ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 90, 13 October 1934, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

A gripping detective drama is being shown at the Regent Theatre under the title "Scotland Yard Mystery," with Sir Gerald dv Maurier heading a notable cast. Splendidly acted and cleverly produced, the picture has a plot which holds the interest from beginning to end. The Btory opens with a meeting of the board of directors of a big London insurance company, the principal subject of discussion concerning the sudden deaths from heart failure of four men who have recently been insured for large amounts. A motion of censure on the company's doctor is passed, but the latter, whose fiancee js a daughter o£ Inspector Stanton, of Scotland Yard, is able to induce the Yard to institute inquiries. The results are sensational, the exhumation of the coffins of the policy-holders revealing that they are filled with books. At first body-snatching is suspected, but further developments cause suspicion to fall upon a doctor in a high position of trust. Everything works up to a powerful climax in which the constant • communication maintained by wireless by the Croydon aerodrome with machines crossing the Channel plays its part in bringing the culprits to book. Sir Gerald dv • Maurier acts with real artistry in the part or Inspector Stanton, and the other leading roles are well portrayed by George Curzon, Grete Natzler, and Walter Patch. The. supporting programme is interesting and novel, and a Mickey Mouse cartoon niake,s a great appeal. "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back." "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back" will shortly be screened at the Kegent Theatre. Ever since Colman made the earlier talkie, "Bulldog Drummond," the film-going public has retained a fond memory of the dashing Captain Hugh* Drummond, whom he first portrayed in that picture. Drummond also holds a fond place in Colman's heart, for it was in the creation of this character that he scored his greatest screen hit. The story of the new Drummond picture is based on the latest novel by H. C. McNeile, depicting the further exploits of the lovable adventurer. The excitement starts when Drummond attempts to unravel a baffling mystery for a beautiful young girl whose uncle disappears strangely in the London house of a sinister Oriental prince. Loretta Young portrays the girl, Warner Oland plays the prince, Charles Butterworth is seen as Drummond's not quite bright friend Algy, and Una Merkel appears as the bride whom Algy deserts on her wedding night to dabble in mystery with Drummond. C. Aubrey Smith plays In-j spector Nielson, of Scotland Yard. I GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Lack of knowledge of some of the most important facts of life has been and is responsible for an appalling number of wrecked ihinds and shattered bodies. Shrouded in a cloak of false modesty and prudery, -dangerous infectious diseases, sometimes called social diseases, have been permitted to prey upon humanity, when frank enlightenment as to the facts would have proven an invincible weapon against them. "Damaged Lives," the picture now at the Grand Opera House, emphasises • the necessity for wholesome education about this sinister menace of both ancient - and .. modern civilisation. Sponsored by the various social hygiene associations' of the world, which for years have waged an unceasing battle against the mistaken policy of secrecy where vital fa.eta are concerned, "Damaged Lives" is at once an intensely dramatic talking picture and a forceful influence that cannot be ignored by those who see it. In addition to the main picture there is shown a supplementary film which depicts with startling realism, but with delicacy and reassurance, the scientific phases of these diseases, together with essential facts that all should know. Though "Damaged Lives" is a lesson to adults of all ages, it is riot suitable for children, and those under the age of 16 will not be admitted. On the bright supporting programme are. Australian and foreign newsreels and an unusual pictue dealing with fox hunting. DE LUXE THEATRE. Myrna Loy plays beside George Brent in. "Stamboul Quest," a dramatic story cf intrigue in the Orient, which was greeted by a crowded house at the De Luxe Theatre last evening. ; Many spy stories have been brought to the films in the last year, but this is) spying with' a difference. It deals with counter-espion-age, and reveals the thrilling story of the journey,.to Constantinople of a beautiful secret 'agent of the German Government who goes to test the loyalty of a high Turkish officer. But before she goes she commits what is almost a fatal error;' she falls in love. On the brilliant stage of Constantinople a drama is played out which might almost decide the fate of the war. For the Germans believe that there is a plot to open the passage of the Dardanelles to the British Fleet, and it is to check this chance that ■"Fraulein Doktor," the most famous of their women agents, takes ■ the Eastern express. The result is full of excitement, and not without a liberal spice of humour, as George Brent, a young American medical student in Germany; goes blundering about in his efforts to aid the woman he loves. Lionel Atwill and C. Henry Gordon have prominent parts in the east. The supporting programme includes the latest absurdity of Laurel and Hardy, showing them in the fishery business, the newest films of. the world's doings, and another "Goofy Movie" with explanatory remarks by Pete Smith. