ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 142, 18 May 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE. “PADDY O’DAY.” 1 About the adventures of the cunningist colleen ever brought to the screen, “Paddy > O’Day,” the new Fox picture screening to-night at the State Theatre, weaves a story of rapid lire song, dance and comedy with a heart tug. Jane Withers, star of “Ginger” and “This Is tho Life,” heads , the new production, with Pinky Tomlin, i Rita Cansino, Jane Darwell and George Givot —radio’s Greek ambassador —backing her up. Tho story of “Paddy O’Day” follows tho fascinating and oltcn heart-wann-ing adventures of a motherless little Irish immigrant recently arrived in New York. Although she lias run away from the immigration authorities at Ellis Island, numerous kindly people befriend her. Finally Pinky Tomlin, eccentric young heir to millions, gives her refuge in his house. It is Jane’s imiucucc that creates a romance between Tomlin and Rita Cansino and which gets them all involved in the Russian show of that excitable impressfirio. 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 Seller’s imaginative handling, the entire cast of “Paddy O’Day” turns in sparkling, spontaneous performances. In addition to Jane Withers’ versatile and engaging per formaiice, there is the acting ol George Givot wt>*h created a laugh riot, and the dancing and \ocalising of Rita 'Cansino. “Keep That Twinkle in Your Eye,” "I Like a Balalaika” and “Changing My Ambitions” arc the names of some of the catchy tunes that feature “Paddy O’Day.” The box plans are now on view at the theatre, ’phone 6363. , REGENT THEATRE. “ROSE OF THE RANCIIO.” High praise preceded the entry into New ZeaJaniili including a glowing tribute by that shewd film critic ot Punch, E. V. Lucas, of "Rose of the Rancho.” It is recommended if only for one predominating feature—glorious music and its astounding interpretation by a newcomer to the profession of the scieen. Pictures may have had a rather demoralising tendency in certain aspects since the advent of sound, hut they have aiso brought cultural benefits in their train. In me latter category could he placed this one, tor it introduces a singer, already famed for brilliant performances in Now Vork with the Metropolitan Opera. She is Gladys Swartnoul. Palmerston North audiences have had tho pleasurable experience of hearing another star ot the Metropolitan Opera in the person of Grace Moore, and if this newcomer’s performance in "Roc of tlie Rancho” screening at the Regent Theatre to-night, can he 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 that took Broadway by storm when tlie stage versicn of the piece was shown in New York 20 years ago. As lor tne story, its charm and simplicity contribute in no small measure . to the production’s general excellence. Miss Swartout is first seen in the role of the daughter of a wealthy Spanish family holding a vast estate outside Monterey at a time when hordes of American landgrubbers invaded tlie territory, intent on wresting tlie estates from the Spanish dons, who organised of vigilantes and rode by night against the Americans in the attempt to safeguard their homes. Gladys Swarthout enacts tlie dual roles of Rose and Don Carlos, the mysterious rider who led the vigilantes. One of tlie latter is instrumental in having a price put on tlie. head of Dell Carlos, who is ready none other than tlie beautiful Rosita. Excitement rides high when a Federal officer acidcntally secs , Don Carlos niter the meeting place of , die vigilantes and, following, finds only Rosita.