ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 205, 28 July 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

AT THE PALACE. THRILLING MYSTERY PLAY TO-NIGHT. Francis X. Bushman, who is perhaps th best known figure on the .silver screen tc day, is co-fcaoured with Anna Q. Nilsso: in tho Universal-Jowei production, “Th Thirteenth Juror,” which screens at th Palace Theatre to-night. Long bcfor many of the present-day stars were eve heard of, Bushman was known as the mati nee idol of tho screen and to all appeal ances ho is still as youthfully handsome a he ever was. A fow years ago he retires from tho screen for a much-needed res) but was persuaded to come oub of his re tirement to in “Ben Hur.” He Aa such an outstanding success in that picturthat tho public insisted that ho remaii before them. Sinco that time ho has ap peared in several big productions, hi greatest vehicle of course being “Bei Hur.” “Tho Thirteenth Juror” is an adap tation of Henry Irving’s remarkable stagi success, “Counsel for the Dofenco,” Tin supporting cast includes Walter Pidgeon Martha Mattox, Sidney Bracy, Sailor Shar key, Lloyd Whitlock, George Sjegmann Fred Kelsey and a host of others. Th< plan is now open at Martin’s bookshop. KOSY THEATRE. TWO BIG FEATURES. Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall, th< popular team of First National players, ar< to bo seen again on tho local screen in i now film. They come to tho Ivosy Theatri to-day in a rollicking romance of staic Now England, “Man Crasy.” Tho story i: the lovo affair of a daughter of an aris tocratic Now England family, and a trucl driver wlio proudly pilets the fastest true! on tho Boston Point Road. “Man Crazy’ is an ideal vehiclo for tho talonts of Mis: Mackaill and Mr Mulhall, and their perfor manco in this picture, together with that 0 tho eapablo cast which supports them » makes it a splendid entertainment. “Mar Crazy” has a pretty lovo story, action thrills and mystery. It is ideal entortain merit for picturo fans of all ages, and botl of the featured players do excellent work Tho picture was directed by John Franck Dillon, and produced for First National re lcaso by Charles R. Rogers. Included it tho cast are Edytho Chapman, Phillips Smalley, Walter MeGrail, Ray Hallor anc many other talented players. Tho settings aro particularly beautiful, and the automobile chases some of tho most thrilling over shown on tho screen. Tho additional feature is “Sally in Our Alloy,” with Shirley Mason in tho principal role. The supports include a gazette, service and comedy. THEATRE DE LUXE. ADOLPHE MENJOU IN “SERENADE.” Dancing shadows, a symphony orchestra playing softly, a curtain rising while the orchestra crashes into a flood of melody, and Adolphe Mcnjou is wielding tho baton. The prince of boulevardicrs has' turned musician and 6eeins to be quite at home at the helm of an orchestra. Mcnjou recently made his dobut as an lorchostra leader on the Paramount Studio lot in Hollywood, where a complete theatre set was erected for scenes in his latest starring picture, “Serenade,” which is showing at the de Luxe Theatre to-night, also Monday and Tuesday. Two hundred extras were used for the audience and 18 dancing girls,, headed by Lina Basquettc, appeared on the stage. “Serenade” is a fascinating love story set to music—a symphony in human emotions. It is the love of a beautiful girl for a great artist. The supports include two gazettes, a comedy and a cartoon. Patrons are advised to bo early as a capacity house is anticipated. Tho plan is at Berryman’s or ’phone 5050. “SORRELL AND SON” ON WEDNESDAY. Father-and-son love is the theme of “Sorrel and Son,” Herbert Brenon’s production of Warwick Deeping’s best-sellmg novel, made into a United Artists Picture, and to be olfered at the Do Luxe Theatre next Wednesday for a scation of three nights and three matinees only. H. B. Warner appears as Stephen Sorrel, and Mickey AleBan and Nils Asther enact, respectively, the child Kit and the matured Kit Sorrell. The notable cast includes Anna Q. Nilsson as Dora Sorrell; Carmel Myers ae Florence Palfrey; Norman Trevor as Thomas Roland ; Alico Joyce as F’anny Garland; Alary Nolan as Molly Roland; and Louis Woiheim as Sergeant Buck. Aiuch of “Sorrell and Son” was filmed in England with the aid of the author, Warwick