"White Palace" is more than a start for director Mandoki, who was sturdily launched with "Gaby"; it's a continued indication of a sure and powerful sensitivity.

Part love story, part comedy of manners, White Palace is a thoroughly entertaining - if quite obviously far fetched - yarn.

The film manages to avoid the more interesting problem area of what will happen to the couple once they decide to settle down and live openly together. Both principals, however, are good in their limited roles.

The problem with the picture rests with the characters, not the actors.