AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18259, 18 August 1921, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC

“THREE WISE FOOLS.” •The human interest in “Three Wise Fools” at the Opera House tonight is so strong that it can scarcely fail to appeal to the emotions and sentiments of playgoers. The first two acts ot this new play written by a New Zealand, Austin Strong in America is so constructed that comedy and pathos run hand in hand, and the note sounded in each phase is sincere. In the third act the melodramatic ei i :mnt is allowed to run riot, and the light sentimentality of its predecessors is thrust aside, with the result that some of the merit of the piece goes with it. By that time however, the heart of the audience out in front has been stirred by the delightful theme, and there will be few who will not accept this rather sudden change in quality with generous forbearance. Part of the fascination of “Three Wise Fools” lies in the Inconsistencies in the charac-ter-drawing. The characters do unexpected things, and conventions are not followed slavishly in the working out of the plot. The introduction of the criminal has the effect of turning a quiet little story of tender and touching episodes into quite a sensational drama. The play is well calculated to please, and is decidedly worth while. The performance of “Three Wise Fools” in Auckland attracted a large audience and was productive of genuine applause at the close of each act. Mr John D. OHara, is seen in the role of one of the trio referred to in the title, namely, Theodore Findley, a crusty old banker. Miss Dorothy Seacombe was dainty and bewitching as Miss Fairchild, the girl who performed the shaking. Her comedy wonk was bright and in her emotional mo. ments she was exceptionally natural and effective. Box plans are now open at Jones’ for “Three Wise Fools,” to-night and ’’Welcome Stranger” with Jules Jordan to- ’ morrow. HIS MAJESTY’S. i A DOUBLE STAR ATTRACTION. FRANK KEENAN AND BILLIE RHODES. There is perhaps no more force, ful a character actor than that well tried verteran of the screen and stage Frank K'eenan. A man who despite his years puts more punch into his portrayals than many of the younger screen stars. In “The World Aflame” an intense dramatic work dealing with social unrest, come opportunities for hlstronic ability, that make one think that it is the substance and not the shadow that is appearing before one. The great strke scenes in this production are wonderfully produced Billie Rhodes is seen in an unusually attractive comedy drama “The Lamb and the Lion.” There is plenty of comedy, the tang of adventure and mystery, etc., thrills galore, while the story is refreshing and unusual. The plan is now open at His Majesty’s, phone 863. FILMING A VOLCANO. LOCAL MOUNTAINEERS ENJOY THEMSELVES. Mr Trevor Hil, manager of His Majesty’s Theatre, has received a letter from Mr Charlie Newham, cinematographer, who together with a party of local enthusiasts are doing the wonders of Mt. Ruapehu. Mr Newham is making an endeavour to secure a cinema picture of Ngaruhoe’s fiery crater. This will be the first time such a thirg has ever been attempted, and if successful should prove a valuable film. Mr Newham writes as follows upon the glories of the mountain:—“We reached the ’top of Mt. Ruapehu (party of 12) yesterday’under the capable guidance of Mr Salt, of Wanganui. We got the cinema camera outfit up and the weather conditions were every, thing to be desired. Excellent views were secured or. the summit of the crater and lake, which was discharging great voluu.es of steam. A comprehensive series of huge ice formations which Mr Salt declares the finest he has ever seen in his mountaineering experience were filmed. The party are all well, and charmed with the variety of alpine scenery which presents Itself at every turn.” YOUNG PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN. Already interest has been greatly aroused In the Young People’s Campaign which commences at St. Paul's Church on Sunday next and is to continue nightly in St. Paul’s Hall till the following Sunday. The campaign has been organised by St. Paui's Youth Cabinet, who are taking the opportunity of availing themselves of the Rev. J. L. Gray’s services as leader of the campaign before he leaves New Zealand In company with his wife to undertake mission work in India. It is hoped that the campaign will exert an influence even beyond the confines of St. Paul’s congregation, and to this intent the interest of ministers of other denominations is being enlisted in the hope that they and the young people of their congregations may mutually benefit from the campaign by attendance at the meetings. Mr Gray who is a returned soldier is a powerful speaker and enthuses in his subject: “Talks on the Life that Counts.’ FANCY DANCING. In another column Mrs. E. M. Laurie advertises that she is prepared to receive a limited number of pupils in toe, ballet, step, clog, Spanish, Russian, Oriental or classical dancing. Mrs Laurie comes to Wanaganui with exceptional qualifications. She is a pupil of Miss Estelle Beere, and has proved herself a firstclass organiser and producer. From time to time she has organised revues and other production of similar type in Palmerston North, Woodville, Pahiatua, Taihape and Wellington.’ Mrs Laurie has been exceptionally successful with children, and we trust her enterprise in continuing her work in Wanganui will be successful.