ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 51, 30 January 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

AT THE REGENT, , ■ MAURICE CHEVALIER IN “THE SMILING LIEUTENANT,” Once again the management of tho Regent Theatre is presenting a programme that can truthfully bo described as containing 100 por cent, perfect entortainmont in every foot of film. Tho main attraction is Maurice Chevalier’s latest offering, “The Smiling Lieutenant,” a Paramount musical comedy basod on the well-known musical show, “The Waltz Dream,” which was presented originally by a J. C. Williamson company, with Lottie Sargeant, tho late Florcnco Young, . Reginald Roberta and Frank Greene. Tho musio has survived the years, and practically everyone knows the fascinating waltz refrain that was such a hit in the show and that is given such a prominent place in the film. Moat of tho action takes place in Vienna, which seems a most fitting background for so irresistible a person os the “Smiling Lieutenant,” who, of course, ia playod by the cver-popular Maurice Chevalier, who has lost nono of his captivating waya. This really is hi 6 greatest role to date. Even his never-to-be-forgotten performance in his first Paramount production,. “The Innocents of Paris,” pales into insignificance beside this new part. Debonair, perfectly groomed and full of pranks, he is exactly what one would expect- of a dovil-may-oare young officer. The additional musio written by Oscar Strausa, composer of “The Waltz Dream,” specially for the part is moat catchy, the various numbers being sung by Chevalier in a manner that only ho can achieve. The 6tar has the support of two leading women, tho brunette Claudette Colbert, and the blonde Miriam Hopkins. Both are perfection itself. Miss Colbert enacts tho role of & violin player, loador of a Viennese ladies’ band, who adores the lieutenant, and Miss Hopkins is soon as the rather dowdy royal princess whom tho lieutenant ia forced to marry. She is a revelation when she throws aside her dowdiness and turns into a radiantly beautiful woman. Charles Rugglca is seen in an amusing role. Altogether tho film is a triumph for both the 6tars and the producer, Ernst Lubitech, whoso direction bears the stamp of genius.

KOSY THEATRE. “DANGER LIGHTS” —RADIO'S RAILROAD THRILLER. Such interest was uroused in Mohtana over the filming there of Radio Pictures’ all-talking railroad drama, “Danger Lights,” now at the Kosy Theatre, that Governor John E. Erickson of that Stato travelled 200 miles in order to press a button which started tho production of the spectacular film. He spent an 'entire day with members of the cast, including Louis Wolheim, Robert Armstrong;, Jean Arthur and James Farley, and George B. Seitz, director. His first appearance bcforo cam brag and microphones also was recorded for newsreels. As part of the Governor’s entertainment, ho was taken for rides in huge locomotives, both electric and steam; was given thrills by a chase of n freight train caboose; realised the utmost in transportation comfort by a fast run in a luxurious private car used in scones of tho picture, and was acting engineer on one of the engines driven by Robert Armstrong. At the conclusion of the day, Governor Erickson declared that every department of the State would be placed at the Radio Picture’s* company’s disposal to make the production a success. Three special trains travelled more than 15,000 miles during a month’s production in Montana and 10,000 miles more in another State. PALACE THEATRE.

SCREAM COMEDY FEATURE—“POLITICS.”

“Politics,” the Metro-Goldwyn comedy feature, opened to a largo house nt the Palace Theatre this aftornoon. The leading players are Mario Dressier and Polly Moran. The story is as follows: —Ivy, a jnusio. teacher, and her husband, tho town barber, live in the same house with Hattie and her daughter Myrtle;-The town is small, but is the stronghold of racketeers led by Jim- Curango, in partnership with Mayor Tom Collins. The election is coming on.Ivy has political aspirations, but Hattie is a homo body and not interested. Myrtle becomes secretly engaged to Bonny, one of Curango’s henchmen. The boy decides to quit tho racket, and tells Curango so. Curango thinks he will “squeal” and plans to„put him out of tho way. Tho racketeers wound Benny and kill Daisy, Myrtle’s friend. ■ But Myrtle escapes safely. Then Hattie .is up in arms. She invades the Tom Collins political rally, tells of the death of Daisy, and challenges the mayor. Tho women rally around her, making; her thoir candidate. Her platform is "Clean up tho town.” Ivy acts as her political manager. The husbands try to quell their wives’ activities by threatening to remain drunk if they persist in their attempts to elect Hattie mayor and for a time it looks as if tho politicians will win. But the women rally around Hattie again and start a “strike,” having nothing to do with their husbands until the gangs are cleaned out. The real murderer is finally captured, howover, and confesses tho truth. Hattie sweeps triumphantly into office. Tho boy and girl are married and peace and righteousness once more rule tho town. In addition there is a very fine supporting programme including “Whippet Racing” cartoon, nows and comedy. Intending patrons are well advised to reserve their scats, a a the box plan is rapidly filling.