ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 238, 5 September 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

PALACE THEATRE.

“CARMEN” THE PICTURE. In conjunction with a dainty dancing prelude and a special “Carmen” orchestral accompaniment, Win. Fiox’s 1928 epic, “The Loves of Carmen,” will open a three nights’ 1 season at the Palace Theatre to-night. The girl with the heatr of a wanton, the mind of a child and the soul of a woman, “Carmen,” at last will bo depicted by one who understands the emotions of the famous character born from the prolific pen of Prosper Merrimee. Probably for the first time the celebrated story of the little gipsy girl with the flaming eyes and fiery emotions will be portrayed by a real Spanish beauty, one who doesn’t need a vivid imagination to conceive of the proverbial passions of Old Seville, for through her veins courses the blood of Spain. She is .Dolores Del Rio, reared in romantic Mexico by parents of Spanish nobility. Like “Carmen,” Miss Del Rio has found herself precipitated from her own circle of friends in tho Mexican capital to stardom in films as a result of her unique beauty and emotional power. First she appeared as the adorable Charmainc in “What Price Glory,” and in a flash tho world acclaimed her as a new star in the film firmament. The stage has had many “Carmens” of tho opera, but none equalled the physical “Carmen” as she will be seen in the form of Dolores Del Rio. Victor McLaglen is tho British soldier of fortune, tho bronze giant with the infectious smile, the devil-may-care spirit and the ever youthful recklessness, which has won a place in the hearts of picture lovers everywhere; KOSY THEATRE. Produced by experts, “No Control,” commencing at tho lvosy to-night, is ono of the most amusing comedies ot the current screen season. It is tlio first feature-length photoplay which features the radio, while a broadcasting station plays an important part in tho development ot the plot. A circus and a hbrso race lend attractive colour to this screamingly funny iarce. With Harrison Ford and Phylis Haver in the leading roles, a capable supporting cast and with a lion and dancing horse m conspicuous parts, “No Control” is at once a picture of immense c itertainment value and an attraction that will bo heartily relished by screen fans. The additional feature, “Blighty,” tho latest English production released through Master pictures, is firstrate entertainment. Adrian Brunei has produced in unmistakable fashion, and with masterly touch, a story of the war years, when tho youth of Britain poured out its life for freedom. The spirit of those years, the-undying heroism of the front, and homo lines, breathes throughout the picture, recapturing the atmosphere of the great struggle, and bringing to tho screen a powerful, moving drama, holding a deep heartinterest for every family in the land. “Blighty” is an outstanding British production with many angles of appeal. The picture is distinguished by the acting of KUaline Tcrriss, whoso first screen appearance is a notable event. Superimposed, as it were, upon the background of war —war without a battle scene —arc two romances, familiar enough in those days, and sii’l holding a deep interest. Lilian Hatl-Davis, and Jameson Thomas, Nadia Sibirskaia and Godfrey Winn are the lovers, and their in terpretation of tho parts is excellent. Enter tabling short subjects compete a 100 per cent programme. THEATRE DE LUXE. MADGE BELLAMY.” Riotous comedy, colorful drama, beautiful gowns and lavish sets are all incorporated into Fox Films “Soft Living,” with Madge Bellamy, in the stellar role, supp n'tej by an excellent cast, including Johnny Mack Brown, Mary Duncan and other well-known names. This aco of entertaining pictures comes to tho Do Luxe Theatre starting To-night for a three days run. “Soft Living” is a humorous comedy-drama from an original story by Grace Mack. It gives Miss Bellamy ample opportunity for Sparkling comedy and she is a bea.. 'ful sensation in the role of a young secretary who marries for money, but finally succumbs to love. Johnny Mack Brown, too, gives a performance of subtle comedy as tho young millionaire from tho country who outwits the little city girl. The sots for the production are lavish and tho exteriors were made at Santa Cruz, California. Santa Cruz is known for its pictorial beauty and the out-of-door shots in tho picture are truly inspiring. Tho supporting programme includes an excellent Fox nows, sonic and a delightful comedy. The musical numbers by tho new Do Luxe Orchestra are also an added attraction. Reserves at Berryman’s or phono 5050. GRAND OPERA. BOX PLAN FOR “CARMEN” OPENED TO-DAY. The box plan for the performance of “Carmen,the farewell night of the Fuller-Gon6alcz Italian Grand Opera Company, opened' this morning at the Opera House, and _ judging by tho. demand for tickets it is reasonable to expect a record booking. Intending patrons would bo well advised to secure their seats without delay, so as to avoid disappointment. The success which this opera scored in the principal cities of the Dominion is an indication of the treat that opera-goers have in store. LEON GORDON IN “SCANDAL.” J. C. Williamson, Ltd., announco the return visit at tho Opera House for one night only on Monday next of Leon Gordon and the clever dramatic company supporting him in Cosmo Hamilton’s daring and delightful aomodj-, “Scandal.” The acting of Leon Gordon as Pelham Franklin in “Scandal” has boon described by Australian critics as superb. He becomes in turn, bored, ironical, sarcastic, angry, humorous and pleasing, and suits his manners to his moods. He holds the attention throughout. In Miss May Collins he has a first-rate support. She, as Beatrix, has got herself into tho scrape and must get herself out as best she can. In tho bedroom scene she is stated to reach tho heights of delicacy in acting and to carry off with honours a situation of great risque. The dialogue is in keeping with the situaiions created —clever, humorous, satirical and daring. It is one of the great comedy plays that at present hold the stage. Leon Gordon scored a big success in “White Cargo.” He again proved his ability by his fino rendering of the part of the prosecuting attorney in “Tho Trial of Mary Dugan,” but in Scandal, critics say, he is at his best. The box plan opens on Friday at the Opera House qnd there should bo a big booking of seats for this popular actor and his popular company.