Palmerston Picture Programmes

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 72, 26 March 1936, Page 12

Palmerston Picture Programmes

REGENT THEATRE—NOW SHOWING GARY COOPER TRIUMPHS IN "PETERIBBETSON” ROHE With the filming of George Du Maurier’s immortal love masterpiece "Peter Ibbetson,” Paramount not only produced a cinematic achievement, but Gary Cooper, unquestionably the star of the piece, in name as well as in fact, accomplished something in the nature of a persosal triumph in his noteworthy characterisation of the title role. Cooper reveals himself possessed of talents that, until now, have had no chance or particular medium of expression. Just as in "Dives of a Bengal Dancer,” the lantern-jawed star was given an opportunity for an unforgettable portrayal, so again he measures up to the high standard created by predecessors in the stage and operatic versions of "Peter Ibbetson.” In his newest performance, Cooper surpasses anything he has yet done on the screen, bringing sympathy, rugged sincerity, and a tender honesty to the role of Du Maurier’s famous character. Cast as the tragic figure, the Duchess of Towers, Ann Harding also covers herself with glory in a difficult role. The blonde actress lends the proper touch of distinction and dignity, at the same time giving her part the aura of femininity and sense of old-fashioned romance it requires.- Miss Harding portrays the Duchess with an emotional depth that has charm as well as effectiveness, combining the ethereal moments with delicate realism. "Peter Jbbetson,” as a screen production, has captured the dream-like quality. that distinguished the novel, the play and the opera, but has added more than all three. With the added advantages of scope and range that the screen gives, the picture gains both as a fantasy and as a realistic work. Set in the romantic period of the early Victorian era, Diskie Moore and Virginia Weidler representing Cooper and Miss Harding, respectively, as children, are next door playmates in Paris. Their childhood friendship is cut short, but years later their paths cross again in a curious way. Pate throws the beloved "Mimsey” of his youthful days in his way as another’s wife. Scarcely has their romance begun to bud, and they have tasted their first happiness together, when the jealous husband threatens to shoot Cooper, and in the ensuing argument is himself accidentally killed. Cooper is subsequently sentenced to life in prison. From this point on, their lives become a dream phantasy in which each joins the other in a beautiful, unfailing love that covers the span of a lifetime, though prison walls are the physical, earthly barrier which separates them. Their moments together, in their dream world, are especially heart-stirring ones, tragic but skilfully blended with faith, tenderness and romance. The transition from the real to the dream realm is adeptly managed. Credit for this splendidly executed illusory conception goes to Henry Hathaway, director, whose fine hand combined these two mediums so expertly. KOSY THEATRE “SHE GETS HER MAN” The season's funniest comedy is now screening at the Kosy Theatre with the continuation of the engagement of "She Gets Her Man,” the hilarious Universal farce with Zasu Pitts and Hugh O’Connell in the leading roles. Miss Pitts occupies a position all her own as a comedienne and all theatre-goers are familiar with her fluttering hands and her sad humour. Hugh O'Connell is her new screen partner in this laughing sensation, and in “She Gets Her Man” are the centre of a swift succession of laughable situations. Imagine Miss Pitts as an accidental' heroine who unwittingly foils the robbery of a bank by gangsters, and who is promptly hailed as the "Bravest woman In the land.” Under the direction of an enthusiastic Press agent she embarks on

a lecture tour arousing the women of the country in a campaign against crime. But it is when she comes in actual contact with the entire gangster brotherhood of a great city that the fun becomes riotous, and the climax of the picture is as startling as it is humorous. Do not fail to set Zasu Pitts and Hugh O’Connell in "She Gets Her Man.” Helen Twelvetrees, Ducien Dittlefield, and many other popular players are also seen in important roles, and all have contributed their share toward the making of the greatest laughingsuccess in years. "The Payoff” (the second attraction), Warner Bros, latest newspaper drama, with a tri-star cast, including James Dunn, Claire Dodd and Patricia Ellis. The picture is entirely different from its predecessors in the newspaper field, centreing about the activities of an honest sports writer, his contact with the gambling fraternity, and his love affairs, which, incidentally, furnish a new twist to the triangular romance. The picture is based on the story by George Bricker, for many years a newspaper writer, and depicts all the thrills and glamour and excitement in tho work of a reporter who is constantly threatened by gamblers who try to bribe and intimidate him. James Dunn has the role of the sports writer. Claire Dodd is the selfish wife and Patricia Ellis a newspaper woman genuinely in love with him. Dunn is fired from his job when he ceases in his attack on the ace gambler, a part played by Alan Dinehart, and is practically down and out when Frankie Darro, as a jockey whom he had befriended tips him off to a frame-up in the big race of the season..