ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 1437, 10 December 1919, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ROSY, VIOLA DANA IN "SOME BRIDE.” The consistency of Metro plays is kept up in the comedy-drama now .showing- at the Rosy, "Some Bride,” in which Viola Dana plays the title role. She is really splendid in the part, and is as precocious a youngbride as is possible to conceive. Her principal trouble in this play is that she cannot control her eyes, and gives her jealous husband no end of trouble. PALACE. A GOOD PICTURE. A special' introduction by Stuart Blackton is a theatrical event, as will be realised by those who sec ‘Life’s Greatest Problem,” now show ng at the Palace. The stars are remarkable Mitchell Lewis and Ruby do emcr. The latter will be remembered as the famous stage beauty who. as the real and original Gibson girl, was the feminine lead in "The Auction Block.” Mitchell Lewis was of course “Poleon Doret” in ‘ The Barrier.” The story ' deals with the problem of modern , times where a tramp and an idle rich young- man both in fact lead about the same livp. They are both rudely awakened to the reality of things by the "Work or Eight” order of the U.S. Government, and the ending is worked out with humour and artistry. The play Is crammed with big scenes, some of them outvieing the great spectacles of former plays Blackton has made famous. in the supporting cast must be mentioned Gus Alexander, who appears as the . big tramp’s pal, “Little Lefty,” whose every appearance on the screen is a signal for laughter and a source ; of delight to all. The picture is in- i teresting from start to finish, and ; shows the nefarious methods of the j I.W.W. Topical pictures and an edu- j national lilm will also be shown. PALACE. "WIVES OF MEN.” The story of "Wives of Men” Is woven round Lucille, the wife, James, the husband, and Grace, the other woman. James marries Lucille, i whom he has known all his life, as j she is his father’s ward. On her wedding day she discovers a. photograph of a woman with “To My Husband” written upon it in a woman’s handwriting-. Staggered by this revelation, she decrees that, they must live apart. For twelve years this impossible situation remains, and in spite of herself love for her husband grows in force. He, however, received an anonymous letter, and entering his house by a side-door, is greeted by his wife, who uses the name of a friend. He is appalled to find that Jus wife is carrying on an affair, but on reproaching her is warned in a highly dramatic scene, that nothing but his desserts have come ’to him. Then from the snowdriven street staggers a little figure from justice, and Lucille takes him to her heart. She goes to find his relatives, and in doing so, is the discoverer of the diary which has been kept by the “other woman Grace.” It is a pitiful story of hopeless love, and the iron hand of circumstance that had snatched happiness from two foolish lovers, but Lucille understands it all. In the end comes reconciliation and mutual forgiveness. An Educational film, and the latest Topical Budget will be shown in addition to the sixreel feature. THE “DIGGERS.” OPERA HOUSE, SATURDAY NEXT. In the "Diggers,” who reopen at the Opera House on Saturday next, Palmerston audiences will have an opportunity of seeing one of those splendid entertainment combinations to whose efforts our men abroad arc so much indebted. In the modern stress and strain of warfare, a lighter relief was soon recognised as essential, and divisional concert parties proved as big an aid to the troops as did companies of machine-guns. Daily in the big game in France a divisional concert party was put on a proper footing, the men being essentially set apart for the purpose, and every possible facility given them to put on good •shows. The “Diggers” (originally termed the N.Z. Pierrots) were amongst the original companies so formed. As the combination returned to Now Zealand intact, it was considered a good proposition to give the public an opportunity of witnessing performances similar to those presented at the trenches. The tour just completed by the "Diggers” proved to be a worthy one, as it enabled the returned soldiers to benefit by some £2500 as a result of the "Diggers’’ efforts. Intending patrons may lie assured that the entertainment presented by this talented combination can stand on its merits alongside any professional production. The box plan is at Oates’ Music Stores.