ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 168, 15 June 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

THEATRE DE LUXE. “NOW WE’RE IN THE AIR.” Wallace Berry ami Raymond Hatton will appear in their big super-comedy “Now We’re in the Air” at the Theatre do Luxe to-night for the last time. One cannot afford to miss tlieso aviators in such a wonderful comedy. There i 3 an excellent supporting bill, not forgotting the appropriate melodics rendered by the talented orchestra de Luxe. The. box plan is at Berryman’s or ring theatre ’phono 5050. Ca>acity houses are anticipated, so patrons should reserve their seats. “LES MISERABLES” TO-MORROW. Exciting its audience, then causing it chango to a sympathetic mood as hearttouching scenes are Hashed on the screen, “Les Miserables” is without question ono of scrcendom’s most notable achievements. It will bo shown at the Theatre de Luxe to-morrow, commencing at the matinee at 2 p.m. It, is a pageant of human interest that bewilders the eye and subdues the mind with its wealth of incident and grandeur. The public has perliaps never seen a picturo that presents such a magnificent sotting as “Les Miserables.” Intending patrons aro advised to make early reservations at Berryman’s; theatro ’phono 5050. AT THE PALACE. FINAL SCREENING OF IVOR NOVELLO FILM. Ivor Novollo, the screen and stage idol of England, is the attraction at the Palace Theatre to-night in a Wm.. Fox British photoplay entitled “The Triumph of the Rat.” /This vivid story of the Paris underworld is a sequel to the already famous photoplay, “The Rat.” Described as a riot of laughs, the supporting picture is a 6cream comedy, entitled “The Kiss Doctor.” POLA NEGRI IN MELODRAMA. A woman’s picture is coming to the Palace Theatre to-morrow. It is called "'.the Woman on Trial.” From reports it tells a crucial story, in which alt women of all races and chines eontront the world with a problem of love, honour and motherhood, and ask—understanding. Fortunately this difficult and absorbing role is in the hands of a great dramatic artist —many call her the greatest —Pola Negri. And it is equally fortuatc that the direction of this important screen story was given to a man with tho sympathetic ’temperament a;id forceful creative ability of Mauritz Stiller, the Swedish genius. The theme of “Tho Woman on Trial” is taken from “Confession,” a noteworthy stage play by Ernest Vajda, the Hugarian dramatist. It concerns the sacrifices a woman makes in the name of love. Caring deeply for ono man who is deathly ill, she weds another to obtain money to restore the.first to health. When her. child by the loveless marriage i» taken from her through a jealous and de ceitful scheme, she runs true to the instincts of woman and motherhood to regain tho happiness of which she lias been cheated. Settings, exceptionally colourful, and backgrounds of the Latin Quarter of Paris framo tho action for a cast which includes Einar Hanson, Arnold Kent and Andre Sarti. ARTISTIC PRESENTATION OF “THE MERRY WIDOW.”

A brilliant costumed prologue is one of the outstanding features of “Tho Merry Widow,” the mammoth attraction of the Palace Theatro on Tuesday next. Cast in the prologue is Miss Meg Knivett, Carlotta Elkiem, and Mr Ross N. Meikle. Miss Knivett is not unknown to Palmerston North audiences, being ail artistic product front Miss Diana Tabor’s dancing academy. The other two in the cast have not previously appeared in this town. Mr Meikle, the manager of the Palace Theatre, has had a wide theatrical experience and lias many fine productions to his credit. The act will bo presented in conjunction with a specially augmented orchestra under the leadership of Miss Eileen Woodficld. Haunting memories of tho lilting music, poetic drama, and romance of “The Merry Widow” will linger fondly in the minds of most of us. This dazzling gem of ideal entertainment has been brought to the screen by Motro-Goldwyn-Mayer for its lovers to again fall in love with its colourful romance, and to bring delight to tho thousands who did not see it in its stage form. Tho cosmopolitan gaiety of “The Merry Widow,” the dazzling spectacle, impressive pageantry, and tho delicate but poignant drama that is drawn like a golden thread throughout the entire production are presented with unerring artistry. The original music score by Franz Lehar was secured to accompany the picture, and the rapturous, lilting melodics will capture all hearts. Attached to this great picture is the authentic film of “Miss New Zealand in Hollywood,” starring Miss Dale Austen. Plans for tho season aro now- open at Martin’s.