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. This week's programme at the Paramount Theatre consists of a double-feature presentation of unusual merit. The first, '•Girls Please," is a most amusing Sydney Howard comedy, in which Sydney takes the part of a kind-hearted > master tempororarily in charge of a girls' seminary. The efforts of one of the girls to elope involves the master .in great difficulties. The comedy is both bright and pretty. "Warn London" is the story of a famous criminologist (Dr. Kraus'e), who plans a. great bullion robbery. The leading part is taken by Edmund Gwenn, who is ably supported by John Loder and Leonora Corbett. In the story, Krause makes one oversight in his plans which defeats his object. A criminal who is to impersonate a detective blunders, and the result is that the detective impersonates the crook. There is a sinking facial similarity between the detective and the. crook, and further complications follow the discovery by the widow of the criminal that the detective is not her husband. The play, however, has a happy ending. KING'S THEATRE. •Yield Baum, the celebrated author of "Grand Hotel," also wrote "I Give My Love," starring Wynne Gibson and Paul Lukas, now showing at the Kings lneatre. This is a motion picture, carrying ■with it all the emotional gamut of lite as it is lived by artists who know no other creed but their own. It is described as a veritable dynamo of heart throbs, written only as the remarkable Vicki Baum can write. Wynne Gibson's characterisation is one of the most touching and tender ever put on the screen, while Paul Lukas even surpasses his great and human role in Little Women." The second feature, "111 Jell the World," with Lee Tracy, Roger Pryor, and Gloria Stuart, is a fast and exciting story of a news correspondent^in , his mad quest for "sensational copy. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Thrills below the surface, on the sea, and in the air combine to create a sensational background for a stirring romance, "Hell Below," at the Queen's Theatre, with Robert Montgomery, Walter Huston, Madge Evans, Jimmy Durante, Eugene Pallette, and Robert Young as the principals. The picture depicts remarkable underwater shots of submarines in action. Against this background is played the romance of Montgomery, aa a young lieutenant in love with Madge Evans, the daughter of his commander. John Gilbert has the principal role in "Gentleman's Fate," in which Gilbert is a young man, reared to luxury, who finds himself a member of a rumrunning family, instead of the society scion he thought himself. There are two leading ladies, Leila Hyams and Anita Page. . . -^_ '" "' ■ ... REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre "You Can't Buy Everything," will be seen. This delightful picture has romance, comedy, and a powerful stnry. Supports will include a Metrotone News, Comedy,. Australian News, and Universal *T"" "

STATE THEATRE. A strong, dramatic story is unfolded in "Channel Crossing," a Gaumont-British picture, which was shown for the first time at the State Theatre yesterday. The cnst is headed by Matheson Lang, who has opposite him in the female lead the charming Constance Cummings. Lang is cast as Jacob Van Eeden, a multi-million-aire, and Miss Cummings as Marion Slade, his secretary. Peter Bradley is Marion's lover, and is responsible for tragic happenings. Van Eeden is a prominent financier, who has used forged bonds to maintain his business during a crisis in his affaire. Even Marion is unaware of this, until she accompanies him on a rush journey to Paris. Also on the boat is Marion's lover, who is jealous of the influence Van Eeden apparently exercise*) over her. On the boat Marion's accidental discovery of her employer's forgery and his confession are overheard by Bradley, who threatens to wireless the news to Paris. .The ship runs into a fog, and a cry of ' "man overboard" causes general alarm. The unfortunate passenger who is struggling in the sea is Bradley, but after a protracted search he is rescued in an unconscious condition. It is believed to be a suicide ease, but a horrified Marion realises that Van Eeden is responsible. A doctor states that the only hope of Bradley recovering is the injection of a powerful drug, and/the only man on board who possesses the necessary article is Van Eeden. When he realises Marion's love for Bradley he hands some of the drug to the doctor, knowing that he is signing his own death warrant. The financier does not reach Paris alive. There are many diverting scenes in the picture, which holds the attention from start to finish. Many of the pictorial "shots" are excellent. Also on the programme is another feature film, "Coming Out Party," starring the vivacious Allison Skipworth and Harry Green. Comedy, drama, and romance are delightfully interwoven in this picture, which tells of the love of a society girl for a man further down in the social register. A very popular attraction at. the State Theatre on Thursday was the personal appearance of those well-known entertainers, Albert Russell and Reg. Morgan. Both received a rousing reception, and for about an hour kept the large audience in a state of happiness. Mr. Russell's cheery buffoonery and his inimitable way of keeping tilings going at top speed proved veiy much to the liking of the audience, and Mr. Morgan made a great hit in a number of tuneful vocal numbers. Community singing was indulged in^ Mr. Russell and Mr. Morgan will appear again at the State Theatre next Monday. MAJESTIC THEATRE. John Boles and Ann Harding, two of the aristocrats of. the screen, are assocated at the Majestic Theatre in a poignant drama of a woman's love for a man married to another woman.' "The Life of Vergie Winters" has been one of thwarted affection until John Shadwell returns from his honeymoon, and