PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7026, 9 December 1932, Page 11

PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

REGENT THEATRE -DIVORCE IN THE FAMILY” FEATURES NOTABLE CAST Jackie Cooper makos his final appearance on the Regent screen this evening, in ‘‘Divorce in the Family.n Based on an original story, the new picture shows Jackio as the son of a scientist, divorcod from his wife. When the boy is placed in the caro of his mother and stepfather he experiences a longing for his real father and a reluctance to attune himself to the strange environment of his new home. The childish tragedies of the little boy trying to get used to the ‘‘new” father who does not understand him, gives rise to both amusing and pathetic bits of drama. The picture was directed by Charles F. Riesner, who produced ‘‘Caught Short” and other Marie Dressier hits. The cast includes Conrad Nagol as the stepfather, Lewis Stone as the father, and Lois Wilson as the mother. Other supporting roles are filled by Maurice Murphy, as tho older brother; Joan Parker, Lawrence Grant, Richard Wallace and David Newell. This film provides young Cooper with his finest role since ‘‘The Champ.” A laughable Charley Chase comedy, entitled “The Nickel Nurscr”; and a Mctrotone News, complete a programme which is well above tho average.

REGENT THEATRE GEORGE WALLACE IN “HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS” The Australian musical-comedy extravaganza, “His Royal Highness,” which features the popular vaudeville comedian, Georgo Wallace, will open at the Regent Theatro at 2 p.m. to-mor-row. When Eiftee announced its intention of making a musical comedy in Australia, some sections of the trade shook their heads dolefully. Now those heads are nodding enthusiastically; for “His Royal Highness” has turned out a winner, and at the same time given the local screen a new star —George Wallace. Tho story can be disposed of in a few lines before coming to a consideration of the production itself. Tommy Dodd blunders into a job as a stage hand, and is knocked out by the man he displaces. Lying unconscious, Tommy dreams he has been made king of Betonia, menaced by a pretender to the throne, finally thrown out of tho palace, only to wako up and find himself sproadeaglcd in the wings. What ho docs as king of Betonia is one continuous laugh. Wallace’s comedy is aimed straight at tho great mass of picture-goers who don’t want to think before they laugh. % It certainly hits its mark. Tho musical side is just as strong as tho comedy, with Byrl WalkIcy, Lou Vernon, Prank Tarrant and Donalda Warne well to the foTC. Tho massed choral renditions of “Tho Drinking Bong,” “King of Betonia” and "Your Majesty” Teach a high standard. In direction and photography “His Royal Highness” possesses all tho quality that cau be desired. Screening with “His Royal Highness” is an all-Australian supporting bill, which includes a special short feature in which Marshall Crosby sings “South of Shanghai”; a turn by tho Scottish comc..ian, Neil McKay; further items by the Sundowners’ Quartette; another of tho Great Barrier nature study series; an attractive number by Lou Vernon, character vocalist; an operatic item by Apollo Grandforte; a vocal selection, ‘“Widows arc Wonderful,” and a comedy sketch by the worldfamous comedienne, Ada Reeve. Plans for the entire season arc now available at the Central Booking Office, and intending patrons would do well to secure their scats a's early as possible.

KOSY THEATRE BUCK JONES IN AN OUTDOOR WESTERN

Buck Jones, characterised as the screen’s greatest cowboy, will again be seen by Kosy Theatre patrons in a thrilling Western romance entitled “Border , Law,” which commences tomorrow. Buck, who plays the part of a ranger, resigns from his post and poses as an outlaw in order to bring to book a band of lawless bandits responsible for tho death of his young brother. There are plenty of thrilling moments throughout tho film, including a fistic battle between the hero and a member of the bandit gang, brought about by tho rivalry between the two for the hand of a Spanish beauty played by Lupita Tovar. , Tho supporting cast includes many names well known to followers of Western plays. Such names as James Mason, Don Chapman, Frank Rico and Louis Hickus, figure prominently.

KOSY THEATRE LAST SESSIONS OF “CORSAIR” Chester Morris has scored yet another hit in liis latest picture, “Corsair,” the final sessions of which will be held to-day. As a graduate from college. Morris finds him'self faced with the difficulty that confronts so many young men of to-day—that of finding a position. Ho is employed by a big financier on Wall Street, whoso dealings, some of which at best were more than shady, did not appeal to Morris. Consequently when he i 3 fired for having too tender a conscience, he turns his attention to getting his own back. Thus we find him turned pirate, helping himself to tho cargoes brought in by rum Tunncrs and selling them back to their owner, his former employer. A novel situation, but fraught with danger as the picture goes on to show. As leading lady, Alison Loyd leaves nothing to he desired, and improves much upon the, work she accomplished as a -comedienne, then known as Thelma Todd. The supporting programme provides excellent entertainment, combining as it does cartoons, Overseas News reels, and a Fox Nows, which includes Now Zealand subjects.

SPALAOE THEATRE "THE MISLEADING LADY"— MIRTHFUL COMEDY Kidnapped! Carried off, struggling,

at midnight! Spirited by plane to a lonely hunting lodge! Chained up while her captor laughs. This is ono of the highlights in “Tho Misleading Lady,” now Paramount thrill romance, which will conclude to-night at tho Palace Theatre. “The Misleading Lady” co-stars Edmund Lowe, who has a strong way with women, and Claudette Colbert, who has a silent, but equally effective way with men. Stuart Erwin, George Meeker, Selena Royle, Robert Strango and William Gargan are among those accorded conspicuous supporting parts. Miss Colbert lures Lowe into a proposal of marriage in order to win a wager. Ho retaliates by kidnapping her and breaknig her spirit with the help of chains ar.d an escaped lunatic. Before the final scene is allowed to disclose an all’s-well-and-happy solution, a reporter, two inebriates with a mystery they never quite disclose, an avenging lover and two other visitors from tho asylum, are involved in complications that transpire in a mountain rendezvous, far from law and order, telegraph, or the railway. Tho talking supports comprise a Mack Sennett comedy, entitled “Meet the Senator,” a talkie cartoon, and a British Overseas News.

PALACE THEATRE W’YNNE GIBSON, NEW DRAMATIC STAR'-

The brilliant young actress, Wynne Gibson, a comparative newcomer to the screen, has been awarded one of tho most important roles assigned to any actress, that of the main character in the Paramount pieturo, “‘The Strange Case of Clara Deane,” opening at the Palace Theatre to-morrow afternoon. The star for years ha's had leading parts on tho musical comedy stage, and her success in this sphoro induced Paramount to feature hor in sound pictures. “Tho Strango Case of Clara Deane” is her first big starring role. As “Clara Deane,” the actress appears first as an eager young girl in 1912, and as the story unfolds she grows older and wiser with the bitterness that comes from disillusionment. When tho picture reaches its climax sho is a careworn woman of middlo age, with tired eyes that tell of a frustrated life —a pathetic* figure. Wynne Gibson takes full advantage of this exceptional opportunity, and does a magnificent piece of work. The public, with an ever-increasing desiro for new personalities, will ho indeed pleased with this new star, who • now ranks with the world’s foremost performers. Tho additional items includo a Mack Sennett comedy, entitled “The Loud Mouth”; a screen song, “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” and a British Overseas News.