Palmerston Picture Programmes

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 11, 14 January 1936, Page 12

Palmerston Picture Programmes

.THE REGENT. “BROADWAY MELODY OF 1936.”So packed with entertainment is •“Broadway Melody of 1936” that it ai once registers a right to acclaim as the greatest extravaganza yet to be made by Hollywood. Stars, story, music, dancing, all are present in satisfying and often thrilling form, so splendidly elaborate is the picture and so skilfully is it fashioned There is glorious comedy, and the story takes dramatic turns which set it above the usual vehicle of its type. The plot is superbly woven amid the gorgeously spectacular specialities, and the many song hits all fall naturally out of the streaming action of the production. For players the cast has as one of its ton personalities the gifted Jack Benny, now lending to the screen the brilliant talents that have made him a star of stage and the outstanding genius or radio broadcasting. He handles a grand role perfectly, and he has the most ample and able support from noted performers like Una Merkel, who rings the bell as a wise-cracking secretary; Robert Taylor, a grand romantic male lead, and others. Eleanor Powell wins triple honours in the picture,’ for she is not only seen as the “world’s greatest feminine tap dancer,” but handles the ballerina demands finely, and in addition proves she is a tine dramatic actress. It is practically an all-star cast. Among other triumphant players in the cast are Sid Silvers, June Knight, Yilma and Buddy Ibseri, Dick Long junr., Frances Langford, Harry Stockwell, Robert Wildliack and a great many . more. The spectacles are done with unprecedented charm. Among the musical highlights are five great songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. The elaborate ballet by Albertina Rasch is one of the outstanding sequences in all musical pictures. The dances were staged by Dave Gould and add further glory to his record. Roy Del Ruth directed with that skill for which he is famous and this Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer picture boasts an all-round splendour in which he has a large share of credit. With John W. Considine junr. as the producer, “Broadway Melody of 1936” may be set down as good entertainment.

AT THE KOSY, “RED SALUTE.” If you’re in the movie market for a smart-paced, sparkling comedy, chock full of the season’s brightest dialogue and heartiest laughs, hie yourself down to the Ivosy theatre —but pronto! For upon its screen unreeled for the first time last night, "Red Salute,” starring Barbara Stanwyck, with Robert Young lending chief support, the latest offering of Edward Small and Harry M. Goetz, producers of Reliance Pictures ta whom we owe such varied and memorable cinema treats as “Palooka” and “1.

Count of Monte Cristo.” "Red Salute” gives Barbara her first opportunity to doff the familiar garments of tragedy as a pretty, modern co-ed, blessed with a quick tongue, a venturesome spirit and a rollicking sense of fun. From the moment when this head-strong maiden, Drue Van Allen, is tricked by her United States Army General father

into flying across the Mexican border to save her from harmful publicity arising from her association with a young campus agitator of a decidedly "pinkish” cast, the story moves swiftly from one thrilling and laugh-provoking adventure to another. In her efforts to ge back into Uncle Sam's territory, she involves not only a wise-cracking young Duck private on furlough, in the person of Air Young, but a hen-pecked husband (CY Edwards) and his pursuing wife (Ruth .Donnelly), the Border Patrol, and ever, the Federal authorities. Barbara proves herself an admirable • comedienne and Robert Young is splendid as the holidaying private who gets himsplf into the most unexpected jams because he’s such an obliging soul. The uke-strunnning Edward's and Ruth Donnelly make a grand new comedy team, and Hardie Albright as the agitator, Gordon Jones who made as auspicious debut in “Let ’Em Have It” and Paul Stanton also lend admirable support. Sidney Lanfleld directed “Red Salute” for release through United Artists, and hia skilful touch is evident in every scene. “Red Salute” is great entertainment, and as such, jve salute itl Saf