ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 48, 26 January 1926, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

PALACE THEATRE GAY PARIS AND OLD LONDON. “Enticement,” tlio First National attraction showing at tlio Palaco Theatre, is a story of to-day. It is ultra-modern in tempo, settings, costumes and incidentals, and it is rich in its elaborate scenes and pictorial splendours This dramatic story of a girl’s love swings from Belgium to tlio Alps, from Paris to London. with the latest fashions in a background of salons, palaces and chateaus. It is a liberal education to follow, through the camera s lens, tho sequence of tho play. Wo sco the famous resorts of Europe; tho high alps with their eternal snows; we plungo into the heart of Continental Europo’s society, then London’s. Tho players who perform against this elaborate and beautiful background aro Mary Astor, Chvo Brook, lan Keith, Louise Dresser, Vera Lewis, Edgar Norton, Lillian Langdon, Ailocn Manning, Mathildo Comont and Russell Powell.

KOSY. DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME. An unusually clever dog provides some unique entertainment in tho Metro-Gold-wyn production, “The Silent Accuser,” at tho Kosy Theatre. Peter the Great is a newcomer to tho ranks of canine stars, vet he proves himself master of them. all. Tho featured members of tho cast are Eleanor Boardman and Raymond McKee, Chester M. Franklin, noted producer of “dog” pictures, was assigned to direct “Tho Silent Accuser,” and his experience has enabled him to get remarkable results from the animal player in tho most logical manner. Peter is not supposedly endowed with human qualities; it is the dog’s instinct that is emphasised, and thus everything ho docs is plausible. Tho additional feature is “After tho Ball,” star-

ring Miriam Cooper, a production which was awarded highest marks for entertainment value. Tho supports include a sub* jeet of considerable interest to Now Zealanders, and tho Kosy orchestra renders appropriate music.

PARAMOUNT. “PETER PAN.” What boy lias not wanted to fight Iho pirates on the high seas? To go looking for buried treasure? Has not thrilled over tho deeds of tho Indians? And a hundred and one things dear to the hearts of boys. And then Sir Janies M. Barrio wove them all into a whimsical, charming fantasy that has held tho civilised world spellbound for years in tlio form of the stage play, “Peter Pan.” But now bo lias given permission for tho play to bo made into a picture, and llorbort Brenon, with tho assistance of Roy Pomeroy, has made “Peter Pan” into a Paramount picture. It is the star attraction at present at the Paramount Theatre, and those who have seen it aro loud in their praise.

OPERA HOUSE “SALLY OF THE SAWDUST.” D. W. Griffith never made a more entertaining work than “Sally of the Sawdust,” now showing at the Opera House. Laughter bubbles throughout. It begins to rollick gaily about the circus tent where the great Prof. McGargle, juggler and rogue extraordinary, is about his merry affairs, attended by his ward, - Sally, as audacious and loyal a companion as is given to man. It thrives when the circus “goes broke” and Sally and the professor board tlio. blind-baggage to get to Iho carnival town where tlio great drama awaits Sally. And it bursts into fullest spray near the close "when McGargle mounts without permission tho steering seat of a car, in tho maddest-, funniest race that has greeted tho screen in years. This work is the most beautifully dressed of all the Griffith pictures. As with all great pictures, “Sally of tho Sawdust” establishes new stars in Carol Dempster and W. C. Fields. For years, Fields lias been one of the most successful of stage comedians, but, under the magic of Griffith direction ho has become also ono of tho five best’ screen comedians. Nothing funnier ever has been given than tho pranks of this pair. Supporting these aro Alfred Lunt, a New York stage star of several seasons, Glenn Anders and Effio Shannon, also headliners among the New . York shows. Tho special Griffiths music lits tho picture perfectly and is finely rendcred.

SPARKLING COMEDY. “THE BAD MAN.” Guy Bales Post, whoso magnificent acting is causing theatre-goers to feel vory grateful to J. V. Williamson, Ltd., for including Palmerston North in the great artist’s itinerary, will bo seen in “The Bad Man” for the first timo in this town next Friday, January 29. As Pancho Lopez, a cheerful and philosophical ruffian to whom robbery and murder form part of the ordinary business of life, Guy Bates Post gives a marvellous characterisation of the bandit who glories in living in a country where a man is free to do as ho wishes —to eat a little, drink a little sleep a little, and kill a littlo if ho cliooses. Briefly, the story deals with a ranchowner, whoso land is heavily mortgaged. Just as the mortgagee is about to foreclose, an astuto financier arrives on the scene, and attempts to purchase the property. Then the notorious Pancho causes consternation in the household, but the bandit, on recognising the ranch-owner as a former benefactor, promptly takes command of the situation and by his own peculiar methods straightens out the tangled skein. “The Bad Man” will bo Mr Post’s final offering in Palmerston North.

J C. WILLIAMSON VAUDEVILLE. Another company of J. C. Williamson vaudevillo will on Saturday next appear for one night only at the Opera House. The company played a wonderfully successful season in Wellington. Tho Dominion says: “Holiday vaudevillo of an especially delightful nature was dispensed across tho footlights of tho Grand Opera llouso on Boxing Day, on tho occusion of tho opening performance of tho latest select company of international vaudevillo from J. G. Williamson theatres. From tho overture to tho fall of the curtain there was not a dull moment; every act presented by tho splendid combination of variety 'entertainers attaining tho praiseworthy standard of vaudeville excellence.” A big starring bill is headed by Herschcl Jlonlere, tho mirthful music master, with eccentricities at tho piano. A popular London character comedian i 3 Scott Sanders, the author of everything ho doc 6, writer, and original singer of

"On tho Road to Anywhere,” “Tho Old Opera Satr,” "Old Knifegrinder,” etc. Something new under the sun is what Lee Mason and Sunny aro offering vaudevillo patrons. Snappy songs, tuneful tunes, and fancy frocks are featured in their “Follies and Foolies of Vodvil.” An exclusive engagement from the London Colliseum is that of the Three Swifts, comedy club jugglers. The greatest of thrills is presented by the Aerial Bonos, sensational trapeze artists. One of the most remarkable acts ever seen on the sto.go is presented by the latest Continental novelty, “Fantasi.” From London theatres Lydia and Desmond present stops and styles of 1926, a danoing sensation. A specially selected orchestra and tho latest staging are also promised. The box plan will open next Thursday at the Opera House and patrons aro asked to note that the rocent ballot taken for "first nighters” will not affect the box plan for N.Z. Entertainers, Ltd.