PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6992, 19 August 1929, Page 8

PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

THEATRE DE LUXE. A double-feature programme of outstanding excellence opened at the Theatre De Luxe on Saturday, both pictures being comedies of .a thoroughly enjoyable nature. Beauty vies with fun and drama in the hilarious comedydrama “Naughty Baby," which features two of First National’s most popular players, Alice White and Jack Mulhall. Miss White’s blonde beauty, lire and devil-may-care personality brought her from script girl to star in less than two years. Thelma Todd, leading lady in “Naughty Baby" plays “vamp." She’s a blonde also, a former Massachusetts school teacher who won three beauty contests simultaneously, and entered pictures. Another striking feminine beauty is Doris Dawson, who as a high school girl was one of the most popular artists’ models in New York. Frances Hamilton, Natalie Joyce, Rose Dione, Fanny Midglcy and over eighty beautiful extra girls appear in supporting caste.

Monty Banks -again proved his popularity as a comedy genius, in the film “Week-End Comedy," which is the additional attraction on the bill. Throughout the entiro production he gave the audience what they have long been waiting for in entertainment. The tkerno was of an interesting and unusual character more than once holding the audience spell bound with its stirring sequences. The supporting caste was equally pleasing, comprising many popular players, headed by Jameson Thomas, Annette Benson, and Estelle Brody. The box plan is available at the Central Booking Office, Majestic buildings, Broadway, -'phone 71TS until 5 p.m., at ■which time it is transferred to the theatre, ’phone 5050.

THE TALKIES. There was promise of great things in the way of screen entertainment in the news issued by Warner Bros., that they were going to make a special production of “On Trial.” A great many people remember “On Trial" as one of the smashing stage hits , of its time, and one which was made so by the daring of its author, young Elmer Rice, in making use of one of the movies’ cherished effects, the “Flashback." It was the first stage play in which this effect was used, and Rico felt justified in borrowing it, inasmuch as the movies never hesitated to borrow what they wanted from the stage. Those who saw “On Trial” will recall how, when the heroine is placed on the stand in the courtroom, and asked to explain certain things, the scene shifts, showing her as a girl and the temptations which bestrewed her path. Added to the strength of the story is the novelty of its treatment. Now it remains to be seen how much better use of the “flash-back" the movies have made than did the stage, whieh laid violent hands on it.

“On Trial" has a great caste. The heroine is played by Paulino Frederick and the production is the means of her debut in the best part. Inasmuch as Miss Frederick has had considerable stage and screen experience in many great roles, this debut should give her little concern. Bert Lytell is another member of the caste, which includes Lois Wilson, Holmes Herbert, Richard Tucker, Jason Robards, Johnny Arthur, Vondell Darr, Franklin Pangborn, Edmund Brecsc, Edward Martindel, and Fred Kelsey.

KOSY THEATRE. Saturday’s big audience was delighted and thrilled with the splendid programme that was screened. In “The Third Eye” the well known Australian actress, Dorothy Seacombe, plays the leading role. This is a story in which the world-wide known Scotland Yard are called in to solve the mystery of numerous robberies. In the tracking down of these criminals, they bring into use, what is known as the. television machine. How this wonderful invention helps to track down the robberies, is clearly shown and gives you some idea of how Scotland Yard brings these criminals to earth. In addition to “The Third Eye” Lina Basquctto is seen to advantage in a thrilling story of the underworld entitled “Conic Across.” In this feature some lovely scenes are shown of cabaret life, with a story of Tum-runncrs, and hi-jackers, and a deadly feud which existed between two powerful gangs. This programme will be shown until Tuesday night.