ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 222, 20 August 1931, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY THEATRE. GARY COOPER IN “FIGHTING CARAVANS.” “Fighting Caravans,” the thrilling and spectacular drama o£ the battling pioneers who beat new trails across the North American continent, is the tremendous attraction at the Rosy Theatre. Gary Cooper and Lily Damita head an exceptionally largo and forceful cast of well-known screen favourites in this epic picture of the forefathers of the west. “Fighting Caravans” has been filmed on tho same gigantio scale which mado “The Covered Wagon” a never-to-bc-forgotten screen presentation. The lives, the equipment, tho characters, oven tho dangers and privations of those forward-pushing days liavo been reconstructed and brought to life on tho screen. Into the intense atmosphere of the frontier caravan is introduced a tender romance between Gary Cooper, tho swaggering, devil-may-care junior scout of the expedition, and Lily llamita, a French girl immigrant whoso father dies during tho gruelling march, leaving her alono with a giant wagon and a valuable cargo to carry on to the land of gold. Her romance with Cooper blossoms in danger and bursts into full bloom as tho caravan straggles into Eldorado.

PALACE THEATRE. “THE WIDOW FROM CHICAGO.” Heading the list at tho Palaco Theatre is First National's melodrama hit, “The Widow from Chicago.” The second attraction is “Hot Heiress.” The picture is entitled to bo labelled allstar, including ns it does Edward G. Robinson, Neil Hamilton, Frank McHugh and Alice White. Neil Hamilton plays opposite Miss White in an interesting role that ends by making him a hero, though he just escapes the villain class. Tho love story is said to be very original. Outstanding in the cast is the figure of Edward G. Robinson, who created tho unforgettable gangster role in the stage version of “The Racket.” He portrays an entirely different type of gangster, one more human, subtle and realistic, in “The Widow from Chicago.” In smaller roles arc such well-known players as Betty Francisco, Lee Shumway, Brooks Benedict, E. H. Calvert and Harold Goodwin. Edward Cline directed the picture, which was adapted by Earl Baldwin from the thrilling crook, melodrama fcf the same title. “The Hot Heiress” is one of the most hilarious and human comedies of the year. There are three songs in keeping with the spirit of the piece. They are “Like Ordinary People Do,” “You’re the Cats” and “Nobody Loves a Riveter.” Ben Lyon, celebrated for his fine work in “Hell’s Angels,” is featured with beautiful Onu Munson. “The Hot Heix'ess” is modern, suit used with the gaiety of youth, and amusing in the extreme.

AT THE REGENT. “SON OF THE GODS”—RICHARD BARTHELMESS. Haunting, mystic Chinatown was recreated for one of tho important scenes of “Son of tho Gods,” the current Richard Barthclmcss starring feature, which conics to tho Regent Theatre to-night. Several hundred Chinese 4 extras were brought to the First National Studios from tho Los Angeles Chinatown—and all the resources of modern cinema production were brought to bear in the creation of an authentic background. This sequence was photographed in tcchnicolour, and is said to be extraordinarily vivid and impressive, expressing all the weird glamour and mystery of the Orient. Frank Lloyd directed “Son of the Gods,” a dramatic screen version of the Rex Beach novel. It is the story of an American youth raised by a Chinese family in the belief that he himself is of Chineso blood. How he discovers his true heritage, his love affair, the dramatic complications which follow—these make what lias bcai generally hailed as tho greatest Barthclmcss feature since “Tho Patent Leather Kid.” Constance Bennett plays the feminine lead opposite- B/.rtholmcss with an excellent supporting cast, including Allyn Warren, Mildred Van Dorn, Dorothy Matthews, King Ilou Chang, Anders Randolf, Frank Albertson and others. Plans are now on view at the Central Booking Office, ’phone 7178.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S “CITY LIGHTS” ON SATURDAY.

Having declared that ho considers tho talking picture an inferior medium of ■screen entertainment to the silent motion picture production, Charlie Chaplin backs his opinion with tho presentation iff “City Lights,” a romantic coni',dy photoplay to bo shown at the Regent Theatre on Saturday, 'which is synchronised with music and sound effects. At no time is tho human voice heard. It is the comedian-producer’s contention that dialogue limits the field of expression, and being primarily a pantomime artist he regards silence us the best medium for himself and the character ho portrays. Cha>in adds that ho is not being prejudieeu in the stand he has taken, but that lie is merely carrying on in what he believes a superior art form. Tho picture is heralded as a supreme effort. Of considerable significance are the facts that reveal that Chaplin extended £300,000 of Jiis own money and close on three years of his time in tlie making of this photoplay. From sources it is learned that the comedian’s enthusiasm over “City Lights” is greater than ho has ever before evidenced. It is believed that this production will pave the way for more non-dialogue pictures and start renewed activity in studios as well as in theatres. Chaplin’s twin is tho first of any importance .to como out of liolywood, in close to three years, in silent form. Plans are open at the Central Booking Office. CHAPLIN COMPETITIONS. JUDGED ON SATURDAY. The most captivating, glamorous, entrancing figure the movie has ever created is Charlie Chaplin, tho funny figure known to all and sundry. And it is this groat comedian’s make-up—the large feet, baggy trousers, canc and tricky moustache —that tho children of Palmerston North are invited to mimic. Palmerston Theatres, Ltd., have planned an impersonation competition for Saturday, in addition to a special puzzle contest, and entries are rolling in for this novelty. Croat interest will undoubtedly bo evinced in tlie Charlie Chaplin display to- he. judged at the Regent Theatre. An advertisement in this issue draws attention to tho rules of the competitions.