" things aro met with In "Tomorrow at Seven," relieved by the interludes when the comic detectives 'reiterate their determination to "get to the bottom of this." In the supporting, programme there is a comedy in which children play the main part, "Mickey's Big Broadcast." There Is also 11 cartoon. The Pathe , News shows good aerial pictures, with the Macon (airship), gliders, and aeroplanes; also yachting and running track events. Galileo's, proof that the earth revolves round the sun, and the history of his .persecution, also his "optic tube," are beautifully pictured.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

A light but very amusing comedy of Broadway golddiggers is being shown under tho [.title "Ladies Must Love" at tho Majestic I Theatre. Four particularly lively and charming young ladies with theatrical' abilities for which no producer is apparently prepared to pay -occupy a furnished apartment, but are unable to satisfy their landlord's increasingly [pressing demands for rent. On the principle fthnt inspired the Three Musketeers, they decide to go on a man hunt, splitting all tho proceeds. With three of the girls tho scheme presents no difficulties, but the fourth unfortunately falls in love with her victim, and is unwilling to share either him or his cash, and tho course of true love becomes decidedly uncertain when ho sees the contract which tho girls signed. The thread of tho story Is slender enough, but is sufficient to have woven in it a wel) of clever dialogue with the mesh improved by a number of catchy songs and choruses. Tho principal lady is June Knight, who, in addition to being a clever actress, has a tuneful voice and the personality necessary .to. "put over" her songs'and other efforts. Co-sfarred with her is Xeil Hamilton, who provides a good backbone for' the acting. The other girls are played by Sally O'Neill, Dorothy Burgess, and Mary Carlisle. There is an unusually good supporting programme, not the least entertaining of which is a sound cartoon, "King Klunk." There are also a newsreel, a "Strange As It May Seem" feature, and a series of vaudeville Items (on tho screen).

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

Garbed'in'outlandish wigs, plumed hats, and costumes of the Robin Hood era, Laurel and Hardy make their latest appearance in the screen's first comic opera, "Fra Diavolo," which' screens at the Do Luxe -Theatre. Lower Hutt, tonight and on Monday, and Tuesday nights. The two comedians are seen as a pair of daring brigands whose adventures must certainly be the funniest of all their previous screen comedies. They run. the-gamut of-tom-foolery from flirting with milkmaids and being pursued by an unexpected bull to making a harrow escape from the hangman's noose and boing engulfed in a variety of1 hazardous occurrences out of which they cmergo bruised but smiling.l Screening on Wednesday night onty is "Humanity," with Ralph Morgan. Boots Mallory, Alexander Ktrklaud, and Irene Ware. In "Made on Broadway," which screens next Thursday and Friday nights, Robert Montgomery and Sally Eilers aro featured. Box plans are at the "Peter Pan" Lounge or telephone theatre C 3-431.

SEASIDE PICTURES

1 Af, the Seaside Pictures, Lyall Bay, tonight Jessio Matthews makes a sensational hit in "The Mldshipmaid." . It is a rollicking film, and Its uproarious humour has made it very popular. It is a story of tho visit of a naval i economist to tho flee.t at Malta. While the pompous old man is poking about, his daughter Is setting tho hearts of all the officers aflutter. To flatter him, tho officers organise an ama.tour variety show, and a great part of tho picturo is devoted to tho 'laughable entertainment provided by the lower deck, ■■:■■-. :

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

'Now showing, at the Kilbirnio Klnoma is "The Masquerader," tho story1 of John, Chilcote. M.P., and,the man who stepped into his shoes .in a national crisis. Ronald Colman tills a dual role. He Is the mau in tho Opposition who has the ability to bring about tho dbwnfall of the Government, but drugs and drink havo undermined his constitution, and ho collapses as he opens his attack. Chllcote prevails upon his cousin and double to take his place.. ,;:,

EMPIRE THEATRE", ISLAND BAY.

The weekend programme at the Empire Theatre is hoa'ded by "Mado oh. Broadway," starring Robert Montgomery, Sally Eilers, and Madge Evans. Montgomery ;is seen aa a debonair man-about-town who is actually the power behind tho city's political scene. He prevents Miss Eilers from committing suicide and transforms her into a dazzling Broadway personality.

