ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3872, 17 November 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TOWN HALL. Pear of the unknown, the supernatural, is responsible for the success of many of the comedy situations in Universal’s mystery feature, “13 Washington Square,” which will be screened at the Town Hall to-night, with Jean Hersholt and Alice Joyce in the starring roles. Many people claim to have seen ghosts but Hersholt denies their existence. Nevertheless, if people didn’t have a healthy awe for the unknown, “13 Washington Square” wouldn’t be the uproarious hit that it is. Every city has its haunted house, the scene of an early murder or a mysterious death. The spirit of the victim is claimed to walk on certain nights. Yet, has a ghost ever hurt anyone, supposing there were such things asks Hersholt. Of coui-se, fiction has made a lot of ghost stories. They have fascinated readers on down through history, first by word-of-mouth and later through the printed word. It is the fear of ghosts and the unknown that motivates the various members of the cast of “13 Washington Square” once they are all in the house at this address which is supposedly vacant but actually quite well populated. George Lewis, Helen Foster, Zasu Pitts, Hersholt and Miss Joyce are the occupants, most of them unknown to the others. The cast also includes Helen Jerome Eddy, Jerry Gamble and Jack McDonald. Melville Brown directed. With “Fair and Muddy” (Comedy), News and N.Z. Scenic. Usual prices. “The Bush Leaguer,” Monday’s feature, is a fast-moving comedy drama with Monte Blue in the starring role. Usual prices. ROYAL. All those who have enjoyed reading Baroness novel, “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” will welcome the chance of seeing the drama in picture form at the Royal on Saturday next. This tale of the dashing adventures of Sir Percy Blakeney—one of the daring band of Britons, Avho rescued doomed French aristocrats from danger—risking their lives out of sheer love of adventure, makes fine entertainment in screen form. Holmes Herbert in the leading role is a wonderful personality and his supporting cast all give fine portrayals. With “Wandering Papas” (Comedy), and latest News. Prices 9d and 1/6. Children 3d and 6d.