ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3248, 19 January 1926, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

PALACE THEATRE. The producer of the film, ‘‘The Siren of Seville,” was responsible for giving to the great public throughout the civilised world, a very Illuminating and entertaining picture of the actual lives of th e inhabitants of that land of beauty. The actual scenes of the bull-fighting are well worth going miles to see, while the settings of the whole Aim are among the finest specimens of old architecture to be found in Spain. The screening at the Palace Theatre last evening was the occasion of a very enthusiastic reception to a supremely beautiful production which well upholds the already high standard of productions at this popular theatre. The usual adjuncts to a good star picture were not lacking, there being a splendid cartoon and News, besides a comedy which would hold it’s own with any production in the last twelve months. "Stereoscopiks,” those mystery pictures which are causing so much merriment of late are still running, and, will be shown for two further screenings. The entirely new film of the funeral of Queen Alexandra will be shown to-night for the first time, and will continue on the bill until Thursday evening.

PARAMOUNT. What is perhaps the best and most faithful screen presentation of the French Revolution to yet reach the screen was the Rex Ingram production “Scaramouche”, which was presented for the first time in Palmerston North at the Paramount Theatre last evening to a packed house. In bringing this noted novel of Sabatini to the screen, Rex Ingram has made a masterpiece. His handling of. the mobs, the vast cast of players and the wonderful settings amazed everyone. The absorbing romance set in the most stirring and red blooded pages that history has known, thrills and astounds. At the head of a cast of thirty well known players appear Ramon Novarro, Alice Terry and Lewis Stone. OPERA HOUSE. “MX FRIEND THE DEVIL.” The 9-reel Pox drama "My Friend the Devil” throws a new light on the subject of faith healing. Charles Richman, Barbara Castleton, Robert Fraser and Peggy Shaw all have important roles to fill, but the outstanding delineation is by Charles Richman as Doctor Dryden,, a clever doctor who believes that there is no power higher than science, but is made to believe in a higher power when his knowledge Is of no avail to save his dying daughter. In this dramatic photoplay there is a great deal to think about besides the undoubted entertainment It provides. There are two love romances gclng side by side and a domestic Intrigue with awkward situations that keep the onlooker on tiptoe till the final denouement The music by the splendid orchestra was most sympathetic and beautifully rendered,- creating an atmosphere that helped the unusual theme of Georges Ohnet's story . On Monday next "Sally of the Sawdust” a gay circus drama by D. W. Griffiths will "be shown. In which the Griffiths’ star Carol Dempster is seen in the leading role. Special Griffiths music is to be played to this picture, which, promises to be one of the big 1926 attractions.

KOSY. "THE BEBOVET) BRUTE” AND ‘■THE BANDIT TAMER." Marguerite dc la Motte heads 1 the cast in the picturlsation of Kenneth Perkins's thrilling story, “The Beloved Brute,” -which will be shown at the Kosy Theatre to-night. Victor McLaglen, William Russell, Mary Alden and Stuart Holmes also win fresh laurels for themselves in this production. "The Beloved Brute” has, at Once the tang of the sawdust ring l and the breath of the frontier, while developing an alluring romance. It has been described as "A Western that's different” —so different, indeed, that its appeal is certain to be to every class of picture lovers. Franklyn Farnum, that star whose fame is known to plctme goers tooth In America and in other countries, and who Is recognised as a capable interpreter of western hero parts, scores a new and startling success in the first comedy western which he has ever made, “The Bandit Tamer,” now at the Kosy. Farnum has not appeared to bettor advantage on the screen ever before in his career. His infectious smile which has the advantage of being sincere is backed by a display of fine acting dotted with delicate touches and delightful gags. An excellent comedy, “The Haunted Honeymoon,” will also be screened.

AN EXPENSIVE PRODUCTION. Next Thursday the Palmerston North residents will have their onlychance of seeing one of the most expensive productions ever presented on the Australasian stage, for over 100 tons of scenery and stage-properties have to be transported to this city in order that "The Green Goddess" may be staged by Guy Bates Post with all the lavish gorgeousness which is such a feature of it. When local residents see the heavi-ly-laden motor lorries proceeding from the station to the Opera Houec they will receive some insight into the heavy expenditure which the onenight production here of “The Green Goddess” entails on J. C. Williamson Ltd. One great gong used in the performance weighs five tons, and the massive doors in the Rajah’s palace also turn the scales at several tons. "The Green Goddess” is a superb production, and the lighting effects in it are exquisite—so exquisite Indeed, that there are nearly as many elec, tricians. meohanisis, and stage-hands "behind the scenes” as there ore artists of the stage. In "The Green Goddess” Guy Bates Post has thrilled huge audiences in the capital cities In Australia, and it goes without saying that all lovers of beautiful art will

flock ,to the Opera House on Thursday to see a noted star in a noted play. The box plans arb at tho Opera House from 10 ft.m. until 1 p.m.; 2 p.m. till fi p.m.: 7 p.m. till 1C p.m.