KOSY THEATRE. FINAL SCREENING TO-NIGHT. A refreshingly “different” story with a novel treatment, together with superb acting arid direction, features “The Jade Cup,” Evelyn Brent’s latest release for Paramount screening finally this evening at the Ivosy ’Theatre. Miss Brent’s exceptional dramatic ability has won her many thousands of admirers, and sho outdoes herself in this production under the splendid direction of Frank Hall Crane. The story is woven around tho sinister intlucnce of a valuable jade cup, which is reputed to bring death to its owner, and the theme is cleverly carried out with plenty of excitement and a thrilling and dramatic climax. The picturo is unquestionably tho best Miss Brent has yet inado. The second attraction, starring Vera Reynolds, is “Corporal Kate,” an appealing comedy dealing with three women who are made “pals” and who have many thrilling adventures. Of course, there is a delightful love story and the action is packed with drama, tears, laughs and appeal. Julia Faye ami Mabel Coleman are two of tho three “pals” and both aid materially in making the story strictly one hundred per cent. screen entertainment. There are excellent supports as well on this programme.

“MERCENARY MARY.”

FULLER SEASON CONCLUDES.

As presented at the Opera Houso last evening, “Mercenary Mary” is one of those delightful comic operas that combine amusing situations'* which a capable cast of players is able to exploit to the fullest degree; bright and tuneful music; artistic ballots, delightful frocking, and gaily painted scenery. Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller’s company, headed try clover Elsie Prince, Jimmy Godden and Charlton Morton, achieved a distinct success with “Mercenary Mary” which was staged before a large audience.. It is an innovation to find a company “playing” three nights in Palmerston North, but judging by the success achieved by the Fuller enterprise the move may commend itself to other theatrical firms.

In tho title role of last evening’s production, which concluded the company’s season, Miss Elsie Prince sang and acted at her very best. Sho was gay and winsome throughout and combined with Messrs Godden and Morton in bright ducts and clever dialogue. Mr Goddon’s role was not tho best we have seen him portray, but he mad r of it an outstanding success. Mr Morton had a much stronger part which suited his histrionic talent. Tho other members of the cast acquitted themselves most satisfactorily. Of the many delightful musical numbers, “I’m a Little Bit Fonder of You” was the favourite and its lilting melody ran throughout tho score.

“THE STUDENT PRINCE.” ROYAL COMIC OPERA COMPANY. “The Student Prince” is to bo Hie opening production of the J. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company's season at the Opera House on Wednesday and Thursday next. “The Student Prince” is a comic opera in four acts, with music by Sigmund Romberg and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly. The play is said to bo pleasing to the ear. the eye and the intelligence. It is said to bo the most lavishly staged production Williamson’s have shown here in recent years. The strong dramatic interest that delighted playgoers years ago

in “Old Heidelberg” (from which the opera was taken) has been entirely preserved. The music is said to agree with the theme; and is largely choral in character. A critic says: “Dorothy Donnelly has written beautiful lyrics for ‘The Student Princo’ and Romberg’s music is far above tho present-day standard of comic opera. Hero is music when it verges on grand opera, and other music when it, is marked by a siveet and lilting simplicity.” Beppie de Vries, who scored such a remarkable success in this play and also in “Madame Pompadour,” is duo to fulfil contracts on tho Continent,' but she’ was persuaded to extend her engagement, so that Dominion playgoers will have tho opportunity of seeing perhaps tho most popular comic opera actress of recent years. ■ Tlio company’s second production, “Madame Pompadour,” is written round the life of Franco's most beautiful woman, who ruled a king. Tho box plans open to-morrow morning at tho Opera House.