Palmerston Picture Programmes

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 236, 6 October 1936, Page 12

Palmerston Picture Programmes

REGENT THEATRE—TO-MORROW

“THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL” Spectacular period romantic drama of adventures, brilliantly adapted from Baroness Orczy’s widely-read story, the j outstanding- feature ot which is the magnificent acting of Leslie Howard. lie invests the splendid entertainment with' quality without diminishing general ap-, peal, and is aided in his task by Merle Oberon, who has never done better work, | as well as by imaginative direction. Every department of the picture measures up to the high standard expected of London film productions; it has a little of c everything, including an attractive title and immense feminine appeal. Leslie! Howard surpasses himself as Sir Percy Blakeney, his performance—a subtle combination of the romantic, the fatuous, and the adventurous —is a supreme delight. Merle Oberon is a revelation as Lady Blakeney; she has charm and unbounded talent, while Raymond Massey is excellent as Chauvelin. It is impossible to name the many supporting players individually, but it will suffice to say that perfect types are represented throughout. This film demonstrates beyond a shadow of doubt that the success of “Henry VIII” was no fluke, for Alexander Korda, the production supervisor, has shown once again by his artistic, graceful, yet showmanlike handling of Baroness Orczy’s story, and his appreciation of Leslie Howard’s great acting ability', how to effect a cunning compromise between the high and the low brow. The dramatic situations are neatly turned by clever comedy, the spirit of adventure and romance are smoothly preserved, the staging is superb. The script is well nigh perfect, for there is commendable economy of dialoguo without injury to story continuity. The film in its entirety unquestionably represents entertainment of character and quality,! wedded to universal appeal. |

KOSY THEATRE—WEDNESDAY. THRILLS IN “ROAMING LADY.” An ingratiating romance, frariied in a setting of spectacular thrills and exciting adventures, shows Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Kosy. Tho new film is called "Roaming Lady,” ti screen adaption of tho popular story by Diana Bourbon and Bruce Manning, recently published in a national magazine. Fay Wray and Ralph Bellamy have the stellar roles, Fay as a madcap heiress and Bellamy as the aviator who is the object of her affections. When Fay’s father discovers that his daughter is determined to marry the devil-may-care aviator, ho arranges to have Bellamy shipped to China to fly for one of the companies he controls. Fay stows away aboard the same ship. En route, tho treacherous Chinese crew overpowers the captain and officers and forces them to deliver the ship and its contents into the hands of a rebel leader. Bellamy is forced to fly for the outlaws who threaten death to the girl unless ho obeys their orders. After a series of thrilling adventures, Fay escapes from the outlaws and a thrilling chase ensues. Bellamy, seeing her plight, takes to the air and with machine gun and bombs wrecks tho pursuing armoured cars. The suspense and thrills are sustained at a terrific tempo, relenting now and then for a well-timed laugh. Particularly exciting are the spectacular battle scenes wherein hordes of Chinese banditrebels are attacked from the air by a fleet of ’planes diving meteor-like and spraying machine-gun bullets ■ The climactic escape, by armoured car and ’plane, Is certainly one of the most exciting and action-filled sertuences ever filmed. Botli Wray and Bellamy register outstanding performances in their respective roles. They are ably supported, too, by such veteran actors as Edward Gargart, Thurston Hall, Paul Guilfoyle, Roger Imhoff and Arthur Rankin. The production was directed with a sure appreciation of dramatic values and thrilling romance by Albert S. Rogell, from a script prepared by Earlo Snell and Fred Niblo Jnr. “Broken Dreams,” Associate Feature. Human interest—the kind that gets right under your skin and clutches at the heart—is tho keynote of tho Monogram production, “Broken Dreams,” which commences its season at the Kosy Theatro to-morrow. Olga Printzlau’s simple story of real life lias been skilfully dramatised for tho screen with a sympathetic understanding that makes a powerful appeal to the emotions. Directed with keen understanding by Robert Vignola, and enacted by players of genuine ability, “Broken Dreams” supplies entertainment of a type that every member of the family can enjoy. Paternal love is the theme of the story, and the three figures vitally concerned in its tinfoidment are Robert Morley, a successful young physician; Martha, his well-mean-ing but selfish young wife; and Billy, the child of Morley’s former marriage. Billy’s mother had died at his birth, and, as a result, his heart-broken father hated the infant she had borne. Kind-hearted relatives of' the mother—Pop and Mom Miller—rear the boy, and he is six years old before his father ever makes his ac-

