ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 117, 14 April 1930, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

PALACE TALKIES. “MADAME X”—BRILLIANT MELODRAMA. Crowded houses greeted the opening of “Madame X,” which commenced at the Palace on Saturday. The filming of this, one of the greatest dramas of the legitimate stage, is among the finest achievements of the screen. Sarah Bernhardt brought fame to “Madame X” as a stage play, but one could hardly imagine a more sincere and finished performance than Ruth Chatterton gives as “Madame X” of this talking picture, which has scored such triumphs wherever it has been shown. “Madame X” was the woman, mysterious, alone, braving a world of men 1 And her sin was love-hunger. Her husband was a man who could not forgive. One follows her penitent anguish as she stumbles along the downward path in all tho countries of the world until her boy was menaced. Then one sees the woman and mother rise again with dramatic swiftness and power and see her brought back to tho glittering scenes of her past triumphs and the most soul-sear-ing trial of a woman’s life over recorded, 'this is by far and away the greatest alltalking picture. This brilliant show is being presented twice daily—at 2 p.m. and at 7.55 p.m. Plans for the season are on view at the Central. Booking Office and indications are for capacity houses for tho whole season. ROSY THEATRE. “THE THREE PASSIONS.” Lord Bellamont is one of the principal characters in Rex Ingram’s production of Cosmo Hamiltons story, “The Three Passions,” a United Artists picture now showing at tho Kosy. Interpreted by Shayle Gurdner, a British stage and screen actor of fine reputation, the figure of the .selfmade millionaire shipbuilder is a striking personification of the lure and limitations — of money, one of the three passions of the film's intriguing title. Ivan Petrovitch is an undergraduate, who, under the influence of religion, decides to renounce his father’s wealth. He indicates another of the passions. Last but not least of fhe trio is Lady Victoria Burlington, an ultra-modern English society girl. Flighty, cynical, a lover of a good tfme, yet sne, at the right moment, worthily represents love in the clash of the passions. Two of the thrilling fights to be seen in “The Houso of Marney,” tho second feature, ended disastrously for the players. It is a breezy yachting yarn, salt with the tang of the sea, from a novel by John Goodwin, directed by Cecil Hepworth, the maker of “Alt’s Button,” and featuring beautiful Alma Taylor. DE LUXE TALKIES. “THE COCOANUTS.” The Paramount all talking, singing and dancing spectacle, “The Cocoanuts,” opened at the Theatre de Luxe, On Saturday, before remarkably large attendances, from, whom it evoked roars of laughter through-’ out its*entire screening. It is, without question, the most highly diverting musical comedy .yet presented on stage or screen and the best of its kind yet seen in Palmerston North. In addition to its sparkling humour, the picture charms by reason of its wonderful dancing and delightful singing. Then there are the lilting melodies from the tuneful ear of Irving Berlin,, who was responsible for tho lyrics and music. The dancers are some of the famous ballets of America, and their work has called forth rounds of applause as they tread the faultless step to tho intricacies of the ballot, both jazz and classic. Mary Eaton! whose lyric notes'are heard in “When My Dreams Come True,” is one of the musical comedy stars of Broadway, and for a long time one of the stars of the world famous Ziegfcld Follies. The cOmedy stars the famous Four Marx Brothers, Groucho, Zcppo, Harpo and Chico. Groucho pulls his rapid-fire lino of imbecilities, and young Zeppo is the foil. . Tho cascade of stolen silverware poqrs out of Harpo’s sleeve, and Chico lets his fingers stagger wildly over the piano keys. The Marx Brothers, who are said to be, without a doubt, the world’s funniest comedians, provide sparkling and hilarious comedy throughout. In addition to the stars and comedians, the picture is remarkable for the richness of tho settings. The supporting programme includes an all talk; ing comedy, “My Wife’s Birthday,” a song number, “Salt Water Ballads,” and a Movietone News.