ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1187, 9 December 1924, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Buster Keaton’s first super comedy for Metro, “Our Hospitality,” which is the atrtuction at the Paruniount Theatre, marks the return to the screen of one of the famous Talmadge sisters, Natalie. When this player left on becoming Mrs Keaton, the screen lost one of its most promising players. Others of importance in the cast are Buster Keaton’s son and his father. ■ There is also the of Fruneis X. Bushman. The direction was jointly handled by Buster Keaton himself and Jack Blystone. Tom Mix’s greatest- comedy --feature, “Soft Boiled,” was directed by this able man. The period of one -hundred years ago hus been taken for the. background of the story, and humorous. incidents have been woven into every minute. A very excellent supporting programme will bo screened including the clever Monte Banks., comedy, “Be Careful,” together with the latest. Burton Holmes travelogue and Paramount gazette. The imfsic of the'Paramount select orchestra, under the direction of Mrs It. S. Law, will he - particularly novel and delightful. The box plan - for this remarkable programme is at C. C. Swallow’s. KOSY. 3i HOURS OF GOOD PICTURES. “It is the Law,” one of two 7-reel dramas now showing, at the .Kosy, has '.its theme based on tlie law that, ordains that a man cannot be_ tried for the same crime twice. Besides thrilling moments throughout the -enactment, of the drama, it has one of the most startling and thrilling climaxes ever written into any story for screen, stage or novel. “Don’t Cull it Love,” a Paramount de Mille picture, is also showing. It is the story of a man of the world who takes a “flyer” in holiday love, only to find that it is not the enduring kind. Mr Holt is ideal as the inan-about-town, while Miss Ayres has the sympathetic roio of the neglected Alice iVleltlrutn. Miss Naldi, as the vivid, temperamental priina donna,- cannot find an equal anywhere in the picture world. Mr de Mille has produced this picture in his usual high-class artistic way; with a keen eye for dramatic values and truthful characterisations. “Don’t Call it Love” is a combination of all the comedy and punch of all previous William de Mille productions. It is the last word in screen entertainment—a drama of life and love with a supporting cast worthy of the story. A comedy and two other pictures complete a fine 3pTiour programme. . THE CAMPBELL BOYS. VAUDEVILLE AT PALACE. Six years ago (lie Campbell Boys, John and Colin, delighted local theatre-goers with their unique concertina playing turn. Last night, in the Palace Theatre, they showed that they had lost none of their skill and that their entertainment .was appreciated was demonstrated by the unstinted applause of the audience. From the “Poet and Peasant” overture they swung quickly into popular ragtime melodies with variations. The “Lily of Laguna” proved to be poptdar with those present, the two boys dancing to their own music in perfect time and in unison. A reproduction of the famous London "Big Ben” chimes and strike met with well merited, approval. “Carolina Mammy” and “Killarncy,” played on an ocarina, with a concertina accompaniment, wore two items which brought forth much applause. In response to insistent demand, tor an oncoro the brothers returned 'to the stage with two miniature concertinas and gave a spirited rendering of the latest jazzy numbers which appealed, to the audience so. much that the performers had to appear before the curtain on no less than three occasions. Even the lowering of the curtain did not check the applause. “Let Not Man Put Asunder," a stirring und powerful picture dealing with a married woman’s longing to return to the stage and the resultant domestic unhappiness, gavo Pauline Frederick an opportunity to demonstrate her ability as an emotional actress. Lou Tellegen ably supported her and gave a convincing portrayal of a difficult role. A comedy, “Lp in the Air,” provoked much laughter. Interesting topical items were-' featured in the gazette. The programme is one of merit ajid the audiences at the palace this evening and to-morrow should fill the building.

FAMOUS “DIXIE”. JUBILEE SINGERS This company, which is the first genuine all-coloured troupe of Jubilee Singers to go on a world tour for over twentysix years, arrived direct from America per - R.AI.S. Maunganui, and will open u local season at the Opera House, Palmerston North, on Saturday next. The “Dixies” are the linest organisation of their kind in the world to-ilav und wherever they have shown in both Canada and America they have drawn capacity houses and fairly delighted, their audiences with their jubilees, new and old, negro melodies, plantation songs und quaint negro humour. Tho leader of the “Dixies,” Air W. C. Buckner, is said to be absolutely sincere in his efforts for the upliftment of his race, arid that'his efforts ure meeting with tlie success that is deserved there is no denying. The artists are ull stars arid present a clean and pleasing programme that appeals to ull tastes, while their deportment both on und off the stage is all that could be desired. Three singers of tho company stand out for special mention. They are Madame Buckner, soprano, who has starred in some of the greatest productions in the Uunited States; Helen Smallwood, contralto, who is said to simply captivato her audience with the complete abandon with which she sings the old favourites of the South, and Air W. G. Buckner, who is said to be the bestknown basso of his race, and whose rendering of “Old Black Joe” and "Rocked in tho Cradle of the Deep” is said to be worth the price of admission alone to hear. A 1 A.JaeGurder is the accompanist for the "Dixies,”' and is an artist of no mean merit. Air Tom Foster, well known throughout the Dominion,' is business manager for tho troupe. The box plans will open at Oates’ music store on Wednesday. 1

RETURN OF NELLIE BRAAILEY. “IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE.” General interest is being taken in the Nellie Bramley return season commencing on Thursday at the Opera House with, “It Pays to Advertise.” The members of. tho company, led by the clever young star, have made themselves distinctly popular with Palmerston North theatregoers, and there is every indication for crowded audiences. "It. Pays to Advertise” is well chosen for it gives the artists an opportunity to exploit themselves in a refreshinghumorous play that should put them on ready terms with their friends across the footlights. Naturally it has as its pervading themo the whys and wherfors of advertising. It -will serve to introduce a new artist in Air G’arl Lawson, whose mercurial spirits are said to infect the' audience the moment he steps on tho stage. The wisdom of securing a ■ really first-class leading man i.s demonstrated by the signal success achieved, by Carl Lawson, who plays the part of Ambrose Pealc, the red-hot champion of big scale advertising. He is one of those comedians who never fails to “put .it over!” Alisn Nellie Bramley takes the part of Mary Grayson, and is in turn brainy, capable, witty, and appealing. Always she is the consummate artist, and her acting is natural and never forced. George • Hewlett makes an admirable Rodney Martin and Arthur Cornell tills with distinction the role of old Cyrus Alar--tin. Tile supporting roles are rill admirably filled. “PAID IN FULL.” For the concluding night of the season “Paid in Full” will; be staged. In this line piece Aliss Bramley is seen to advantage in the role of Emma Brooks, the wife of Joe Brooks, a clerk whose liking for pleasure leadi him to steal his employer’s money. A powerful dramatic play, its flashes of comedy stand out with irresistible brightness, and it should make a big appeal to theatregoers. The box plans are at Oates’ music store.