ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2124, 16 May 1922, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

KOSY. A very good programme prevails at the Kosy at present. Marie Prevost, star of many a bathing beauty comedy, finds herself on the heights of dramatic effort in certain moments in "A Parisian Scandal," her star picture—a Universal special. The play shows a clear balance between comedy and drama —with Tom Gallery's characterisation as a young American 'ology nut adding much to the former element. A line Sennett comedy was screened in "Home Talent." If the picture patron thinks that Mack Sennett ha,s come to the limit of his entertaining possibilities, he has another guess due him, and he will realise this fact after witnessing a presentation of "Home Talent," which is utterly unlike anything the Comedy King has yet made. True though to the spirit ■of fine fantasy, generous revealment of loveliness and high hilarity, "Home Talent" is in a totally different form from anything Mr Sennett has hitherto made. "Terror Trail," the serial of many thrills, and "The Dying Detective" completed an excellent bill. PALACE. One of the simplest and prettiest stories ever screened is on the current programme at the Palace Theatre, when Select Pictures presents its latest special attraction, "Break the News to Mother," founded on the famous song of the same name by Charles K. Harris. The most beautiful thing in the world —mother love—is the theme of this delightful picture. Small-town life, a small-town boy and a small-town girl are its chief ingredients, delightfully mixed with a clash of smiles and tears. Gertrude Berkely supplies the most wonderful mother characterisation ever seen on the screen. As Mrs Bray, the widow, she gives a true and vivid picture of the anxious mother whose one aim in life is her boy's happiness. The inner workings of the mother-heart are plainly revealed to you. Thrills, throbs, smiles and tears will be your share of "Break the News to Mother," but to b e appreciated it must be seen. The cast includes such screen favourites as Pearl Shepard, Raymond Bloomer, Gertrude Berkely, Forrest Robinson, TjOuLs Stone and Alice Gerard. "Break the News to Mother" receives its final screening to-night. "The Kid" being announced for tomorrow.. "THE KID." Booking of seats is now proceeding for the season of "The Kid," at the office of the Kosy Theatre to-day. The great reception which this production has received in various cities has attracted much interest, and the local season will probably eclipse that of any other previous subject. "The Kid" will be screened at the Pakice Theatre next Wednesday afternoon and evening. On Thursday it will be transferred to Everybody's Theatre, and will remain there until the conclusion of its season next Monday night. Matinees will be held daily in addition to the evening session. INDEPENDENT PICTURES. A THEDA BAUA SUCCESS. Theda Bara lias a way all her own of killing wicked men. In "When Men Desire," the William Fox superproduction at present showing at the Independent Pictures, the audience gasped in terror when the arch vampire administered the death-blow with a gleaming dagger. Miss Bara appeared in a startling role in "When Men Desire." She played the part of a young woman who is naturally shy and modest, but fate forces her to parade as an infamous woman. With great aversion she makes advances to a multitude of men, and thus is exposed to many harrowing adventures. She does this only that she may be able to join her true lover. The supporting films include "Smiles and Trumps," a big live-wire railroad comedy, "The Ghostly Wallop," and Fox News." All things considered, it is an excellent all-round programme. The management take pleasure in announcing that "Over the Hill," the most wonderful picture of the age, which is direct from a run of one solid year in New York City, and Which involves a subject which will wrest songs from poets of all generations yet to come, will open on Monday next. Box plans will open at Gates' to-morrow. See to-day's announcement for prices. THE HAWAIIANS. This company, which will appear at Everybody's Theatre, Palmerston North, to-night and to-morrow night, consists of natives from Hawaii. The major portion of the music is produced by the Hawaiian steel guitar, and Mr Keoke Greig is an adept on the instrument. The musical items are mostly concerted, or solos with accompaniment. No sweeter music could be wished for, and the interpretation is typical (says an exchange) of the temperament of ' the soulful whahatau of the South Seas. The Hawaiians unquestionably have music in their souls, and their work is never mechanical, conventional or stodgy. By special request, Mr Keoke Greig gave "The Rosary," his interpretation of this popular setting being exquisite. Miss Lilliokalani danced the famous "Luau Hula" —the. dance that fiction writers and poets have so long raved about. Garbed in native costume, with a beautiful background, the dancer left such a pleasing effect that she received an imperative recall. One number that specially appealed was Miss A. Leata's "Arabian Moon," sung in Eastern costume, with appropriate stage setting. The company gave an .imitation of the brewing of "Kava"— .the "wine" of the tropics. This is an old native quasi-ceremony, which of course is now much modified since the whites left their impression on the Polynesians. The second half of the programme was given by the Hawaiians in European dress.