PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7070, 1 February 1933, Page 10

PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

PALACE THEATRE MODERN THEME BRILLIANTLY PRESENTED IN “FAITHLESS” In “Faithless,” which opens this afternoon at the Palace theatre, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presents a drama with a modern theme. Presents it brilliantly, forcefully and convincingly. It is the drama of a new type of ‘ 1 the poor,” the offspring of wealth toppled suddenly from their guilded thrones and compelled to struggle against a poverty to which life has not accustomed them. Tallula aßnkhead and Robert Montgomery are co-starred. It is their first appearance together, and a happy one, for through the lighter moments and the pathos of the play their bright personalities Si.me forth with a polished gloss. Miss Bankhead gives a performance that will touca yon to the quick with sympathy for the pampered daughter of wealth wno, through no fault except an extravagance on which she had been nurtured from childhood, finds herself in a whirlpool of misfortune against whose currents she is not strong enough to swim. Robert Montgomery is a young man on whom life has not showered so many jmaterial blessings. But ho cares enough to sharo her burden with her, and though their love for each other is never for a moment doubted, they are carried relentlessly downstream together. The programme includes an “Our Gang” comedy, entitled “The Pooch,” a Metrotone Newes, and a subject of special interest to angling enthusisasts. This latter, “Sharks and Swordfish,” depicts the monsters of the deep, and is an item of Pete Smith’s marvellous “Fisherman’s Paradise” series. KOSY THEATRE “THE DARK HORSE” IS SPARKLING COMEDY ON POLITICAL OPERATIONS The first of the Presidential year political films to reach the local screen, “The Dark Horse,” which commences at the Kosy theatre to-day, also has the distinction of being one of the finest comedy dramas since the advent of talking pictures. As a contribution to the excitement of the election period, “The Dark Horse” carries a certain satirical message, but it is really fast and frolicsome entertainment that will give everyone who is casting their first vote a splendid evening of laughs. Through a comedy of errors a dumbell gets the nomination for governor. It then becomes a real job to elect him and, for this purpose, a high powered promoter (Warren William) is rescued from the alimony prison. With the entrance upon the scene of William the story moves rapidly, with comedy and melodrama mixed in liberal portions. In tolling the story Director Green has done excellently well, but he had able assistance from one of tho best balanced casts seen in months. Warren William, who topped a year of fine performance with a tremendous piece of acting in “Tho Mouthpiece,” again turns in a splendid performance. Betto Davis, who has tho lead opposite to him, gives one of the best cliaraeteris ations any young woman lias shown in Hollywood this year. A .full programme of entertaining featurettes has been

secured for tlio programme and includes a Fox News reel, “Adventures in Africa," and a novelty, “Angel Cake. ’ ’

REGENT THEATRE

RONALD COLMAN IN SMITH" "ARROW-

With its striking story of a kind that' reaches tho screen only too rarely, “ Arrowsmith,” the new United Artists’ film, starring Ronald Oolman, created a deep impression at tho Regent theatre last evening. “ Arrow'smith” is a skilful adaptation by Sidney Howard of the remarkable novel, “Martin Arrowsmith,” one of the best w'orks that Sinclair Lewis, one of the best living novelists, has written. It is a story which, as it reaches the screen, has almost every element that turns a fine picture into a successrui one. Everything that is appreciated most by the audience finds a place in the action at some point or another. Tho early years of Martin’s career as a medical student , his marriage to the nurse, Lcora Tozer, their life together in the country, and later in New York, their joys and sorrows, Martin’s burning passion for bacteriological researen, his love for Leora, which is more than equalled by her self-sacrifice for him, aro all things which are presented in a way that can hardly bo over praised. The last section of the film which is both tragic and inspiring, begins with Martin’s journey with his wife and tlie boisterous Sondelium to the plague-in-fested Indies, -where Martin proves his serum, but loses both his wife and companion. Adulation rings false in his ears when he returns to New York, and ho breaks from the scientific foundation which has employed him. A striking last scene shows him turning his back on pnconscious worthlessness and striding toward the honesty and value of research work to come. Ronald Colmau, as Martin, gives a remark-

ably fine performance. Tho sincerity and quiet strength of his acting, the delicious flavour he gives to the quiet humour in the early part of the film, and his fine artistry, at more solemn times, give “Arrowsmith” a quality that is not often surpassed. Tho part of Sondelius is played in admirable fashion by Richard Bennett, and that of Professor Max Gottlieb, the inspiration behind Martin, no less superbly, by A. E. Anson. Among the featurettes supporting “ Arro-wsniith ” aro an interesting super-sound Gazette, a new Micky Mouse cartoon, entitled “The Picnic,” and a Universal Special Film dealing -with incidents in connection with Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s trans-Tasman flight.

Personal Appearance of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith at The Regent.

On Monday evening next, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith will make a personal appearance on the stage of the Regent theatre in conjunction with the epic aviation film, “Air Mail,” which commences its season this Saturday at 11 p.m. Incidentally, “Air Mail” is the picture 'which the famous aviator brought with him across the Tasman Sea on his recent memorable flight. During his appearance on the stage Sir Charles will entertain thoso present with a recital of the “highlights” of his wonderful trans-Tasman flight, and a lecturette dealing with his numerous amazing flying experiences, at is recommended that intending patrons reserve early for the night of “Smithy’s” personal appearance, and the other nights during which “Air Mail” will be screened. Plans for the entire season are now available at the Central Booking Office, ’phone 7175.