Deeping. All of the film “Sorrell and Son” is faithful tio tho spirit and letter of Warwick Deeping’s book, and the ending of the film is that of the book. Herbert Brenon, who made “Peter Pan” and “Beau Geste,” says that “Sorrell and Son” is hie best , motion picture. The story of “Sorrell and Son” is that of a British war veteran whose wife deserts him and his six-year-old son. the veteran, Captain Stephen Sorrell, M.C., thereafter struggles against ingratitude, poverty, vice and physical exhaustion to rear and educate his beloved yon, in whom he is ultimately well pleased. Tho box plan is now filling rapidly at Berryman’s; theatre ’phone 5050. “LEAGUE OF NOTIONS.” FULLERS’ NEW REVUE COAIPANY. On Tuesday next, at tho Opera House, patrons will have an opportunity of enjoying one of John Fullor and Sons’ greatest revue successes —tho “Leaguo of Notions”— and one of tho most lavishly staged revue productions sent to Now Zealand. The personnel is an unusually big and strong one and includes that much talked of Syd Bock who is recognised as tho greatest singing comedian Australia has produced. But singing is only one of a hundred parts this clover artist indulges in. Limitless arc his appearances in the courso of one performance and he keeps his audiences in roars of laughter. Mr Connors has a flair for smart stage management and once the curtain ascends tho fun goes trippingly. He and Miss Queenio Paul make a singing hit by thoir adoption of tho latest jazz songs. Specialty dances will bo presented by tho two Paulastos Bros., and an eccentric novelty by Phyllis Baker and Gerald Cpnnclly. Les Pearce, the popular baritone, will bo heard in well-known vocal numbers. Linn Smith’s Jazz Band will play a varied selection of popular melodies and jazz novelties, and a specialty dance will bo provided by Rougal and Rayne. There are also many clever dancing numbers and the sprightly ballet of six add interest to this great revue. Patrons aro strongly advised to book their seats at tho Opera "House. Box plans for tho two nights' season are now open. “THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN.” “The Trial of Mary Dugan,” with the audience as jury, which will be staged at tho Opera House, Palmerston North, for ono night only on Saturday next, was acclaimed by Australian critics as tho greatest and most novel melodrama ever staged in the. Commonwealth. It much surpasses “Within tho Law” and “Tho Thirteenth Chair,” by tho same author. In this play, tho audience, by reason of tho fact that thoy are constituted the jury to tho trial of Alary Dugan for the murder of tho man whoso mistress slio was, are compelled to take an active interest in it. The circumstances of his death pointed to Alary as the murderer. He was found in her fiat dead, from a knife wound, tho knife handle bearing finger-prints of Alary, while on herself and _ her clothing were found bloodstains. This, in a nutshell, is the crimo for tho guilt of which, or otherwise, the audience aro to bo tho judges. When thoy enter the theatre it is as to a court-room. Tho curtain is already up, and, indeed, is never once lowered through tho entire play. There is not oven an orchestra to relievo the grimness. On tho stage the Bench, lawyers’ desks, reporters’- tables, prisoners’ box, witnesses’ stand, court attendants, clerks and policemen. Tho whole atmosphere is that of the court-room. Counsel, judge, prisoner and witnesses all address themsolves directly to the audience. For they are the judges, and with them must rest the verdict. Tho criminal bungling of Mary’s lawyer, and tho ‘brutal cleverness of tho prosecuting attorney leave no room for doubt but that beautiful Alary Dugan I is the murderer. But the dramatic arrival

on' tho scene of Jimmy, her brother, and for the sake of whose education Mary had embarked on her career of shame, puts a totally different complexion on affairs. Jimmy has boon able,, to show who the guilty person is. This is a secret well kept, and is sprung on tho audience at the end as a genuine surprise. Leon Gordon, who will be remembered for his marvellous acting in “White Cargo,” is in this play tho brutal prosecuting attorney. Miss Fay Collins, who is making her first appearance in this country, should make a fascinating Mary Dugan. Tho box plan open on Thursday at tho Opera House.