ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1878, 30 July 1920, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ROSY. A LONG PROGRAMME. No one is likely to deny the. fuct that Nat Gould was the king of writers of the .-port of kings, and in selecting "A fortune ill, Si-ako" for film adaption, the Broadwcst English Company could not have chosen a story that was more suitablo for the purpose, among the author's extensive select ion. The hero is n gentleman rider who wins a. fortune and the girl of his heart by one supreme final < fi'ort in a race that will long bo remembered as a screen triumph. Not only does "A Fortune at Stake" rival its great English predecessor. "The. Whip," but it will bo held by many qualified to judge as superior in every way. As an English production .throughout, this production has nothing to lenrn from America, and the two stars, in Gerald Ames and Violet Hopsou, have nothing to equal them in their parts. "The Mcrry-Go-Round" (Fox) featuring Peggy Jlyland, is a fight comedy-drama, and the serial is full of thrills,

PALACE. TWO CAPITAL FILMS. Trapped in 'th- back room of an Arizona gambling holl is a delicate. youiiK girl, while two men fight with lists and all their strength lor her possession. This is only one of m nv big scenes in "The Beast," a Willhiiu Fox photoplay now Icing shown at the Palace theatre. George Walsbis the .."beast." His caveman tactics bring him 'to the gales of death. Love for the »iil of hi- dreams wins him back to honest manhood. Beauty recognises in tier bi loved th man who once would have destroyed her. Poilehes of delightful comedy .ire iutrode- ' in the person of a titled Knglishman, an ancienl westerner and a merry-mannered "har-keep." Tic other feature is a comedy-drama something along theso line?: ipposc you were poor, and in love; suppose (hat by marrying a strange woman you could get a hundred thousand dollars, ad a. divorce in a year—wouMyou do •:. . ,~ "Here Comes 'he Bride," featiiiing n:c inimitable John narrymore.

EVLTvYP.ODY'S. "UNDER SUSPICION." The Broadwcst feature showing this weekend at Everybody's gets away from the eternal American dramas with its everlasting boast, and introduces an English production dealing with high-society life in Russia. The play of the same name had a great run at Driliy Lane Theatre, and the picture will be enjoyed by everyone who likes melodrama. 'I he plot concerns a nobleman of Russia who becomes a revolutionist and seeks the life of a grand duke. How he is frustrated by an English newspaper correspondent who gets mixed i»p in what proves to be an intrigue wherein a prefect of police has evil designs on a beautiful coujitess and the thrilling manner of her escape from his clutches and flight to the border, make an exciting story that will hold your attention in a series of complicated situations. '1 his British company has done it well—may we see more from this company.

SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMIME. A GORGEOUS PRODUCTION. The box plans for the J. ('. Williamson "Sleeping Beauty" pantomime will be opened at Oatcs's music stores on Monday morning next. The pantomime will bo presented on Wednesday and Thursday nights next and at a matinee on Thursday after noon. "Pew theatrical attractions interest Hie public so deeply as a pantomime" (writes a prominent critic). "Of the J. ('. Williamson .pantomime, 'The Sleeping Beauty,' then.' can hardly he two opinions. It is a distinct- success from every [joint ol view. In modem pantomime production 01 ' the big scale, there is generally a temptation to sacrifice everything to splendid spectacle. This temptation has been avdi ded. The 'Sleeping' Beauty' is spcctaculai enough—gorgeou>ly so—but it is packed with wholesome humour. It is full of tie fun that children can understand, and healthily assimilate, bur. it is largely touched by modern artistry. What a Prince Charming Miss Winifred Roma makes —enough to electrify any young susceptible Princess — especially such » one as is depicted by Miss Eve Lynn. These two never let the business they are concerned in slacken for a moment. Again the J. ('. Williamson management have been fortunate in securing probably one of the best "Dames'' on j (lie stage to-day in Mr Marriott Edgar. As servants of the Palace, the brothers Egbert keep, the house in a roar; anvthing more funny than their speciality "Spring ('leaning,'' it would be difficult to conceive. Another splendid exponent of comic pantomime art at its best is Mr George Welch, whose "King Pompos" is an entirely entertaining performance. Out of on extraordinarily long cast shines resplendent Miss Maggie Dickenson Premiere Danseuse, her dancing in the much discussed "Fox

mid Pheasant" ballot, when partnered I Mr Sidney' Culver, is worth going a day journey to set", Other artists of importune nre Miss Miotic Stewart,' who give "Agatha" a full signifJc(Ml<Ke\ Miss Dorotli, Seacombe as "Beauty," Mis* Margot Leste as "Wit," Margaret Sutcliffc us "Fair. Malevolence," and Messrs Herbert Leifj and Stanley Odger§ as "The Prime Mini! pier" and "Solicitor-General" rbfpeclivcl.) All (111 ihoir roles ratisfactorily. in th mutter of sconic splendour and wonderfu costuming the J, C. Williamson manage me»t have spread themselves with prodiga generosity.''