ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 239, 6 September 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY THEATRE. “NO CONTROL.” Poduced by experts, “No Control,” now showing at the Ivosy, is one of the most amusing comedies of the current screen season. It is the first feature-length photoplay which features tho radio, while a broadcasting station plays an important part in tho development of the plot. A circus and a horse race lend attractive colour to this screamingly funny farce. With Harrison Ford and Phylis Haver in the leading roles, a capable supporting cast, and with a lion and dancing horso in conspicuous parts, “No Control” is at once a picture of immense entertainment value and an attraction that will bo heartily relished by screen fans. Tho additional feature, “Blighty,” the latest English production released through Master Pictures, is firstrato entertainment. Adrian Brunei has produced in unmistakable fashion, and with a masterly touch, a story of tho war years, when tho youth of Britain poured out its lifo for freedom. The spirit of thoso years, the undying heroism of tho front and homo lines, breathes throughout the picture, recapturing tho atmosphere of tho great struggle, and bringing to the screen a powerful, moving drama, holding a deep heartinterest for every family in tho land. “Blighty” is an outstanding British production with many angles of appeal. The picture is distinguished by tho acting of Ellalino Tcrriss, whose 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 thoso days, and still holding a deep interest. Lilian Hall-Davis. and Jameson Thomas, Nadia Sibirskaia and Godfrey Winn are tho lovers, and their interpretation of tho parts is excellent. Entertaining short subjects compete a 100 per cent programme. THEATRE DE LUXE. MADGE BELLAMY AND TOM HEENEY. Madge Bellamy scores again. This time it is in tho role of a young secretary seeking wealth, in Fox Films’ comedy-drama “Soft Living,” which opened last night at the do Luxe Theatre before a delighted audience. She portrays the role of a modern young lady who believes that alimony is more important than love. But after rollicking through reels of adventure, trying to get the money, she finally decides that love is the only thing that really counts. JohnnyMack Brown, a handsome newcomer to the screen, plays the role of the boy friend. Tom Heeney will also be seen in action training at New York for his battle with Gene Tunney in the Fox News. A beautiful Fox variety scenic and a good comedy- complete a first-rate entertainment. The musical numbers by the new do Luxe Orchestra are also an added attraction. Reserves are at Berryman’s or ’phono 5050. PALACE THEATRE. “CARMEN” THE PICTURE MAGNIFICENT. In conjunction with a dainty dancing prelude and a special “Carmen” orchestral accompaniment, Wm. Fox’s 1928 epic, “The Loves of Carmen,” opene'd a three nights’ season at the Palace Theatre last night to a packed house. The girl with the heart of a wanton, the mind of a child and the soul of a woman, “Carmen,” is depicted by one who understands the emotions .of the famous character born from the prolific pen of Prosper Mcrrimce. Probably for the first time tho celebrated story of the little gipsygirl with the flaming eyes and fiery emotions is 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 tho 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 the Mexican capital to stardom in films as a result of her unique beauty and emotional power. First she appeared as the adorable Charmaino in “What Price Glory,” and in a flash the world acclaimed her as a new star in tho film firmament. The stage has had many- “Carmens” of tho opera, but none equalled the physical “Carmen” as seen in the form of Dolores Del Rio. Victor McLaglen is tho British soldier of fortune, the bronze giant with the infectious smile, the devil-may-care spirit and the ever youthful recklessness, which has won a place in tho hearts of picture lovers everywhere. Reserf at ions for to-night’s performance may be made at Martin’s bookshop. GRAND OPERA. TREAT FOR PALMERSTON NORTH. Tho box plans for “Carmen” are now open at the Opera House where excellent booking has been recorded. Music lovers of Palmerston North will hail with delight tho announcement that tho Fuller-Gonsalcz Opera Coy., who have scored so heavily at our Opera House with “Trovatore,” “Rigoletto” and “Faust,” wi! give yet another opera on Saturday, September Bth. Another treat is in store for grand opera patrons as “Cam-on” tho selected opera, wil be played by Signorina Algozzino whose “Trovatore” has been proclaimed by all who havo witnessed the performance as a superb interpretation. LEON GORDON IN “SCANDAL.” Leon Gordon and company havo appeared hero twice, the first time when he snored such a» success in “White Cargo,” and just recently when he repeated his former triumphs in “The Trial of Mary Dugan.” Ilis third visit to Palmerston North is announced for Monday next at the Opera House when he and the brilliant J. C. Williamson company supporting him will present C'osco Hamilton’s delightful and daring comedy, “Scandal.” It is the study of a girl, the daughter of wealthy parents, who has grown under an artificial, narrowing discipline imposed on her for her own good by her parents and relatives. Although the situations created, principally the bedroom scene, are daring in places, they do not transgress the proprieties. The play has been described as “a remarkably bright ‘bedroom’ comedy,” and depends almost entirely on the clever handling of the risky situations. Cosmo Hamilton when ho wrote tho play made it consummately clever both as to dialogue and staging effects. Critics in Australia with one accord wrote in the highest terms both of the play and the manner of its presentation. Pelham Franklin, the unfortunate young bachelor who .is suddenly made a husband by Beatrix Vanderdyke, the high-spirited and adventurous heiress, to avoid a scandal, was brought vividly to life by Mr Leon Gordon. The box plan opens to-morrow at the Opera House.