AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18248, 5 August 1921, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC

THE GRAND. WILLIAM FARNUM IN “THE ADVENTURER. “The Adventurer,” William Fox’s presentation of E. Lloyd Sheldon’s story, opened at the Grand Theatre last night to a large audience. William Farnum is the star of this truly fine photoplay, one of the features of which is'the most exciting and best duelling scene ever thrown on the screen in this city. William Farnum is a perfect swordsman , and the skill with which he handles his weapon in “The Adventurer” alone should assure that photoplay a successtui run neru. The story is a strong one, and Farnum never was more happily cast. Few- actors can display the versatility of this star, whose every act is one of studied and dignified art. He plays with abandon and with restraint, and in each instance he is really Don Caesar de Bazan and not William Farnum. He has given us the most perfect screen picture that we have seen; and it is an undiluted joy to see an actor who so completely sinks himself in the part he is playing. What is true of the star is true in a considerable degree of his support. Estelle Taylor, who makes her screen debut in this picture, is an attractive leading woman and a clever actress. She has interpreted the role of the gypsy with excellent judgment. Paul Cazaneuve, Dorothy Drake, Harry Southard and the rest of the cast give consistently good per. formances. "The Adventurer" is a success. Don’t miss it. The supports include episode 3 of “The Diamond Queen,” Sunshine comedy, Fox’s Australian and World’s News and Mutt and Jeff cartoons. Patrons are requested to secure reserved seats early. Plans will close daily at 5 p.m. WANGANUI ORGAN RECITAL. THE INAUGURAL RECITAL. An event which may piove to have been epoch-making in Wanganui’s history took place at St. Paul’s Church last evening, when an organ recital was given by Mr Maughan Barnett, City Oragmist of Auckland. The recital was the outcome of efforts by the management of St. Paul’s to bring about a series of reictals by the leading organists of the Dominion, and to pave the way towards the erection of a orty organ in Wanganui, it being hoped that the presence of eminent recitalists would arouse wealthy lovers of music to do as similarly situated people have done in other centres, viz., make the erection of a big organ possible. Last night’s recital was given under the patronage of the civic authorities, and the promoters have every reason to be pleased with the success that attendend the-inaugural recital of the series. Acting on the advice of his medical attendant, the Mayor (Mr T. B. Williams) was not present, but the Deputy-Mayor (Cr. L. J. Sigley), officiated in a very pleasing manner. Attended by Crs. Richaruson, Green, Crampton, and Sharpe, the DeputyMayor extended a civic welcome to Mr Barnett, and expressed the hope that he would not restrict his recitals to one. He aiso spoke of the great part music played in the daily lives of individuals and communities, and in commending the efforts which bad been made to secure Mr Barnett’s services for the lecital, said that municipalities should do all possible to foster music. The Wanganui Borough Council cculd be relied upon to do all within its power in this direction.

. Mr Maughan Barnett, in a happy reply, said that the value of music could not be exaggerated. Every member of a community, not merely those able to pay high prices for admission, should have the opportunity of hearing the best music. Municipalities, assisted by private enthusiasts, should make this possible. A big city organ and a big choir constituted assets of inestimable value in the life of a community. Mr Maughan Barnett’s recital, as might be expected, was of a very high order. His programme was of a diversified nature, serving to demonstrate the capacity of the organ and the organist. The instrument, though not allowing Mr. Barnett to oe heard to full advantage, nevertheless proved that it possesses more musical possibilities than it is apt to be given credit for. The opening number was the Vierne "Carillon,” a striking composition based on the two-bar theme of the carillon of the chapel in the chateau de Longpoint on the Aisne. This was followed by the lovely “Andante in D” by the Dutch composer Edward Silas. Then came the fascinating “Gavotte” by Corelli. The big item of the programme was Bach's "Toccattfr and Fuque in D Minor,” which was followed by a “Celtic Hymn,” which was indeed a thing of beauty. Boelmannis “Suite Gothique” was a great treat, and so was the well-known “Serenata” by Wolstenhoime. The organist concluded his programme with his own march, “Song of Empire.” That the recital was a treat, as delightful as it was educational was the opinion of the large audience which filled the church. After the recital Mr. Maughan Barnett and the Deputy-Mayor and Councillors were entertained at supper. The committee (Messrs Derbyshire, Newlands and Ritchie) who were responsible for promoting the recital are to be heartily congratulated on the success of their efforts.