ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 127, 30 April 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE. “RAINBOW ON THE RIVER.” The tragic aftermath of war is vividly reflected in the lives of the characters appearing in Bobby Breen’s current starring picture, “Rainbow on the River,” which opens at the State Theatre to-night at the 10.30 p.m. session and screens at three sessions to-morrow. The dramatic musical film, produced by Sol Lesser for Principal Productions, is laid in the period directly following the Civil War, when the strife-torn South was courageously undergoing rehabilitation. Against this back ground is painted a heart-touching pictui of a young orplian boy. An old colouri mommy takes the child under her care ui brings it up in a single, yet care-free li. Gifted with a natural and remarkable ein t ing voice, the lad merrily sings his ua., into the hearts of all until a sudden turn of events drags him from the side of the faithful servant to place him in the inhospitable atmosphere of a stern grandmother’s mansion in the North. But his enchanting voice and personality finally win the old woman’s affection and he establishes 'a link of friendship between his Yankee and Southern benefactors. Having skyrocketed to film fame in his first picture, “Let’s Sing Again,” aiid won the hearts of fans us Eddie Cantor’s radio protege, | young Bobby Breen is said to reach new i heights in his current nnu-ical story. Directed by Kurt Neumann from the novel, | “Toinettc’s Philip,” “Rainbow on the River” boasts a lino supporting east which includes -May Robson, Charles Butterworth, Louise Beavers, Alan Mowbray, Bcnita Hume, -Marilyn Knowiden, Henry O’Neill and the Hall Johnson Choir. Nino beautiful musical numbers from the pens of the world’s foremost composers of today and yesterday offer the boy tenor ample opportunity to demonstrate his phenomenal vocal talents. The supports arc in keeping with the State’s high standard of excellence and combine to make the programme one of this season’s finest presentations. REGENT THEATRE. “SWEET ALOES.” Joy Mcllory’s famous play, “Sweet Aloes,” which in 1934 rail tor more titan a year on the London and Broadway stages and which was recently filmed by Warner Bros., under the direction of Archie L. Mayo, will begin to-niglit at a special 10.30 p.m. session at the Regent Theatre. The story of the canfliet between a happy marriage and an unhappy past, “Sweet Aloes” will be found particularly appealing to women. It is not, however, the sensational plot which makes the picture such interesting and dramatic entertainment. It is the combination of suave production, direction that is admirably skilfull, and the acting of the entire cast. , Seldom lias Ivay Francis appeared more i beautiful and her acting in the part of ■ Linda is most appealing. Mother love, sin I cercly presented wtihout the maudlin sentimentality which it is sometimes given, is the theme cf this picture, which is an example of liow emotion can be made to ring true in a film. Her role of a mother parted front her child is one of the most suitable in which Kay Francis has appeared before audiences and shows that it is as an emotional actress that she is at her best. In troublous times, wherein she feels deeply the loss of her child, | and in gay ones, when it is restored to tier, she is" alike assured and sincere. Witli lier excellent speaking voice, an admirable command of gesture and complete understanding of her part, she has made a triumph of the film. A fine performance is ; given by Roland Young, who provides a j refreshingly light comedy interest. His , role, both amusing and forthright, is the | first to allow' him such scope as an actor. George Brent gives one of bis best per- I formanecs and takes a good deal of tne j acting honours. The role of the woman I who adopts the child cf her rival and fina-llv meets and becomes friends with that rival" ,is given to the promising English actress, Frieda Incscourt. 1 lie dialogue of “Sweet Aloes” is a particularly commendable feature of the film.