Palmerston Picture Programmes

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7472, 24 May 1934, Page 4

Palmerston Picture Programmes

REGENT THEATRE. FOX’S “ WADES OF GOLD." ‘Walls of Gold." the new Fox photoplay based on the novel of the same name by Kathleen Norris, which is now playing nightly a.t the Regent, proves itself easily the best of the Norris novels picturised for the screen. Sally Filers, Norman Foster and Ralph Morgan ha.ve the featured roles. The story of the picture deals with the problem of a young and beautiful girl who must choose between love and the comforts of wealth. From the searching pen of Mrs. Norris comes a. character that Sally Ellers plays to perfection. It gives her every opportunity to display her truly fine talents for dramatic depiction. Norman Foster, cast in the masculine lead opposite her again proves himself as worthy an he was in the role of her lover in ’'State Fair.” Ralph Morgan, in the part of a middle-aged romantic, with doubtful ethics and peculiar artistic tastes, is superb. The supporting programme is of the usual high standard. PALACE THEATRE. ” THE CROOKED LADY.” With a cast of English stage and screen favourites, and a strong story, "The Crooked Lady,” produced in England and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and which opened last night at the Palace Theatre, makes good screen Vfaro. The story opens with an heroic action in the war by Major Barton in saving the lives of Captain James Kent 'and. his batman, Slim Barrett, and, In doing so, loses bis own life. Kent and Barrett, on returning to England, cannot find employment, and join a gang of ’’crooks. Kent steals the jewels of a.n actress, but discovers she is the widow of Barton. The cast is exceedingly well chosen. Austen Trevor gives a virile performance as Kent, and Ursula Jeans is very charming as the girl, Joan Collinson. Other prominent roles are filled by George Graves, Isobel Etsom, Alexander Field and Moore Marriott. Also on the same programme is another of those screamingly funny Laurel and Hardy comedies entitled “Any Old Port.”

STATE THEATRE. " MAN OF TWO WORLDS." A new star and superb entertainment axe two contributions mado to the screen by "Man of Two Worlds, 1 ’ the current attraction at the State Theatre. .Francis Lederer, acting sensation of the European and Broadway stage, is presented in this KKO-Kadio production, which delighted a huge audience last night. Heralded as an artist with irresistible .charm and. amazing talent, Lederer more Uian lived up to all advance notices. Stellar honours are shared by Elissa Landi. who gives a strong and vivid, portrayal as the blonde siren of the story. Scientists invade the frozen North to snare specimens of animal life for the London Zoo. There they iind Lederer, in the role of Greenland's greatest hunter. During the expedition he conceives a strange and idealistic passion for the photograph of the leading scientist's daughter. The scientists return to London with Aigo. .Bewildered and enthralled by tlie amazing world of civilisation, Aigo begins lo forget his young native wife in an Infatuation for the cultured Mayfair belle. Then the spark which ignites an explosion of emotions ia accidentally struck, and the young hunter's dream world crashes about him. From that heart-stirring climax, events move swiftly to a logical and satisfying conclusion. J. Walter Ruben has captured the spirit of the drama ill remarkable fashion with his direction. The picture is based upon the now novel by Ainsworth Morgan. A finished production with tremendous appeal, "Man of Two Woi-lds,” is the type of picture destined to be popular with every class of audience. Excellent featurettes include a comedy starring Ruth Etting, who sings in her inimitable style, also Clark and McCullock comedy. Newsreels Flashes. KOSY THEATRE. ‘"PARACHUTE JUMPER,” A THRILING AIR COMEDY. An exceptional combination of star, director and author for the Warner Bros, uicture, "Parachute Jumper,” which is currently showing at the Kosy Theatre, lias resulted in a rare touch of humour, romance and thrills. Alfred E. Green directed the film, with Douglas Fairbanks, junr., playing ihe leading role. The two apparently work in perfect unison ■ to get the maximum amount of laughs and thrills from a production. The story is by Rian James. "Parachute Jumper” soars into spectacle as well as humour, with battles in the clouds, aeroplane chases and parachute leaps to provide the thrills. Nor has romance been forgotten, though given a light, and frothv touch, with Bette Davis in the role of a wisecracking typist who vamps her bosses as well as the bosses’ help. Others in the cast include Leo Carrillo, Frank McHugh, Claire Dodd, Sheila Terry, Harold Huber and Thomas E. Jackson. Supplementary subjects of a thoroughly ontertaining nature include a comedy. "The Idle Roamcr”; a travel talk, "Transportations Of The World"; a screen novelty, “Five Minutes From The Station”; also Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in "One Good Turn.”