ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 141, 19 May 1925, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

VISIT OF THURSTON HALL. “SO THIS IS LONDON”—To-night, “So this Is London,” the great AngloAmerican laughing success, in whicti the distinguished international star comedian, Mr Thurston Hall, and his famous Company of comedians, will appear at tho Opera House, Palmerston North, tins evening, under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd , is founded on the happy inspiration of two burlesques. One a caricature of tho pompous and insular English, as imagined by the untravelled American; the other, a burlesque of the blatant self-satisfied American, as visualised by tho stay-at-home ‘Englishman. 15oth fallacies aro laughingly exposed in the exceptionally clever comedy, which is u typo unfortunately rarely produced in the Dominion, Thurston Hall is not only a fine comedian —ho is also a screen star of considerable fame. “The playgoers of Christchurch who were so keenly looking forward to the visit of Mr Thurston Hall and his powerful company were certainly not disappointed at the first performance of “So This Is London.” This is how the critio of tho Lyttelton Times began his notice of the opening performance of “So This Is London” in Christchurch recently. The same critio goes on to say: “Every character was admirably taken. The scenery was splendid and the frocking all that could be desired, each frock being attractive in both design and colouring, and much thought had been used to the tunings of the individual Costumes, so that the whole made a colourful and delightful group This highly amusing play is calculated to make everyone laugh, and a good laugh is a most invigorating tonic.’ This piece will be staged for this night only.

The second play to be presented next Monday evening will bo “Tho Broken Wing,” which is a story of modern Mexico sot. in local colour. Thurston Hall is the principal actor, and he will be seen in his original rolo of Captain Innooincio dos Santos, the Mexican renegade general. His performance is said to bo outstanding, though he has excellent support. In this connection, special mention must bo made of Gladys Webster, who enacts the role of Inez Villera, tho beauteous maiden of primeval passions, who prays nightly for a “gingo husband.” “The Broken Wing” is stated to bo a really fine play, and if tho advance booking is any criterion, then the theatre should be well filled on Monday night next. Tho performance this evening will commence at 8 sharp. The plans for both pieces are now on view at Oates’ music shop.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Much has been written and said about Hollywood, but tho most fascinating and vivid description that has ever been given is contained in the Paramount super attraction of the same name, which is the big feature on, tho bill now at the Paramount Theatre. Thin picture has been produced at a groat cost and practically every star of note in the film world of to-day plays a part in this remarkable screen offering. The story deals with the fortunes of a young girl who is obsessed with the desiro to become a movie star. Of the difficulties and trials that must bo mot in this ambition, tho story is in a large measure made up. An equally complete entertainment is provided in the second attraction on the bill, “Fordage”—a remarkably complete and fascinating production showing the activities of the Ford Motor Co. together with descriptive scenes of the company's tremendous plant and the manufacture of their cars. The Paramount select orchestra, under the direction of Mrs Law, will provide the musical support in the usual delightful manner. Tho box plans aro at Swallow’s.

KOSY.

BUCK JONES IN NEW ROLE. Buck Jones in “Winner Take All,” at tho Rosy, does superbly his old western tricks that gained him millions of admiring fans, and at the same time ho flashes a brand new line, as a “busted” cowboy who battles his way to heavyweight championship honours; then is beaten by the fast pace of the Big City; loses tho girl he thinks he madly loves to a millionaire; then makes a great comeback in tho greatest of aii screen fights with a sensational surprise knockout finish that knocks tho cowboy pug through the ropes of love’s arena into the urms of tho real girl, and ends his ring career for ever and happily after. Lovely Peggy Shaw plays opposite Jones. A comedy, an educatioanl and a gazette are also showing.

PALACE,

AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME.

While “Going Up’’ has one laughing until the tears course down, the cheeks, the heart goes pit-a-pat at the thrilling love story that rides high and far on tho ! plane of romance driven by Douglas Mac- | Lean. As tho famous author of tho popular | book on flying, Mac Lean makes the role of Robert Street unusually vibrant imj pressionable. He falls in love with Grace ! Douglas, charmingly portrayed by Marjorie I Daw, and in order to win her heart and j hand must fly a match race against I peer of all Drench aviators, Jules Gail- : iard. Now Mr Street can write about ! flying but when it comes to actual flying | lie’s as much at homo in the air as an [ eagle without wings. Yet lovo is too strong to keep him down and so up he goes to | dizzy heights, performs astounding and i amazing stunts with his machine and makes Ch.ilhird played by Francis McDonald, look Ike a. beginner instead of a champion. Street comes down and his aeroplane is wrecked by contact with a tree, but Street is. all right excepting his bedraggled and unkempt appearance. Of course. Grace receives him with wide open arms. The funeral of the late Prime Minister 13 also showing and will be screened again tonight for the last time. The scenes taken at the Parliamentary Buildings and in the streets of Wellington are well photograph-

ed and to those who could not go to the capital to see it, is most impressive. The Mackinnon Boys, Scotch entertainers, made their first appearance in Palmerston North and became friends at once by their fine musical and dancing talents. This is an all-round good programme and well worth a visit to tho Palace.