ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 51, 28 January 1938, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAYFAIR THEATRE. “THE LOST HORIZON.” Opening in a whirlwind of excitement in which a handful of beleagured whites flee massacre at the guns of Oriental banditrebels, the drama hurls its protagonists through the bitter chaos symbolic of tho world wo know into the peace and beauty of Shangri-La, tho world wo dream about. Hidden heaven-high in tho Himalayas, guided by an intelligence centuries old, this community has solved life’s problem in harmony and brotherhood. Here tho law is kindliness. Tho doctrine, moderation in all things. To Colman; who has envisioned such a Utopia in Iho outside maelstrom, the High Lama hands tho torch which is to enlighten a new world built upon selfimposed wreckage of the old one. Even the unknowing, earth-bound comrades ot the understanding hero become imbued with the spirit of peace and helpfulness. That is, all save a dullard weakling, brother who is tho hysterical Adam of this Eden to the scrpcnt-liko Eve of actress Margo. These two attempt to shatter the faith of their loader in the magic and the mysteries of Shangri-La, and almost they succcd. But they destroy themselves instead, and Colman, plunged • again into the weltering hell beyond Iho portals of paradise, fights his way back through -a tortuous trail to a land of eternal peace and love. The piece is filled with an inspirational philosophy. But there is personified drama, too. For the love idyll of Colman and Jane WVatt, tho comedy of Edward Everett Horton and Tommy Mitchell, the menace of Margo and John Howard, tlie tragic figure of Camille-like Isabel Jewell —all arc very, very human. And in these simple things, as well as tho breath-taking magnitude, the scope of the production itself, tho triumph of the picture lies. The easting is pretty well perfect, with Colman, central figure, excelling as the star. Inspired portrayals are given by Sam Jaffo and H. B. Warner, as holy men. Thomas Mitchell and Edward Everett Horton leaven tho drama with laughter. Mat-go and Isabel Jewell distinguished their roles. John Howard is a properly nerve-frayed foil, and the young actress, Jane Wyatt, is as lovely a love as one might meet in any Shangri-La. In “Lost Horizon,” screening to-morrow at the Mayfair Theatre, is found a movie masterpiece.

STATE THEATRE. “HEIDI.” Shirley Temple as “Heidi!” Millions tho world over have been enthralled by tho warmth, tho tenderness and the charming beauty of Johanna Spyri’s beloved story of Heidi and ail the colourful folk who lived and laughed and loved high up in tho Swiss Alps, just beneath the stars. Translated into all languages and road everywhere, it is a story that had lo wait for its star before it could _ be brought to the screen. The Twentieth Conturv-Fox production of “Heidi.” starring Shirley Temple, screening at tho State Theatre to-night, is the picture for which she’ll be remembered always. “Heidi” brings Shirley Temple more glorious than has ever been known, in tho picture she was asked io make by thousands ot fans who wrote to tho Twentieth CenturyFox studios. Bringing love to hearts filled with hate, and twinkle to eyes filled with tears, “Heidi” tells ot an embittered mountain-top exile, brilliantly portrayed by Joan Hersliolt, reclaimed from his fierce hatred of the world, of a young girl who finds the strength and courage to walk again, and of the little heroine who brings everyone new zest for life. Arthur Treacher and Helen IF estlcy play prominent roles in the story, and Pauline Moore, Thomas Becky Mary Nash, .Sidney Blackmcr, Madv Christians, and Sig Rttmann arc also featured in the east. Writion into tho faithfully transcribed screen play by Walter Ferris and Jitlicn Joseplison are two dance sequences that present the first star of the screen at her greatest. “In Our Little Wooden Shoes.” the specially composed song by. Lew- Pollack and Sidney D. Mitchell, t gives Shirley a gav and charming interlude in tho warmly dramatic story. It was in “Wee Willio Winkie” that she made her first attempt at a straight dramatic role, an attempt so successful that Darryl F. Zanuck. Twentieth Century-Fox production chief, decided to make “Heidi” in the. hig-pic-bo rtained in the picture. “Heidi* has Remaining unspoiled in iho midst of it all, Shirley was wide-eyed with elation when she was assigned the role and wanted to ho assured that all tho things that made “Heidi” so colourful to her would be retained ill the picture. ‘Heidi” has sold millions of copies and is on the proscribed ycading list of schools all over the world. Ideally cast and gloriously played, it makes a picture that its many readers long have hoped to see. Raymond Griffith served as associate producer and the special dance sequences wore staged by Sammy Lee. , . A Monster Ice Cream Mafinec is being held at 10.30 on Saturday morning. A Free 3d Byers Ice Cream will be given to everyone attending the morning scs-

BOBBY BREEN CONTEST.

Added interest to the Palmerston North Bobby Breen contest will be provided by the Wellington winner, Norman Wilson, who will appear at. the Stale Theatre tonight with the semi-finalists of the Bobby Breen personality contest.

WIRTH’S CIRCUS

OPENING TO-NIGHT.

Give the people what they want, tell them that you have it, and they will and get it. “That,” claims Philip .W irth, “is the reason why this famous circus is over increasing in popularity.” Since Wirth’s visited Palmerston North two years ago, they have made a tour of Australia, encircling the entire continent* playing in no less than 459 towns, ana cities, and travelling more than 39.576 miles, and the new big show which Wirth’s have brought to New Zealand this year is an aphonpackcd entertainment from start to finish, and one which never fails to gather the entire applause of its audience. Performing wild animals are always a feature of Wirth’s Circus, and this season’s performance leads from climax to climax, not forgetting a bevy of new English, American and Continental clowns. In the ring will be been representatives of eleven different nations. Probably chief among the many new acts arc the lour Kobcs, presenting specialty foot juggling, hand balancing. and acrobatic feats; also the Three Houston*, in marvellous feats of balancing high in inid-air, on the top of high poles; the Four Dare-Devil Onotos, in daring aerial motor-cycle feats performed in midair; Leonard Onoto, riding a cycle high up in the big tent, and throwing backwards and forwards somersaults with the cycle travelling at a great speed; the len Zigancies, phenomenal senors and sonoritas introducing revelations in whirlwind displays of Spanish acrobats; not forgetting Wirth’s now big super menagerie, including a herd of nine elephants, 18 cages of liems, tigers, jaguars, baboons, monkeys, orang-outangs, panthers, bears, and a complete stud of beautiful and marvellously trained horses, also ’’Harold, the amazing orang-outang, in comic antics, always a favourite with the children. The circus wil play Palmerston North to-night and to-morrow night, the evening performance commencing at 8 p.m. sharp, and a special matinee will be given for the children on Saturday at 2.30 and on Monday, January 31, Fcifding will be visited. Scats muv bo reserved at Gollinson and Cunningh.amc s. The location will bo near the Empire Hotel, in Main Street.