Palmerston Picture Programmes

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 38, 15 February 1937, Page 12

Palmerston Picture Programmes

REGENT THEATRE TO-DAY “THE GARDEN OF ALLAH” A glorious feast of colour and romance is David O. .Selznlck’s * technicolour production of the immortal Robert Hichens' love story of the desert, “The Garden of Allah,’* with Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer in the stellar roles. Words cannot describe the beauty for effectiveness of this second independent production of tho young producer who last season so auspiciously inaugurated Selznick International Pictures with tho charming “Little Lord Fauntleroy.” Inspired is a much-abused word, but in aptly applied to Mr. Selznlck’s choice lirst of a story that would lend itself perfectly to the magic of technicolour and second to a brace of stars who could bring that story to a living, throbbing life on the screen. You cannot possibly have tho remotest idea of how truly beautiful Marlene Dietrich really is until you see tho glory of her golden hair and blue eyes and perfect complexion revealed in colour and it also enhances the swarthy good looks of Boyer. Marlene is perfectly cast as the lovely Domini Enfilden who goes to BeniMora, tlio parish of the kindly Father Roubier in the Algerian desert to find a new life and falls madly in love with the strange, brooding, mysterious Boris Androvsky, who, unknown to her, is actually a Trappist monk who has fled from the monastery after taking the eternal vows; and Boyer gives a brilliant and deeply understanding portrayal of the terrible conflict In the soul of a. man who is torn between his love for a woman and ills duty to God. The glorious but illstarred romance that flowers under the magic spell of the desert between this man and woman from widely separated worlds provides one of the most thrilling love stories that has ever come to the screen. The soft colours of the genuine desert background adapt themselves perfectly to colour and offer a striking contrast to the vivid scenes in the Algerian bazaar and tho cafe of the Ouled Mail dancing girls. Basil Rathbone plays the Italian nobleman, Cpunt Anteoni; O. Aubrey Smith i s soon as Father Roubier; Tilly Losch, internationally famous dancer, makes her film debut as Irena, the fiery Arabian dancing girl; Joseph Schildkraut plays Batouch; and all are superb.

KOSY THEATRE—TO-DAY “ESCAPE FROM DEVIL’S ISLAND” The harrowing drama of Devil’s Island springs to vivid life again on the sliver screen in Columbia’s “Escape From Devil’s Island,” a lusty and stirring picturisatlon of the infamous French penal colony, now showing at tho Kosy Theatre. Notably important about the new film’s remarkable success la the adroit combin-i ation of a powerful and gripping story, from tho pen of Fred D e Gresac, Intelligent direction by Albert Rogell and an authentic and colourful atmospheric production. All of which serves to enhance and. emphasise the skilful performances registered by Victor Jory, Florence Rice, Norman Foster and Stanley Andrews In the leading featured roles. Opening with gay Paris scenes, continuing with inside glimpses of international spies and their clever machinations, tho action shifts to the dreaded prisoners' island off the coast of South America. There Victor Jory and Florence Rice, established close to tho prison jungle, conspire to effect the escape of her father, Stanley Andrews, und of a convict who has beIriended him, played by Norman Foster. Witli many breatn-taking moments, the film moves swiftly to a heart-gripping climax, cleverly contrived and convincingly executed. Underlying the main theme of the horrors of tills tropical hellhole is a sincere und tender romance between young Foster and tho lovely Miss Rico. Victor Jory is excellent as the hard and ruthless adventurer. Norman Foster’s sincerity as the sensitive lad falsely imprisoned highlights his flawless performance. Florence Rice rises admirably to the occasion of ner first important dramatic opportunity as tho girl torn between her lovo for the two men. Andrews’ portrayai of the kindly old man who willingly dies that the others might live is ono of heart-warming poignancy. “Escape From Devil’s Island” is stirring entertainment, worthy of the fine efforts of its fino cast. Earle Snell and Fred Nlblo, junr., wrote the screen adaptation. “Lawless Riders.” Once again Ken Maynard, stalwart western star, leaps Into the saddle of his favourite mount and rides into blazing adventure, trucking down masked plunderers of the range in “Lawless Riders,” Columbia’s fast moving drama of the West, which is now at the Kosy Theatre.

