AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18500, 7 June 1922, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

HIS MAJESTY’S. “WAY DOWN EAST.” “Way Down East” was screened again at His Majesty’s last night, when the large theatre was filled in every part with one of the biggest audiences it has ever held. As was to be expected of a picture produced by D. W. Griffith it provides a series of wonderful spectacles, and the talent of the producer was never more strikingly demonstrated than by the procession of striking scenes which mark “Way Down East” from end to end. In the final scene in particular there is a specially thrilling incident when the heroine is rescued from what appears to be certain death in an ice break. This, however, is but one spectacle, and the picture, as already indicated, is filled with magnificent settings. All characters in “Way Down East” were carefully selected, and some very fine acting is to be witnessed in it. The plot, too, is an absorbing one, and from its commencement at a quarter to eight, right up to its close, this romance of every-day life grips the audience, and the satisfactory conclusion at about 10.30 puts all in a pleasant frame of mind. Special mention must be made of the appropriate music which accompanied the screening, this including many beautiful old favourite melodies, all of which materially added to the emotional effect. Last evening hundreds of would-be patrons had to be turned away, and as this indicates crowded houses for the remainder of the season, it would be advisable to book seats in advance. The management announce that the picture has been secured for two extra nights which will allow those unable to obtain seats so far to do so. The plan is at His Majesty’s, ’phone 863.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. In consequence ot the “Way Down East” season, the management of His Majesty's have transferred their ordinary current programme to Everybody’s Theatre, where it will be shown again to-night at 7.45. Heading the programme is “The Cup of Life,” in which Hobart Bosworth is starred. The story has a sensational ending. The cast includes Madge Bellamy, Tully Marshall, and Miles Welch. In addition to "The Cup of Life," there was also screened the eighth chapter of “The Silent Avenger,” which, like the preceding ones, is full of thrills. Two capital comedies are also included, one a 2000 feet Chester. featuring “Snooky,” and entitled “You’ll be Surprised,” and the other, also a 2000 ft film, being a Christie production entitled “Saving Sister Sue.” A Standard scenic under the heading “Skits from St. Kitts.” the Pathe Gazette, Topical Budget, and Pathe Review complete the programme. The seating plan is at His Majesty’s Theatre, ’phone 863. PARAMOUNT PICTURES. Another rare programme was produced by Paramounts at the Opera House last night. One ot the prettiest actresses of the screen today is undoubtedly Wanda Hawley, and this delightful blonde Is playing lead in “Her First Elopement,” a Realart special. This is a comedy of errors. Mistaken for a vamp, she is kidnapped and taken out to sea, are but a few ot the adventures which befall Wanda Hawley in this splendid picture. The other attraction is a real tip-top story of the west, “Riddle Gwyne,” which will be a pleasing item. The final showing will be made to-night. WAIKIKI HAWAIIANS. TO-MORROW NIGHT’S ATTRACTION. Concerning the Waikiki Hawaiians. who appear in a two-night season at the Opera House on Thursday and Friday evenings next, an exchange says: The performance by the Waikiki Hawaiians Coy., was altogether different from the ordinary entertainment. The star member of the troupe, Mr Koeke Greig, with his steel guitar, showed his completemastery of the instrument, his double stopping in the solos being particularly fine. Miss Lilliokalani, a famous “hula hula” dancer, pleased everyone, her graceful posing being much admired, and she gave a veryclever performance. Miss Ane Leata sang her Hawaiian songs sweetly. The Maori song, “E Pari Ra,” is deserving of a special note of recognition, the singers entering into the spirit of the words —a fine number. The other members, both in singing and playing, performed their parts well. The audience were enthusiastic, and there were many recalls. The coloured lights added greatly to the stage effects, and helped to make realistic the Hawaiian village scenes. The “ukelele,” always a pleasing instrument, charmed everyone. Altogether, the entertainment, which was of a most novel character, was thoroughly appreciated by the audience, and the return of this talented company will be eagerly looked forward to. The box plans for the Wanganui season are at H. I. Jones and Son's.