PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6841, 23 April 1932, Page 11

PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

PALACE THEATRE,

“GIPSY BLOOD.”

A film star’s knowledge and understanding of horses averted what might have been a serious accident, during the production of “Gipsy Blood, ’’ directed by Cecil Lewis for British International Pictures at Elstrcc, which is now at the Palace theatre. The hero of tho affair was Lanco Fairfax, the Australian star who recently arrived in England, and the cause of the excitement was a horse which went into a panic, broke loose from the man in whoso charge it was placed, and dashed round tho studio, wrecking everything that lay in its path. Fainax, who takes the part of Escamillo, the Toreador, in tho film, was testing the horse on the set when the full battery of lights, suddenly put on, frightened it. He had momentarily left tho animal in charge of a studio hand while ho was making an adjustment to his make-up, and in a flash, as the full glaro of the great are lamps flooded the studio, the horse was on its hind legs, kicking wildly right and left. Artists rushed for cover as the animal tore its bridle loose from the man who held it, and stamped around the studio, dashing into sourul apparatus,' and knocking over several lamps in its wild career. The situation had become desperate indeed, when Lance Fairfax dashed up to the horse, grabbed its bridle and began to fondle and talk to it. ' In a moment or so, it had quietened down and was taken oil the set, leaving a bewildered but grateful unit to thank Fairfax—who had been slightly bruised on tho left knee by the flying hoofs of the horse—for his timely intervention. It was afterwards revealed that Fairfax had spent many years in breaking in horses in New Zealand and Australia; he served in tho cavalry during the war, and gained an M.C. He was twice-mention-ed in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig.

I AT THE REGENT. EXTENDED SEASON FOR “STRANGERS MAY KISS. ’’ Tho Regent theatre management announce an extended season for Norma Shearer’s latest success, “Strangers May Kiss.” There Trill, however, be no screening on Monday—Anzac Day. Current at the Regent is a picture that has a general appeal for it brings back to Palmerston North theatregoers the ever popular Norma Shearer in her greatest triumph to date, “Strangers May Kiss.” The management regard this Mctro-Goldwyn-Maycr brilliant production as the linest talking attraction of its class that they have ever introduced to city audiences. Tho public favourite, Norma Shearer, has won fresh laurels in this line picture, and overseas papers wdthout exception refer to it as “tho best pieeo of work she has contributed to the screen.” Robert Montgomery, the leading man, is also credited with achieving a triumph, and runs Miss Shearer very close for first honours.. The way in which Norma Shearer wears her exquisito clothes is an art in itself, which will win the admiration of men as well as women. A more brilliant supporting cast would be hard to find, and includes such well known favourites as Neil Hamilton, Hcdda Hooper, Hale Hamilton and Marjorie Rambeau. “ Strangers May Kiss” will be preceded by the latest comedy riot of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, the universal favourite comedians, in w’hich they perform some screamingly funny antics as two Foreign Legionaircs. Coming to the Regent—“ The Sleeping Cardinal. ’' It has been left to Twickenham Film Studios to give tho most convincing picture to date of tho famous Holmes and Watson collaboration. “The Sleeping Cardinal,” is not, of course, a Conan Doyle story, but a blending of two—“ Tho Empty House” and “The Final Problem”—and a surprisingly good job has been made of the blcnding, for, with such old familiar friends as Professor Moriarty, Colonel Moran, Inspector Lcstradc, and Mrs. Hudson,

again in skilled and sustained association with. Holmes and his devoted medico, a rattling good mystery-thriller has accrued. The main development is born of “The Empty House," for the other story is only touched upon to introduce the sinister personality of Moriarty and to emphasise his term-y----ing menace. We sec how Ronald Adair, card cheat, is threatened, with exposure by the Moriarty gang if he will not convey to the Continent a number oi forged notes. Sherlock Holmes is called in, and, by a scries of amusing yet convincing deductions, recognises the hand of Moriarty, not only in the forged notes situation, out in the subsequent mysterious murder 'of Adair. Holmes lays an elaborate trap for the master criminal, who is finally caught and handed over to justice. "The Sleeping Cardinal" is supported by the celebrated Continental quartette, known throughout the world as the Aerial Four, in whirlwind acrobatics, who will present their amazing acts on the stage. They are now playing an extended season at the Empire theatre, Dunedin, and will appear at the Regent j:or a season of three nights, opening at the matinee on Wednesday at 2 p.m. KOSY THEATRE. TALKIE ADAPTATION OF CAPT. FRANK SHAW’S SUCCESSFUL NOVEL. An invigorating adaptation of Capt. Frank Shaw’s naval story, "The Call of the Sea," now at the Kosy theatre. Henry Edwards, star of the "Flag Lieutenant" series, once again dons naval uniform, and gives a delightful portrayal of Lieut. Good, R.N. Chrissie White, as the charming English wife of the villainous half-caste deputy-gover-nor, brings all her cultured English charm, which made her such a favourite in the "silent" days, to the talking screen, and Bernard Ncdcll, as the deputy-governor, adds another brilliant portrayal to his gallery of successes. The story deals with the mysterious happenings on Pablo Island, which prompt the naval authorities to send Lieut. Good to investigate. Ho suspects Torres, the deputy-governor, who is married to an old sweetheart of his, and it is not long before he discovers that Torres is secretly operating a platinum mine, in which ho holds prisoners two naval men whoso knowledge is indispensible. Good gains knowledge through a dancing girl in the employ of Torres and, by a ruse, is able to pass a message to his friends. At the appointed timo they, >and many other prisoners from the mine, make good their escape, one of their number taking the life of Torres, who is in the act of murdering Good. The result is a triumph for Good, whoso way is now clear to resume relations with his earlier lover. The settings and scenery are of the finest. Patrons are requested to note that there will be no pictures on Monday.