STATE THEATRE—TO-DAY “UNDER YOUR SPELL” All classical music is not good and all swing music not bad, according to Lawrence Tibbett, who sings both types in his latest Twentieth Century-Fox special I “Under Your Spell.” showing at the State to-day. “The only way to judge singers and songs is to judge if they do well the job they set out to perform,” says Tibbett. “There are singers of classical songs who have no prestige who leave their audiences absolutely cold. A 1 Jolson singing ’Sonny Boy’ is more truly a real artist than these near-greats ever have been. ’ In listing his musical favourites, the famous baritone says that dusky Bill Robinson, the tan dancer, and Toscanini, tho Italian conductor, have the best senses of rhythm. A strange combination, but Tibbett, who should know, insists that this Is true. In “Under Your Spell” Lawrence Tibbett has the chance to do something himself with rhythm music when he sings the songs composed for him by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, hit composers of many a Broadway musical comedy. Wendy Barrie, Gregory Ratoff and Arthur Treacher ar featured In the famous baritone’s supporting cast. Darryl F. Zanuck selected Otto Ludwig Preminger to direct with John Stone as associate producer. Frances Hyland and Saul Elkins wrote the screen play based on stories by Bernice Mason and Sy Bartlett. MAYFAIR THEATRE—TO-DAY “THE MAGNIFICENT BRUTE” Victor McLuglen, winner of the last Academy award for his outstanding performance, is the star of Universal’s “The Magnificent Brute,” which shows at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. The screen story relates the adventures of a great big fellow, attractive to women, who Is a fool for blondes. He is a giant of a m.'yi who turns out steel for a living and lets the girl he loves steal away his judgment. Then he reaches tho point where he is torn between two blondes. He must choose between a comely widow and a gay young eutie with plenty of meaning in her glances. He is a hard guy, but soft on dames. The solution of his dilemma provides an intense climax for the offering. Binnie Barnes Is ravishing as tho girl who leads him a merry chase. The glamorous widow is portrayed by Jean Dixon. Between them both Victor McLaglen is kept very busy. William Hall, tall and handsome, is seen as tho menace. Henry Armetta contributes his humorous interpretation to the picture. Others In tho cast are Billy Burrud and Edward Norris. "The Magnificent Brute” presents situations never before filmed. The tremendous sweep and power of men making steel In settings that glow and flame is impressed with unusual photography. Bursting showers of gleaming sparks illuminate many of the scenes with brilliant splendour. “The Magnificent Brute” is a “must see” picture—a fascinating revelation of manhandling you cannot afford to miss.

“Lawless Riders” presents the king of the cowboys as a roving adventurer who makes the western town of Fanlana his headquarters when he meets tho banker’s daughter, played by Geneva Mitchell. Terrifying the region with raids, holdups and attacks is a gang of bandits, led by Harry Woods, who poses as a cattle-

man. Miss Mitchell Is the first to suspect tho villain’s duplicity, but it is Ma.ynurd who single-handedly interferes with, a bank hold-up. Accused of this and other crimes, tho web of circumstantial evidence keeps Maynard In gaol while the girl ho loves becomes the prey of the bandit leader. But Maynard's horse and Wally Wales, seel) as Maynard’s pal, do their part and. Maynard breaks out of prison in time to save Miss Mltcrell. He engages in a gripping fight-to-t.hfc-finish

with the treacherous Woods as a. sheriff's posse is ambushed by the villainous crew. Once again the horse outwits his pursuers and leads a rescue party Into tho hidden valley where his master is waging a valiant struggle against desperate odds. Nate Gatzert, who has collaborated with Maynard on many of his most successful pictures, wrote th-e original story and screen play of “Lawless Riders.” Spencer Gordon Bennett directed Seen In support of Maynard, Miss Mitchell and Woods are Frank Yaconelll, Wally Wales, Slim Whitaker. Frank Ellis ,and Jack Rockwell.