ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 223, 20 August 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAYFAIR THEATRE. “MOONLIGHT SONATA.” Charm is the keynote of “Moonlight Sonata,,” at the Mayfair to-morrow, with Paderewski as the chief charmer. There have been more exciting films, but none more beautiful or so completely satisfying. Lothar Mendes, who niadc a special journey to Paris to persuade Paderewski to appear in the film and who brilliantly produced and directed it, deserves the warmest congratulations. The film has been skilfully built around Paderewski and his music. It opens with the pianist giving a recital in a crowded concert hall. Attention is drawn to a happy young couple and their baby daughter. Later, in his club, Paderewski tells the story of their romance, how, it was nearly broken, and how his music brought them together again. Eric is steward on the remote, picturesque Swedish estate of the Baroness Lindenburg, who encourages his affections for her beautiful grand-daughter, Ingrid. A ’plane makes a forced landing on the estate, , bringing with it Paderewski, his secretary, and an • elegant young man, Mario. Mario is a professional conjuror protending to be a gentleman. He completely fascinates Ingrid, and within tho few short days of his slay persuades her to elope with him Eric she dismisses as unexciting. But at the eleventh hour Mario is unmasked and Ingrid bitterly realises what a fool she has been. She . is .too ashamed to confront Eric, but the magic of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” as played by Paderewski, shows the way to love. ,Qf more than ordinary interest is the appearance of,Marie Tempest, beloved figure of the English stage, as the impetuous- hut kindly , baronoj-s. This is Marie Tempet’s' first talking film, hut acting with complete composure she gives a brilliant performance. It is to be hoped that this is not by any means this groat actress’s last, screen adventure. Other fine portrayals are given by Charles Farrell, best remembered as Janet Gaynor’s loading man in “Seventh Heaven,” and other wili-known films, and by Erie Portman, superb as the charming cad. “Moonlight Sonata,” technically as flawless as the best Hollywood productions, offers rare entertainment. in which the whole family can revel.

KOSY THEATRE. “THE RETURN OF BULLDOG DRUMMOND.” There is no more fascinating or better i known hero in modern literature than that universally popular, romantic dare-devil | character from “Sapper’s” novels, Bulldog Drummond. Throughout the EnglisllI speaking world this virile gentleman, with | in’s 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 picturisalion'of “The Black Gang,” which is screening finally at the Kosy to-night, and acclaimed h.v 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 time, twice as much courage, and a love of adventure, learn of the intrigues • and organise a secret body, “I lie Black Gang,” determined to defeat the plotters by their own initiative. Accordingly they break into one of P-iersen’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.- Peterson strikes the first blow, and a cowardly one at that, by kidnapping Drummond’s beloved wife- llien Carl bargains with Drummond, with his wife as the bait, and when the desperate man, cornered, agrees to the terms, he is tricked, "drugged, - and later placed in a running ear, that drives -over an open bridge into the river below. But it takes more than this to stop Bulldog Drummond when lie. hits the danger trail, and the fight is soon on again with even greater intensity. Associate feature—-“ Broadway ’flint a KeyHoles” a fast-moving musical, comedy hit featuring Abe Lyman and liis orchestra.

FRANK NEIL’S REVUE. TO-NIGIIT AT 8 P.M. A . very colourful presentation, Frank Neil’s Coronation Revue is to commence a season to-night at the Opera House, Palmerston North, presenting a, change of programme to-morrows This production, which has met with considerable success in ail the principal cities of Australia, is upder the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. It introduces artists of outstanding

talent from the loading vaudeville companies of America and Europe. At the head of the list of players is Con Colleano, one of the most capable acrobats of his time. Ilis performance has been a feature of productions in all parts of the world. Another prominent artist is Irene Vermillion, an American acrobatic dancer, who; with her four girl Dart Trumpeters, presents one of the most spectacular acts seen on the stage in New Zealand for some considerable time. The leading comedian i 3 Charles Norman, .who has scored a number of successes in musical comedy productions in England. Jack ICellaway and Chic Arnold also appear in comedy roles. On the musical side of the production numerous' bright tunes are contributed by the talented American musicians Sisson and Neale. Adagio dancing of a high standard is supplied by the Aristos. while the Harris sisters present an amazing balancing act. The company comes direct from a phenomenally successful season in Auckland. The box plans are at Mrssrs Collinson and Cunninghame’s till noon.