ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 219, 16 August 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE. “THE WOMAN I LOVE.”Promising one of the most vital dramas 1 distinguishing the motion picture screen, “The Woman I Lovo” screening to-night at the State Theatre, has been produced as a romantic action picture starring Paul Muni and Miriam llopkins and fealuring Louis Hayward in a domestic triangle developed amid the frenzied days of the World War on the Marne front and mounting to a sensational denoue- : ment during a spectacular air battle fought |by two French flying heroes whose heart- ! aches over one woman form the motive of the story. The picture comes from | RKO Radio, which has lavishly mounted ’and cast the production as one of its j major offerings of the season, basing the magnitude of the affair upon the power of its theme and the eminence of its principal players. The award of the Academy j of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences went to Muni for his title role in “The Story of ; Louis Pasteur.” The Minneapolis Jourj nal’s national poll of critics also resulted in a victory .for Muni and a gold medal award, the ballots being cast for Muni’s | role in the above picture. Inspired‘by the famous European novel “L’Equipage,” byJoseph Kessel, “The Woman I Love” dramatises the suspenseful emotional conflict arising out of the love of a young aviator for the wife of his elder friend and pilot. As played by Paul Muni, the pilot; Miriam Hopkins, the wife; and Louis Hayward, the junior airman, the three characters are all sympathetic. The night before departing for the front lines, Louis Hayward, as a young volunteer in the French flying service, meets and proj tects a beautiful girl, Miriam Hopkins, i during an air raid on Paris. lie rapidly j falls head over .heels in love with her. j I\hen he arrives at the air base of his squadron, *he is assigned to Pilot Paul Muni, and as the result of their harrowing battles in the air together, a strong friendship ensues. When the young flier returns to Paris on liberty, he is stunned to learn that the girl he loves and who now passionately loves him, is the wife of his friend, the pilot.

REGENT THEATRE. “THE SHOW GOES ON.” Some. of the most cniertaining action in Gracie Fields’ latest A.T.P. production, “The Show Goes On,” which screens tonight at the Regent, Theatre, takes place on board the “Queen Mary.’' Reproductions of the actual boat deck and a section of the interior of v the huge ship, built at the A.T.P. studies, are most impressive. By courtesy of the Cunard White Star Line, the furniture of the “Queen Mary” was utilised. One scene depicts Gracie on the boat deck, responding to the cheers of the soldiers on an outgoing troopship. The “Tommies” recognise her and demand a song, and she replies with “You’ve Got to Smile When You Say Good-bye”—confidently predicted to prove one of the song-hits of 1937. With the completion of “t he Show Goes On” ends a series of Gracie Fields films produced at A.T.P. studios by Basil Dean. The series have comprised eight pictures—“ Sally in the Alley,” “Looking on the Bright Side,” “Sing As Wo Go,” “Love, Life and Laughter,” “Tire Week of Grace,” “Look Up and Laugh,” “Queen of Hearts,” and “The Show Goes On.” It was Mr Dean and his A.T.P. associates who were responsible for Miss Fields’ entry into pictures, a foresight which has been more than justified by world-wide release. To this series of outstanding successes, the unique personality that is Miss Fields’ — Mr Dean’s skill in production—and the splendid facilities of the A.T.P. studios, have mainly contributed. In her latest picture. “The Show Goes On,” Mr Doan’s organisation has provided the famous star with the most novel and best-mounted picture of the. whole Gracie Fields series. A strong cast was selected to see her through—Owen Xares as her patron, Martin Fraser, a composer of worth-while music and songs. Cyril Ritchard—yes! Australia’s popular stage" star as Gracie’s accompanist. “Jimmy”—John Stuart, making a remarkable comeback to the screen -in the role of “Mae,” Gracie’s former flame of little Hindlcburv town; and Amy Veness as her screen “mother.”

CORONATION REVIEW. ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMME. The first appearance of Frank Neil’s musical revue company will be the next attraction at the Opera House on Friday and Saturday next, a change of programme each evening. ’J he revue presents artists from London, Now York, Paris, and Berlin. Among those who appear on the stage is Con Colleano, one of the world's greatest wire-walking exports, who presents an amazing balancing act which created great enthusiasm among audiences in the principal cities of Australia. Bob Parrish, who was first discovered by Eddie Cantor, will bo heard in a number _of popular songs. Known as the “Voice of South,” ho has achieved great popularity’ singing over the American radio. Irene Vermillion, talented acrobatic dancer, is another cf the foremost artists, and sup porting her are Charles Moran, popular musical comedy actor; Bernard McCaffrey, baritone, and the Harris Sisters, who present a remarkable balancing aot. The company also includes Sisson and Neale, whistler and harpist, and the Broadway Tappers, novelty dancers. Mr Neil is one of the leading entrepreneurs in the Southern Hemisphere, with companies permanently established in the chief cities cf Australia, and ho has outstanding talent to draw from. The company has emulated the type of continuous revue which is so popular overseas—ono act swiftly follows another from start to finish. The Herald (Auckland) says: —“It woidd be hard to remember when Auckland had had the opportunity of seeing more versatile, capable, and entertaining artists than those of Frank Neil’s revue company. Presented in conjunction with J. C. Williamson, Ltd., the first week’s revue ia entitled ‘Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue,’ and it contains an exceptionally wide variety of particularly clever and bright items.” The box plans open on Wednesday at Messrs Collinson and Cunninghame’s.