discovers the trick that sent him into the arms of a social climber. Therefore the couple have no qualms about meetings in secret which result in the birth of a girl to the lovers. The child is adopted into the Shadwell home, and when Senatorial honours come to the father, 6candal also touches Vergie Winters. Again it is the unmarried mother who pays,' for public opinion refuses to countenance the woman's part, and for twenty-two years Miss Winters knows all the tragedy of the scorned woman, .but. her great love for John Shadwell keeps her head high, and with 'glimpses from afar of her daughter, 6he has to be content. Shadwell's wife insists on the girl knowing the circumstances of her adoption, and the revelation has far-reaching effects. With the marriage of his daughter to a fine man Shadwell and: his wife come to the parting of the ways, and Vergie's future begins'to loom ;happily; but Mrs. Shadwell. content as she has been to share her husband with another • woman provided her own social comfort is not touched, refuses to give him up, and the denoument, while tragic in the extreme, is yet beautiful because a mother at last is reconciled to her daughter. Helen Vinson, Betty Furness, Frank Albertson, and Creighton Chancy are also in the cast. In a stage presentation. "Down Memory Lane," KathleentO'Brien's ballet and Fred Webber and his band refresh memory with excerpts from musical comedy. Mr. Webber also reveals himself' as a tenor singer .and cornet instrumentalist of no mean ability. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Registered Nurse," a First National picture, which comes to the St. James Theatre today, is said to. be a romantic drama of hospital life with an entirely new twist. Based on the story by Florence Johns and Wilton Lackaye, jun., it deals with the love life of the nurses and doctors in a great metropolitan hospital rather than with the more sombre or technical side of 6uch an institution. Only two patients come prominently into the picture, and these supply the laughable incidents in a 6tory that leans more to thrilling melodrama than to comedy. Each of theni' is taken to the hospital against his will after having been battered up in a free-for-all fight. Bebe Daniels enacts the featured role; that of a beautiful woman who turns to nursing after her marital life has proved a failure. Norma Shearer comes to the screen after an absence of some eighteen months, as the glamorous heroine of "Riptide," which will commence at the St. James Theatre next Saturday. This is Miss Shearer's first offering since "Smilin' Through," winner of the 1932 photoplay gold medal award. During her vacation Bliss Shearer accompanied her husband, Irving G. Thalberg, on an extended visit to Europe. Thalberg, returning to his M.G.M. executive post, produced "Riptide" as the first picture on his new programme. Robert Montgomery, who has appeared in a number of Miss Shearer's previous successes, shares leading man honours with Herbert Marshall in the new film. Included in the impressive cast are such famous stage and screen names as Mrs. Patrick Campbell,. Skects Gallagher, Ralph Forbes, Lilyau Tashman, Arthur ' Jarrett, Earl Oxford, Helen Jerome Eddy, George K. Arthur, Baby Marilyn Spinnert, Phyllis Cochlan, Howard Chaldecott, and Halliwell Hobbcs. PLAZA THEATRE. Running at the Plaza Theatre for the third week, the Gaumont British adaptation of the C. B. Cochran stage success "Evergreen" is bound to attract appreciative _ crowds. Heading the, cast is. Miss Jessie Matthews, who plays the same part that made her famous in the stage presentation. "Evergreen" is a show that has a strong plot, delightful music, plenty of action mingling with romance, comedy, and drama. Miss Matthews brings to her role all her appealing charm. The story is a good one, covering a period of about twenty-five years. It opens with a triumphant performance by Harriet Green, whose dancing and singing swayed the audiences of King Edward's time. Her final appearance, at the height of her powers, is greeted by the applause of her public; then she disappears from London to South Africa. After years are gone her daughter comes to England, and a producer discovers her natual talent for the stage. She impersonates her mother, whose memory is still green in the minds of the British public and scores a triumph. The stajge scenes are gorgeously produced by Victor Sayille. There are some tuneful numbers in "Evergreen." Supporting Miss Matthews is a specially pelectcd cast of stage'stars, including Betty Balfour, Sonnie Hale, as a stage comedian, Barry Mackay, and Ivor MacLaren, There is an excellent supporting bill. KILBIRNIE KINEIYIA. " There will be a ' double-feature programme at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight and Monday, with Joan Blondell and Wallace Ford in "Central Park." The glamorous Joan Crawford will also be seen in the most triumphant role of her career in "Sadie McKee." The programme will start at 7.30 p.m.; but the feature pictures will not start till 8.5. On Tuesday the "Silence of Dean Maitland" will be screened. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Shimmering, thrilling novelties are the rule rather than the exception in RKORadic Pictures' musical extravaganza, "Flying Down to Rio," at the Palace Theatre, Petone. It shows girls dancing on the wings of aeroplanes, girls doing aerial aquaplaning, ballet girls dancing on air as they flutter to earth in parachutes, girls being tossed from aeroplane to aeroplane by adagio dancers, and many other dizzying, thrilling, and entertaining stunts. Featured roles are enacted by Dolores del Rio, Fred Astaire, Gjnger Rogers, Gene Raymond, and Raul Roulien.

