ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 226, 22 August 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

AT THE PALACE,

CHAPLIN’S GREATEST EFFORT—A WORLD BEATER.

Another well-filled, happy house greeted the second night of “The Circus, Charlie Chaplin’s latest comedy. Screamingly funny, tenderly pathetic, surprisingly appealing is Chaplin’s in this “volcano of mirth.” Ihe Circus” was written, produced, directed and acted in its chief role by Charlie Chaplin. Among the peanut shells and the sawdust rings under the commonly denominated ‘‘big top” which was erected on the Chaplin lot in Hollywood, there was enacted between Chaplin and his new leading lady, an eighteen-year-old. £ ir * named Merna Kennedy, many incidents which go so far to give atmosphere ana character to a film and laughter to the customers. One of those scenes, the ballyhoo” man reports, depicts Charlie on a tight rope. It is generally known that as a retained part of his vaudeville training Chaplin can walk the taut or slack wire with some dogreo of success. However, in “The Circus” he is faking it, visibly supported a thin, strong wire, which the circus audience cannot see. bure of himself, the bravo follow promenades up and down the wire daringly, contemptuous of a band of howling monkeys below. Then the wire snaps. Unaware .that his overhead support has broken, Charlie keeps on skipping up aind down the length of the wire, a veritable Jilt in his step. Suddenly he spies the dangling wire before his eyes. Ho looks up. He looks down at the monkeys. He look 6at the wire, and his face goes white. Down from his eminence comes the bravo fellow, P r °ud before his fall. The picture is packed full of similar ludicrous situations. I atrons are advised to book their scats at Martin’s bookshop or at the theatre, phone 5323.

KOSY THEATRE

“T.HE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD.”

“The Johnstown Flood,” the greatest thrill spectacle ever captured by a camera, will be shown at the Kosy Theatre, commencing to-day, for threo days and nighty only. The great dramatic quality of the pnxluction and the magnitude of the sccnea depicting the washing away of entire cities and town sites have created no end of discussion among tho reviewers, of the big; drama to date, and the speedy action _oi the play has developed extraordinary praise from patnons, it is asserted. “The Johnstown Flood,” produced by Fox Films under the direction of Irving Cummings, deals' with the calamity wfiich shocked the world and brought to the fore legislative activity and inspection of tho great water strongholds of the American nation which, no doubt, prevented a similar occurrence in many sections. While the magnitude of such a theme is one of sufficient strength to hold interest there is abp a dramatic adventure intertwined with the historical narrative which contains many thrills of an original and interesting nature. George O’Brien in the leading male rolo is adequate assurance that the part is well handled. Opposite the stalwart star are two players of sterling talent. Janet Gaynor, a new Fox Films dramatic find, and Florence Gilbert portray the chief roles of feminine interest, fn other strong supporting roles are such players as Anders Randolph, Alax Davidson, l’uul Panzer, Paul Nicholson and Walter Perry. The additional feature is “Honour Bound,” a daring drama of life in a convict labour camp.

THEATRE DE LUXE

“MAN, WOAIAN AND SON.”

John Gilbert’s latest picturo, “Alan, Woman, and Son,” which will open to-night at ihe de Luxe Theatre, is a modern story, a tale of romance, and tho spice of hazard unfolded against) the background of a ■ metropolitan newspaper. This picture is noteworthy for tho appearance of Jeanne Eagles, great stage star, as well as for the appearance ot John Gilbert in a new type of role. Underlying all tho outward show of life in a great city, there is a very human story of romance, love and drama—tho story of a newsboy who climbs to the reporting stall of a city daily and falls in love with the society writer. She belongs to another —but sho is touched and amused and to some extent flattered by tho blind devotion of this boy. Ther. comes drama, swift and relentless. John Gilbert plays the role of the printing room hand, and later the reporter, with fine understanding. Opposite him, Jeanne Eagles play's the rote of the society contributor. The other members of the cast, including Marc McDermott, Ilnyden Stevenson, and Gladys Brockwoll, are excellently chosen. Tho supporting programme includes a Metro news film, New Zealand scenic, and a Charlie Chase comedy. Incidental music will bo played by the de Luxe orchestra.