ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 44, 21 January 1926, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

PARAMOUNT. REX INGRAM’S BIG PRODUCTION—“SCARAMOUCHE.” “Scaramouche” is the name given one of the characters of the old comedy players of Italy and France —a sly buffoon, with a swift smile, a sharp tongue, the ability to make trouble and the ability ho come out of it with a whole skin. In “Scaramouche,” tho Rex Ingram production for Metro showing at tho Paramount Theatre, the hero is a fascinating character, swordsman, wit, revolutionist, who, joining a band of strolling players at a timo when his life is being sought, becomes the company’s Scaramouche. Ramon Novarro enact 3 this character.

“Scaramouche” was adapted to the screen from Rafael Sabatini’s novel of the same name, and those who have read this wonderful story of the French Revolution will be delighted with the picture version.

PALACE THEATRE “ABRAHAM LINCOLN,” THE FILM OF THE YEAR. Who can resist the appeal that lies in a good picture which portrays tho whole life of one of tho greatest men who ever lived ? When tho picture includes one of tho finest and most beautiful love stories over told, and also ono of the most tragic talcs of sacrifice ever imagined, together with the details of one of tho greatest wars ever waged in the memory of man, there must bo something of value in tho picture, over and above its value as an entertaining medium. To lovers of tho man Abraham Lincoln, and to admirers of his able administration, there comes the opportunity of visualising the wholo pathetic, tragic and still lovely story of his life and love. Thero are gripping scenes in this great film which will stir tho red blood of every free-born man and woman who is privileged to witness the screening. There is nothing small about the film, nothing paltry or insignificant.. Thero is no straining after effect—nothing but the natural grace and charm of the man whose life is brought before us with such fidelity to detail that the Commission of Education for the United States was constrained to write: ‘The aesthetic appeal of the picture will educate our people to a finer appreciation of beautiful things.” What better answer can the film industry return to the carping critics of the film ? This great film was produced by Rockett Brothers after years of intensive study of tho life of Linooln, and their researches covered all the country over which the great man had passed in his journeyings. Details are faithfully reproduced throughout the film, and the whole picture is ono of which the producers are naturally proud. The season at the Palace Theatre is limited tio throe nights, with a special matinee on Saturday afternoon.

KOSY. “RAFFLES” AND “THE PILGRIM.” Not a crook among gentlemen, but a gentleman among crooks. That’s Raffles! And House Peters plays tho title role of the famous amateur cracksman in the Universal-Jewel feature, “Raffles,” mow being shown at the lvosy Theatre. Adapted from the stories made famous many years ago by Ernest William Hornung and tho stage play by Eugeno W. Presbrey, “Raffles” is, perhaps, tho most outstanding figure in tho wholo realm of detective fiction. Ho stole for charity and ama2ed tho shrewdest sleuths of Scotland Yard with his daring and skill. In the case of “Raffles,” suspected of being tho notorious Amateur Cracksman who has startled London with his daipng thefts, when the police net i 3 finally drawn about the victim it is discovered that tho elusive crook has “flown tho coop,” with the police officials vainly grappling with a shadow. Not until the last episode of the film is tho identity of tho Cracksman revealed and even then it is a case of self-confession when confession will no longer placo him in the hands of those' who sought him. The second feature is “Tho. Pilgrim,” starring Charles Chaplin, which is considered to bo Chaplin’s funniest comedy. Ho is assisted by Syd Chaplin and Jackie Coiogan’s only rival, Dinky Dean. "THE GREEN GODDESS.” SPECTACULAR OFFERING TONIGHT. Guy Bates Post was given carte blanche by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., when the production of “The Green Goddess” was being arranged, and the result is a wonderfully beautiful presentation of William Archer’s vividly thrilling drama. Each of the four acts has a gorgeous setting and the rich Oriental costumes are in keeping with the air of luxury everywhere. It is stated that 100 tons of scenery and stago properties are used in the production for in a Guy Bates Post offering there aro no '“fakes.”

Tho Green Goddess” will be staged tonight at tho Opera House, with Mr Post in his famous rolo of tho Rajah of Rukh Miss Eileen Sparks, Miss Cecil Haines Messrs Leslie Victor, Winnington Barnos’ Ashton Jarry, Erio Maxon, Richard Webster, William Passmore, Fred Francis Arthur Watson and Harold Brumfiold are also in tho long cast, and there will bo added interest from the fact that a cumber of local “supers” will «>ko part in several of the big scenes. Tho box plan is at' tho Opera House.