ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 110, 9 April 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY THEATRE. LAUGHS AND HEART APPEAL WITH NOVEL STORY. A Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey comedy is Radio Pictures’ “Caught Plastered,” which opened at the Kcsy Theatre to-day. That is sufficient for all critics and patrons. However, for the benefit of those who have not soen these incorrigible laugli kings, the picture not only is tunny, but it is funny in an altogether refreshing way. It combines now laughs and dramatic tensity. In between theso two extremes are little giggles, big smiles and heart aches. There is even some slapstick, and plenty of giddy patter. Opposite Wheeler is Dorothy Lee, a combination fittingly called the “Romeo and Juliet of the Comedy World.” Wheeler’s whirniscal love-making and Dorothy’s charm are very much in evidence all through the picture. Tommy Tanner (Wheeler) and Egbert Higginbotham (Robert Woolsey) entor a midwestern town without funds or prospects. They meet Ala Talley (Lucy Beaumont), who is about to lose her drug store becauso of the machinations of a villain (Jason Robards). They take over the store to save her from the poorhouse, and are about ready to pay when ho spikes their soda with liquor and tips off tho police. When things are darkest, Dorothy Leo (daughter of the local police chief) outmanoeuvres tho crook. AT THE REGENT. A TRULY BRITISH FILAI WITH SPLENDID SUPPORTS. No matter on which word the accent is put, with the consequent difference in meaning, the British International Picture “Love Lies,” which opened at the Regent Theatre matinee this afternoon, must be regarded as one of the most laughter provoking pictures tho Palmerston North public have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity of seeing. It is a succession of smiles, giggles and guffaws; no one can possibly seo it without enjoying "the fast moving fun and wit which have made a great namo for meat British comedies. The star parts are taken by Stanley Lupino, Jack Hobbs, Dorothy Boyd and Binnie Barnes. Lupino himself provides enough amusement for any average comedy, but in conjunction with several othef almost euqaily clever comedians ho rises to great heights; in fact, if any fault can be found with his acting or that of his comrades it is that some of tho smart, witty dialogue is lost in the audience’s luughter. Not the least amusing of tho players is Wallis Arthur, taking the part of Lord Lletgoe—a name, incidentally, which first came into the picture by Lupin saying, “Lord, let go,” when he was embraced suddenly. Wallis Arthur has a laugh of his own that puts tho old stage “sissy” completely out of date. Tho supporting programme, also all British, is quite exceptional; it includes tho Fox Alovietono record of the official opening ceremony in connection with the gigantic Sydney Harbour bridge. Tho film contains a oompleto version of the occasion and includes the de Groot ribbon-cutting incident, which lias been banned from exhibition in New South Wales although it has now been released in the other States of tho Commonwealth. Thero is over 1000 feet of interest in this newsreel which gives every angle of the bridgo opening.

PALACE THEATRE. ELISSA LANDI IN “WICKED.” “Tho most intelligent actress in Hollywood !” that is what tho magazino and newspaper writers call Elissa Landi, Fox Film player whoso cinema star is rapidly on the rise.' This statement was recently confirmed by Allan Dwan, noted director, whose latest Fox picture, “Wicked,” starring Miss Landi, opened to-day at the Palace Theatre. Before tho filming of “Wicked” was started, Dwan asked Miss Landi to sit in on tho story conference and was instantly amazed at tho star’s profound knowledge of production technique and story value. Miss Landi acquired her kuowledgo of plot construction from her own experience as a novelist, having published two books in England, with a third one just completed and ready for the press. But what astonished Dwan mostly was tho vast amount of screen technique she lias- assimilated during her short time in Hollywood. In “Wicked,” Miss Landi plays tho rolo of a young wife, who discovers, in a shocking manner, that her husband has deceived her and is not -a broker, but a bank robber. When detectives track him to his homo she tries to conceal him and thus falls foul of tho law herself. “Wicked” was adapted for tho talking screen from Gordon Rigby’s story by Adola Rogers St. John. Tho continuity and dialoguo wero written by Kenyon Nicholson and Kathryn Scola, while John W. Considino, junr., served as associato producer. “OUTWARD BOUND.” Sutton Vane, tho English playwright, startled tho world with his stage play “Outward Bound.” No more alluring story of youthful love has ever been told over tho footlights. Tho thomo is so unusual and the treatment 60 deft that tho result is an idyll of such compelling tenderness as to make it irresistible to all sorts and conditions of people. “Outward Bound” is being produced at tho Opera House on Wodnesday next by Harold G. Hobday, who directed the original production of this world famous play at the Garrick Theatre, London. Trevor Thomas and Alison Kirkcaldio play the lovers. Alan Howard is featured as tho ne’er-do-well, who, with a number of other phantoms, find themselves aboard a mysterious liner. Others in tho cast are D. D. Wilson, Tui Hall, Wm. J. Mountjoy, junr., Ethel Oldbury-Jones, Clarenco Poppleton and L. J. Maule. The box plan is now open at the Central Booking Office.