Palmerston Picture Programmes

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 249, 22 October 1935, Page 5

Palmerston Picture Programmes

the REGENT

“NELL GYVYN”—TO-JIORROYV

Beginning with good humour and rising lo excellent dramatic heights in some of j the concluding sequences, “Nell Gwyn," British and Dominions Film version of the famous romance of Charles II and the Orange Girl of Drury Lane is an excellent blend both in order and proportion of the most appealing elements of screen entertainment. It is a costume film, refreshingly different from many productions of the past, in that there is no attempt at satire. The picture is a straightforward narrative, without unnecessary digression or unjustified innuedo: There have been quite a number of period films lately but no one could say that “Nell Gwyn” is a mere exploitation of a craze. It carries with it its own justification and should be regarded in a class by itself, far removed from any other productions which have distorted rather than represented actual history. Sir Cedric’s study of Charles II is restrained and wholly convincing; lie gives tho study of a most kingly king. Indeed, it is as fino a regal study as lias been made. Ann Neagle lias never before bad a part like that of Neil. In this role she is an attractive litlle vulgarian, wholly natural, and wholly delightful. Considering her past performances, Miss Neagle’s “Nell Gwyn” shows her to be one of the most versatile actresses on the English screen to-day. The story is, in the main, that of a long battle between Nell and the King’s favourite, the Duchess of Portsmouth, beginning with the meeting of Nell and Charles at the Drury Lane playhouse. Nell wlns*every round, however, as the Duchess is apparently too slow to retaliate.

KOSY THEATRE BETTE DAVIS, IN THRILLING DRAMA “Front Page Woman,” one of the most realistic and exciting of any newspaper screen drama with Bette Davis and George Brent in the stellar roles, will be Ihe feature attraction at the Kosy Theatre to-morrow. It is entirely different from any other newspaper play, dealing with tho bitter rivalry of two star reporters, a man and a woman on opposition papers, who are really in love with each other, but do their best to “scoop” each other. Tho story starts in tho press room of a State penitentiary, where tho girl reporter faints before she is able • to file her story. To save her he files his own story to' her office with a note to have it rewritten. But the note is overlooked and the same story appears in the rival newspapers. Both are in the "dog house” and tho girl Is furious, believing her rival had double crossed her. He asks her to marry him, but sr.e refuses and determines to show him that she really is a good "newspaperman.” The two are as-

signed to a murder and alternate in scoring "beat!” on each other until the final climax. Bette Davis plays the role of tho newspaper woman and George Brent Is the reporter who is m love with her but who scorns her ability until she eventually beats him at his own game. Roscoe Karns plays a comedy role as Brent's photographer, while Winifred Shaw has the part of a Broadway stroller who finally confesses to slaying a wealthy playboy after Gordon Westcott, who was with her at tho time, had been convicted of the crime. Others in the large and talented cast include Walter Walker, J. Carroll Naisli, Dorothy Dare. June Martel, Joseph Crelian. J. Farrell MacDonald, Addison Richards, Joseph King, Selmar Jackson, Mike Morita and George Ken?' vent.