RIVOLI THEATRE. Commencing tonight, an excellent programme .-will be shown to Rivoli Theatre patrons. "King for a Night," the main attraction, stars Chester Morris and Helen Twelvetrees. The action is fast and furious, and the story well told and well acted, and the picture is recommended as one of the best of the year. "King of Jazz" is a musical revue entirely filmed in colour. It abounds with humour, music, gorgeous girls, and brilliant settings. There is no story, each item being presented as a vaudeville revue. John Boles and Bing Crosby are amongst the hundreds of star players. "Good Night, Josephine" is a Warner Bros.' all-colour musical featurette, and ia said to be the best of the series. The next change will comprise "Let's Fall in Love," starring Edmund Lowe and Ann Sothern, and "From Headquarters," starring George' Brent. "Alice in Wonderland" will com-1 mence a season next Thursday, together with "Misleading Lady," with Claudette Colbert. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. . A motion picture filled with unusual emotional appeal, "Only Yesterday," is being presented at the Artcraft Theatre. The work of Margaret Sullavan, in the leading feminine role, well explains why she has recently created such a sensation on the New York stage. Never before in his screen career, it is said, has John Boles contributed such a sincerely moving performance as he does in the principal male role. The entire supporting east is excellent. Much credit for the unusual success of "Only Yesterday" is attributable to the fine direction of John M. Stahl, a recognised master in the field of domestic drama. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Could "Frankenstein" have defeated "Dracula" in mortal combat? The issue has been put to a test by Universal Pictures, which brought together for the first time on the screen those two terror-in-spiring "monsters," Karloff and Lugosi, in a horror picture, "The Black Cat," suggested by a story by Edgar Allan Poe. A gripping story, full of unusual and unexpected thrills and chills, "The Black Cat," which is now showing at the Britannia Theatre, promises to outdo both "Frankenstein" and "Dracula." Karloff takes on a new guise of horribje and terrorising proportions, while Lugosi braves the laws of life and death when he dashes with his sinister adversary. It is said that never has Sydney' Howard been seen to such advantage as in "Trouble," his latest British and Dominions picture. PRINCESS THEATRE. "Tarzan and His Mate" is now showing at the Princess Theatre. Johnny Weissmulier, as "Tarzan," and Maureen O'Sullivan are again united in a jungle love story based on the famous . fiction characters cremated by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Into the primitive romance is packed a series of animal scenes that have never been equalled in the filming of adventure pictures for the screen Herds of elephants are shown charging members of a safari, followed by a mixed fight between elephants and fifty lions, with Weissmulier in the middle of the struggle. • Other animal thrills include a battle to the death between Weissmuller and a man-eating crocodile more than 30 feet under water. Herds of zebras, wuuderbeeste, gorillas, ostrich flocks, and many smaller African animals are also shown. SHORTT'S THEATRE. A rare drama is being offered in "Thd Lost Patrol," at Shortt's Theatre. A British cavalry patrol loses 'its officer through an Arab raid. His orders are unknown to any of the party, and after terrible suffering the half-starved horses and men reach an oasis. On their first night in camp the Arabs attack, kill a sentry, and steal all the mounts. Sue ceeding attacks follow. As the odds against the little band of men increase, the drama grows more tense. At last only the powerful sergeant remains, a lone and heroic figure who laughs at death. An aeroplane reaches the scene, but the pilot is picked off by Arab snipers. The sergeant (Victor McLnglen) manages to get the aeroplane's machine-gun, and an unusual climax follows. A drama called "Finishing School" is also being shown. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "No Greater Love," showing at Our Theatre tonight, is a story of the great love between a litle crippled girl and a lonely old man. The cast includes Hubert Bosworth, Beryl Mercer, Dickie Moore, and Alexander Carr. "The Criminal ode," a powerful romantic prison drama, starring Walter Huston and Constance Cummings, is the second feature. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. At the Seaside Pictures tonight, at 7.45 o'clock, will be screened a double-feature programme of which "Sitting Pretty" will be the main feature. The story tells how Jack Oakie, Jack Haley, and Ginger Ttogers arrive in Hollywood. The boys want to be song-writers, and Ginger wants to appear in pictures. