AMUSEMENTS. MEETINGS. ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19008, 8 May 1924, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS. MEETINGS. ETC.

THE GRAND. JOHN GILBERT IN “St. ELMO.” Rivaling those of the most important productions of the season, the cast selected by William. Fox for his screen version of “St. Elmo,” A. J. Evans Wilson’s famous novel, which opens at the Grand Theatre to-day, is one of the strongest and best balanced that could be obtained. The title role of the famous story is portayed by John Gilbert, whose excellent work in “Monte Christo” and in “Shame,” has won. for him the praise of motion picture critics the country over.

Barbara La Marr plays the part of “Agnes Hunt,” the faithless sweetheart of St. Elmo. Miss La Marr established an unequivocal popularity with her masterful performance in such productions as "Trifling Women,” “The Hero,” “Prisoner of Zenda,” and “Rich Men’s Wives.” Bessie Love, the star of a vast array of photoplays, has been cast in the feminine lead and promises one of the best character delineations of her varied career. As "Edna Earle." Miss Love is again the sympathetic, appealing bit of feminity that has been the foundation Of her success on the screen and spoken stage. The supporting pictures include Al St. John in “The Tailor” Fox World’s News and another chapter of “The Eagle’s Talons.” This programme will be screened at matinee and evening sessions till Saturday next. The box plan for reserves is at Rowell’s bookshop next Warnock’s.

THE GRAND. “IF WINTER COMES.” The box plans for the five days season, commencing at The Grand Theatre next Monday, opened at Rowell’s bookshop yesterday morning, and, judging by the early demand for seats, the reputation of the picture has preceded it; very heavy booking is anticipated. Speaking of “It Winter Conies,” an exchange says: “If Winter Comes,” the screen production of A. S. M. Hutchinson’s novel, tells the story of the “puzzlehead,” Mark Sabre, with such charm, conviction and fidelity as to rank among the best of the screen efforts of the last two years. Once more a film play, based upon a novel, actually surpasses in interest and realism the original material upon which it is built. “If Winter Comes” was acclaimed a masterpiece following its opening at the Times’ Square Theatre in New York on September 3. Mr. Fox presented the picture for the opening of his recently leased Palace Theatre in London September 10. Percy Marmont has the role of Mark Sabre and is assisted by a powerful east of talented artists. The picture broke all records in Australia, and has repeated its success in New Zealand at every theatre where it has been presented. Intending patrons arc reminded to book early to avoid disappointment, as seating is limited. All those who can do so are advised to attend the matinees from Monday till Friday to relieve the crush at the evening screenings. The prices have been fixed at the lowest that i*> possible in presenting this outstanding theatrical attraction.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ANNUAL REUNION.

The annual reunion of 'Wanganui Returned Soldiers will be held at the P. S.A. Club to-night. A special musical programme has been arranged, which includes items by Messrs. C. I. Spillane, E. McCarthy, Paul Latham, Ernest Thomas and R. Bond. Mr. W. Ward will officiate on the piano. It is anticipated that a large gathering of returned men will be present to enjoy themselves. It is the wish of the local R.S.A. Executive to make the function one of the best held in the club.

Miss Lucy Takarangt a.t.C.L.. L.T.C.L., announces that her second term commences on Monday next, 12th inst. Miss Takarangi will be pleased to interview parents and students at the studio, Earle's Buildings, front 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to-morrow (Friday).