ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 264, 6 October 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE. “THE CRIME OF DR FORBES.” Based on an original screen play by Frances Hyland and Saul Elkins, “The Crime of Dr Forbes,” Fox picture, which screens for the last time to-day at the State Theatre, features Gloria Stuart, Robert Kent, Ilcnry Armetta and J. Edward Bromberg. The film is one of tho most sensational screen entertainments over produced, featuring taut drama and an unusual love story as its highlights. The climax, startling ami surprising, will baffle the most astule my story-solver. “LOVE BEFORE BREAKFAST.” Carole Lombard will ho seen at the State Theatre to-morrow in Universal’s brilliant, sophisticated comedy, “Love Before Breakfast,” which reveals her as a modern young lady who demands the right to her own opinions, even when they include the desire to marry two young men. The fun begins when one of her suitors gives her a black eye accidentally. From that point, overy time lie tries to win her favour, he does something else which stirs her wrallt more. Her spoken lines snap like a whip, crackling like static in a lightning storm. The smart dialogue in “Love Before Breakfast” grows naturally from tho Immoious situations. The climax oi tho laughs is heightened by the happenings during a storm at, sea. (Atrole is “site who gets slapped” when several life-sized waves smack her into the midtile of next week. If you have laughs, prepa.ro to shed them now. Special note to the ladies: Wait until you see tho gorgeous new fashions Oarolo Lombard wears !

“UNDER TWO FLAGS.” This 20th Century sensation, which was postponed, will definitely be screened on Saturday next. Pulruiia are advised that the box plan for tho season is now open at llusco s and the theatre and that all ’phone reservations must he claimed by noon on the Saturday, the day of screening. REGENT THEATRE. “THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL.” Spectacular period romantic drama of adventures, brilliantly adapted from Baroness Orezy’s widely-read story, the outstanding features of which is the magnificent acting of Leslie Howard. He invests the splendid entertainment with quality without diminishing general appeal, and is aided in iiis task by Merle Oboron, who lias never done better work, us well as hy imaginative direction. Every department of the picture measures up to tile high standard expected of London film productions; it lias a little of everything, including an attractive title and immense feminine appeal. Leslie Howard surpasses himself as 15ir Percy Blakeney, his performance—a subtle combination of the romantic, the fatuous, and the adventurous—is a supreme delight. Merle Obcron is a revelation as Lady Blakeney; she has charm and unbounded talent, while Raymond Massey is excellent as Chauvelm. It is impossible to name the many supporting players individually, but it will suffice to say that perfect tyjtcs are represented throughout. This film demonstrates beyond a shadow of doubt that the success of “Henry VIII” was no fluke, for Alexander Korda, the production supervisor, lias shown once again hy his artistic, graceful, yet showmanlike handling of Baroness Orezy’s story, and his appreciation of Leslie Howard’s great acting ability, how to effect a cunning compromise between ihc high and the low brow. The dramatic situations are neatly turned by clever comedy, tho spirit of adventure arid romance are smoothly preserved, the staging is superb. Tile script is well nigh perfect, for there is commendable economy of dialogue without injury to story continuity. Tho film in its entirety unquestionably represents entertainment of character and quality, wedded to universal appeal. The “Scarlet Pimpernel” season opens at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. To-day “A Woman Alone” will he screened finally.