AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18757, 14 April 1923, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

HIS DOUBLE BILL TO-DAY. At both the matinee and evening screening' to day two features that promise excellent entertainment will be screened. A stirring story of the West, featuring J. B. Warner and Elinor Fair, is “Big Stakes.” The story is simply crowded with the most lively and unusual type of action. There is roping, there is riding, there are fights and brawls between Gregory’s cowboy friends and the henchmen of Bully Brand. “Big Stakes” keeps the interest of the spectator at fever heat, and up to within a few feet from the end of the picture the audience is unaware as to the choice of the beautiful senorita. The picture is very well directed, there are many beautiful Western exterior scenes, the Mexican Views are convincing and the supporting cast of Mr Warner is excellent. “The Kentucky Colonel” gives the well-known actor J. J. Dowling, of “The Miracle Man” fame, a rare opportunity. For the picture it is claimed that it has caught the very spirit of old Kentucky, with its beautiful women, its gallant men, its wonderful horses, its romance, glamour and charm. And there is ac tion as well. The story is from the novel by Opie Read. At the evening session only the whole of the contestants in the recent beauty competition will be screened, and the prizes will be presented to the winners. Seats should be reserved early for to-night at Upton’s till noon, then at the theatre, or by ’phone 863 or 1579.

SAM STERN—COMEDIAN. Continuing the policy of securing as regular a supply as possible of vaudeville acts, .the management of His Majesty’s will present an act of special value for three nights, com mencing Monday next. Sam Stern, a Jewish character comedian from the leading music halls of England, has been appearing on the Fuller Cir cuit in Australia and New Zealand with conspicuous success, being one of the most popular acts wherever he goes. He finishes his New Zealand contract in Wellington to-night, but as the boat does not leave for Australia till Friday, arrangements were made for Mr Stern to make a visit to Wanganui. The Sydney Daily Telegraph, referring to Sam | Stern’s opening appearance at Fuller’s Theatre, said, “at the head of the bill was a new arrival from England, Sam Stern. He is a genuine comedian, and the audiences at each performance received him with increasing enthusiasm with each succeeding number.” Mr Stern will present here three of his most famous numbers, “I Want a Man,” “Banana,” and “Cohen, the Hebrew Police man.” “FORTY THIEVES” PANTOMIME. AMAZING SCENIC EFFECTS. At Monday morning next, at H. I. Jones and Sons, will be opened the box plans for the two nights’ and matinee of the pantomime. In the J. C. Williamson Ltd. pantomime “The Forty Thieves,” are some astonishing scenic effects. From, the moment the curtain rises on the first scene till it falls finally the eye is delighted with the many really won derful stage pictures presented, of which the critic of the Melbourne Herald writes:—“The first scene, the Quay at Bohareeb, is a liberal indication of the scenic glories to follow. m this scene the arrival of a ship bringing Sadie Von Spottem, an Ame rican lady detective, introduces a modern note. The next scene, Ali Baba’s wayside inn, introduces that cheery pair the Brigands, who arrive for refreshment. Sadie Van Spottem comes as a boarder, and the innkeepers carry on in their own inimitable fashion. Then the curtain rises on a dimly seen forest. The great doors of the cave open at the magic word, with lightning and thunder, and the Forty Thieves march through the forest into the eave. The lady detective is entrapped by a magic dance in which she is tricked into inhaling tho perfume of poisonous flowers, and becomes unconscious. Cassim entei-s the cave, and the great doors close. Cassim finds the jewels, forgets the magic word, and then the cave is crowded with hurrying forms. The . light changes, and at the back is a golden idol. The spirit of the cave appears, the idol springs to life, and they per form a curiously striking and fascinating dance. In the second act, a scene on eoard ship, Ali and his family, alarmed by the chalk marks on the door, have decided to move. But the brigands (and the lady detective) are not to be put oft. The final scene is the great red and white palace, where everyone is rich and Ganem marries his Morgiana.' There are 150 people concerned in this brilliant production. '•

The pupils and friends of Miss Lois Jennings will be pleased to learn that she luis returned to Wanganui Miss Jennings lias been spending the past few months in Auckland, as principal instructress and exponent of the latest modern and fancy dancing at a wellknown Palais de Danse in the northern city. Miss Jennings has also been making a special study of classic dancing and eurhythmies and will add these important branches of the art at her Academy of Dancing during the coming season. Classes will be resumed today and applications should be made as early as possible,

Y.M.C.A. LADIES’ Fair.

Owing to the Memorial Week be ing instituted by the Wanganui War Memorial Committee, and beginning next Wednesday, the 18th inst., the Y.M.C.A. Ladies’ Auxiliary have de cided to postpone the fair being organised by them for next Wednesday The ladies desire to thank all those who were so kindly assisting with the effort, and trust that they will be ready to help again when the call comes.