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Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 132, 7 June 1935, Page 12

STATE THEATRE GIGANTIC DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME LAST DAY ‘•WEST OF THE PECOS” In Iho lusty, rcd-bloodcd romantic type of story which he adorns, Richard pix, in liis latest RKO-Radio picture, “West of tlie Pecos,” has scored another triumph. “Pecos Smith,” whom Dix portrays, is reminiscent of his earlier creation, Yancey Cravat, in “Cimarron,” and the picture is packed with excitement, tense situations, hard riding, straight shooting* and all the other ingredients of tlie successful action picture. It is a heman story of tho winning of tho West, and it bears tho authenticity one has come to expect of a Zano Grey narrative. “Roadhouse.”

Spectacular scenes arc a feature of "Roadhouse.'’ Scores of beautifully gowned girls and their smartly-dressed partners dine and dance at tho “Angel Face.” Violet Loraino puts across a song number entitled “Ooh, What a Little Moonlight Can Do!” Composed by Harry Woods, writer of the song-and-danco numbers in "Evergreen,” which have found such tremendous popularity; the new song is rendered by Miss Lorain© and Geraido’s orchestra, tho whole crowd, of dancers finally taking up Iho chorus. It is a gay, lighthearted number, with a haunting little melody, and is certain of popularity. Two other song numbers in “Roadhouse” are "Looking For A Bit of Blue” and “Don’t You Cry When AVo Say Goodbye,” words ana music by Harry AVoods. “Things Are Looking Up.”

One of the most delightful and naturally amusing comedies that has ever come to tho screen is "Things Are Looking Up," the Gaumont-Brilish production coming to tho State Theatre to-morrow. A ripple of merriment runs right through "Things Arc Looking Up,” most of it supplied by the star Cicely Courtneidge, with tiie abundant support of Max Miller and William Cargan. Tho amusing story is amazing in its many complications which will be understood when it is realised that a circus rider, particularly capable in tho sawdust ring, takes school duty for her runaway sister, without knowing anything of the school curriculum. The music master, another ‘'deceiver,” comes to her rescue and between them things go merrily along. Cicely wins a tennis championship, and then to save her circus has to return to the ring and deputise for a lot of absentee artists. She succeeds in “scrambling” through that ordeal, under tiie eyes of the whole school who attend the circus to celebrate tiie tennis victory. Then conies the moment when Cicely is selected, in mistake for her sister, for the vacant post of headmistress of the school. How it all ends makes riotous fun. Here we have lively, wholesome entertainment at its very best, A crescendo of laughs accompany the unfolding of the amazing situations. A circus queen as a teacher Of higher mathematics. Tt does not matter whether Cicely Courtneidge is taking lessons, playing championship tennis, walking a slack wire, doing perilous things on the flying trapeze or singing tho theme song in the class room. It is all the same to her. She makes us laugh by llio genius of her artistry. 'The circus scenes and settings are authentic. A real circus was engaged for tho purpose—tho sawdust ring is an actual ring—and the realism of the scenes adds to tho attractiveness of tho picture. "Things Are Looking Up” is notable not only because Oi its general excellence but ffom tho fact that the versatility of Cicely Courtneidge has never been more convincingly demonstrated. She had tho advantage of receiving excellent support from a stu-’ig cast who join whole-heartedly in the unfolding of a richly humorous story, Albert do Courville directing with coiiip.ele understanding.