PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7240, 21 August 1933, Page 3

PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

PALACE THEATRE. CLAUDE ALISTEB IN “DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.” Two polished gentlemen —one English, the other Drench—and their hectic exploits in extracting jewels from wealthy people, formed the basis of an excellent film, “Diamond Cut Diamond,” which opened on Saturday at tho Palace Theatre. The story is pure-| ly one of two theories, but the methods used in the cotirso of their “business makes the picture different from others of the criminal type. Those acquainted with the acting of Claude Allister, the popular English artist, and Adolphe Menjou will appreciate the sparkling humour which those two can put into a picture. Both play the parts of the idle rich, and the cleverness with which they go about their work, and their downright calm and suavity in handling exceedingly dangerous situations arc highly amusing. Claude Allistor’s popularity with women is indirectly a cause of much merriment. Bemta Hume has. tho role of the woman who beat both men at their own game, and her finished acting, together with the other two, is highly commendable. Tho picture is preceded by some entertaining short films, which include a comedy; a Slip the Prog cartoon, “The Room R un ' ners”; the latest of the New Zealand Soundseencs Gazettes, and a Metrotono English News. regent theatre. KATHARINE HEPBURN FEATURED IN '' CHRISTOPHER STRONG. ’ ’ Superlatives have been used so frequently in descriptions of outstanding film productions, that when onc across as remarkable a story as Gilbert Frankau’s “Christopher Strong,’ one is rather at a loss to find suitable expressions that will definitely announce that the film is so very much above the usual standard. ; This new R.K.O. releaso had its local premiere at the Recent Theatre on Saturday, when it held audiences enthralled during every moment of its screening. For one thing, the story is so very human find so very t ,rue. Secondly, the cast assembled for the picture is, without doubt, one or the most brilliant and perfectly balanced ones ever featured in any one film. The story is a variation of tne eternal triangle, with several, ono might say, sub-plots, all of which have a very definite bearing on tho mam theme. To tell it all would spoil a never-to-be-forgotten entertainment. Heading tho cast is that remarkable young actress, Katharine Hepburn, who will bo remembered for her great work in “Bill of Divorcement.” Miss Hepburn, who plays the role of an English girl, who has a passion for aviation, and loses her heart to a supposedly married man, is the personification of the part. So convincing is her acting that one lives every moment of her somewhat^

unusual existence with her. Whether in gay or in sombre mood, she is a pastmistress of her art. Equally vivid and convincing performances are given by Colin Clive, in the title role; Helen Chandler, Ralph Forbes, Billio Burke, aud Irene Browne. There is an excellent supporting bill, which includes comedy entitled “Tho Gay Nighties”; a cartoon, “Happy Hoboes”; a film fable, “The Wild Goose Chase,” and other entertaining Items. KOSY THEATRE. MENJOU SLEUTH IN “THE CIRCUS QUEEN MURDER.” The most modern developments in detective technique add a freshness to the ■realism of “Tho Circus Queen Murder,” which is now showing at the Kosy Theatre, and in which Columbia again presents Adolphe Menjou in tho role of Thatcher Colt, detective extraordinary. The story is an adaptation of tho mystery novel by Anthony Abbot, the second of his stories to bo brought to the screen. “Tho Night Club Lady,” which also featured Menjou in the leading role, was the first. No strong-arm, third-degree methods arc employed by Menjou in determining the murder of the circus queen, stricken beforo the very eyes of thousands of horrified spectators as she goes through her act high up near tho roof of the “big top.” Murder, committed “as advertised and on schedule.” A sure-enough puzzler for even the resourceful Colt. Colt and his charming young girl assistant, Kelly, find the solution of the crime by their lip-reading ability which is the only thing that gets the pair of them oat of a mighty tight fix. Kelly is portrayed by Kuthelma Stevens, who played the same character in “Night Club Lady.” Greta Nissen plays the role of the circus queen, who meets her untimely end on Friday, the 13th. Tim McCoy in “Silent Men” is the second feature with chapter ten of. “The Lost Special” included as a support.