ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 1210, 7 January 1925, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY. • Fred Thomson, champion athlete of the world, is in the movies with his almost human horse, Silver King, a beautiful dappled-grey. The stunts performed by this pair rival anything ever done by Tom Mix and in a good story, "North _of Nevada," they hav* ample scope to show their prowess. A Fox 7-reol drama, a Larrz Semon comedy, and another 2-roel comecly are all included in a 3i-hour programme at the Kosy. This is a very good programme and well worth seeing. PALACE. SCREEN TESTS FOR TALENT. The Palaco Theatre is proving too small to hold the crowds that wish to see the novel entertainment provided by Mr Beaumont Smith in hi 3 quest through New Zealand for types suitable to act in his future productions, either in this country or in Australia. Every night there are several aspirants to movie fame put through a test of histrionic ability, while a delighted audience looks on and applauds when any talent is shown, and laughs goodnaturedly at the efforts of those less quick to grasp in about one or two showings What the producer requires. This is a genuine quest for movie talent and in ordor to prove the photographio value of the faces <md deportment, Mr Smith's mechanical staff has brought with him the lights that are used by picture producers and which make the stage arid theatre as light as day. "The Midnight Alarm" is the picture showing with tins programme and it is well worth seeing. Percy Marmont. Alice Calhoun and Cullin Landi3 have the big parts to play.

"THE THIEF OF BAGDAD." A MASTERLY~PRODUCTION. Gorgeous scones of the mystic East, a flying horSe, the magic carpet and a quaint love story are the main features of "The Thief of Bagdad," the super-production presented by Douglas Fairbanks, who. in the title role, appears in one of the nvast remarkable films ever screened. the Thief of Bagdad," which commenced a six nights' season, at the Paramount Theatre on Monday, was witnessed by another large audience last night, the bewildering panorama of Eastern pageantry holding those present entranced with the beau.y of the spectacle. The film records a striking story of realism and allegory, and concerns the efforts of three powerful Eastern rnnces to win the hand and heart of the beautiful daughter of the Caliph of Bagdad. Phil a fourth suitor for the lady's hand is the "Thief of Bagdad" (Douglas Fonbariks), the prince of thieves and an audacious rogue whose love for the princess 'killed the evil in him." His masquerade as the Prince of the Sea and the I»!es, hi* acceptance by the princess, and his betrayal by a jealous rival, followed by the flogging of the hapless man. provided some of the bitr thrills of the film. Fairbanks, who owes not a little of his fame to his daring film '"stunts," employed lis acrobatic abilities to the full, and these exhibitions, combined with peerless acting resulted in a splendid performance, fno of the magic carpet, and the raco tnrouuli t.e air on the winged horse were rr.lhant spectacles, and the mob scenes, when the city was besieged by the tl.-i.ops of the Mongol prince were realistic to a degree. No less impressive were the, remat kftble feats of magic performed by Fairbanks with his potent powder winch created large armies in an instant and other remarkable miracles. The acting throughout was conspicuously good, but the main attraction of the film lies in its spectacular effects and gorgeous dressing and mounting. Special music was played by the orchestra. ''The Thief of Bagdad" will he repented every night this week, and the film car: be heartily recommended to all who appreciate a first-olass picture entertainment.