ENTERTAINMENT

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4521, 23 October 1930, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENT

TOWN HALL. An unusual and entertaining picture of society seances and the craze for mysticism is promised for the screen <of the Town Hall on Saturday, when the management of that play-house will present “The Charlatan,” a Universal production based on the. famous Broadway stage success of that name. Holmes Herbert, Rgekliffe Pel loves, Margaret Livingston and Fred Muckaye are seen in the principal roles. George Mtelford directed the picture under the supervision of Carl Laemmle, Jnr. The story concerns the wei.nl events following the staging of a fortune telling party at the home of one of (lie society leaders of a certain American city. The Hindu mystic, played by Holmes Herbert, becomes tragically involved in the tangled heart affairs of the several couples attending the seance. The startling results make gripping drama. “The Charlatan,” was a sensation as a play. It was written by Ernest Pascal, and Leonard Praskins. The picture is said to be even bottler, due to the broader scope of the screen in developing such a. story. Herbert handles a difficult role ably. An equally good portrayal is done by Roekliffe Fdllowes. Miss Livingston is seen in (bis picture for the first time in a blonde wig, which will be an agreeable surprise to picture fans. Fred Mac(kaye is one of the screen’s most promising juveniles. He is a Universal “find.” Others in the cast arc Craufurd Kent, Philo McCullough, Anita Gravin, Dorothy Gould, John George, Rose Tapley find .Bernard Sitgel. With “Hold your Horses” (Comedy), Cartoon and News.

Warwick Dreping’s novels have a world-wide following, and in his latest, “Kitty,” British International Pictures have selected it for special production. -Directed by Victor Saville, the stojry has been faithfully followed, and a wonderful cast chosen to make it the outstanding picture of 1929. Intimate glimpses of the beautiful Thames riverside, and country settings will enchant patrons when it is released at the Town Hall on Monday next, Labour night. The feature players are Estelle Brody iu the title role and John Stuart (who will cause many heart-ffut-terings) as the “lover,” Marie Ault and Dorothy Gumming are the principal supporting artists.

SHANNON TALKIES.

“Bulldog Drummond,” to be screened at the Renown Theatre, Shannon, to-night and »to-molrrow night is splendid entexdaimnent and one of the most diverting comedies and one of the best talking films yet presented to an appreciative audience. The role of the charmingly debonair Bulldog Drummond suits Cotman perfectly,! and iColman is perfect in the role. He has an excellent speaking voice and does better work than he has in any of his past films. The entire picture, in fact, has everything that does to make up an enjoyable evening. The story is delightful, the cast is well chosen, and the direction reveals both intelligence and a sense of humour. As to the talking, the highest praise one can, —and does, —offer to the film is that, unlike many other talkies it neither gives the impression of a stage play being photographed or a movie given the addition of sound. The pacing of the action is so natural and even that the result is an unusually gratifying example of the new medium. What’s more, the picture is just the right length, too and 100 per cent, talkie. Don’t . miss it. Prices 1/C and 2/-.