ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 10134, 11 June 1924, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

"THE VIRGINIAN"—TO-NIGHT.

Right out in the very heart of the mountains, where a hand-shake meant a living friendship, and a mis-trusting look meant a bullet in the near future, thoso were the days of adventure and romance. When Owen jSJftster wrote his novel "The Virginian," his inspiration must have come from the great friendship that exists out in the west, and also the sense of justice. ■ This fine story has now been adpted to the screen, and will be shown for the first time in His Majesty's Theatre tonight and to-morrow night. The management of the theatre was lucky in securing the release of this production. The outstanding feature is the photography, and, apart from the story, some of the scenes might be described as unique and artistic. Another refreshing feature is said to be the fact that the impossible has been cut out altogether, thus creating an interest in absolutely feasible situations.' The Virginian, a man of nobla character, is excellently portrayed by Kenneth Harlan, while playing opposite him, in the role of the school teacher, is Florence Vidor. The Virignian had a great friend, by name "Steve," who, through the influence of Trampus, a cattle rustler, begins stealing cattle from his employer. Several other honest men on tiie same ranch are also gathered into the mesh. A meeting of all the ranchowners in the district was called, and [ the Virginian was appointed head of a posse to round up the cattle-rustlers. One moonlight night, five out of the seven rustlers were cornered and three were shot. The Virginian found that one of the men he had captured was his friend Steve. The next morning, there was nothing else for him to do but to take his friend out and hang him on the nearest tree. The school teacher was horrified at what her lover had done, and she decided to have nothing to do y/ith him. Eventually she is reconciled, but on the day of the wedding Trampus puts in an appearance,, but after a short duel he is killed by; the Virginian. The supporting cast is I | described as very good. The part of the villain is convincingly portrayed hy Raymond Hatton, while the comedy role of Shbrty (which, incidentally, j ends in tragedy) is excellently rendered by Pat O'Malley. The cast is,stated J to be filled up with 50 real cow-punch-1 ers with many years' experience Ssf I cattle-herding in the hills, and features from these make the picture one of the best, ' J

f CLEVER VAUDEVILLE. A diversion was afforded patrons of His Majesty's Theatre last night by the introduction of "Adrian's Performing Dogs and Monkeys." This clever specialty turn is particularly refreshing in that it is entirely obviousi that the dogs and their master are real mates. No one could' sit and watch these dogs without realising that every move they make is a pleasure to them, and that nothing short of absolute kindness could have engendered such a complete duality between dog and man. Adrian can take credit for introducing _ one quite original line of work, for it is safe to say that never before have dogs been seen who have brought to such a state of perfection the gentle art of skipping. Their monkey steeplechase ie one of the best things in the bill.

The programme will be repeated tonight.

"THE WANTERS."

'"The Wanters," is a story that is "told with the sympathy that brings it as close in life as life itself and mirrors the life of the wanters. "We are all wanters," it is said. "As soon as mr wish is gratified we want somethj ■* else." Marie Prevost, playing the 1 £% ing role as a social climber w **»- lavish gowns, surrounded by lr ,*™£ an -^ n His^aieSs fi « & Saturday's matinee / mgton, Robert Ellis £| with the bluest of blue blood his vei outraging all the . femil traditions by marrying a girl _ w]k> h&s ft humble position in r parents > p a i a tial residence, l je cas t includes Norma bhearer, A Montreal society belle, re- ? e pJ adjudged the most beautiful girl m The story is of those who a ,nt what everyone else wants or has; poor girl wants riches and luxury, j the rich woman wants hei" husband's j love. i

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