ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 121, 24 April 1925, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY. . 3J-HOUR PROGRAMME. Impenetrable India, seething with intrigue and unrest, is the background of “Shattered Idols,” the absorbing Master Picturo now showing at the Kosy. Intensive research was absolutely essential because the picture, in addition to portraying life in the European sections of India, goes deeply into the hidden rituals of the natives. The secret tomplo of the Hindus furnishes the impetusfor the story, and in this the worship of a living deity—a girl wedded to an idol —is an important element in the development of the plot. “Western Wallop,” a Universal feature with Jack Hoxie as star, tells the dramatic story of a man who endured the scorn of the woman_ he loved rather than break the promise by which he obtained parole from the penitentiary. A Baby Peggy comedy and news complete a Sihour entertainment of exceptional merit. PALACE. NOVEL DINNER i'ARTY. Many blooded horses are used in First National’s feature, “In Every Woman’s Life,” which is the main attraction at tho Palaco Theatre for to-night. Among the scenes is one never before attempted in motion pictures—a dinner on horseback. Fifty thoroughbreds are used in this scene. They are grouped around a horseshoe of flowers and held in place by grooms. On the backs of the horses are seated men and women in evening dress, partaking of a dinner served on panniers suspended from their necks by ribbons. Virginia Valli will be seen in the leading role of bis unusual love drama of society life, with Marc MacDermott, Stuart Holmes, Lloyd Hughes, Georgo Fawcett, John Sainpolis and other favourites in support. A comedy, “My Mistake,” is the only other picturo showing, but the popular vaudeville duo. Stewart and Lorraine, fill in a most enjoyable half hour with their novelty musical act. In addition to tho new instruments used in the early-week programme an innovation was introduced in the form of an aluminium harp, a most tuneful item by the lady member. “The Death of Nelson with effects was played on the organ chimes and was received most enthusiastically. This programme will be presented to-night for the last time as the picture theatres are all closed for to-morrow—-Anzac Day. SCREEN TEST TRIALS.

No entertainment provided at any of tho local theatres has proved more popular than the screen test trials conducted by Messrs Beaumont Smith and L. Nunn last year on the Palace stage. The completed lilm has been ready lor some time, hut Mr Bennett has waited till the health restrictions were lifted before exhibiting tho picture of the tests taken, and now the management announces that it will be shown on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week in conjunction with the Wellington tests and Beaumont Smith’s latest completed picture, “Joe,” which features the “Sentimental Bloke” Arthur Tauchert. In addition, Oliver Peacock, principal baritone with tho Oscar Asehe Co., and Issv and Ernest, a comedy and eccentric skating duo, will appear on the same programme.

PARAMOUNT. “STRANGERS OF THE NIGHT.” “Will I lock up for the night ?” decorously inquired Lush. “Darn it, you’ve done it at this time for forty years; why change it now?” demanded the master. Then came a loud knocking which heralded the presence of someone at the door, and this was the first, of several knocks that spelt romance and adventure for the mild life of Ambrose Applejohn. During the shooting of Fred Niblo’s latest production, “Strangers of the Night,” now showing at tho Paramount Theatre, tho studio at Hollywood was turned into a big reception room. This happened to be due to the marriage of Barbara La Marr to Jack Daugherty, the actor. The supporting programme includes the latest Pathe Gazette, scenic and comedy, while a delightful programme of incidental music will be rendered by the. Paramount select orchestra under the direction of Mrs Law, The box plans are at Swallow’s. “ SO LONG, LETTY.” While there have been other film versions of famous musical tomedies iu the past few years, A 1 E. Christie’s production of “So Long, Letty,” is entitled to a separate classification. I’hat is why “Sio Long, Letty,” proves the greatest exception to the rule, for although this famous Oliver Mcrosco success, for simple classi -lication, lias been called a musical comedy, it could be more finely distinguished as a comedy with music. As a matter of actual fact, “So Long, Letty,” was a inusicalised version of a successful stage farce, “His Neighbour’s Wife,” written to Elmer Harris. The suggestion for further popularising this farce through the medium of adding some lilting tunes having been made, Mr Harris and Mr Oliver Morosco collaborated on the work with a lyricist, und “So Long, Letty,” became a by-ward in theatrical circles. It was first produced at the Morosco Theatre in Los Angeles, where it had a sensational run. Later it toured_ tho country and upset all theatrical traditions by its extraordinary success without the initial backing of New York or Chicago. Now transferred to the silver sheet, the motion picture version will be shown at the Paramount Thetre for three nights, commencing on Monday next. The supporting programme includes a splendid new comedy, curtoon and Pathe News, while the musical score rendered by the Paramount select' orchestra, under the direction of Mrs Law, will be a feature. The box plans are at Swallow’s.