ENTERTAINMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4543, 13 December 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT.

TOWN HALL TALKIES. The complete all-talking programme, screening at the Town Hall to-night is confidently anticipated to be the best to date. The feature picture has been rated in 1930’.s twelve best tallies,. Eugene O’Neill, Clarence Brown and an audible Greta Hanbo are the triumvirate ersponsible for the unqualified success ot “Anna Christie.” In adapting the celebrated play to the talking screen, Frances Marion, scenarist, retained O'Neill’s dialogue and directions almost in 'entirety, thus 'keeping the picture in the mood of the original si age play. As for Garbo, it is diiH.cult to picture any other individual in the role of the pathetic, neurotic 'Anna than this tensely emotional .Swedish actress whose very nativity corresponds to that of the story’s heroine. Even her voice with .'the slight Swedish accent is perfectly suited to the role. The story of the Minnesota, farm girl who has strayed from the path of virtue and finds regeneration on her father's Ashing barge and the open sea lias been beautifully filmed and acted with a rare understanding. George F. Marion . as Chris, the father, gives a brilliant performance and Marie Dressier reaches the peak of a varied career as the tippler, Martliy, one of her few straight performances. The vole of Matt, the sailor who helps Anna get a fresh start in. life, is played with finesse by Charles Bieikford. Other members of the cast are James T. Mack and Lee Phelps. A special all-tallkie comedy, “Brats,” starring Laurel and Hardy, Marion Harris, the jazz song-bird 'and talkie news, complete a great programme. Usual prices. The 'Cabaret will be held on Monday as usual.