THE PICTURE HOUSES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 294, 28 November 1928, Page 3

THE PICTURE HOUSES

MUNICIPAL. Glamorous Spain is shown at the height of its picturesque beauty in Fox Films, “Loves of Carmen,” directed by Raoul Walsh, which opens at the Municipal Theatre tonight. Aside from the great dramatic quality of the narrative, the background is one of unusual colour. The Spanish town on a fete day presents a most curious and interesting spectacle. The extraordinary animation contrasts strongly with the habitual calm of the place. The whole city is brilliantly attired in its fiesta garb; striped hangings crowd about in dense masses, some on foot, others on their ponies or mules, covered with grar-oful mantles in place of saddles. In ‘‘Loves of Carmen,” Raoul Walsh has obtained the genuine fiesta spirit. It is interesting to know that in all of the big scenes actors and actresses of Spanish descent were used. Heading the cast is Victor M’Laglen. whose recent characterisation of Captain Flagg firmly established him as one of the most talented players appearing before the camera. In this picture the stalwart actor portrays the role of Escamillo. In the pivotal feminine role is Dolores del Rio, who likewise won millions of admirers because of her portrayal of Uharmaine in “What Price Glory.” Miss del Rio is seen as Carman, a role which fits her fiery temperament as naturally as old lace fits lavender. Don Jose is characterised by Don Alvarado, a young screen player who has risen to the front rank with amazing rapidity. COSY DE LUXE. “Wickedness Preferred.” which opens at the Cosy to-night, is one long laugh. Its sparkling, spicy, modern, and brilliant. Lew Cody, as Anthony Dare, the popular novelist who writes cave-man stories—from information gathered from his encyclopaedia—and who has a highly developed romance complex, falls in love with an old friend’s young wife—and it’s the funniest lo,ve-making the popular Cody has ever appeared in. Aileen Pringle, the novelist’s wideawake spouse, types her husband’s manuscripts and tucks him into bed. She manages the finance and keeps the appointment book. She is mother, doctor and nurse. In short, she is the novelist’s inspiration. But Anthony meets a would-be cave-woman who outwits even Mrs. Dare, with the result that he wanders—and his wife decides on a cure that will be lasting. Eileen Pringle has never appeared to such advantage as in this role. George K. Arthur, mirth-provoking hero of many gales of laughter, appears in Wickedness Preferred” ns a male gossip and carries off the role in his own inimitable fashion. Good supports are also shown.