AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18791, 29 May 1923, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES. “THE VALLEY OF SILENT MEN.” LAST NIGHT TO-NIGHT. The programme at Paramount Municipal Pictures continues to draw large Jiouses, which is a genuine tribute to their attractive power. The music rendered by the orchestra is a marked feature, adding considerably to the enjoyment of the evening. A picture which combines magnificent scenic beauty with a thrilling story is “The Valley of Silent Men,” adapted from James Oliver Curwood’s famous novel of the same name as a Cosmopolitan production and released by Paramount. Those familiar with the novel will recall that it is a story of the Royal North-West i Mounted Police, with the Rocky Mountains for a background. It is a picture of tremendous power, barring as it does the souls of five men and a woman, who are isolated in a little narrow valley. the purpose of imparting this realism to the screen, the entire company went to Banff, in tne Canadian Rockies, and there practically every foot of the action was enacted and photographed. “THE GHOST BREAKER.” Wallace Reid in his latest Paramount picture is one of the few ghost stories that have been produced. It is an adaptation from one of the most popular plays that New York has had the pleasure of passing criticism on, and that is saying a lot. And then it has all the thrills that are necessary to make it creepy, and that is not all, for there are the thrills from the many other angles that make this a great feature. Lila Lee. one of the most charming of screen beauties, is the leading woman. The other featured player is Walter Hiers, soon to be a star. It’s a gay tale of adventure and love. Thousands laughed at the stage play—millions will scream with delight at the picture. Box plans at Messrs H. I. Jones and Son’s Ltd. ON SATURDAY—“PINK GODS.” “Pink Gods” showing on Saturday, with Bebe Daniels starring, is the foundation for another wonderful programme. "SCANDAL.” A BRIGHT AND PIQUANT COMEDY. Commencing on Thursday and continuing on the following night, Harry I. Cohen (by arrangement with J. C. Williamsouj will present to Wanganui theatregoers the daring and delicious three-act comedy, “Scandal,” for a return season. The piece is from the peu of Cosmo Hamilton, itself a sufficient guarantee of an excellent production, which is further strengthened by Miss Doris Luane, an actress of exceptional and outstanding ability in whom the emotional and dramatic requirements of a brilliant piece of writing have an exceptionally versatile and competent interpreter. “Scandal” deals with the thrilling romantic episode in the life of the impish Beatrice Vandyke (Doris Duane), the pampered niece of a multi-millionaire. The latent sense of adventure in her asserts itself, and, desiring to “see the world as other girls see it,” she secretly steps into Bohemia. News of her nocturnal visits to an artist’s studio, made purely for the sake of adventure, reaches her guardians, who surpise Beatrix in the act of carrying on a mild flirtation. Seized by one of her dangerous "inspirations” she declares she is secretly married to a millionaire friend of the family who lives in the same flat. Pelham Franklin (Mr Eric Harrison), the friend, is called in, and, “to be a sport,” admits the “truth of the lie.” Inwardly furious with indignation, he resolves to make Beatrix live the part. A stubborn battle ensues, in which each endeavours to suppress the growing love that intrudes to complicate an already perturbing' situation. It is in the guarding of the secret and the breaking down of Beatrix’s resolution not to live the part of the wife that the more noted scenes have their genesis. Both principals rise to great emotional heights, particularly in the famous bedroom scene, and also in the climax, from which they emerge as victims of Cupid. Throughout the entire play the audience is kept at the highest pitch of expectancy, for the nature of the action is such as to maintain in the background a plentiful supply of surprises. The cast is particularly strong, including George Broad, Arthur Orbell, Harold Moran, Arthur Adams, Graham Newton, John Galway, Lucy Carter and Mary McGregor. Box plan at H. I. 'Jones.

WESTBOURNE CHORAL SOCIETY. Some six months ago a few lovers of music at the Beach formed themselves into a choral society, and were fortunate in securing Mr T. W. Slater, A.R.C.0., as honorary conductor. Although such a short time has elapsed since the formation of the society, the members gave their first concert on Saturday evening. The. Westbourne Hall was crowded to over-flowing. The singing of tho choir camo as a distinct surprise to the majority of the audience, demonstrating alike the ability of the leader and good work on the part of the individual members. The choir items were —“Four Jolly Smiths,”

“Good Night, Pretty Stars',’’ “Sleep Gentle Lady,” and “Moonlight,” the last named item proving the gem of the programme. Tho soloists were Misses A. Body and E. McCarthy, and Messrs Trevor Thomas, Henderson, C. Wadman, and Mawhinney. An octette, in which members of the Male Choir kindly assisted, gave several delightful numbers. Mrs Gattey contributed two excellent elocutionary items. The concert was of a good musical standard throughout, and was in every way highly creditable to the young society. MiRay Nelson, at short notice, ably officiated as accompanist.