AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18073, 11 January 1921, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

BIG DOUBLE STAR BILL AT HIS MAJESTY’S. The announcement of a double star programme attracted a packed house to His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, and the big crowd were delighted with the excellent bill-of-fare served up by the enterprising management. Though the entertainment commenced at 7.4 5, every seat was occupied by that hour, and from then on to 10.15 the attention of all present was rivetted upon the screen. The first big motion picture presented was a powerful drama, entitled “A Daughter of Two Worlds,” which vividly portrays the extremes of life in America. The story follows the fortunes of Jennie Malone, the daughter of a divekeeper, who is induced by a crook to commit forgery, and is released on bail. Her father sends the girl under an assumed name to a fashionable boarding school in the East, and from this establishment she graduates until she becomes engaged to a scion of a wealthy family. The big drama shows something of the graft which flourishes in Yankeeland, and is rich in powerful dramatic situations and thrilling denouements. Norma Talmadge is seen at her beet as the heroine, and this brilliant actress is supported by a very strong cast. The costuming and staging are on a sumptuous scale, and the film one which does not come along every day. The second half of the programme was taken up by a delightful lyrical love story, ‘‘Youthful Folly,” which cleverly depicts life amongst the idle rich. That queen of filmland, Olive Thomas, who, by the way, wrote this powerful drama, rises to great heights in this exquisite photoplay, which shows a genuine love growing in the midst of selfishness, sordidness, and luxury. The recent tragic fate of the brilliant young actress-authoress at Paris added interest to the picture. The pleasure of the evening’s entertainment was greatly enhanced by the very fine work of the orchestra. This big double bill will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night.

'THE GREAT GAME,” COMING THURSDAY. A si nsational sporting picture will be the attraction at His Majesty’s, commencing next Thursday, for two nights only, entitled “The Great Game.” The picture is a typical Nat Gould drama, introducing ail the ingredients that are necessary to .make an exciting and thrilling racing story. Apart from the racing environment, the picture is fortunate in having for its hero, the famous English gentleman boxer, Bombardier M ells, whose splendid physique enables him to work some very convincing stunts, and his one great opportunity comes, when at the last moment a protege or his, whom he has backed to win a large stake, is unable to appear at the appointed time, and he steps into the ring to light himself. His opponent is known as “Tiger Bill,” and a tough looking customer he looks. A great fight takes place, and after six rounds strenuous fighting, Wells severely thrashes the Bully, who has been backed by the Villain. The picture is full o 1 exciting incidents, notably tic.’ races for the English Derby anil the HI Guineas, which are graphically deed on the screen. The Auckland r comments as follows :—“ A remarka> screen production, showing in Gear photography the many fine scenes round Epsom on Derby Day. It is one of those which people talk about when they leave the theatre.” The box plan is now open at Upton’s. THE GRAND. MATINEE TO-DAY AT 2.15 P.M. . The big double programme presented at The Grand for the first time last night attracted another large attendance. The stars, “The Red Lane,” featuring Frank Mayo, and “The Inn of the Blue Moon," featuring Doris Kenyon, are two very fine pictures. “The Red Lane” is filled with beautiful scenic shots. The story is from the novel of the same name by Holman Day. The supports include The Topical Budget, the Universal screen magazine, and a rattling good two-reel comedy entitled “The Lying Lion Trainer.” This programme will be repeated this afternoon at the matinee, starting at 2.'5 p.m., and again to-night, •starting al 7..“fi p.m. Reserves are obtainable at Collier’s, or 'phone “A COUNTRY GIRL.” The principals and understudies will hold a full rehearsal at the rooms of Messrs Blundell and Brown, Avenue, this evening, at 7.30 o’clock. The rehearsals for principals and chorus will resume next Monday night at. the Central Hall. In view of the near approach of the production, a lull attendance is required at all future practices of music and dialogue. BAND CONCERT ON THE RACECOURSE. Next Sunday afternoon, commencing at 3 o’clock, the Queen Alexandra Regimental Band, under the direction of Lieut. Buckley, will give their next municipal concert. The ornamental grounds at the Racecourse are always a greta attraction, and the fact that the Band will be playing should add further charm to this beautiful spot. An excellent programme will be submitted. Particulars will appear later.