Palmerston Picture Programmes

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 250, 23 October 1935, Page 8

Palmerston Picture Programmes

THE REGENT “NELL. GWYN”—TO-DAY Beginning with good humour and rising to excellent dramatic heights in some ot the concluding sequences, “Nell Gwyn," British and Dominions Film version of the famous romance of Charles XI 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; he gives the study of a most kingly king. Indeed it is as fine a regal study as has been made. Ann Neagle has never befoi-e had a part like that of Nell. In this role she is an attractive little vulgarian, wholly natural, and wholly delightful. Considering her past performances, Miss Neagle’s "Nell Gwyn” shows her to bo 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 wins 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 the feature attraction at the Kosy Theatre to-day. It is entirely different from any other newspaper play, dealing with the 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. The story starts in the press room of a State penitentiary, where the 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 the girl is furious, believing her rival had double crossed her. He asks her to marry him, but sue refuses and determines to show him that she really is a good "newspaperman.” The two are assigned to a murder and alternate in scoring "beats” on each other until the final climax. Bette Davis plays the role of the newspaper woman . and George Brent is the reporter who is in love with her but who scorns her ability until she eventually beats him at his own game. Roscoe Karns plays a comedy role as

STATE THEATRE “ORCHIDS TO YOU” A brilliant cast, sparkling dialogue, and a remarkable story go to make up Fox Film’s latest production, "Orchids To You,” a powerful and unusual romantic drama with a theme completely out of the beaten track, which opens to-day at the State Theatre. “Orchids To You” is absorbing in its universal appeal—nothing highbrow, nothing psychological—just an honest, human document that will grip every spectator in the audience; yet it is lightened with plenty of natural comedy. The first film to glorify the American florist, “Orchids To You” deals with the financial and romantic troubles of a pretty florist, who, after building up a highly successful business of her own, finds herself In difficulties when her professional ethics prevent her from revealing the identity of a customer. The working out of the plot leads to a romance of a distinctive kind, as charming as it is unique, and certain to add vastly to the following of the principal players. John Boles, who has the j leading role, proves himself the most popular singing star of the screen to-day, by his grand performance. Jean Muir, distinctively fresh and charming, turns in the finest performance of her career; while Charles Butterworth’s inimitable comedy portrayal furnishes most of tho laughs in tho picture and is perfectly suited to the part he plays. "Orchids To You” was •produced for Fox Film by Robert T. Kane and directed by William A. Seiter, who has made success after success in recent years. Other favourites in the cast are Rutheima Stevens, Harvey Stephens and Arthur Lake.

“Love Me Forever’’—Midnight Premiere Friday Next, At 10.30 p.m.

Heralded as the greatest picture ever recorded in the history of the screen, Grace Moore’s new production, “Love Me Forever,” comes to the State Theatre on Friday next, commencing with a gala midnight premiere at 10.30 p.m. This mammoth attraction is at present smashing all attendance records throughoht New Zealand and is acclaimed far greater than “One Night of Love.” As anticipated the advance bookings already constitute a new record for the State, although the box plans have only been open for two days. The reserves are pouring in daily for the entire season. The management stresses the necessity of procuring early reservatioris in view of the fact that next week-end is a holiday and an influx of visitors to the city is bound to cause an additional demand for seats. Box plans for the entire season are now on view at tho theatre, ’phone 5599.

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 the time, had been convicted of the crime. Others in the large and talented cast include Walter Walker, J. Carroll Naish, Dorothy Dare. June Martel, Joseph Crehan. J. Farrell MacDonald, Addison Richards, Joseph King, Selmar Jackson, Mike Morita and George Renayent.