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Fugitive Lovers," starring Robert Montgomery, Madge Evans, Ted Healy, and C. Henry Gordon, is at the Empire Theatre. The picture has a tremendous climax. A Hal Roach comedy, "Babes in the Wood," and short subjects will also be screened. On Monday and Tuesday "On the Air" will be screened. BROOKLYN THEATRE. "Dancing Lady," which opened yesterday at the Brooklyn Theatre, features Joan Crawford- and Clark Gable. Their success together in "Possessed" is described as insignificant compared to their triumph in their latest effort. It is a picture with spectacle and splendour_never before attempted. "Dancing Lady" is the screen's crowning achievement in the production of elaborate musical extravaganzas. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Jack Hulbert makes merry in "Jack Ahoy," which is screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight. He is supported by Nancy O'Neill and Tamari Desni. The | picture provides many amusing situationsj comedy, and romance, and Jack is at the top of his singing and dancing form. A supporting featurette is a technicolour musical revue, "Not Tonight, Josephine." GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Two startling innovatipns are offered in the laughable Universal comedy, "Love, Honour, and Oh, Baby!" at the Grand Theatre, Petone. The first is the work of Slim Summerville, who, co-starred, with I Zasu Pitts, emerges as a dominating, fasttalking young man, in contrast to his roles as the easy-going, ' bashful, and always slouching comedian. The Second is the superb direction of Eddie Buzzell, the Broadway comedian, ' who has turned director. Through a definite technique, he makes the audience feel that they are on the screen, sharing in the fun with the players. The story is different from anything in which that ace comic team, Summerville ami Pitts, hrf>e previously appeared. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. "Sadie McKee," with Joan Crawford, screens tonight and on Monday night at the Do Luxe Theatre, .Lower Hutt. It is the finest portrayal the star has ever essayed. Briefly the 6tory concerns itself with a girl and three men, each man playing a significant part in the dynamic Sadie's successful thrust for fame. "Sadie McKee" depicts the rise of a servant girl who ultimately becomes the wife of a multimillionaire. Others in the cast are Franchot Tone, Gene Raymond, and Esther Ralston. The supporting programme includes a Mickey Mouse Cartoon and a Thelma Todd comedy, "Air Fright.' Box plans are at the "Peter Pan Lounge, or telephone theatre, 03-431. ROYAL ROLLER RINK. A special late session will be held at the Royal Roller Rink,' Vivian Street, this evening, the usual skating session being extended until 11 p.m. A programme of i.ovelties will be presented, including the popular Monte Carlo, niystery train, sinjriiig trioe, robber trios, and two-step partners. The Royal Orchestra will be heard in several new numbers. An added attraction at tonight's session will be the staging of the final heat of the Wellington cyclists' one-mile home trainer championship. Fast speeds have been recorded in Dip heats already held, the best time recorded so far being 1 minute 30 seconds for the mile.

GYMNASTIC REVUE. The second night of the V.M.C.A. gymnastic revue was acclaimed as the best performance of its kind yet seen in Wellington. Every number down to the final act was loudly applauded. The quick succession of items'without pause or delay, together with the endless variety, makes the revue not only a pleasant entertainment, but an education to the many who perhaps never realised before how the body can be trained. Some 200 youthful gymnasts take difficult parts, individually and collectively, from dialogue to the most skilful and daring feats which are accomplished with professional skill. The humorous side of the revue in the hands of the clowns is well done. The show is brim full of bright and clever entertainment. Further particulars are'in the advertising columns. COMMUNITY SING. The 1934 season of the Wellington community singing committee will be brought to a close with two final sings, one at midday next Wednesday, and a final night sing on Thursday, October 25, at 8 o'clock. Both sings will be held in the Town Hall, and will be conducted- by Mr. Owen Pritchard and Mr. Will Mason, with Mr. Frank Crowtlier at the piano. Owing to the enormous success of last week's raffle, Messrs. C. Smith, Ltd., have presented another art needlework bedspread, which will be raffled at Wednesday's sing. Tickets (6d each) may be obtained at the office of Mr. E. Palliser, first floor, "Dominion" Building, Mercer Street, or lis-teners-in may have tickets mailed to them on receipt of applications with stamped addressed envelopes, minimum .of two tickets. The box plan for the final night sing is now open at the D.1.C., where seats may be reserved for Is (no booking fee).