ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 74, 22 February 1930, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROSY THEATRE. Twelve of the speediest race track drivers on tho Pacific Coast participate in tho auto races in “The Racing Romeo,” Red Grange’s current starring picture produced by Sam Wood for FBO, and to bo shown at the Kosy Theatro commencing to-day. The drivers, many of whom were recent entries at the Ascot speedway classic, at which a new world’s record was established, are said to have been engaged at great expense to provide a realistic atmosphere for Red Grange in the role of a speedway driver in “The Racing Romeo.” “Captain Swagger,’ also showing at the Kosy, is a rather unusual story woven roftnd the life of an ex-service flying man, who has been lionised for his feats of daring during the war. Returning to a commonplaco world, he takes tho lino of least resistance, and spends all he has in riotous living. Coming to the end of his tether, ho embarks on a lawless career and during hi 3 adventures meets a cabaret dancer, who alters his view of life. Tho conclusion of the story is both appropriate and convincing. Rod la Rocque and Suo Carrol give a delightful performance. An aeroplane duel in the skies is most realistic and the cabaret scenes are also attractively set.

AT THE PALACE. EAGERLY AWAITED “DESERT SONG” OPENS TO-DAY. Opening out a limitless vista of musical comedies, comic and grand opera on tho screen in the same manner as the gramophone made tho music of such works an open book to the world, “The Desert Song” Is tho stage version beautifully recorded. The settings, which aro coloured in places, are lavish; tho chorus and ballet arc in full strength and the orchestral music is very boautifully played by the well-known Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra. The Palace Theatre management is to be congratulated on its enterprise in securing “The Desert Song’’ for a six nights’ season in Palmerston North, and also for the special matinee arrangements at the Palace in this regard. Commencing at 2 p.m. to-day, the production will run until the following Friday, with matinees daily. Miss Gwenth MacNaughton, a talented danseuse, has also been engaged to appear on the stage in “Anitra’s Dance,” from “Peer Gynt,” and this will greatly add to the merit of a sterling programme. Palmerstonians and country patrons should not miss “The Desort Song,” which is thoroughly recommended. This is tho first operotta ever brought to tho films in its entirety, including both dialogue > and music. John Boles, screenland’s brilliant tenor, plays the role of “The Rod Shadow.” Sigmund Romberg’s great score is played in its entirety by the Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra. “The Desert Song” is undoubtedly one of the best entertainments the screen has ever offered .■»

DE LUXE “TALKIES.” “THE CLIMAX.” “Tho Climax” the Universal all-talking and singing production based on the famous stage play by Edward Locke, commences its run at the Theatre Do Luxo to-day. Tho story is beautifully blended with intense, soul-gripping drama interwoven with magnificent music, and tells of a young Italian maiden, Adela, who is gifted with tho voice of her primo donna mother. In the course of her training she falls in lovo with her tutor’s son, who accompanies her singing. Subsequent events provo that to obtain a perfect voice she must havo a slight operation, which is successful, but tho ultimate treatment is placed in the hands of a young doctor who falls in love with his patient. When tho critical moment arrives for Adela to test her voice, the doctor, realising that her success will render his suit hopeless, sprays her throat with a preparation that impairs her voice. In the highly emotional scenes that follow, tho characters reach to great heights of dramatic portrayal. Tho principal characters are Jean Ilersholt, who plays Luigi the hitor, Kathryn Crawford portraying Adela, John Reinhardt in tho role of Pietro her lover, and Lo Roy Mason as Dr. Gardoni, the unscrupulous physician. A well, chosen programme of short subjects includes an all talking comedy, “Uncle Bim’s Gift,” a sound cartoon, “Tho Ice Man’s Luck,” and interesting news films.