Palmerston Picture Programmes

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 73, 27 March 1936, Page 12

Palmerston Picture Programmes

REGENT THEATRE—TO-MORROW JOAN CRAWFORD SEEN IN “I LIVE MY LIFE" Joan Crawford and W. S. Van Dyke, the star and director who collaborated with such success to make "Forsaking All Others," are united again in M.G.M.’s new vehicle for the glamorous actress, "I Live My Life,” Brian Aherne, the English actor who played opposite Helen Hayes in "What Every Woman Knows,” is Joan Crawford's leading man in the virile role of a hard-boiled archaeologist who falls in love with a society girl. Frank Morgan appears as Joan Crawford's father in a role similar to the one he played in "Naughty Marietta.” Aline MacMahon, the "Brooklyn Duse,” is prominently cast in the humorous part of the “other girl.” Eric Blore, the eccentric waiter of "Gay Divorcee," is the omni-present butler in the new picture. Fred Keating, the Broadway star, plays the archaeologist’s rival. Also in the giant cast line-up are Jessie Ralph, Arthur Treacher, Hedda Hopper, Frank Conroy, Etienne Girardot, Edward Brophy, Sterling Holloway and others of like status. The picture is based on A. Carter Goodloe's prize-winning short story, "Claustrophobia,” and deals with the romance of a sophisticated debutante and a harny-handed archaeologist. Tho drama hinges on his efforts to live a skyscraper life in New York in order, to bo near the girl he loves, and its eventual effect upon him. The locale of tho picture shifts between the exotic Greek island of Naxos, where the lovers meet, New York City and a Connecticut estate. Lavish settings are up to tho recognised standard of Art Director Cedric Gibbons and his associate, E. B. Willis. Many of these are exteriors constructed high above the glittering shores of Catalina Island, to which the company journeyed on location. Adrian designed more than a dozen striking new ensembles, worn as only Joan Crawford could wear them. KOSY THEATRE—TO-MORROW "GENTLEMEN OF THE NAVY” A dramatically human, pictorial document of the training, hopes, ambitions and problems that confront that fortunate group of American youth admitted withih the hallowed, historical walls of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis comes to the screen in Paramount’s "Gentlemen of the Navy,” a poignant, realistic drama of life in the great Naval institution. Filmed with the co-opera-tion of Uncle Sam’s officials both of the Federal Government and at the Academy, "Gentlemen of the Navy” stands as an impressive record of the tradition, courage, loyalty and character moulding of the young men who find themselves eligible to attend this institution of learning. An absorbing story has been incorporated into the film which uses the daily routine life of the midshipmen as a background to the central theme. Sir Guy Standing, a retired naval officer with bachelor quarters on the school’s grounds, lives in the memories of the days he commanded the Congress at Manila Bay, at the same time watching with critical interest the arrival of the new recruits. Two middies, Richard Cromwell and Tom Brown, find themselves room-mates on their entranpe to the school. . The boys, exact opposites, are constantly antagonistic to each other. Cromwell is a high-minded, sensitive boy of a wealthy family, imbued with the

spirit for which the academy stands, while Brown, younger . brother of an upper-classman, is a cocky, self-assured, confident young fellow, out to get an education at the expense of Uncle Sam in order to capitalise on his advantages after graduation. Inherently he has fine qualities which characterise all naval men. After many interesting and amusing sequences behind the scenes showing the rigorous schedule to which every midshipman is subjected, from the moment reveille is sounded early in the morning until taps is heard at bedtime, and .authentic picture of a middle’s life at study, work and play. The most thrilling, impressive climax to the entire picture comes when the plebes are put on gun fire practice, their target being Sir Guy's ship, the Congress. Like a true officer of the sea, Sir Guy determines to go down with his ship in a touching, momentous, inspired performance.

STATE THEATRE LILY PONS, FAMOUS SINGER, TO MAKE HER DEBUT TO-MORROW A great new gift in the divine voice and enchanting personality of Lily Pons is brought to screen audiences in "I Dream Too Much,” history making picture which opens to-morrow at the State Theatre. The famous diva, as petite and lovely as she is renowned, scores a veritable triumph in her first motion picture. Not only does she sing gloriously but she demonstrates striking talents as an actress, and the vivacious, vital charm of her personality registers perfectly from the screen. In “I Dream Too Much,” RKORadio chose an ideal vehicle for the introduction of the distinguished star. The story of a little French girl who is swept to unwanted fame by her matchless voice to face the loss of the martial happiness she prizes above everything, is replete with tender gaiety and human interest. Not only does it afford a logical basis for introducing the superb singing gifts of Miss Pons, but it also provides ample opportunities for the exercise of her talents as a Thespian. Miss Pons ■ sings two grand opera arias, the "Caro Nome” from Verdi’s “Rigoletto” and "The Bell Song” from Delibes’ "Laknie,” in addition to four original popular melodies composed by Jerome Kern, "Jockey on the Carrousel,” "I Got Love,” "I’m the Echo” and “I Dream Too Much.” Into this wide variety of vocal offerings, she pours all of the genius that has brought her worldwide recognition perhaps the greatest coloratura soprano of all time. ' Henry Fonda adds new laurels to those which have made him in just two previous performances. A rare sincerity characterises the work of this splendid young actor who himself stands on the threshold of full stardom. Osgood Perkins, as an impressario who is not a villain, Eric Blore in a sparkling comedy role, Lucien Littlefield, Esther Dale, Lucille Ball, Poui Porcasl and others contribute eyectlvo supporting performances. John Cromwell's direction brings out the full human flavour of the drama and is marked by deft, masterful touches. Never is the absorbing story interest allowed to lag. A village in the south of France, Paris and London are the locales of the original story by Elsie Finn and David G. Wlttels, which Edmund North and James Gow adapted in screen play form. Pandro >S. Berman produced the picture, which belongs to the top of the “must see” list of every discriminating film patron.