ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 182, 4 July 1931, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

PALACE THEATRE. “NEW MOON” TO-NIGHT. When “New Moon,” the all-talking adaptation of the stage success is screened this evening at the Palace Theatre, movio patrons will be given an opportunity to enjoy the first joint appearance on the talking screen of the two most oustanding singers on the screen, Lawrence Tibbett and Grace Moore. The unusual inclusion of two stellar names in a single production was explained by the fact that when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer purchased the screen rights, it was with the intention of making the production the most distinctive and talked about picture of the 1930 season. Consequently, no efforts were spared in the selection of stars, supporting cast, director, settings, musicians and accessory details which would measure up to the story which in its stage form has captivated the world. With Tibbett and Miss Moore under contract there was no need to look elsewhere for stars who could do justico to “Lover, Come Back to Me,” “One Kiss,”- “Wanting You” and the other Sigmund Romberg song hits. The Metropolitan Opera reputation of the 6ingers is a byword to music lovers, and their ability in the acting field is equally well known as a result of their respective successes in “The Rogue Song” and A Lady’s -Morals.” Supporting roles were assigned to such experienced players as Adolphe Menjou, who returns to the screen after his prolonged absence in Europe; Roland Young, the irresistible comedian of “The Unholy Night,” etc.; Gus Shy, in the same role in which he appeared in the stage version; and Emily Fitzroy, a distinguished character actress.

AT THE REGENT. “THE MIDDLE WATCH.” If things go on as they have begun, it will become the accepted thing for those who want a jolly good laugh to see a British picture. So far the English ■ producers have concentrated mostly on comedies and farces for screen material—only in about four or fivo cases have they attempted drama. “The Middle Watch, ’ the , latest product of the British International Studios, is another absurdly funny film, and a piece of fine and amusing entertainment. The story, by lan Hay, is a delightfully complicated mix-up of fair' maidens and some of the Royal Navy on board a battleship, and more laughable situations than in this film one could not wjsh to see. The theme of the story is provided by two sweet young things remaining on board, a battleship 'after the other guests at a; 'social gathering oil board have i departed, xho captain is very attracted 'to one, whilst the other is the fiancee of the marine captain, and it is the endeavours of these two, assisted by others on board, to keep the presence of the ladies a fCcrct that provides all of the fun. Everything goes well until the Admiral of the Navy decides to pay a visit to the ship,. and things really begin to happen. Action is! last and furious, and typical English dialogue ,is introduced between scenes of ladies tearing about the deck of the ship, trying fo avoid the Admiral’s eyes. The acting, fin the whole, is well up to the standard of I the most recent British productions. Owen Narcs is the star. Dodo Watts, a new British “find,” is pleasing in her role; also Henry Wcnman as a comic marine, and his partner, Reginald Purdell. Of the cast, tho I honours go to Jack Raine, whose portrayal of the Admiral’s part is a real study. Beats are rapidly being booked at the Central Booking .Office, ’phone 7178. f

KOSY THEATRE. FINE WEEK-END PROGRAMME. District Commander John Kelly, of the United States Coast Guard, was loaned by the Government to 'co-operate . with John G. Blaystone, director, in all technical details pertaining to the filming of “Men on Call,” the Fox Movietone drama of the Coast Guard, featuring Edmund Lowe and Mae Clarke, I which opens its local engagement at the Koey Theatre today. In addition to Kelly, a picked crew of Coast Guard regulars was assembled from northern Cali lornia stations to be used as the surfmen sifm in the picture. All scenes of Coast Gurt'd life and, activities were filmed out-of-doors and used Government equipment a\d life-saving devices that havo never be'ore been filmed for the audible screen. Billiam Harrigan, Warren Hymer, Charon I ynn, Joe Brown, George Corcoran and ltith Warren complete the exceptionally fins cast. “Men on Call” is an original story,/iy Tom Geraghty and. Andrew Bennison, audible screen dramatists, who had access to Government records and Guard histories for months previous tot actually writing this intensely human d«ma of the deep and its heroes. Additional attractions to “Mon on Call” will bej “Hunting Tigers in India,” “The Leather Pushers,” and the ever popular serial,!. “Finger Prints.”