PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6628, 15 August 1931, Page 7

PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

KOSY THEATRE

“IRON MAN,” THRILLING BOXING PICTURE,

In “Iron Man,” which is now showing at the Kosy theatre, Universal has given Lew-Ayres a picture oi power, strength, and utter sincerity.

It is to tho credit of tho star —and it is Lew Ayres’ first real starring picture —that he rises to the occasion and proves himself an actor, and one which makes no concessions to the situations or solutions which are ‘ ‘ typically movie.” It proves with incvitablencss from start to finish.

Strangely enough, this story, taken from W. R. Burnett’s novel, is the lovo story of a man, but not of a woman. Perhaps, as such, it has more appeal to feminine audiences than to masculine, although it is a picture that deals with fights and fighters, and resounds with tho thud of punches in the squared arena.

“Iron Men” is the tale of tho development of a lighter, from the time he is a “palooka,” or haiu lighter, until he wins the lightweight crown. The man directly responsible for this' result is the lighter’s manager, played by Robert Armstrong, who gives a portrayal which proves again what an excellent actor he is. ■ lie knows how to handle his young fistic artist, how to nurse him through his moods, how to deflate his ego at the proper time, and how to inflate it when it means success. PALACE THEATRE. “THE PRODIGAL” INTRODUUEb SINGER LAWRENCE TIBBETT IN MODERN ROLE.

“In “The Prodigal, ’’ which is now at the Palace theatre, Lawrence Tibbett abandons his erstwhile swashbuckling lines and gay uniforms to appear for the first time in a strictly modern role, information is that Metro-Gold-vvyn-Mayer, anxious to get away from typical musical comedy plots, selected an original story which centres about the question of divorce in an aristocratic Southern family. This in no way deprives music lovers from hearing the Metropolitan Opera favourite sing, for the circumstances of the plot are such as to contrive various episodes in which Tibbett sings a variety of songs as a /natural pan of the gripping story. Tibbett will be seen as a prodigal sou who lias been roaming the country with a band of tramps, fie stops off at his home to see his mother and for the first time becomes acquainted with his brother's wife, Antonia. Antonia is miserably unhappy with her tyrannical husband and is about to elope with a former lover. In his attempts to preserve the family integrity, Tibbett succumbs to the cnarms of tne bewitching Antonia and finds himself in a compromising position. The unravelling of the situation makes for an extremely dramatic screen plot. Scenes in the “tramps' " camp are among the novelties of the production, it being probably the first time that this species of humanity has been exploited in motion pictures. In these sequences Tibbett sings “JDe Glory Bond," a number which he has made famous on the concert stage. Another' unusual phase of the picture is a spectacular negro barbecue scene in which Tibbett, together with a chorus of several hundred voices, sings “A Child Is Born" and “Oliidlins," written by Herbert 8 tot hart and Howard Josnson.. Other songs sung at various points in the story are “Life Is a Dream," by Oscar Straus and Arthur Breed; “ Without a Song," by Vincent Youmans, and a comic ballad called “Look Like Pappy." Much of the charm of this picture is credited to its picturcsquo locales, duplicating the languorous beauty of the old South American plantation estates and colonial mansions. A colourful fox-hunting sceno is said to bo a particularly artistic photographic achievement. A largo supporting cast was engaged for Tibbett’s third picture. Esther ftalston, remembered for “Fashions for Women" and “Peter Pan," has the feminine lead. Eoland Young, last seen in “New Moon," and Cliff’ Edwards share comedy roles as two of the tramps. Others include Purnell B. Pratt, Hedda Hopper, Emma Dunn, the comic coloured player Stepin Fetehit, Eouis Jolm Bartels, Theodore Von Eltz, Wally Albright, jimr., Suzanne Hansom, Gertrude Howard and John Larkin.

AT THE REGENT. “EAST LYNNE” COMMENCES FOUR NIGHT SEASON TO-DAY. What is described as llic finest glorification of the audible screen will bo given its premiere to-day at the Papmerston North Regent theatre in Frank Lloyd’s production of “East Lynne,” with Ann Harding, Clive Brook, Conrad Nagel and a brilliant cast of truly popular players. There is so much to commend this Fox Movietone that to attempt to describe it with a single phrase is a great injustice. In the first place, “East Lynne” in this case becomes the screen ’smost notable achievement, an accomplishment that vibrates with rare entertainment from beginning to end.’ Secondly, the story, adapted from Mrs. Wood’s novel by Tom Barry and Bradley King, moves swiftly and develops with such dramatic power and consistency that the two hours consumed in unfolding it seem but mere minutes. Thirdly, Ann Harding achieves new laurels and justifies the characterisation of the screen’s “greatest emotional actress.” A lovelier Isabel, certainly, has never been seen on stage or screen. She lives the role every inch of the way. She radiates with an incomparable beauty and sincerity that contributes importantly to the success of the picture. In the fourth place, Conrad Nagel and Clive Brook give characterisations that will add much to their popularity. The latter does the outstanding work of his caroer as Levison. Conrad Nagel is at his best as the ambitious young lawyer, influenced by his spinster sister, -who makes an outcast of his wife. The supporting cast is an unusually important one, including Beryl Mercer, Cecilia Loftus, O. P. Heggio and David Torrence. The direction of Frank Lloyd is flawless, and the settings by the famous Joseph Urban enhance the picture. Box plans are available at the Central Booking .Office, Broadway. Phone 7178 or at the theatre after 6 p.m., phone 677 G..