ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3496, 4 November 1926, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

PALACE. “SKINNER’S DRESS SUIT.” Motion picture players have various methods of improving their technique. Many of the stars devote much time and effort in an endeavour to keep up their high standards, to an extent little dreamed of by the public. In Hollywood there are several academies, run by world famous Continental stage actors .catering solely to stars of the screen. Lessons In deportment, poise, drama, fencing and various other subjects are taken daily by cinema luminaries to help them in their screen work. There are also some exclusive organisations which also deal only with the very topmost figures in the movie world. These arc health specialists. When actors and actresses discover, to their dismay that their waistlines expand beyond their former sylph-like lines, immediate recourse is taken to correct the advance of obesity. And when weight is to kept up to a certain figure, which is very often an Important clause In a player’s contract, these same specialists are resorted to to assist in withstanding the loss. However, there la one star in Hollywood who airly dispenses with all artificial aid. That star 13 Reginald Denny, who will appear at the Palace Theatre in the new Universal-Jewel “Skinner’s Dress Suit,” which begins to-night. His method of self-improvement, while initially expensive, is quite simple. Denny has installed in his beautiful Hollywood home a tiny theatre and a modern projection machine. Each of his pictures are “pre-viewod In this audience consisting of Reginald Denny and Mis. Denny. At their leisure they are able to discuss, dissect and criticise. If make-up is put on wrong or if an incorrect shade has inadvertently been used or if anything in his actiohs are not absolutely perfect, Denny is able to note graphically his faults. And his wife is his severest critic. He has a great deal of respect for her judgment and so far she has invariably been 'right. “Skinner's Dress Suit” has an exceir lent cast. The featured player- Is Laura La Plante and in the balance of the list of players' are suchl celebrated names as Ben Hendricks Jr.. E. J. Ratcliffe, Arthur Lake, Hedda Cooper, Lionel Brahm, Betty Morrison, Henry A. Barrow, - William A. Strauss, Lila Leslie. Lucille Ward and Broderick O’Farrell. The picture was directed by William A. Seiler. THE BIG THRILL DRAMA OF 1936. “THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD” AT THE DE LUXE.

The production of a photoplay on land or on the sea alone is a very difficult task, but when the director Is confronted with handling millions of gallons of water on land, the task is doubly difficult. In addition to this, a huge dam had to bo constructed to hold the waters in check until the dramatic moment arrived. Add to this, the fact that complete cities had to be built for destruction, and you have a fair idea of what was accomplished in the filming of “The Johnstown Flood,” the stupendous drama of the shocking catastrophe which ravished the Conemaugh Valley, Pennsylvania, which is to be the feature attraction at the Do Luxe Theatre to-day. To film “The Johnstown Flood” it was necessary for Director Irving Cummings to have a dam, over 200 feet long and 72 feet high constructed in the California mountains. It was necessary this dam bo earthen such as the one which burst above the ill-fated city of Johnstown. There also had to be erected replicas of the various towns in the path of the flood, principally the city of Johnstown, where the mad water took greatest toll of life and property. Technicians worked 24 hours daily in shifts for nearly two months planning, and building the street and town sets. The dam use a in the film was .rebuilt from an obsolete and abandoned project. In tbe leading dramatic roles are a host of film favourites well known for their sterling talent. George O’Brien, virile star of many screen plays, is cast in the stellar role, with Florence Gilbert, Janet Gaynor, Max Davidson, Anders Handolf, George Harris, Paul Nicholson, Walter Perry and Paul Panzer In feature supporting roles. “BLUEBEARD'S SEVEN WIVES.” SHY MOVIE “SHEIK” AT THE KOSY. To be accosted in a public park and informed that you were just the type required for a "Sheik" role in the. movies would scare most men. However, such a happening befell Ben Lyon in “Bluebeard’s Seven Wives,” the big First National comedy coming to-night to the Kosy Theatre. Bon is hurried off to the studios thrown into the arms of a vamp, and told to make love as though he meant it. The bewildered one’s declaration that ho had a girl of his own who’d be shocked, hadn't the desired effect, for the more the victim stammered and ob-

jected, the more enthusiastic the producer became. Blanche Sweet, Dorothy Sebastian and a host of other beauties add to the poor "simp’s” discomfiture in "Bluebeard’s Seven Wives,” which is said to provide the laugh of a life-time. —One wife for every day in the week—one beautiful grief for every day in the week. Married life multiplied by seven—figure it out for yourself. Monte Blue has the leading role in Grace Sanderson Mlchie’s latest and best photoplay. “Defying Destiny" which will be shown at the Kosy Theatre. Mr. Blue who has scored heavily in recent productions, is assured an even greater success in this vehicle. Irene Rich, who played opposite Mr. Blue, also deserves much credit for her sympathetic characterisation of the wealthy girl, who in spite of adverse public opinion never loses her trust in, nor her love for, her unfortunate sweetheart. The rest of the cast contains such noted artists as Tully Marshall, Jackie Saunders, Russel Simpson and Z. Wall Covington. "Defying Destiny’*is first-class entertainment and those who enjoy an interesting story,, delightfully enacted, capably directed and artistically protographed, will do well to visit the Kosy Theatre any night this week. Exceptionally good supporting items are being shown in addition to the two big features. CARNIVAL season. A reminder is given of the Grand Spring Carnival dance, to be held tonight in the Soldiers’ Club, which is the sixth of a series of carnival dances conducted by the popular Carnivals Company. Beautiful lighting effects and new decorations will be effected and the buffet style of supper, on the balcony, will be again carried out. Several new novelties have been secured in addition to streamers, balloons, etc., and twilight and other novelty items, will bo given. Dancing commences at 8 p.m., and will terminate at 1 a.m. The popular Larkin’s Orchestra will supply the ’ dance music. The gold medals and trophies for the 1926 Manawatu Fox-trot Championship will' be displayed and the sixth round run. off to-night. A stall containing soft drinks, sweets and ica cream will bo available, and the evening should prove a most pleasant one for all who attend. DIXIELAND CABARET. The Dixieland Cabaret has become an accepted Palmerston North institution and is recognised far outside this town for the excellence of its manage, ment and the high standard reached by its functions. On Friday next. Cabaret nigbt, fortunately falls on Guy Fawkes night as well m race night, and an effort is being made to mark the happy combination in a fitting manner. Special preparations are being made for the occasion which promises to be a notable one. Booking is already heavy, and intending patrons are advised to make their reservations early to avoid disappointment.