ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “STAMBOUL QUEST.” “Stamboul Quest,” the Aletro-Goldwyn-Alayer picture which opens at the Regent Theatre to-night, brings to tho screen for the first time a new team of film lovers. They are Alyrna Loy and George Brent, who appear in their first picture together —Aliss Loy as tho famous German spy, Annemario Lesser, and Brent as tho reckless adventurous American, Douglas Beall, who falls in love with her. The picture is based upon an original story by Leo Birinski and throws a new light upon the World War, revealing the involved intrigue of international espionago as practised by the Central Powers —and of the systom of unleashing one spy to catch another. The story has its beginning in war-ravaged Berlin and carries the action of tho exciting drama into Turkey, where Aliss Loy, as a German spy masquerading as a British agent, is sent to trap traitorous Ali Bey, suspected of being a traitor to the Central Powors. Her newest role presents Aliss Loy as a full-fledged star. Where in former films she has invariably appeared as a supporting player, in “Stamboul Quest,” Miss Loy is really the entire story and carries the major part of tho plot. Brent, also, is said to give the finest performance of his brief screen career as tho impetuous lover who trails his spy-sweetheart to Stamboul and braves grave dangers to win her love. Though the supporting cast is small, it carries several of the finest characters in pictures. C. Henry Gordon enacts tho role of Ali Bey, Turkish chief of staff, suspected of being a traitor. Lionel Atwill, veteran of stage and screen, and who'always can be depended upon for a fine performance, appears as Herr von Sturm, chief of the German counter espionage system, who sends Anncmarie to Stamboul on the dangerous errand. Settings for the film were carefully chosen after many weeks of research and as the story unfolds it reveals colourful settings in tho headquarters of the German espionage department, in various pleasure palaces of Germany’s war-time capital and of the mysterious haunts of near-east Stamboul. PALACE THiATRE. “THE SONG OF THE PLOUGH.”

A special attraction at the Palace Theatre for Show Week is that truly beautiful English production “Song of the Plough,” which will be screened at the Palace Theatre to-night. This film brings to the screen one of the most exquisite dramas set against the glory and charm of the rolling downs of England. Humorous incidents are not neglected and the cameo life studies of the quaint medicine vendors at the fairs and tile revelry at the village inn are entertainment in themselves. Starring as Farmer Freeland is that artist Stewart Rome, and it is perhaps needless to say that he does more than justice to tho part. “Song of the Plough” is a picture whose sweetness and charm will be remembered long after others are forgotten. Some of the highlights which give special delight are the dog trials in which some of England s best sheep dogs compete. The amazing intelligence of these aninials is something that arouses intent admiration A rare piece of comedy is provided in the singing of tiie song, “There was an old farmer who had an old sow.” This picture is really one of outstanding excellence and the photography is equal, if not superior, to any which lias yet been produced on the screen. Tho following opinions bear out the foregoing remarks : Messrs Parry, Stallworthy, Mason, Lee, Richards, and Schramm, M.P.’s: “We recommend Song .of the Plough’ with confidence. Rt. Hon. J G. Coates: “I enjoyed every moment. Mr T C. A. Hislop, Alayor of Wellington : “I think it the best film I have seen for many a day. Bishop Sprott: Most interesting and instructive. Mi J* Lee A! P. : “It is tho simplicity that dignifies great art.” Mr P, Fraser, M.P. : “A sunerb picture—goes with a swing—not a dull moment.” Director Education : An inspiring picture. Air A. Harris, M.P. ■ “A wonderful picture of outstanding merit and presentation.” Professor Hunter A magnificent piece of screen photography. For 5 the convenience of Show visitors there will be three sessions daily—ll a.m., £ p.m. and 6 p.m.

KOSY THEATRE. “ALIAS THE DEACON.” “Half a Sinner,” one of the most successful comedy-dramas ever staged, and adapted from the world-famous play “Alias the Deacon,” will commence to-night at the Kosy Theatre with Berton Churchill Broadway stage and screen star, Joo McOrca, and Sadie Blane in the principal roles. The story, thrilling in Spots, rollicking in others, and c J c an throughout, 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. Besides the two romantic lovers, McCrea and Miss Blane, who contribute much to the enjoyment of the picture, virtually an all-star cast fills the other roles. Mickey Rooney is the freckled faced “assistant-solver-of-all-troubles.” Borton Churchill’s remarkable performance as the deacon is said to be outstanding. 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-British adaptation of the famous C. B. Cochran’s brilliantly successful stage production. It has been pronounced the most brilliant British picture of its typo ever made. The story, too, is coherent as well as cohesive. 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 lias inherited her mother’s outstanding ability, impersonates her with such success that London, flocking to see herj is completely deceived. Emphatically “Evergreen” is a picture not to be missed. Every opportunity has been reized to present lavish spectacle; haunting melodies are generously distributed throughout tho romantic show. The 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 Your 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 *o 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 acids immensely to the general enjoyment of the evening. Associated with him are two talented Palmerston North boys, Mr Freddie G eel son 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 also well received. The surprise- of the act was the introduction for the first time before a Palmerston North public, of Mr Jack Mcßrcarty, tho popular manager ot the State Theatre, who gave a novelty tap dancing number. Mr Perrin was associated with Mr Mcßrcarty some four years ago at the Civic Theatre m Auckland, and the splendid reception # he received was a tribute to his popularity.