ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 144, 22 May 1925, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

PALACE. ROMANCE AND ADVENTURE. “Sundown,” an eight-reel drama depicting the pathetic exodus of the cattle kings from the plains of America, is tlio feature of the Palace programme for this week-end. It is big in every respect —big with the throbbing life of sturdy pioneers ■ —big with the fire that pulses through our own veins—big with tlm _ stirring events that conquered a continent and cemented a race. A hundred thousand steers thundering across the plains in a wild stampede, eyes bloodshot, bellowing in rage and terror —and in their path one lone man stood undaunted to protect a girl and a child. That is only one of the many thrills in this picture which is supported by a good comedy and some excellent dancing and music in the Mackinnon Boys’ change of programme. FOUNDED ON FACT. “The Mystery of a Ilansom Cab,” which is to be screened at the Palace on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, was written by Fergus Ilume, of Dunedin, some forty years ago, and is now in its 559th thousand edition. It is an Australian story, depicting every phase of lifo from the social standard to the lowest dregs of Ihe slums. Arthur Shirley, in adapting the novel for the screen, modernised it in every detail, and ho now presents a screen version of “The Mystery of a Hansom Cab” up to the minute in every respect. Neither time nor money was considered in the production of this picture. From the time the first, scene was taken till the completion of the picture six months were occupied. From the 20,000 fret of film exposed have been culled only the most perfect scenes to make this 8000 ft. picture of the highest quality. This film shows the world the ability of Australians to produce pictures equal to the world’s best. This story, written at a time when pictures were never heard of, is founded on actual fact. v ROSY. ‘'MEASURE OF MAN.” Exciting adventures welcomed John Fuiniieudow to Swamps End, a notoriously evil settlement in the logging region of the north woods, whither he hart gone from a Bowery mission to spread among the loggers the Gospel of better lives. William Desmond is tlie star of “The Measure of a Mari,” Universal picture now being shown at the Rosy Theatre, and the screen story tells of these adventures of the man who became known as “The Parson.” The main story begins with the approach of “The Parson” to a logging camp and a short time after his arrival a man is killed by a falling tree. “The Parson” is delegated to break the news to Hie man’s daughter, with whom “The Parson” falls in love. The evil interests that dominate Swamps End opposo the energies of “The Parson” and not until ho lias soundly threshed some of the ruffians is ho permitted to carry on toward his own purposes. Two conii'dies, an industrial and a news make up the supporting pictures.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. WILLIAM FARNUM PICTURE. “The Man Who Fights Alone,” William Farnurn’s first starring production for Paramount, directed by Wallace \\ orsley, which is now showing at the Paramount Theatre, is a big picture in every sense of the word. Farnum is supported by Lois Wilson and Edward Horton and a big east which includes, among other big names Lionel Belmore, Dawn O’Dav and George Irving. The story lias to do with a civil engineer and bis band of empire builders —a sort of advance guard of civilisation which is preparing tlio great western vastness for the endless tide of humanity which is to follow. This is the greatest. Farnum picture and patrons know what that means. The supporting programme includes the latest Paramount Gazette and Burton Holmes travelogue, together with a splendid comedy, while delightful music is played by the popular Paramount select orchestra under the direction of Mrs Law. ’1 he box plans are at Swallow’s.

THURSTON HALL. RETURN VISIT MONDAY NIGHT. After witnessing the production of “So This Is London” at the Opera. House last Tuesday evening, Palmerston theatre-goers are displaying keen interest in the return visit of Thurston Hail and .J. C. W illiamson’s brilliant supporting company on Monday night next, when they are to present for the first and only time hero the comedy-drama that had a run of 11 months in- London and 12 months in New York, “The Broken Wing,” in which Mr Ihurston Hall and Miss Gladys Webster appeared in their original roles. ’1 lie play in story and treatment is eaid to be quite usual; tlio story opens in a most unexpected manner, when an English aviator, crossing Mexico, “crashes” as a result of “a broken wing.” The complications which result from this happening are said to be remarkably well handled by the playwright. Humour and adventure mingle so closely that the audience is left in a quandary as whether to let laughter gain the advantage or be thrilled by tlio excitement occasioned by the incidents. The aeroplane crash is said to be a triumph of staging, and is most realistic. A feature of the production is the excellent character work, and Thurston Hall’s Captain Innocincio dos Santos is said to be an admirable study. All the members who appeared in “So This Is London” will be seen in totally different characterisations in this piece, which is to be staged for one night only. Tlio box plan is now on view at Oates’ music shop.