AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19438, 26 October 1925, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

MUNICIPAL PICTURES “HIS LAST RACE” There’s a new kind of story on the screen now—not startlingly radical but refreshingly different. Patrons of the Paramount will see it to-night. Phil Goldstone, its originator, calls it a “ thrill-o-drama. ’ ’ The recipe is to take an action story and fill in the usually indefinite background with real, distinctly human characterizations. There are no casual, second-class “bits” in such a production —every character called before the camera has a part to play and must play it well. Such a policy, of course, requires the assembling of all the first-rate talent of Hollywood for one picture—but the policy was faithfully adhered to. The story, combining a vital human interest drama and a thrilling horse race, called for two sympathetic women—so Gladys Brockwell and Pauline Starke were engaged. A daring and fearless athlete was needed to capture a wild horse, dive from an aeroplane into a lake, and rescue a child from under the hoofs of a dozen thoroughbreds —so Rex (Snowy) Baker was engaged. No less than three villains were prominent in the story, and their parts were played by Noah Beery, Robert McKim and Dick Sutherland. Then, not content with perfectly casting the principal roles, Mr Goldstone called in such famous artists as Alec Francis, Tully Marshall, William Scott, Harry Depp, Robert Kbrtman and Harry Burns. The result is a picture combining thrills and drama in equal measure. It is “His Last Race,” which will be the star attraction at the Opera House at the matinee to-day and again at the evening session. The supporting programme is of equal merit. The box plans are at H. I. Jones and Son’s.

HIS MAJESTY’S.

“THE BELOVED BRUTE.” A packed house on Saturday night caused the genial manager, Mr Mason, to look verv pleased with everything. One would think that with all the meetings now being held in connection witn the election there would be a lot of empty seats at the picture houses, but not a vacant seat was to be had at 8 p.m. last Saturday, and the programme deserved the patronage. An unusually good Western with a plot quite different, a hero who has frailties mixed with his virtues, a cast of good Quality with Victor McLaglen and William Russell as the fighting brothers, and Marguerite de la Motto as the girl Victor wins when he discovers his soul, and regeneration sets in for the beloved brute. This Victor McLaglen, with his pair of flying fists, is an acquisition to the screen. A colourful picture, crowded with thrilling incidents which mainly adhere to tho verities. At the matinee to-day will be repeated the picturisation of the world-famous play that Mr Beban has played for fourteen years. “The Sign of the Rose” is a story built up from that well-known poem “My Rosa,” and it is a picture for patrons who only go when they want something special. Additions are the usual comedy and Gazette. Book at The Rialto, or ring 2863.