ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 63, 12 February 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. THE “CAIRNS CITIZENS’ BAND.” ■The Cairns (Thirty-first Battalion) Band of Queensland, Australia, arirved in Palmerston North by the 2.53 p.m. train from Wocdvillc and was tendered a civic reception by the Alayor at the Square rotunda. They were met at the railway sta tion by the Palmerston North City Silver Band and were played to the point of reception. This Australian combination is visiting the town under the auspices of the local city Silver Band and will be giving a performance at the Regent Theatre to-night and Thursday evening. Their performance will occupy the second half of the programme, while an all-star picture entitled “Music Hath Charms,” which has a large cast- of English stage, screen and radio stars, will be included in the first portion of this entertainment. This Australian band, which is to take part in the Dominion championship at New Plymouth this month, is recognised as the leading brass band of Australia, having in their ranks Air James Compton (musical director), a bandsman who is recognised as the leading cornelist of . the world. He is also supported by splendid soloists of world-wide renown. Since arrival m the Dominion this band has had the pleasant nows conveyed to it that the bandsmen have been adjudged the winners in the A grade championship of all Australia for 1935. STATE THEATRE. “HERE’S TO ROMANCE.”

Fresh from radio triumphs and a sensational career in opera and concert performances, Nino Martini is now singing from the screen of the State, where his “Here's lo Romance” is playing to enormous crowds to prove that he is not only the greatest tenor in a decade, but a magnetic screen personality whose acting skill, extreme good looks and vital personality hid fair to make him an overnight sensation. In “Here’s to Romance,” screening finally tonight at the State ’lheatre,’ Jcsso I. Easily has produced a pet-uro miles above the level of ordinary motion picture offerings, a skillully written and directed love story that s chock full of gorgeous music and cxjuisitc and unusual dancing. “WAY DOWN EAST.” A dramatic story, rich in its' sympahics, eloquent in its unusual photography ud dealing with the fundamental story 1 a girl who has erred and her right to -ivc again, “Way Down East,” pens to-morrow at the State Theatre, itb Henry Fonda hind Rochelle Hudson o-sfarred in the loading roles. Derived trout the play whose force and appeal have ' made it America’s greatest melodrama for more than 40 years, the picture tolls the story of two who fought bigotry and hatred for the right to love. The locale of “Way Down East” is the Now England of the 1890’s. Its principals are Russell Simpson, who acts a stern, principled squire; his sensitive dreamy sen, Ilcnry Fonda, and the girl, Rochelle Hudson. Miss Hudson secures work in Simpson’s household, but tells nothing of her past. Through the seasons, the barn dances, skating parties and various other fastivities of the New England country, love grows up between Miss Hudson and Fonda. Only one thing menaces that love, mysteriously, and that is the occasional appearance of Edward Trevor, their suave and worldly next-door neighbour. As the p’eture approaches its climax, the reason for tfiis becomes apparent. Gossip reveals that Miss Hudson had been the victim of an unfortunate love affair, and that Trevor had wronged her. Fol.owmg a stormy scene in the Simpson household, Miss Hudson attempts to flee over the icy river, is caught in the breaking of tho ice jamb. In the heroic scenes that follow and that bring the story to its happy close, “Way Down East” reveals one of the most moving and suspcnseful climaxes which have, ever been brought to the screen. Winfield Sheehan, producer of “State Fair” and “The Farmer. Takes a Wife,” produced this now picture of the rustic scene, which was directed by Henry King. In the supporting cast of “Way Down East” are Slim Summerville, Andy Devine and Margaret Hamilton. KOSY THEATRE. “THE MURDER MAN.” Spencer Tracy, always a powerful figure on the screen, is at bis best in “The Murder .Mail,” a vivid new Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature which opens to-day at the Kosv Theatre. With him appears Virginia Bruce, whose loveliness is almost overlooked in the emotional .depth of her performance. Tho stars share honours in a swiff, dramatic story of the “behind the scenes” adventures of newspaper-men in Now York. In many ways the tale is unique, for it rips aside the roil of secrecy which surrounds metropolitan newsrooms when a “big story ’ is breaking, and bares the methods by which reporters not only keep up with the police, but frequently outstrip them in the race for new. developments. Woven into the unusual drama is a romance as tender as it is unusual. Tracy is the star reporter, called “The Murder Man” because of bis success in solving ciimes pf violence. Miss Bruce is the newspaper’s “sob-sister” who can give advice to the lovelorn in her columns, but cannot control her own heart. Between them there grows a strong affection that culminates when Tracy places himself in jeopardy to assist the police in solving a sensational murder case. With the stars is a strong cast. Lionel Atwill, Harvey Stephens and Robert Barrat in particular distinguish themselves, and others who deserve mention arc James Stewart. \\ tlhani Collier, senr., Louise Henry, Bobby Watson, among many more. The Tilden tennis subjects are of special interest to tennis players. Thelma Todd and party in “Twin Triplets,” news reel and a delightful coloured musical revue complete the bill.