ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 222, 19 August 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KOSY THEATRE. “THE RETURN OF BULLDOG DRUMMOND.” There is no more fascinating or bettor known hero in modern literature than that universally popular, romantic dare-devil character from “Sapper’s” novels, Bulldog Drummond. Throughout the Englishspeaking world thi3 virile gentleman, with his huge frame, his cheery inimitable manner, his quick-thinking and lightning-like methods of action, is a favourite with young and old alike. Few, then, will miss “The Return of Bulldog Drummond, | 8.1.P.’s action-packed picturisation of The Black Gang,” which is screening at the Kosy Theatre to-night, and acclaimed by many as the greatest of all “Sapper s stories, and the picture is ten times as exciting as the book. The theme of this particular Drummond encounter with his arch enemy, Carl Petersen, and his infamous confederates, is crammed with thrills hitherto unknown, red-blooded action and heart-warming romance. Petersen’s crowd are involved in a huge international intrigue for their own financial ends. Drummond and his friends, all of them wealthy young men with plenty of timo, twice as much courage, and a love of adventure, learn of the intrigues and organise a secret body, “The Black Gang,” determined to defeat the plotters by their own initiative. Accordingly they break into one of Petersen's secret metinegs and warn all present of the serious consequences that threaten them'if they continue with their misdeeds, and at the same time make an example of one or two of the conspirators. The warning, however, is not heeded, and Drummond later is amazed to discover that the leader is none other than his old enemy, Carl Petersen, cleverly disguised. Petersen strikes the first blow, and a cowardly one at that, by kidnapping Drummond’s beloved wife. Then bargains with Drummond, with his wite as the bait, and when the desperate man, cornered, agrees to the terms, he is tricked, drugged, and later placed in a running car, that drives over an open bridge into the river below. But it takes more than this to stop Bulldog Drummond when he hits the danger trail, and the fight is soon on again with even greater intensity. Asociato feature —“Broadway thru a KeyHole,” a fast-moving musical comedy hit featuring Abe Lyman and his orchestra. MAYFAIR THEATRE.

“GHOST GOES WEST.”

Leave all your old notions about ghosts at home when you go to the Mayfan Theatre to-night. For the spook who walks the screen in “The Ghost Goes West,” Alexander Korda’s gay new romantic comedy is unlike any screen S you ever saw. 110, is handsome, l>ol- - and he has a decided way with the ladies. The brilliant Robert Donat, who rose to world fame overnight as me Count of Monte Cristo” and recently scored in “The 39 Steps,” plays a dual role. He is seen botli as Donald Gloune, an impoverished young Scotch Highlander who is forced to sell Ins haunted ancestral castle to an American millionaire and also as the personable shade who strolls the castle halls. The story, "hicl Robert E. Sherwood adapted from a story bv Eric Keown in London 1 unch, takes an hilarious turn when the millionaire, played by Eugene Pallette, dismantles and transports the castle to America and th ghost goes along. When the shade of h s ancestor begins walking the trans-Atl tic luxury liner, lus marked resemblance to Donald gets the latter into some sidesplitting entanglements. But when h sweetheart Peggy, played by Jean I arkei, begins mistaking the ghost for him, Don aid realises the lime for action has come. A typical scone is the one in which Uic ghost, whom the millionaire has decided to use as a ballyhoo for Ins line of food products, arrives in America and is gn en an official reception (complete wi ll tlcl m tapo showers), and a police-esc/iz.ed ride up Fifth Avenue. Complications develop when the spook, frightened by Jus strange environment, vanishes and Dqnald u called upon to double lor mm at Uic grand reception the millionaire has planned in the ludicrously restored and modernised castle to introduce Ins famous shade to the gentlemen of the press. The story has a knock-out surprise comedy ending that sends the laughter-limp audience out chuckling. “The Ghost Goes West” marks the first English-speaking production to be directed by. the famous French director, Rene Chur. He has turned in a brilliant job. Donat not only does a grand piece of acting m this London Films comedy, but lie will make the ladies’ hearts flutter. Jean Parker is charming, Eugene Pallette is grand, and Elsa Lanchester is superbly cast. CORONATION REVUE.

FRANK NEIL AND COMPANY.

During tho past three years vaudeville has shown a remarkable advance in the principal cities of Australia, mainly due to the efforts of Mr Frank Neil, who controls the Tivoli variety circuit in Sydney and Melbourne. In conjunction with J- C. \VnHam son, Ltd., Mr Neil will present at the .Opera House, Palmerston North, for two nights, to-morrow and Saturday, the famous Coronation revue. This production brings to the Dominion many of the foremost vaudeville artists in the world. In Australia the revuo has enjoyed remarkable success and has eclipsed all records for attendance for some years. It is presented in 30 scenes of beauty, colour, song, dance, and comedy. It has many other outstanding features, such af> tho vivid setting depicting England s sea power from the days of Nelson up to the present time. World-famous performers appearing in New Zealand for the first tune include Con Collcano, who will be seen m an amazing tight rope walking act; Irene Vermillion ancl her dart trumpeters, anil Charles Norman, the popular musical comedy comedian. Others, to appear will bo Bob Parrish, a prodigy of Eddie Cantor and one of tho most popular radio singers in the United States; and Miss Natalie Raine, who presents delightful dances. The company also include Mr yhic* Arnold, comedian, Jack Koliaway, musical comedy favourite, Sisson and Neale, harpkit and whistler, and the Harris Sisters, who present an amazing balancing act. An added attraction will he Frank Neil s Australian Tivoli ballet. Tho company have been playing a remarkably successful season in Auckland, where Press and public are unanimous in their appreciation of this great show. The box plans are rapidly filling at Messrs G’ollinson and Giinnmghame’s and intending patrons are advised to resorve their seats.