AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18445, 31 March 1922, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS ETC.

HIS MAJESTY’S. Madame Annette Hayward again delighted a large audience at His Majesty’s last evening, when she sang gems < f Irish song. To-night will be a ’‘Scotch Inight,” when Madame will sing ‘My Ain Folk,” ‘‘Annie Laurie,” and “Within a Mile of Edinburgh Toon.” The Wanganui Pipe Band will be in attendance, and Scottish people may look forward to a rare treat. Apart from the wonderful treat L . provided by Madame Hayward, a splendid programme will be screened, including “The Blood farrier,” or “Diamond Cut Diamond.” This story is taken from the novel by Townsend Brady, and it tells of the efforts of foreign agents to obtain a set of certain dye formulas in possession of the hero. The play is one that affords the popular stars some of their best opportunities which they handle to the best advantage. “A Broadway Cowboy” is a comedy drama of many mirth-provoking situations. William Desmond, in the leading role, is seen in a vehicle for which he is admirably suited. In this feature, the star does some of his finest work, and his finished ability as a comedy actor as well as a dramatic actor is shown to advantage. The supports are excellent. THE GRAND. TOM MIX SCORES IN ANOTHER SPEEDY FILM. Tox Mix did another good job when, as star, he made “After Your Own Heart” for William Fox. And his supporting cast have plenty of opportunity to shine. “After Your Own Heart” was shown for the first time here yesterday at the Grand Theatre, and it showed that Fox again has scored a bull’s-eye in seeking a feature for Mix. The story is full oi speedy action and wholesome sentiment. It was written by the well-known iictionist William Wallace Cook. In “After Your Own Heart” the author took an old water hole between two ranches, and from the dispute over this water hole he wove a stirring western picture and put into it a pretty romance. Ora Carew is Mix's leading woman in this picture. Others in 'the cast are George Hernandez, William Buckley, Sid Jordan, E. C. Robinson and Bill West. George E. Marshall directed the picture. The supports included the first chapter of “Terror Trail,” starring Eileen Sedgwick, which promises to be another success. Cartoons, comedy and two Gazettes provide a first-class entertainment. “THE SIGN ON THE DOOR.” A very large audience greeted Miss Maude Hanaford on her re-appear-ance at the Opera House last evening, when she was the star in the J. C. Williamson company which produced “The Sign on the Door.” The audience were given a great treat, appreciation of which was demonstrated in an unmistakable manner. The drama, which is of a very powerful nature, was beautifully staged, everything being just as it should be. So far as the story is concerned, the prologue shows the character of Frank Devereaux (Mr. Kenneth Brampton) and of a pretty typiste, Ann Hunniwell (Miss Maude Hanaford). The scene is in a private sitting room in a resort in New York. It could be a page from the life of Stanford White, whom Harry Shaw shot. The police raid happens just , in time. Five years later Devereaux and Ann (now Mrs “Lafe” Regan) meet again, and while Devereaux is mixed up in an intrigue that is bringing a husband post haste from Fiance, a hastened coming that is causing a prompt flit by Devereaux, which individual is at the same time seeking to induce Mr Regan’s stepdaughter to go away with him. Regan is aware of Devereaux’s character. but cannot understand why his wife should loathe him. She will not tell, and therein is the secret of all that subsequently happens. The wife tries to save the step-daughter, who was to meet Devereaux at his lodgings that evening, and she was in an adjoining room when Regan calls and the murder is done. “The sign on the door” is the sign “Not to be disturbed,” put there by Regan | The Rov. H. D. A. Major finds tli Regan had locked the door, and his wife could not get out. Thinking to save her husband, she unhooks the telephone, and, amid shrieks and screams, fires two shots from the revolver. The final act sees everything put right in the family circle of Regan. The plot abounds with tense scenes and provides scope for the abilities of a fine caste. On Miss Maude Hanaford falls the blunt of the piece. Her role offered many opportunities for the most emotional acting, often verging on hysterics, but she never overdid her part. “Lafe” Regan was a delightful, manly character, and was filled to the life by Mr N. J. Kelly. The fascinating villain, Devereaux, was in the hands of Mr Kenneth Brampton. No fault could be found with his acting. The other characters in piece were all ably filled. The drama was thoroughly enjoyed. CONCERT AT WESTMERE. It is announced in another column that the choir of St. Paul’s and a number of friends will visit Westmere on Monday evening next and give a concert in the Public Hall, commencing at 7.45 o’clock. The choir’s concerts in town are very popular and always draw large attendances; doubtless the Westmere lesidents will gather in full force. The concert is in aid of the Y.M. Easter camp funds. BAND CONCERT aT WANGANUI EAST. The Queen Alexandra Regimental Band, under the direction of Lieutenant Buckley, will give a municipal concert on the Wanganui East reserve, commencing at 3 o’clock on Sunday afternoon.