ROYAL ROLLER RINK.

The "leo Ballet," with eighteen performers, will bo presented tonight at the Royal Roller Rink, Vivian Street, during the special late session from 7.30 to 11.15 p.m. Tho ballet is most effectively frocked, the $kllfur blending of the ibiaflk. and white colour scheme producing 'a most spectacular offect. During tonight's performance the ballet will bo filmed by "New Zealand Sound News," and skating patrons will have an opportunity of appearing on the screen. as It is intended to film portion of the usual skating programme. The musical programme will bo under the direction of tho "RoyalMelodians,"- who will render the latest hits. Tho rink will bo open next week on Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, afternoon and evening, as 'usual.-

CHILDREN'S THEATRE.

"Jack and the Beanstalk" will be presented by the Children's Theatre at the Town Hull Concert Chamber .on Saturday afternoons, November 4 and 11. JTlje dances are being arranged by Margaret Pearson, and the pantomime is being produced by Isobel Andrews. Mr. V. H. Dawn is the director. The cast Is a largo one, and includes Marjorio Arcus, [Ngaire Andrews, Joan Anderson, Ngrfire Hortou, Irene Spidy, Eleanor Page, Kyrsty Page, Hilda Barrow, Molly Keating, Margaret Keating, Paula Matthews, Margaret Pearson, Eileen Feam, Annette Strickland, Rosalind Stott, Laurie Jones, Isobel Young, Stanhope -Andrews, Harry Plimmer, Eric Robinson, and P. H. Dawn. The bos: plan, will open at the D.I.C. ou Monday.

"CHASIN' THE BLUES,

Commencing next Tuesday, October 31, the Wellington Musical Comedy and Dramatic Society will present tho revue "Chasm' the Blues," a bright medley of .songs, dances, and sketches. One of the latter is from the witty pen of Noel Coward. The songs range from operatic to the lightest of jazz. Kathleen Ferris is the soprano, with Irene Wilson and Maureen Smith in lighter numbers. Bert Hlckford' is the principal singer on the male side, and will be heard in solo and concerted items. Cyril Tilly is tho society's comedian, whose work needs no introduction to Wellington audiences.- With Kathleen Reid he will give a new version of the old dance "Les Apaches." As usual in revue,, the dancing: will be a strong feature of the show. David Devitt is arranging all ensemble and specialty dances. Florence Heywortli, Kathleen Iteid, Avice Nolan, Nola Woods, Jean Stewart, Vedras, Cathcart, and Myrtle Barr are among the solo dancers. Alfred Smith, Noel Walsh.' Lawson Burns', and Tony Lonergan. The Futurist Orchestra, under the direction of Norman Izett, will supply tho music. Mrs. Gwen Webb willbe the pianist. The proceeds go to help the Free Ambulance.

SACRED CONCERT.

Rehearsals for the sacred concert to be held during carnival week, November 19, begin iv St. John's Schoolroom ne\t Monday at 8 p.m.. under the baton of Mr. H. Temple White. All members of, choirs desiring to assist are invited to be present. . The following will bo practised .-—"Thanks Be To fiod" ("Elijah") "The Heavens are Telling" ("Creation"), "Gloria" (Twelfth Mass), "Hallelujah" ("Messiah"). Those attending arc requested to bring their "own music, if possible.

THE WELLINGTON BOYS' CHOIR.

On Saturday next, November •!, In the Town Hall, music lovers will have an opportunity of hearing a unique musical organisation, as far as New Zealand is concerned. This choir consists of 36 boys with unbroken voices, and iv the opinion of leading musicians and educationists who have been present at rehearsals it is a splendid choir,.' The conductor is Mr. ,H. Templo White, who established tho choir early this ycarr The programme will consist of classical and modern works, including "Where'er you Walk" (Handel) and "My Heart Ever Faithful" (Bach). There will ho part singing, duets, aud solos. Eric do Mauuy, Bruce Maxwell, lan and Jim Galloway, and Walter Waddle are to render solos and elocutionary items. Miss Dorothy Stentiford, oue of Duncdin's . leading contraltos, will make her first, iippearanco before a Wellington audience; Miss Stentiford has a voice remarkable for its depth of tone and power. Mr. W. A. Ciatheridge, late of Kingsway Hall, London, will preside at the organ. He will play Preluda to Act 111, "Lohengrin" (Wagner) and-"Grand Chocur No. 2" (Hollins). The accompanist will be Madame, Evelyn do Mauny. The box'plan Is liow open at the D.I.C. The prices are popular, and concessions are being made to pupils from collegiate and State schools.

