ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 141, 16 May 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “ROSE OF THE RANCHO.” High praise preceded the miry into New /ealuiKlti including a glowing tribute by that shewd Him critic 01 Punch, E. V. Eneas, oi “Rose of the Rancho.” It is reconuneiided if only for one predominating feature —glorious music and its astounding interpretation by a no woollier tu the profession of the screen. Pictures may have had a rather demoralising tendency in certain aspects since tlio advent of sound, but they have also brought cultural benefits m tneir train. in me latter category could be placed this one, lor it introduces a singer, already famed for brilliant performances in New Xork with the Metropolitan Opera. She is Gladys Swartnoui. Palmerston North audiences have had the pleasurable experience of hearing another star ot the Metropolitan in the person ot Grace Moore, and if this newcomer’s performance in "Rose of tnc liauelio,' opening at the Regent Theatre to-night, can be taken as a criterion, she should attain the same artistic heights as Miss Moore. 'the fine solo presentations of Miss SwArtout are glorious interpretations of compositions tiiat took Broadway by storm when the stage versim of the piece was shown in New York 20 years ago. ller mezzo-soprano voice is of rich timbre and of great power and range, and slie interprets the songs with a spontaneity that cannot but cliarni. 'That the producers fully recognised the possibilities of her artistry in the film was shown by the fact Unit a special operetta score was written for tlie pioduetion, thus effectively eliminating any danger of the music slowing up the pictures action. As for the story, its charm and simplicity contribute in no small measure to the production’s general excellence. Miss Swartout is hist seen in tlie role ot the daughter of a wealthy Spamsli family holding a vast estate outside Monterey at a time when hordes ot American lamlgrabbers invaded the territory, intent on wresting the estates from the 'Spanish dons, who organised bands ot vigilantes and rode by night against the Americans in tlie attempt to buioguait their homes. Gladys bwarthout enacts the dual roles ol Rose and Don Carlos, tlie mysterious rider who led the vigilantes. One of the latter is instrumental in having a price put on the head of Den Carlos, who is really none other than the beautiful Rosita. Excitement rides high when * Federal officer accidentally sues Don Carlos tnter the meeting place of the vigilantes and, following, finds on.y Rosita, Later, when the Castros* ranch is marked for plunder by tlie Americans, he follows and captures Don Carlos. Romance and music make delight!ul inteiludes in the adventurous and exciting story, while the scenes at the fiesta aio guy with music and dane.ng. There is a very talented supporting cast. John Boles, who possesses one ot the best male voices on the screen, is seen heard to great advantage opposite Miss Swarlliout. He sings several songs both alone and with Miss Swarthout. H. B. Warnei, a fine actor, enacts the role of Do Castro. Charles Bickford, always a forceful character, is well chosen for the part of Joe Kincaid. Two well-knov.ii Broadway comedians, llerb Williams and \\ l.lie Howard, are seen in briefly humorous sequences. STATE THEATRE. “PADDY O’DAY.” About the adventures of the cunningist colleen ever brought to the fierecii, Pudd> O’Uay,” the new Fox picture which opens to-night at the State Theatre, weaves a. story of rapid fire song, dance and comedy with a heart tug. Jane Withers, star ot “Ginger” and “This Is the Life,” heads the new production, w-ith Finkv Tomlin, Rita Cansino, Jane Harwell and George Givot—radio’s Greek ambassador backing her up. The story of “Paddy O’Uay’ follows the fascinating and often heart-warm-ing adventures of a motherless httie Irish immigrant recently arrived in New Yolk. Although she has run away trom the immigration authorities at Ellis Island, numeious kindly people befriend her. Finally Pinky Tomlin, eccentric young heir to millions, gives her refuge in his house. It is Jane’s influence that creates a romance between Tomlin and Rita Cansino and which gets them all involved in the Russian show of that excitable imprcssario. George Givot. The film finds its climax in the happy culmination of the romance and the finding of a permanent home for the little girl. Under Lewis belief s imaginative handling, the entire east ot “Paddy O’Uay” turns in spark ing, spoiltancous performances. In addition to Jane Withers’ versatile and engaging per formancp, there is the acting ol George Givot wi,~*h created a laugh riot, and the dancing and localising of Rita C'ansmo. “Keep That Twinkle in Your Eye, 1 Like a Balalaika” and “Changing Mv Ambitions” are the names of some of the eat eh v tunes that feature "1 addy O Hay. Tlie "box plans are now on view at the theatre, * phono 6363.