ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 22, 24 December 1928, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY THEATRE,

JACK HOLT IN A ZANE GREY STORY

Those who patronised the Kosy on Saturday night were emphatic in their praise of the good programme screened. There i 3 a saying that “there is no West like Zane Grey’s West.” He is noted for his Western books and he has been further honoured by Paramount Pictures in producing his latest 'picture, “The Vanishing Pioneer.” All classes of people love to read Zane Grey’s books and this one, which has boon adapted to the screen, is the best book ho has written. The story shows the early pioneers of America fighting their way across the burning sands with a blaring sun above. Tho leader of tho expedition has a son— Holt as a boy—and just as tho pioneers are about to turn back he wonders what is ovor tho brow of some hills. Plis curiosity finds wator and a fertile valley. Tho settlers make monoy, but a big city rises near-by and needs water. Tho mayor sends a representative to buy the water rights of the settlers. Holt is implicated in a murder charge, is inocent, and forces a confession from the villian just'as there is a pitched battle between tho gang, which is trying to steal the water rights, and the owners. The Mayor of the city and his colleagues arrive on tho scene, and an honourable agreement is arranged. Also showing is a delightful college film with a great cast which includes Bobby Agncw, and Pauline Garon., Ben Turpin is thero to supply the comedy part. This programme will be repeated again to-night, and also to-morrow (Christmas) night.

“LADY BE GOOD.”

AT THE PALACE.

Magicians, acrobats, trained seals, song-and-dance men, in fact, an entire vaudeville programme is seen in “Lady Bo Good,” the First National farco comedy featuring Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall, current at tho Palace Theatre. Tho picture has its principal locale in a vaudeville theatre, with tho performers in tho principal roles. Tho supporting cast includes Nita Martan, John Miljan. Yola d’Avril, James Finlayson, Dot Farley, Aggie Herring and others. Richard Wallace directed the picture. BLUE DANUBE FILMED.

Picturegoors who are seeking tho unusual are strongly advised to visit tho Palace Theatre on W'cdncsday, Thursday or Friday. “The Blue Danube,” featuring Lya Mara, will hold tho principal place. This delightful waltz romance —justly described as being as joyous as the gay melody that inspired it—is undoubtedly "out of tho rut.” Its naive simplicity and tho wholesomcncss of theme come like a breath of frqsh air into the heated atmosphero of sex films and murder dramas. Frederick Zelnick, the producer, has admirably caught tho spirit of light-hearted gaiety associated with prewar Vienna; throughout the film ‘there abounds a spirit of entrancing happiness. The story—told in leisurely and unhurried manner —is a simple tale of tho love affairs of a count and a cabaret girl, and Lya Mara, in tho role of Mizzi, certainly proves that sho is an actress of no mean ability. Based upon the world famous waltz by Johann Strauss, tho picturo is indeed one which tho great composer might well be proud. It admirably conveys tho spirit of love, life and laughter, which the master violinist helped to create.

THEATRE DE LUXE

LAURA LA PLANTE COMEDY.

“Home James,” Laura La Plante’s comedy success for Universal, is the current attraction at the do Luxe Theatre, where it is playing to enthusiastic audiences. Miss La Plante appears in one of her best’roles as the department store clerk in this snappy comedy, which has been called her fanniest screen presentation. “Home James” has been called the picture without a gag. All of the. lively comedy is achieved through the clever situations and smart acting of Miss La Plante. Charles Delaney enacts the chief supporting note opposite Miss La Plante. -He is one of the most promising players among the younger men in Hollywood. He is also a funster of real ability. Included in the supporting company are Aileen Manning, Joan Standing, George Pearce, Arthur Hoyt and Sidney Bracy. A very attractive feuture of the programme on Saturday was the delightful dance duo given by Miss Ngaira Goughian, of Palmerston North, and Miss Reta Beck, of Dunedin. These young ladies proved themselves to be extremely clever and finished dancers, their work being greatly appreciated by the large audience, which applauded them heartily and insisted on an encore being given. At tho conclusion of this, the performers were presented with beautiful bouquets. “Home James” will have its final screening to-morrow (Christmas) night, when a special musical programme will be rendered by tho Orchestra do Luxe, including Christmas carols, also Goundod’s “Nazareth” arranged as a cornet solo (played by Mr R. Ramsay) with orchestral accompaniment. The box plan is at Berryman’s.