"BACK- TO-CHILDHOOD" BALL

No eflort is being spared to ensure the success of the "Back to Childhood" Ball organised by the committee of tho National Confidence Carnival in support of their princess, Miss Eve Craddock. It Is scheduled to take place in tho Town Hall next Friday, November :J. The orchestra will be a bund of "kindergarten" musicians, whoso music will form a fitting accompaniment to tho return of the guests to the gaiety of early youth. Guests arc advised that those who prefer to come hi flannels and tennis frocks may do so. The tickets are selling fast, and tho interest already being shown iv this entertnlnmcut encourages its organisers to predict a huge success. Arrangements have lieen mnde to provide lree transport lo ;uid from .the Toivu Hall,

BROOKLYN PICTURES.

The main attraction at the Brooklyn Pictures tonight is the English production, "The Man They Couldn't Arrest," featuring Gordon liarker. The supporting programme includes a Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Chickens Como Home to, ltoost," a newsreel, and a travelogue.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN

Bert Wheeler and Robt. Woolsey are costarred in the RKO comedy, "(iirl Crazy, which conies to Our Theatre tonight. In the supporting cast Is Kddic Quillan, Dorothy Lee, and Mltzi Green. The story deals with a girlcrazy youth who is sent to a Western ranch to cure him of his weakness for beautiful women. He Imports a snappy jazz band, a b«vy of Broadway beauties, dresses the cow-punchers in dinner jackets, and turns the ranch into a playboy's paradise.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR,

George Arliss is- to be seen tonight at the Capitol Theatro! with Mary Aator autl kviilyn Knapp. in that delightful picture, 'A buecessful Calamity." The story concerns a millionaire whose family arc social climbers, and 10 get away from this atmosphere fa her goes broke and in the end wins back his tamllj to happiness.

GLIDE SKATING RINK,

This evening's session ut the Olido .^kntliin Rink in Wakefleld Street will be trom ~.J ,O to 11 o'clock. The Paragon Orchestra will be n attendance, featuring latest snappy . lmls' clJ[ hits, and a number of popular novelties, will be introduced. Patrons are advised that the rink will be open for the following salions only next week:— Wednesday evening, i.JO to 11 o'clock; .Thursday afternoon, college session. 2,30 to 5 o'clock; Friday evening, 7...0 to 10.30 o'clock. The usual three sessions will bo-held next Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, -iv to'4.3o'p.m.,'and 7.30 to 11 p.m.

SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT.

What Is considered to be one of tho best Stmday concerts to be presented this year will be given at the De Luxe Theatre on Sunday night at 8.30 o'clock, by Tommy Stratton and his Majestic Cabaret Band. An outstanding feature of the programme will bo tho Hills Bros.' duartet, featuring "Tiger Rag aud "Nobody's Sweetheart." It is hoped that intending potrons will realise what an ambitious undertaking the presentation of such a programme really is. Among the other artists are Miss P. Norris (mezzo-soprano). Mr. V. Jones (baritone), in his old favourite the "Sergeant Major." The double act of Laurie Sweetapplo and J. Chandler should be well worth seeing. Mr. Frank Andrews, that popular entertainer at the piano, will be sure to please all. An excellent programme is assured, and it is hoped that the Rev. Feilden Taylor's funds will bcneßt by a good sum.

22W BROADCAST CHOIR.

(;rcat interest is being shown in th£ first concert of the 2ZW Broadcast Choir, which will be held in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Wednesday, November 8, at 8 p.m. This will lie the first appearance in public of the choir. The choir numbers are well chosen, and there are excellent assisting -artists. The 2ZW Broadcast Choir is under tho conductorship of Thomas Wood, L.A.8.. and the accompanist is Miss Isa Anderson, L.A.B. The proceeds of the concert are to go to the Ked Cross Society. Tickets and the box plan aro available at Ximmo's, S9 Willis Street, Wellington..