ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 11, 10 December 1926, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

DE LUXE. DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME. The double feature programme running at tho Do Luxe Theatre concludes this evening. “Moro Pay—Less Work” is the film production of Peter B. Kyne’s story and is a fast-moving comedy-drama that ends in a riot of roars. It is centred around his famous Gappy Ricks and everyone will welcome tho return to the screen of this cantankerous but likable shipping man and of his associates. A merger of Gappy Ricks’ Blue Star line with that of J3ad Hinchfield’s Banner Navigation Company haa been arranged to end a business rivalry of years. Hinchfield has modern ships but antiquated methods. Cappy’s ships are old, but his methods up to date, so the merger should prove mutually profitable. Details are all arranged, but when Dad finds out that Cappy’s name will come first in the firm’s name, the deal is off. Then Dad is called away and Willie decides to run things. How he gets into a jam and out of it with the help of Chester, the janitor, will send patrons away roaring with laughter. Mary Brian and “Buddy” Rogers aro tho young people whoso romance puts an end to the enmity of their fathers played by Albert Gran and E. J. Ratcliffe. Otto Hoffman plays tho office manager and Charles Conklin as the janitor supplies a great part of the comedy. A subject of considerable interest on this programme is “A Society Sensation” starring Rudolph Valentino.

KOSY

“PHANTOM BULLET” (HOOT GIBSON).

There is no question but that the Kosy Theatre this week is showing a picture which critics have been seeking for many years. It is called “The Phantom Bullet,” and is a Universal-Jewel production. Those who could never understand why western pictures should not contain the same elements of plot' and characterisation as are embodied in dramatic features say that tho fact of the locale of a picture being placed in the west seems to have shorn it of all drama and logic. All that was left was fast riding. “The Phantom Bullet” is a pleasantly surprising innovation. Not only does it contain a plot worthy of tho greatest productions, but its players have been perfectly cast. The star is Hoot Gibson. In addition to equestrian exploits, he rises to unforeseen heights in his portrayal of tho role of Tom Farlane, both from the dramatic standpoint find as a comedian. In this latter capacity, he will surprise his , many friends. Beautiful Eileen Percy lends “Hoot” most able support. One of tho most interesting features in "The Last Hour,” also showing at the Kosy, is a clever escape managed by several law violators, who are shown as just having been caught by tho police. Several prominent; police officials, who witnessed the picture in New York expressed the opinion that not only was tho escape ingeniously managed, but was actually feasible and possible, and cited quite a number of incidents where criminals had secured freedom by ruses that amounted to sheer genius. Milton Sills is the star. “The Ace of Spades,” Universal’s new adventure serial will also be shown (at the night session only); also interesting and amusing support items.

PALACE. “DANCER OF PARIS.” Dorothy Mackaill appears on tho screen of the Palace Theatre this WCCK in the title role of Michael Arlen’s first picture, "The Dancer of "Paris,” presented through First National by Robert T. Kane. It is a somewhat new Dorothy Mackaill who graces tho various scenes. She not only presents a new appearance, but her work is said to bo more vivid, moro dramatic, and possessed of more depth than it has ever had before. Miss Mackaill was selected to fill tho important role in the first Arlen picture ever screened ovor several dozen actresses who wore considered. Not only did tho successful actress have to conform with tho distinct requirements as laid down by the author, but sho also had to know how to dance. Miss Mackaill was the only actress who could fill the bill from every angle. Conway Tearle is starred in “The Dancer of Paris” with Miss Mackaill. Robert Cain appears in tho role of the heavy. The work of the two men is reported to bo as distinctive as that of the feminine star. Cain, it is said, handles an exceedingly difficult role cleverly.

“NELL GWYN. The famous picturisation of the life of “Sweet Nell of Old Drury,” First National’s “Nell Gwyn,” comes to the Palace Theatre next Monday. Although Nell Gwyn has no conspicuous place in history, she was, and still is, a popular character in the story of England, because she was a friend of the people. This- love of others was eloquently proved in the part she played in the foundation of tho Chelsea Hospital for maimed and aged soldiers and sailors.

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S OPERA COMPANY. “THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD.” At the Opera House to-morrow night, at 8 o’clock, the very popular J. C. Williamson Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera company will make its farewell appearance and the occasion will be doubly noteworthy from the fact that they are to present a brilliant representation of the exquisite comic opera, “The Yeomen of the Guard,” which is regarded by many as tho best of the series composed and written by tho beloved collabrators. In Melbourne the critics were unanimous in declaring that the prosent organisation was seen and heard at its very best in “Tho Yeomen of tho Guard,” and it attracted the largest audiences there. Without any music at all, “The Yeomen of tho Guard” could not have failed to have ploved successful as a comcdy-drama, as the story is interesting, romantic and dramatic, and the dialogue brilliantly witty and clever. No matter how frequently playgoers have heard tho beautiful melodies in “The Yeomen of the Guard,” and how deeply sunk into their memories are many of its characteristic revelations of Gilbertian hunuour, they cannot help as they leave the theatre humming “The screw may twist and tho rack may turn; men may bleed and men may burn,” or “I have a song to sing-O”;. with a happy complacency which does not always follow their departure from comic opera. Tho story iof the merryman and his maid will never grow stale, because it clings round a feudal fortress which for over eight centuries has withstood the vicissitudes of every era. The plans are at the Opera House.