ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4409, 1 February 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TOWN HALL

“THE LOST PATROL.”

Nowadays one becomes so accustomed to reading that this or that picture is vastly different, or so out of the ordinary, that quite justly we become rather cynical towards screen entertainment. However, there is no doubt about the unique plot and situations (if the dramatic British Dominions Film, “The Lost Patrol,” which is showin<* at tin* Town Hall to-night. Already praised by leading English critics as an epic and a masterpiece, this picture will get right home to the heart of the true mo-tion-picture lover. Full of action and heart-touching pathos, the story is particularly unique in that no woman figures in the definite story. Briefly the picture deals with the adventures of an English Cavalry Patrol of ten, which subsequently become lost in the African desert after the death of their officer, who has not divulged his orders or their destination. Victims of fate, they one by one succumb to the awful desert conditions and the terrible Arab foe; and the a mazing way in which the various characters react to their awful ciri uinstanees is one of the features of Hit* film. 'Cyril McLaglan, as tho sergeant, who after the death of the officer, leads tho patrol, has a wonderful role and certainly takes advantage of tin* many dramatic and humorous possibilities that it offers. That lie has scored tt decided success very few critics will deny. With “Making a Movie” (comedy), and British News. Usual prices. The thrill of hard-riding Uhlans, the world-famous calvary troops that were Germany's pride before the war; comedy in quaint, rustic inns; twilight courting in sleepy country lanes; stern drama in a. shell-torn convent: a wild ride for liberty through a storm td shrapnel and bullets. These are among the high spots of Vilma Hanky's first starring picture, “The Awakening,” which comes to the Town Hall on Monday. Miss Banky appears as Marie, lovely, quiet, modest, whose virtues are the village boast. Into the ordered goodness of her life, a storm appears in the person of Captain the Count Karl von Hagan, with his troop of Uhlans on their spring manoeuvres. In the little Alsatian hamlet, indignation mounts in tho hearts of the peasants as they see Marie courted —and won —hv this philanderer Karl, whom they know is seeking only conquest. “Tilt* Awakening,” tells of how IliiUr great romance almost grew to equally great tragedy, and of the advent of the war that brought them together. Prices I/- and Children halt price.

“BROADWAY. MELODY.

SOME BRILLIANT STARS

Anita Page, one of the three featured players in "The Broadway Melody,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s spectacular all-talking, all-singing, all-dancing production which will be at the Dt* Luxe Theatre, Levin, on February 3rd, 4th and sth, has just signed a new long-term contract with M-G-M. This provides a record of 10(1 per cent, contract renewals for the principal persons involved in the production of the "Melody.” Charles King and Bessie Love have signed with M-G-M. for long periods, .lames Gleason, dialogue writer, will remain indefinitely. Arthur Freed and Naeio Herb Brown, who did the lyrics and music, recently signed new contracts with M-G-M.

Harry Beaumont, director of “Tho Broadway Melody,” who recently spent, a week in New York, plans several more productions along the lines of (lit* current success. “Rosalie” may he one of I best*, but will he preceded by “Ballyhoo,” adaptation of Both Brown’s novel of the same name. Stories with a musical background, in Beaumont’s belief, will he most in demand from now on for dinogno film production.