ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 158, 5 June 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY THEATRE. “PENROD AND SAM.” Playing a hank 'robber with a black stubble of beard on his face was putting a sad. handicap on Craig Reynolds, one of Hollywood’s handsomest young inen-ubout-lown. The night spots were threatened with suffering, too, as a result ot Craig’s role in “Penrod and Sam.” the Booth Tarkington classic which eoriics to the Kosy Theatre to-night as a First National production. Time was when a stubble of beard was just a make-up problem. A smear of dark grease paint did the ' trick. But modern photography make it the pne sort of false hair that cannot possibly be duplicated by the make-up man. It represents a three-day growth, and is kept at one “level” by the application of clippers. Reynolds, who likes to dq the ritzy 'spots of evenings, got away with it by means of a desperate expedient After, . consulting his current girl friends lie donned a false ■ Van Dyke beard to cover, the stubble, and successfully braved his wcll-knowii haunts in that guise! “T'enrod and Sam” is Booth Tnrkington’s long-famous comedy-drama of a group of adventurous small-town boys—brought right up to the 1937 iniriuto by having their interests what the boys’ interests of to-day arc. “GIRL OVERBOARD!” Set against tho spectacular background of a ship fire at sea, “Girl Overboard!” a fast moving (Juiversal picture, opens at the Kosy Theatre to-night with 1 Gloriu Stuart and Walter Pidgoon in the leading' rales. Tho screen plu.y tells tho story of a beautiful New York girl who flees from the sinister influence Of the proprietor of ail exclusive Manhattan gown shop. Just before she sails, tho man is killed and the finger of suspicion is pointed at the girl. By ibis time, however., she is at sea, aboard a ship ofi which a disastrous lire breaks out. Consumed in the blazing inferno of the ill-fated liner is tho only evidence of the true killer’s identity. When tho accused girl, by a queer twist of fate, is given shelter in tho homo of tlie district attorney whoso job it is to prosecute her, tlie picture advances to a swift, smashing climax. Supporting Miss Sluurt and Walter Pklgooit are such favourites as Billy Burrud, Hobart Cavanaugh, Gerald Oliver Smith, Sidney Blackiner, Jack Smart, David Oliver, Charlotte Wyiiters, Russell Hicks, R. E. O’Coimot and Edward McNamara,

MAYFAIR THEATRk. f “STOLEN HOLIDAY.”

For several excellent reasons “Stolen Holiday,” screening at tho Mayfair Theatre to-night is a lino film. It is strong emotional romantic drama, and it presents ile star, Kay Francis, with a most impressive scries of dresses to near. Ultra-modern costumes and gowns attract attention continually, hut fortunately for the male element, the plot is strong enough to more than retain interest, apart from any otlter consideration. Then there is acting which is at times magnificent. Kay Francis frequently achieves the impossible —she forgets tier clothes in the emotional intensity of the situation. Fiiingocns regard her as one of the band of Hollywood slurs from whom a finished performance may invariably he expected, and she docs not. dir-appoint her aumirous in this production. Although lho film belongs to Miss Francis, she does net monopolise ii, and, convuisely, therein lies much of the charm of “Stolen Holiday.” Two leading men divide male honours —the handsome, quiet, restrained lan Hunter, so quiet that lie dodges most of tiie limelight which is rightfully his, and Claude Ruins, tho unforgettable “Invisible Man.” Tlie romance and drama of tlie plot is engaging, located as it is in a Baris niodist’s shop. Nicole rises to eminence with the financial backing ol OrlofV, to whom she is intensely loyal. During a stolon holiday from him,, following a delightful interlude on the . Riviera, . she meets and falls thoroughly in love with a British diplomat, Anthony Wayne. She Sticks to (Jrloff. however, despite her discovery that he is an audacious crock and that lie is forcing her into a loveless marriage, until liis death at the hands of the notice leaves her free to pursue her romance with the handsome Englishman, but reduced once more to the status of a mannequin. AU of which conveys little conception of the setting and staging of the story. Throughout, backgrounds appear to have engaged especial attention from the producers, and the result is a harmonious effect which sets the drama off to perfection.

GLADYS P 4 ON CRI EFF’S REAPPEARANCE. “MERRY r WIDOW” AND “MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS.” It is sonic years since we last enjoyed Miss Gladys Monericff oh the legitimate stage, so tlio announcement by (lie directors of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., to* ihe effect that they are to present the famous soprano, together with a specially selected comic opera company numbering 100 artists, in “The Merry Widow” and “The Maid of tho Mountains at the Opera House on Monday and Tuesday, June 21 and 22, will be received with pleasure. The recent revivals of these t\vo opera's in Sydney, with Miss Monericff m the leading roles, created a furore cf enthusiasm. and the Williamson theatres m both cities were taxed to their utmost at every performance. In each city the seasons'had to be considerably lengthened, and even then the operas wore withdrawn while even then ihe operas were withdrawn while they were still attracting record audiences. Australian critics were unanimous in declaring that Miss Monericff is singing better at present than at any time during her triumphant career. It irs safe to state that .she is the best and most popular comic opera artist the Australian and New Zealand stage has known for many years’, and local theatregoers may congratulate themselves on the fact that they arc to be given an opportunity to enjoy the brilliant pritna donna in two of her outstanding successes. ' Tho Williamson management has surrounded Miss Monericff with a talented company of popular favourites. including the inimitable comedian, Cecil Kcllaway, who ha* delighted us with a number of clever characterisations; Don Nicol, who will be best known for liis humorous interpretation of the waiter in “White Horse Inn” ; Eric Bush, who on a former occasion portrayed the part of Prince Danilo in “The Merry Widow” ; Isabel Cue, a dainty and clever young Australian soubrette; Arthur Clarke, Carmen Mascagnv. Leslie Crane. Gerald Connolly. Cecil Pawley, Peter Dawson, Geoff Colledgc. and other favourite artists. A feature of each of the operas will he the work of the operatic chorus and orchestra, and of the talented Australian ballet. The box plans will be opened at. Messrs Collinsoh and Cunliingliame’s on Friday, June 18.