ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 10132, 9 June 1924, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

"THE GALLOPING ACE," Jack Hoxie and his famous white saddle horse, "Scout," gallop through one of the fastest action western pictures of the season in the latest Universal production in which the big cowboy actor is starred', "The Gallo,pmg Ace " to ho shown at His Majesty's Theatre to-night and to-morrow night. It is Hoxie's best picture since Ihe

Red Warning," which was one of the most colourful westerns in which Hoxie has yet appeared. It is of distinct novelty, in that it offers besides more than an ordinary allotment of the daring: horsemanship and thrilling rides that make up a Tiigh class western picture, a prairie battle that rivals a war scene from Flanders. The climax to a dispute over a marble quarry comes.in a "dvnaanite" war that eclipses the thrilling battle staged during the filming of "The Red Warning."

OWEN WISTER'S "VIRGINIAN." Temperament is said to be at the bottom of most of the troubles of today The Mexican is of a nature that makes his hand drop to his belt at the first sign of trouble. On the other hand, the Britisher is a respecter oi law and order, and only when no other course is open to him does he resort to the use of force. In America, the great melting-pot of many races, the !1 various sections ,of the community

view the actions'of another section from quite different angles. To the New Yorker to kill is to murder, and the killer should pay the penalty the law prescribes. "But down in Wyoming tx> kill may be looked upon as necessary for the preservation of law and order. So it came about in "The

Virginian," which will be screened at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday nights. A gni from Mew England, with a wholesome respect ior the majesty of tne law,. fen, ner whole nature revolt against the man who had ordered the hanging of a cai-tle-stealer. it was a matter of temperament and training—to oiie it was I murder j to tlie other his duty to those

I who held placed their trust in him. The whole rabric of the picture hinges on this. But despite tneir divergent views the two see as one at the fast. "The Virginian" is another of the pictures for which the public have set up an insistent demand, the picture version of a popular novel. As a book, it has been widely read. It has been g dramatised for tne legitimate stage, P and now it comes in what is described |i as its greatest success, that of a mo;i tion picture. The thousands who have | read the book will see. the scope for ' a virile drama of the open air, and the | picture will show them their favourites as Owen Wister, the author, would have wished them to be. The role of j the Virginian is taken by Kenneth I Harlan, and this star's first appearI ance in a "cowboy" drama marks him as one who is suited to stories of

the wild ojpen spaces. As foreman on Judge Henry's (Milton Ross) ranch, the Virginian has to suppress the cattle rustlers. In the great round-up of the rustlers he finds his friend Steve among the group. A great conflict of emotion is registered, culminating when it falls to nis lot to give the! signal that will mean sending his friend to eternity. This renegade

Steve is an old favourite, Pat O'Malley. He snows how he can face death. To him death is just the same as life, a gamble. Florence Vidor, the little girl from New England, who goes to the open country expecting to find the conventions of the city, and who is loved by the Virginian, has a part which is particularly suited to her. The whole production is said to be technically perfect, the background depicting beautiful mountain scenery, while the story itself is an enthrall- ; ing one, and holds the attention of the audience from the title to the end.

VAUDEVILLE. On Tuesday and Wednesday, in conjunction with the pictures, the management of H.M. Theatre will present direct from Fullers, a wonderful vaudeville act, "Adrian's Performing Dogs and Monkey," said to be the very best turn of its kind ever seen in the Dominion, and which has created quite a sensation wherever shown, in fact, the act is so clever, it must be seen to be believed.

EDUCATIONAL MATINEE. In addition to the performance of vaudeville, there will be held on Wednesday a special educational matinee. Judging by the class of film to be screened, this programme should well serve the purpose for which it is intended—that of giving young and old an insight into some of the wonders of the world. There will be a film depicting the thermal activities of New Zealand, a Government film "Christchurch," and "Vesuvius Conquered," "Old Spain" and "Gold Fish Story."

OLD MEN'S HOME VISITED. Members of the Scottish Society and musical friends paid a visit to the Old Men's Home on Saturday night, and delighted the inmates with music and song. The skirl of the pipes awoke echoes an many Scottish hearts, while til© songs were typical of many nation- i alities. The following contributed to ithe programme :—Selections, pipers; pianoforte solos, Mr R. B. Barnett; songs—Mrs E. G. Craighead, Misses R. Down and B. Oakley, Messrs E. G. Craighead, E. Coker, and Silverwood; duet, Miss Down and Mr Craighead; dances, Misses G. Bushell and E. Jary.

At the close of the programme, Mr J. D. Moore proposed a vote of thanks to the performers, which was carried with applause. Supper and a dance followed the musical programme.

MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

SALVATION ARMY BAND

! Well-attended indeed were, the various sessions of the Salvation ArmyBand's annual musical festival held during the week-end. By its readiness to help at all functions which have for their object the furthering of some good cause, and by the quality of its music, the band has gained the support of i the general public, as hasi been well exemplified. The concert held in the Army Hall

on Saturday night.was a great success. The band was in good form, and rendered many compositions very acceptably, among them being the march, "Victory," a selection "Grateful Praise," and, by special request, the hymn, "Fight the Good Fight." The band was fortunate in securing the services, as pianiste, of Mi's Tonkin (Oamaru), and as cornet player, Mr L. J. Mayfield (Christchurch). These two performers added greatly to the musical strength of the company. Mr H. Naylor provided the lighter side of the entertainment with humorous items which tickled the risibility of all, while Mr H. Pidgeon delighted the audience with his .violin solos, as did also Mr H. Silverwood in his rendering of vocal items. Several instrumental quartettes by members of the band rounded off a capital programme. ' The band's playing in various streets of the town yesterday afternoon brought many people to the Theatre Royal to hear more, for the members gave a sacred concert there after their outdoor selections. Music, bright and edifying, proved the keynote of the performance, as did the after-church rally held in the Army Hall at night. At this concert the band, assisted, by piano and vocal solos by Mrs Tonkin and a cornet solo by Mr Mayfield, gave the following items:— Cornet quartette, instrumental quartettes' "Consecration," and "Village Chimes," selection "Ocean," march, "Consecrated Service," hymn "Rimmington," and song "Jesus Thou art everything to me."

EAST ASHBURTON SCHOOL SOCIAL There was a very large attendance at the euchre party and dance in the East Ashburton School and hall on Saturday night. The function was organised by the school committee, which will benefit to the extent of about £lO. Fifteen tables were occupied by the euchre tournament, which resulted as follows:—Ladies : Mrs Ford 1, Mrs J. Leslie 2. Gentlemen: Mr L. Turner 1, Mr W. Morrison 2. The sheep donated by Mr J. Broker was distributed among the winners. The dance was also well patronised, for which Mr S. Thompson was M.C.

! R.B.A. DANCE. The fortnightly dance under the auspices of the Returned Soldiers' Association Social Committee, held in the Orange Hall on Saturday night, was again of a very enjoyable character, though the function was not as largely attended as usual. The floor was in excellent' condition, and a splendid selection of music was provided by the Ashburton Ballroom Orchestra.