ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 90, 14 March 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “TWENTY MILLION SWEETHEARTS.” A new romantic combination of unusual strength is featured in “Twenty Million Sweethearts,” tho romance of radio behind the scenes, which is now screening at the Regent Theatre, Dick Powell, well known in a succession of spectacular ■ musical films, and Ginger Rogers, one of tho most beautiful of singing stars, are together in this picture, which reveals tho rise and fall of a radio idol and how success destroys a romance. Powell, as a singing waiter, is discovered in a small Los Angeles restaurant by Pat O’Brien, the scout for talent for a broadcasting company, and whisked to New York where his efforts to gain a place on the roster of the broadcasting organisation are attended by many adventures and much humour. All works out well through tho timely intervention of the heroine, but it is only after tho radio idol of tho moment has learned how narrow tho gap is between success and obscurity. The leading characters are at their best hi this film, tho cast containing Allon Jenkins (as “Uncle Pete”), Grant Mitchell and. Joseph Gawthorne, and tho radio passages being enriched by the remarkable singing of the four Mills Brothers, the remarkable negro quartette which has won abundant fame. Several good solos are also featured in the film. The supporting programme includes a travel talk of the East Indies, the latest newsreels, and a musical film entitled “King for a Day.’’ STATE THEATRE. “BY YOUR LEAVE.”. RKO-Radio Pictures has delivered another hit in “By Your Leave,” which is now showing at tho State Theatre. A swift-moving, rollicking, romantic comedy, it lias everything—a superb cast, delightful story, expert direction, and imposing production. There is not a dull moment. Frank Morgan and Genevieve Tobin carry the acting laurels, but arc closely pressed by such sterling performers as Noil Hamilton, Marion Nixon, Glenn Anders, Gene Lockhart and Margaret Hamilton. Director Lloyd Corrigan has handled this talent array with rare ability. The story concerns the inferiority complex which encroaching old age has given Henry Smith. Henry feels that a marital holiday during which he can liavo a last fling and prove that lie still possesses attraction lor ladies, may snap him out of the doldrums. Ellen, tho wife, does not approve of the idea, but reluctantly agrees. Henry rushes away from his suburban homo to New York, and Straight away meets bitter disillusion. The supporting programme includes Pathe News —“Dumb-bell Letters” —and comedy, etc. KOSY THEATRE. “THE MAN WITH TWO FACES,” AND “THE CHURCH MOUSE.” One of tho strangest and most baffling murder mystery dramas is now showing at the Kosy Theatre under the title of “The Man With Two Faces.” The picture, a First National production, is based on tho tremendous stage success by George S. Kaufman and Alexander Wollcott, two of Broadway’s most famous playwrights. Edward G. Robinson has the role of a noted Broadway actor and director, while Mary Astor plays the part of his sister, one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her time. Ricardo Cortez, usually the villain of the piece, has the heroic role in this picture, being the theatrical producer who is in love with his star performer. Miss Astor. She, however, is married to a worthless scamp, who has not only caused her physical and mental breakdown before, but is again holding her under a hypnotic spell, and swaying her to ,his will in order to reap tho benefits of her current success. Then the husband is found murdered in a fashionable hotel suite occupied by a mysterious Mr Chautard, presumably a foreign theatrical producer, but who has vanished as into thin air without leaving a trace. Several persons are suspected of the crime, including Miss Astor, Robinson, tho brother, and Cortez, the lover. Tho police are completely baffled until a strange coincidence reveals the slayer to a single officer, who forgets it. In addition to tho players mentioned, there is a large and talented cast in the various roles. Mae Clarke has an important part as have Arthur Byron as tho family" doctor, and John Eldredgo. Other important members of the cast include Emily Fitzroy, David Landau, Henry O’Neill, Arthur Aylesworth, Margaret Dale and Virginia Sale. Tom Red and Niven Busch dramatised the screen play from the original which was produced by the Sam H. Harris Theatrical Enterprises, Inc. The second attraction is “Tho Church Mouse,” a delightful comedy-drama featuring Laura La Plante.