ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 133, 7 May 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY THEATRE. MYSTERY STORIES INTEREST THE FAMILY. Thore is something about tho mystery story that seems to rest tho tired business man, mukes his wife forget her household troubles, and even elists and holds the attention of sister, brother and his girl friend. When all else fails, “Who committed tho crime?” is one of those intriguing questions that keeps everyone on tho alert until it is definitely known “who did it!” In tho now Columbia feature, ‘‘Subway Express,” now showing at tho Rosy Theatre, instead of tho usual two or three there aro exactly 50 pcoplo to suspect of murder. This picturo, which was transferred to the screen from the famous Now York stage play of the same name, has all of its action develop in the crowded coach of a subway train. To mako tho mystery more intenso the question arises as to not only who killed tho man but how ho was killed. It looks liko a shooting, but is it? Tile polico inspector who puts the passengers through tlio third degreo says it is, but a doctor who examines tho body says “no.” Figuro it out for yourself. Tho fact is, you’ll have to—at least until tho end of the sixth reel when this elusive murder mystory is unravelled. Thirty experienced stage and screen actors present this alltalking thriller. Jack Holt and Aileen Pringle head the list, and others who play important roles are Fred Kelsey, Alan Rcecoe, William Humphrey and Ethel Wale 3. Fred Newmeyor, who piloted mnny of the Harold Lloyd comedies to success, is responsible for tho direction. REGENT THEATRE. NOVARRO AND GARBO FILM. Greta Garbo and Ramon Novarro are costarred in “Mata Ilari,” one of Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer’s most ambitious productions, which opened at the Regent Theatre this afternoon. Tho joining of these two great star names is in line with the policy of this studio to enhance tho entertainment value of its new season’s' offerings by doubling its stars in forthcoming casts. Thcro are no two more striking names on tho screen than Garbo and Novarro, and the pairing of their personalities in a single production is regardad as an outstanding move on tho part of studio executives. The story is based on tho life and loves of Mata Ilari, the notorious feminine spj r , who was executed by a French firing squad after a vivid career of intrigue which cost the lives of many Allied officers during the world war. The plot centres on tho one real love that came into her lifo, hor adoration for a young Russian flyer whoso trust she betrays. For this love sho commits a murder, which results in her execution. The stars are supported by an unusually distinctive group of players, headed by Lionel Barrymore, who was recently awarded tho trophy offered by the Academy of Motion Picturo Arts and Sciences for the outstanding masculine performance of the year for his work in “A Freo Soul.” Prominent roles are also played by Lewis Stone, C. Henry Gordon, Karen Morlej’, Alec B. Francis, Blanche Frederici, Edmund Breeso, Helen Jerome Eddy and Frank Reicher. The picture was directed by George Fitzmaurice, who achieved effective results with “Strangers May Kiss.” Settings of unusually artistic merit, unconventional camera work, and what is said to be tho most striking wardrobe ever created for Miss Garbo arc additional features of a picturo which is reported to set a new standard for tho cinema industry.

PALACE THEATRE. BRILLIANT STARS IN “YELLOW TICKET.” Directed by the man who gave the screen such memorable pictures as “What Price Glory,” “Tho Cock-Eyed IVorld,” “Sadio Thompson,” “The Man Who Came Back,” and enacted by such scintillating stars as Elissa Landij Lionel Barrymore and Laurence Oliver, Raoul Walsh’s much heralded'Fox drama, “The Yellow Ticket,” opened its local engagement this afternoon at tho Palace Theatre. Based on Michael Morton’s well-known stage play of the same name, it tells the vivid story of a young and courageous girl who had to fight single handed against the cruol intrigue and injustices of Czarist Russia’s secret polico for the romance, and happiness that wero rightfully hers. How she matched her wits against those of tho hateful head of this organisation, and in tho end killed him in self-protection, leads the film to one of the most startling denouements ever portrayed on tho talking screen. “Tho Yellow Ticket” is said to afford Miss Landi an opportunity to display her groat emotional and acting ability, and that sho makes tho most of it has been proven by tho enthusiasm which has greeted the picturo wherever it) has been shown. Barrymore, too. has been widely acclaimed for his work in the role of the relentless police head, as has Olivier who plays the romantio malo lead. Large and lavish sets, which mark nil Raoul Walsh’s productions, form an interesting and impressive background for tho unfolding of tho story. These include a Russian village, complete in every detail, a realistic Russian railway station, and tho interior of a train, as well as soino unique views of a St. Petersburg prison. Tho remainder of tho cast is in keeping with Walsh’s high standard of production, including such luminaries as Walter Byron, Rita La Roy, Sarah Padden, Mischa Auer, Arnold Korff and Boris Karloff. Jules Furthman, who wrote the screen play, also collaborated with Guy Bolton on tho dialogue.