STATE THEATRE

"THE CRIME OP DR. FORBES' 1 Based on an original screen play by Prances Hyland and Saul Elkins, "The Crime of Dr. Forbes,” Pox picture, which screens for tho last time to-day at the State Theatre, features Gloria Stuart, Robert Kent, Henry Armetta and J. Edward Bromberg. The film is ono of the most sensational screen entertainments ever produced, featuring taut drama and an unusual lovo story as Its highlights. The climax, startling and surprising, will bafflo tho most astute mystery-solver. "Love Before Breakfast.” | Carol© Lombard will be seen at the State Theatre to-morrow in Universal’s brilliant sophisticated comedy, “Love Before Breakfast,” which reveals her as a modern young lady who demands tho right to her own opinions, even when they include the desire to marry two young men. The fun begins when one of her suitors gives her a black eye accidentally. Prom that point, every time he tries to win her favour, he does something else which stirs her wrath more. Her spoken lines snap like a whip, crackling like static in a lightning storm. Tho smart dialogue in “Lovo Before Breakfast” grows naturally from the humorous situations. The climax of the laughs is heightened by the happenings during a storm at sea. Carole is "she who gets slapped”—when several life-sized waves smack her into the middle of next week. If you have laughs, prepare to shed them now. Special note to tho ladies: “Wait until you see the gorgeous new fashions Carole Lombard wears! "Under Two Flags.” Tills 20th Century sensation which was postponed, will definitely be screened on Saturday next. Patrons are advised that t the box plan for the season is now open at Rosco’s and th© theatre and that all 'phone reservations must b© claimed by noon on tho Saturday, tho day of screening.

MAYFAIR THEATRE.

FINALLY TO-NIGHT. “PUBLIC ENEMY’S WIFE.’’ Exposing tho woman’s sido of tho underworld treachery, "Public Enemy’s Wife’’ will be given its final presentations at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. Its story is as timely as the headlines in the daily newspapers. Pat O’Brien, Margaret Lindsay and Robert Armstrong have the leading roles. Many thrilling incidents are depicted when G-men in pursuit of a criminal band of society breakers match their wit and daring. Pat O’Brien plays ’the featured role of the ace G-man and is ably supported by Robert Armstrong. Miss Lindsay lias the title role as the beautiful and cultured woman who falls for tho suavity of the handsome Cesar Romero, public enemy, who is apprehended for a crime which involves his wife. To evade her ex-husband who determined to prevent her marriage to a rich play-boy, Hick Foran. in fear of tho gang’s activities being exposed, a thrilling battle of wits as well as guns between the G-Men and his gang bring about a smashing climax in which a killer is eliminated. An interesting selection of shorter pictures, including tho latest news service, completes an entertaining programme. Exciting mystery and satirical comedy are combined in the Mayfair’s initial double featured programme for Wednesday. Both pictures are the product of the famous Paramount studios. In “Soak the Rich,” a new comedy written and produced by Hecht and McArthur, is unquestionably one of the most appealing and entertaining pictures produced by this famous team, which reveals a charming love story and a satirical tirade against to-day’s social and economic unrest. Walter Connolly heads the list of players. An octet of stars, headed by such favourites as Reginald Denny, Gail Patrick, Rod La Roque and Frances Drake, have the featured parts in the second film, “The Pre-view Murder Mystery,” which has for its background a modern sound studio.

ciuaintance. It would be unfair here to disclose just bow paternal affection is awakened in Moriey, and how Billy eventually gets into the good graces of his fashionable stepmother, but it makes a superlatively good screen story, and one that will live in memory for a long time. Randolph Scott, leading man- with real personality, plays Robert Moriey, and charming Martha Sleeper enacts the role of his wife. Billy is portrayed by Buster Phelps, who makes him just what he should bo, a real boy. This lovable little chap will steal many hearts. Joseph Cawthorne and Beryl Mercer score ts Pop and Mom Miller, and others in the cast deserving mention are Charlotte Merriam. Sydney Bracey, Adelc St. Maur, Phyllis Lee, Bradley Page, Finis Barton, Edward LeSaint, and Sam Flint. “Broken Dreams” represents one of the first of the new Monogram pictures to be released '.throughout Australasia and New Zealand, land such is of special interest to local pic*turo patrons.