ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 285, 30 October 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

PALACE THEATRE

“LILY OF KILLARNEY.”

Still drawing- largo crowds to every screening, “The Lily of Killarney” is proving delectable entertainment at the Palace Theatre. The beautiful Irish melodics are rendered by a nialo voice choir of SO, and as solos and tho singing is ono of the outstanding features of tho film. Such delightful airs as “Killarney,” “Father O’Flynn,” “My Sheep Dog,” “Believe Me if all Thoso Endearing Young Charms,” “Tho Moon Has Raised Her Lamp Up Above,” “Dear Little Shamrock,” “Ireland in Spring,” “My Little Irish Gig,” and “The Hunting Song,” with tho added attraction of 100 dancing colleens and a really thrilling entertainment is provided. “Lily of Killarney” will be screened ’ finally to-night at 8 o’clock.

“THE SONG OF THE PLOUGH.”

Screened before a largo and representative gathering of citizens recently, “Tho Song of tho Plough” was unanimously accorded tho highest possible praise, and below are listed some of the opinions expressed. _ Wellington Film Institute: “As a committee wo thoroughly recommend this picture.” Mr P. Fraser, M.P.: “A superb picture—goes with a swing—not a dull moment.” Scout Association: “One of the best, tense situations and appealing.” Delegate Farmers’ Conference: “In my opinion an almost perfect example of what a talking picture should be.” Representative Pioneer Club: “I found it altogether delightful.” Mr A. Harris, M.P.: “A very wonderful picture of'outstanding merit and presentation.” Wellington Kennel Club: “Well done England for giving us such a fine picture!” Representative Wellington Film Society: “One of tho most delightful pictures I have ever seen and as refreshing as a drink of cold spring water.” Representative N.Z. Society of Accountants: “An excellent picture, interesting, amusing and instructive.” Professor Hunter: “A magnificent piece of screen photography.” Representative of Director of Education: “An inspiring picture.” Now Zealand Kennel Club: “The big scenes have never been equalled.” Tho following from the Press: —Evening Post: “One would have to bo deaf to the appeal of a human story not to appreciate every foot of this film.” Dominion: “A screen epic.” New Zealand Truth: “Definitely a picture t-o see.” For the convenience of show visitors this fine picture will bo shown thrice daily—ll a.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and as it is a film of such general appeal and of such wholesome character it is anticipated that large crowds will visit the Palaco Theatre during Show Week.

REGENT THEATRE

“HOLLYWOOD PARTY.”

Schnarzan the Conqueror, “mighty monarch of tho mudflats,” a film actur, is grandiose Jimmy Durante, whose home is his castle—literally. Schnarzan lives among the spacious halls alone, except for a gross of liveried servants. To him comes his manager, Knapp, who warns him that his pictures are flopping because his public knows that tho lions he acts with are all anaemic. Explorer Baron Munchausen is on his way from Africa with a cargo of allegedly fresh lions. But. a bad rival producer is after the animals. They must beat him to it; Durante decided to hold a party. That is the prologue in the March-llare-mad “Hollywood Party,” finally showing at the Regent Theatre tonight. It is as fast and funny as a three-ring circus. Such a party there never was before. Laurel and Hardy are there; so are Lupc Velez., Polly Moran, Eddy Quillan, a really big and hot jazz band, and plenty more stars. This is not to mention Mickey Mouse and his “Hot Chocolate Soldiers,” whoso presence in person is an hilarious camera joke. And there are something over a thousand Hollywood girls, and also half a dozen new burlesqued songs. Together with the lion deal theme, there is a love story between Juno Clyde and Eddy Quillan. and a burlesque love affair between Durante and Polly Moran. Laurel and Hardy’s roles run through the picture, and they figure in some, very funny sequences with the Jaguar Woman, and in a nudist colony. At the very end of the film tho audience is given a final surpriso with which to leave the theatre. “STAMBOUL QUEST.”

