ENTERTAINMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4503, 11 September 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT.

TOWN .BALL. Universal special, adapted from the popular Robert Hughes story, “The Girl on the Barge,” is coming to the Town Hall next Saturday. Added interest in this news is contained in the information that- vivacious Sally O’Neil and Malcolm MacGregor have featured roles in the picture. “The Girl on the .Barge” is a story of young love along 1 the Erie Canal, .and the pietim* actually was photographed along the picturesque waterways in upper New York State. Edward Sicilian, the director, brought the principals and a large technical staff all the way from California to get the correct ha/elkgrounds for the entertaining Hughes story. The plot concerns a hard-drinking 1 but religiously devout Scotch barge captain with four motherless children. Erie, the oldest daughter, falls in love with the pilot of the tug-lboat which draws the barge upon which she lives. This enrages her father, wlio causes the pilot’s dismissal. After a severe beating, Erie deserts the barge and flees" to the pilot’s rooms ashore, hut is dragged hack to her unhappy home after seeing her sweetheart cruelly battered by her father’s powerful fists. How the pilot’s bravery, during a terrific storm in which the barge is threatened by destruction, saves the lives of the barge captain’s family and wins his admiration. makes an excellent and exciting fitting climax to the piclure. Also “'Newlyweds Lose Suoolcuniis” ((comedy), News and Cartoon.

Ken Maynard, the popular Western star, will be seen next Wednesday in “The Lawless LcgionU

."THURSDAY’S GALA NIGHT

•'DUANE DEVELOPS.”

The whispering- of the scandalised but delighted courtiers deter him not in his pursuit of the beautiful Diane of “Diane Develops,’' the musical comedy from the book l#y W. Grahame Holder, to be pi’odueed at the Town Hall, Poxton, on September 18th by the Levin

Amateur Dramatic Society. The Lena Amateurs have many successes to their credit hut nouq will be so popular as “Diane Develops.” Pondlv remembered for her previous efforts with the Society, Aliss Una Bull is creating a new vole that suits her to perfection. Aliss Jean McLennan as “Madame Torynia,” the French modiste, enters the ranks of dramatic artists; her difficult role calls for work above the standard of amateurs and she is responding in a manner very pleasing to the producers, making her stage debut. Aliss Elizabeth Houlihan enters the ranks of amateurs with a career of good things before her. Her acting, dancing and singing already is of the finished order. Miss Gwen Latterly, the court soloist, lias some levy pleasing numbers allotted her, and will delight all her hearers. Of the male caste, much is expected of “Prince Francis,” Mr Claude Bennett; his previous experience demands this, and his 1 Fox-ton admirers will not be disappointed. Air Bennett is a finished performer. Air Jack Hodder makes his how to a Foxton audience as “Michael"; many pleasing solos are bis portion. With Aliss Bull he will lie heard in such captivating duets as “Tin* Two of Cs" and “Diane”; and with Aliss Houlihan, “Learn to Smile.” His rendering of “Paris Day” is one of the gems of the evening. To imitate, the gesticulations of a polite bill extra excitable French maitre d’liolel is a difficult task, hut not

so iu the hands of Mr Harold Mol.eavey, who plays "Alphonse Lui it Avignon" on the lines of experience. From the football ground to a polished ultra-polite Continental court is a long throw; wait till you see Mr Leslie Tilley and his aide, Air Weston Alorrah, as the "Counts Fforbaiibar” and

"Buuato.” Alessrs Erie Percy, Clive Hobson and Hurry Barnett arc others who do creditable work. ’I lie perfect, lighting scheme is in •the hands of Mr S. Bewail, a delightful non-eanned orchestra under the direction of Aliss Naneye Rikihana. Mr Logan as stage manager, Messrs O’Donoghue and Jack McLennan his aide-de-camps, no amusement tax, all go to make “‘Diane Develops” an amateur performance of professional standard. Box plan at Heath’s.