ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 240, 7 September 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

THEATRE DE LUXE. MADGE BELLAMY AND TOM HEENEY. A girl who marries for money to see tho bright lights of the world and then is taken to tho wide-open spaces is the rollicking comedy thonio of Fox Films’ “Soft Living,” featuring Madge Bellamy, with Johnny Mack Brown, which will have its final screening to-night. The story is full of comedy situations surrounding a young girl who fights a losing battle between alimony and love. Madge Bellamy is cast as Nancy Woods, a young secretary to a famous attorney, who reaps his profits on largo alimony checks. Tom Hecney will also bo scon 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. “CHINESE PARROT” TO-MORROW.

A famous author, a splendid story with an absorbing plot, combined with masterful direction by a, noted director have been materialised into tho screen version of Earl Derr Bigger's serial novel, “Tho Chinese Parrot” which will havo its local premier at the Thcatro do Luxo to-morrow afternoon. Tho picture is ono that will easily hold ono spell-bound for tho evening. Thrills, creeps, shudders, follow each other in rapid procession, and ho is indeed lucky who is troubled with insomnia. Tho melodrama is well-acted by tho entire cast, including such screen notables as Marian Nixon, Hobart Bosworth, Edmund Burns, Sojin, Capt. Albert Conti, ifiorenco Turner, Fred Esmeltozn, Edgar Kennedy, Slim Summervillo and many others. It is essential to book as a capacity houso is anticipated tomorrow. PALACE THEATRE. “CARMEN” THE PICTURE MAGNIFICENT. In conjunction with a dainty dancing prelude and a special “Carmen” orchestral accompaniment, Win. Fox’s 1928 epic, “The Loves of Carmen,” will conclude its season at the Palaco Thcatro tonight. The girl with tho 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. Probably for the first time the celebrated story of the little gipsy girl with th"e 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 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 the Mexican capital to stardom in films as a result of her unique beauty and emotional power. First she appeared as the ddiorable Charmaino in “What Price Glory,” and in a flash the world acclaimed her as a new star in the film firmament. Tho stage has had many “Carmens” of tho opera, but none equalled the physical “Carmen” as seen in the form of Dolores Del Rio. Victor McLaglcn is the British soldier of fortune, tho bronze giant with the infectious smile, the dcvil- - may-caro spirit and the ever youthful recklessness, which has won a place in the hearts of picture lovers everywhere. Reservations for to-night’s performance may be made at Martin’s bookshop. “GETTING GERTIE’S GARTER.” Tho Palaco attraction to-morrow is another 100 per cent, laughter programme— Mario Provost in “Getting Gertie’s Garter.” KOSY THEATRE. FINAL PRESENTATION TO-NIGHT. Poduced by experts, “No Control,” now showing at the Kosy, is one of the most amusing comedies of tho current screen season. It is tho first feature-length photoplay which features the radio, while a broadcasting station plays an important part in tho development of the plot. A circus and a horse, raco lend attractive coiour 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 horse 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 the war years, when tho youth of Britain poured out its life for freedom. _ Tho spirit of those years, the undying heroism of the front and home linos, breathes throughout the picture, recapturing the atmosphero of tho great struggle, and bringing to the screen a powerful, moving drama, holding a deep heartinterest for evory family in tho land. “Blighty” is an outstanding British production with many angles of appeal. The picture distinguished by the acting of Ellalino Terriss, whose first screen appearance is a notable event. Entertaining short subjects complete a 100 per cent, programme.

GRAND OPERA. “CARMEN” TO-MORROW. Bizet's “Carmen” which will be presented to-morrow night by the gifted FullerGonsalez Italian Grand Opera Company is one of the most popular operas of atl time. Bizet himself regarded -‘.*Carmen” as his greatest work and to-day it is generally conceded to be, perhaps, the finest example of French operatic act. Each number of “Carmen” is a musical materpiece, brilliant with life and colour; yet no number is out of keeping with the rest, and tho principal airs stand out like jewels in a perfect mounting. An all star cast will interpret the principal roles in to-mor-row’s performance. As “Carmen;” Signorina Algozzino challenges comparison

with any artist previously seen in the Dominion, and her presentation of the role takes a select place amongst the array of portraits ( of this compelling character. A Christchurch critic wrote: “Then comes Carmen on the scene, Signorina Algozzino, splendid in her acting, presenting tho Habanera and tho defiant tra, la la, with wonderful vivacity—aggressive, impudent, beguiling in turns, and always with powerful tone.” Yet another critic, this time an Australian, wrote of Algozzino as follows: “Her gipsy is vigorous, assertive, full of the joy of life.” Signor Tamburrini gives a forceful interpretation of the dramatic role of Don Jose, while Signor Scamuzzi, whose “Rigoletto” was one of tho most wonderful characterisations ever seen here, appears in “Carmen” as “Escamillo,” the toreador. His interpretation of this part is said to bo something extraordinary. As “Micaela,” Signorina Maria Henkina gives a most delightful performance which has earned her the highest praise from European and Australian critics.. Of tho four principal performers a Christchurch critic .jays: “It would bo diffi-