AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19445, 3 November 1925, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

THE GRAND NORMA TALMADGE IN “THE LADY.” “The Lady,” the latest picture to hand for the exploitation of tho dramatic talent and personal charm of Norma Talmadgo is a screenisation of Martin Brown’s play, played by Pauline Frederick in Melbourne, h work which some critics have described as being just a little bit better than “Secrets,” opened at The Grand Treatro yesterday. Indeed we arc inclined to think that Norina has never flashed with such conviction as she does as the music hall singer who strives to be a lady in order to live up to the family of her husband, who has deserted her. Bereft of all tho poor girl seeks and gains employment in a French restaurant. A very beautiful touch is where she relates her story, and immediately the present fades away into the past, and her life’s story is enacted. Then her son comes back to her —as ia wounded soldier from the battle line in Flanders, the compelling scene which involves his identification, her distress at losing him again, and fine climax is all first-rate drama. Miss Talmadge is well supported by George Hackathorne, Alf. Goulding, and Margaret Seddon. The supports include “Scenes in Holland,” Gaumont Graphic, and a juvenile comedy entitled “Three Cheers.” Election results will bo screened at this theatre to-morrow evening.

“QUO VADIS.” •A STUPENDOUS PRODUCTION The production of tho new “Quo Vadis” is one of the greatest efforts of the screen—the brilliant result of twelve long years of experience and unwearying work. “Quo Vadis 1” is a gigantic spectacle of pagan Rome — mad Rome of old, the golden city, ruled by a dissolute and stupid brute. Vain, cruel licentious —yet king. Cruel tit first because it was the easiest way to satiate his lust for power, and then later from sheer depravity. All Rome trembled before Nero, even as it watched and joined in his wild bacchanalian revelries. All Rome watched horrorstricken, yet uttered no words of protest on those black days when hundreds of innocent Christians met death by the most fiendish tortures —tortures mt only the mind of a Nero could

•onceive —in the arenta of the Colosseum. “Quo Vadis?” is a glittering, artistic, and yet stupendous production. Spectacle is piled on spectacle. The scenes are amazing—chariots madly dashing, dragging Christian girl martyrs to their doom; the terrible fight between the barbarian giant Ursus and the mad bull, on the back of which is strapped the girl Lygia; the Christians in the arena with the lions; Nero’s drunken orgies in all their magnificence and splendour; the burning of Rome by Nero—in all this “Quo Vadis?” quite surpasses anything that has been done before. The character of Nero is portrayed by Emil Jannings, one of the greatest dramatic actors of the present day. “Quo Vadis?” will be presented at the Grand Theatre for a four d’ays’ session commencing next Monday. This big attraction is now showing to crowded houses at the De Luxe Theatre, Wellington. The plans for reserves open on Thursday morning at the Grand Theatre office.

FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND ’’GUY” COMPETITION. The boys of tho district are not worrying about the general elections. Their interest is centred on the “Guy Fawkes’’ competition which is to eventuate on Thursday evening next. The entries are to be made by boys, in groups of three, and all taking part in the competition are to form a parade and march behind the band to Cook’s Gardens. After arriving at the lattei place, the “guys” will be judged and tho prizes awarded. It is announced that no restrictions are placed on the boys in the making of their “guys. ’■ That is to say, if they choose to seek the assistance of their respective fathers in preparing their entries, they may do so. Father will probably be glad to help. It will doubtless make him feel young again. The Wainoni Fireworks Company are to give one of their famous displays. For many years this company has held a pre-eminent position by the merit of their pyrotechnical entertainments. The fascination of a fireworks display is one that makes a universal appeal. They command the interest of old and young alike, and tho display to be fired on Thursday next will be one of the best yet given by the Wainoni Company. Quite a large number of novelties are to be included, and several set pieces of unique design will be presented. Aerial pieces of many colours will also find inclusion in the programme. The Queen Alexandra Band is responsible for this novel attraction.

RETURN OF SISTINE SOLOISTS. A FAREWELL CONCERT. The celebrated Sistine Choir Soloists Uro to return to Wanganui to. give a farewell concert in the Opera House on Monday. A recital of vocal music by tho soloists is an event of a kind all too rare in these parts, and it may safely be assumed that local concert-goers will not be slow to take advantage of this last opportunity of hearing these remarkable singers in their picturesque seven-teenth-century setting. For the farewell concert a new programme is announced, but doubtless the soloists will be induced to repeat some of the items which proved so popular at their previous concert here. The generous support accorded the soloists throughout the Dominion has induced the management to undertake another complete tour of New Zealand, commencing at Wellington on November 5. The present combination bids fair to eclipse the record of three years ago, when the soloists gave no fewer than 176 consecutive concerts in the Dominion. Tho box plans will be opened on Thursday at H. I. Jones and Son’s, Ltd. /

STOPS COUGHS, BANISHES COLDS. A few doses of Dr. Sheldon’s New Discovery, taken when a cold is coming on, is generally all that is needed to soothe the fever and correct the bodily discomfort of a severe cold. It is well to continue taking New Discovery for a day or two, even after the attack seems averted, for its soothing infl’' ence on the mucous membrane renders it less liable to a second attack. Dr. Sheldon’s New Discovery, 1/9 and 3/6.