ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 6, 7 December 1931, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

AT THE REGENT. “DREYFUS” IS HISTORICAL ENTERTAINMENT. “Then wo all saw him, and tho whole hall broko into a gasp. There came m a little old man—an old, old man of 39. A small-staturcd thick-set old man in the black uniform of the artillery; over tho red collar his hair was gone white as silver, and on tho tcmplos and at the back of tho crown ho was bald. As ho turned to faco tho judge thero was a glimpse of a faco both burned and pale—a rathor broad, large featured faoo with a thrusting jaw and chin. It was not Jewish in expression until you saw it in profile. Tho eyes under the glassos wero set a trifle close together, and not wholly sympathetic either; what wo did see in tho faco was suffering and effort —a misory hardly to bo borno, and a tonso, agonised striving to bear and hide it. Here is a man, you might say, who has endured things unendurable, and just lives through—may bo to onduro more.” Tho above description of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, accused by a French court-martial of espionago and sentenced for life on Devil’s Island, indicates clearly tho intonso drama of his story. His trial, condemnation, imprisonment, re-trial, and eventual reinstatement form one of tho most moving themes over translated into talking film, and British International Pictures, with tho aid of talentod directors and a superb cast, have created “Dreyfus,” which is the current attraction at the Regent Theatre. NEWEST FILM STAR SINGS IN PREMIER SCREEN ROLE. Not only will Tallulah Bankhead’s rich, deep contralto voico bo heard in its speaking tones in her first moving picture appearance. The brilliant actress, who in eight years captivated the London t.hcatrcgoing public, also sings a chorus of “I’m Yours” in Paramount’s “Tarnished Lady,” in which sho is co-starred with Clive Brook. Miss Bankhead was not called upon for tho song, but in one soqucnco during which a player piano was supposed to bo grinding out the song composed by John W. Green, one of Paramount’s staff musicians, sho impulsivcLy sang tho chorus. Her voico registered so well oyer the microphones that tho director decided to incorporate tho song into tho picture. “Tarnished Lady” will show at tho Rogont Theatre, starting on Wednesday next. Plans for the season aro now open. KOSY THEATRE. BUCK JONES IN “MEN WITHOUT LAW.” Thrill follows thrill in “Men Without Law,” a stirring “westorn,” rolocficd by Columbia Pictures, which opened at the Ivosy Theatre on Saturday. Buck Jones, the star, docs some of the most amazing riding ever seen on the screen. Added to this, the story has a strong clement of novelty, the sets are colourful and tho acting is excellent throughout. Buck Healy rescues his pal, Manuel Del Rey, during a heavy barrage at the war. They become even greater pals. Manuel, howover, dies before the Armistice is signed, and Buck returns to his homo in Gunsight, Arizona, alone. Having in his possession a letter from the parent of Del Rey, in which he invites Buck to visit liis ranch, Buck is about to present it when he falls into the hands of a local desperado named Murdock. How Buck outwits this rascal, defeats him in hand-to-hand combat, and eventually wins tho pretty daughter provide great entertainment. Buck Jones is grand. Ho not only introduces some brand new riding tricks but contributes a really fine bit of acting. Carmeliti Geraghty makes a charmingly attractive heroine. Tho rest of the cast, including Harry Woods, Tommy Carr, Fred Kelsey, Lydia Knott, and Sid Saylor perform creditably. Louis King directed. PALACE THEATRE. “UP FOR MURDER” WELL WORTH SEEING. Onco in a while we have the opportunity to see a motion picture which seems to possess entertainment qualities in an unusual degroo. Such a picture is “Up for Murder,” a Universal production which on Saturday opened an engagement at the Palace Theatre. It has drama, a decided love interest, an unusually capable cast, and an atmosphere of reality which is exceptional, even in these days of almost uncanny realism on tho screen. “Up for Murdor” tells tho story of a young man who works in the inky grimo of the mailing room of an American metropolitan newspaper, later to be promoted to tho position of cub reporter. Hero ho falls desperately in love with tho beautiful society editor of the paper, only to discover eventually that the object of his affections is loved by the publisher. This discovery leads to £ tragedy which has a devastating effect on all the principal characters of the story, and from this point it becomes one of most absorbing interest. Low Ayres is starred in this production, and completely fulfils the promise of a great futuro which ho registered not long ago in Universal’s epic of tho World War, “All Quiet on the Western Front.” Here is a new star who has youth, good looks and unusual ability as an actor, and it is not too much to expect that ho will at some not far-distant day be the leading male star of the screen. His supporting cast, which is excellent, is headed by Genevieve Tobin, a recent recruit from tho New York stage, and an actress of beauty and ability. Others who do good work in the picture aro Purnell B. Pratt, Richard Tucker, Frank McHugh and Frederick Burt. Much of tho story is told against tho bustling background of a newspaper editorial room, and these scenes are so true to life that it is difficult to believe that they wore filmed in a studio. The atmosphere is well-nigh perfect.