AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19007, 7 May 1924, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

THE GRAND

"IF WINTER COMES” COMMENCES MONDAY NEXT. Whether you have read the book or haven’t, you are bound to enjoy "If Winter Oomoe,” the picture made from A. S. M. Hutchinson’s extraordinary novel of English life. This perhaps is an argument for sticking close to the text, for the picture satisfies completely the person who has read the book and it is so full and clear it is a delight as well to the one who has not had the preliminary preparation from the book. Mark Sabre is one of those priceless creatures whom you take to your heart and warm there forever aud aye; so lovable, so full of human kindness, so tender with the unfortunate; so charitable to others’ weaknesses, so gentle with his aggravating, non-understanding wife—how one would like to shake her until she saw what a treasure her husband is! At times you want to shake him, too, when he won’t defend himself in the courtroom.; when he doesn’t retort to the sneaking Twyning, when he lets Mabel dominate him and make life a hell for him and then you realize that he is a child in his heart and you forgive him and love him the more. Harry Millarde, who directed the picture for William Fox, has succeeded in presenting this personality of “Marko” on the screen; the whimsicality of the man, even when fate seems to be closing in on him for a cropper. This is rather an achievement on the screen, to fix there a psychological study and make it interesting. His fun with his bicycle, the coasting and the joy when he beats his record; his friendliness with High and Low Jinks, who are sources of joy in the picture; his "fencing” with Nona, all make pleasant episodes that relieve the tension in the story of Sabre. The box plans for the five nights’ season opens at Rowell’s bookshop this morning at 9 o’clock.

QUEEN’S PARK SCHOOL CONCERT

To-night (Wednesday), at 8 o’clock, the spirit of youth will disport itself at the Opera House. It comes from Queen’s Park school, and these children are giving of their best in order to supplement the funds for their band, their libraries, their wireless club, and their many sports activities. Following is the plot of the operetta, “The Golden Whistle,” included in the programme: Beffo, awaking, after a nap in the woods one summer afternoon, sees before him The Little Old Woman. After talking to him, she gives him, on her departure, the golden whistle. He soon finds that whenever ho blows it, come tramping in answer to its summons all the fairy folk of the woods, as well as birds, flowers, even butterflies. They prove entertaining and delightful companions, and when the golden whistle is lost and stolen by the White Rabbit, they summon to Beffo’s aid the Fairy Queen herself. The Little Old Woman returning, the Fairy Queen releases her from the evil enchantment which had been over her, and, throwing off the long cloak, she stands revealed, a lovely young girl, to the astonishment of all. The Queen bids Beffo take Aleea (for that is the maiden’s name) by the hand and lead her among his friends, and with much merriment and rejoicing they form a gay line of march, led oy Beffo and Alcea, followed by the littlest Wild Rose bearing on a satin cushion, the Golden Whistle. A most interesting evening is assured.