Myrna Loy and George Brent appear together for the first time as a romantic team in an intriguing and exciting tale of international espionage in “Stamboul Quest,” which opens at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. This newest film shows Miss Loy at her best and proves that she can carry a picture alone without *lhe aid of a star or two, as she has always done in the past. The plot throws a new light upon the fascinating business of spying and also serves as a vivid illustration of the spy’s unwritten code —never fall in love. As Fraulein Doktor, whose existence is known to only one man, Myrna Loy sets out to trap the Turkish general, Ali Bey, who is suspected of selling military secrets to the enemy. But before she accomplishes her mission in the Dardanelles she is continually hounded by a love-smitten and reckless young American whose antics only serve to complicate matters. As Beall, George Brent shines in his finest performance in his brief career. C. Henry Gordon takes care of the skuldruggery with the role of Ali Bey, his performance comparable to his memorable work with Greta Garbo in “Mata Hari.” Lionel Atwill takes care of the character of Sturm, chief of the secret police service and the one person who knows whether or not “Fraulein Doktor” is a myth. Director Sam Wood justly deserves the European vacation which MetroGold wyn-Maycr promised him if he would supervise the filming of the gripping spy talc.

The stonework of the cloister of Westminster Abbey is being limewaslied, and the interior of Henry Vll.’s Chapel is to be treated similarly. The object is to preserve the limestone fabric.

KOSY THEATRE.

“LOVE BIRDS” AND “I’LL TELL THE

WORLD.’

Slim Summerville and Zasu Pits provide no end of laughs in “Love Birds,” which screens finally at tho Kosy Theatre to-night, with “I’ll Tell the World.” “ALIAS THE DEACON.”

“Half a Sinner,” ono of the most successful comedy-dramas ever staged, and adapted from the world-famous play “Alias the Deacon,” commences at the Kosy Theatre to-morrow with Berton Churchill, Broadway stage and screen star, Joe McCrca, and Sallie Blane in the principal roles. Thoroughly wholesome, laughable, dramatic, it is one of the most delightful films to be shown in some time and is devoted to the entertainment needs of the entire family. Tho story, thrilling in spots, rollicking in others, records the activities of a sanctimonious rascal who poses as a deacon and who is a cardsharper, as well as two young lovers who have known him before but who know it would bo fatal to their happiness to have such a fact become public. The plot turns and twists at every angle, the suspense of each situation being sustained until its consummation. There is an exciting wrestling match, a robbery in which Joel is suspected and thrown into gaol and apparently deserted by his girl, a widow who places too much faith in a pair of Jacks, and through it all saunters tho saintly-ap-pearing churchman with his kindly, doublemoaning philosophy.

STATE THEATRE

“EVERGREEN.”

A picture of unusual merit is now being shown at the State Theatre to the delight of tremendous crowds. Jessie Matthews and a strong cast, including Sonnie Halo, Betty Balfour, Barry Mackay and many more, appear in “Evergreen,” a Gaumont-Brilish adaptation of the famous C. B. Cochran’s brilliantly successful stage production. It has been pronounced the most brilliant British picture of its type ever made. In the prologue a famous music hall artist bids farewell, under dramatic circumstances, to the scene of many of her'triumphs. Twentythree years later, her daughter, who has inherited her mother’s outstanding ability, impersonates her with such success that London, flocking to see her, is completely deceived. Emphatically “Evergreen” is a picture not to be missed. Every opportunity has been seized to present lavish spectacle; haunting melodies are generously distributed throughout the romantic show. Tho following song hits will soon be on the lips of everyone : “In the Cool of the Evening,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” “Dear! Dear!” “If 1 Give in to You,” “No Place but Home,” “Tinkle ! Tinkle ! Tinkle !” “When You’ve Got a Little Springtime in Four Heart,” “Over My Shoulder,” and “Just by Your Sample.” There are dances on the big scale; the story scintillates with comedy, while strong dramatic touches have their place. Victor Saville, who has directed so many successful Gaumont-British pictures, was responsible for “Evergreen,” and the remarkable quality of the photography, which matches the excellence of the direction, earns a high tribute to the great ability by Mr Glen McWilliams. The brilliant stage presentation, organised by Mr Ivan Perrin, adds to the enjoyment of the evening. Associated with Mr Perrin are two talented Palmerston North boys,- Mr Fred Godson and Mr Max Jordan, who performed a very spectacular and original act with xylophone and string bass. Their numbers received rounds of applause, especially the opening number which was one of Mr Gedson’s own compositions. Ivan Perrin’s synchronised pianoforte novelty entitled “Down South” was especially well received. The sururise turn of the act was contributed by Mr Jack Mcßrearty, . the popular manager of the State Theatre, who consented to give a novelty tap dancing number.