AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19448, 6 November 1925, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

THE GRAND. il STRATHMORE ” ON SCREEN RETAINS GREAT ROMANCE. All sorts of people read and enjoyed Onida's “Strathmore.” There is no doubt that William Fox’s screen adaptation of the book will have a similar appeal. This picture opened at The Grand last night to a large audience. As Strathmore, the passionate young lover of Marion Vavasour, the heartless, Wyndham Standing plays a variable chord on the heartstrings. At one moment, you sympathize with him and at another you call him a fool. The first occurs when Diana Miller plays her best as the beautiful Marion. The second is when she becomes frankly what she is. The picture has been made to carry all of the reckless passion and the emotional suspense of the novel, so that it appeals to those who know Ouida as well as to those unfamiliar with this writer’s dramatic effects. A good cast supports Mr Standing and Miss Miller. There arc Richard Thorpe, Frank Leigh, George K. Arthur, Jackie Saunders, Frances Beaumont, Hayford Hobbs, Charles Clary and Eugenia Gilbert. Denison Clift was the director and he has done a good piece of work. The supports are all good and include Topical, comedy, industrial and the final chapter of “The Ghost City!”

COMMENCING MONDAY NEXT. THE NEW GIGANTIC “QUO VADIS.” ALL THE ELEMENTS OF A BIG PICTURE. The motion picture “fan” of to day demands thrills, adventure, love interest and “something to carry homo and think about.’’ In “Quo Vadis,” First National’s gigantic film version of the Sienkiewicz novel, he will get all of this and more. He will have more thrills than he ever had in one evening in his life; he will behold love that transforms base metal into pure gold; he will sec the downfall of the most autocratic government in ancient times and the birth and spread of the Christian faith. “Quo Vadis” is one of the most absorbingly interesting and thrilling productions that has ever been screened. It is correct historically, delightful artistically and perfect in detail and perspective, besides being a profound psychological study. The scene is

Rome in the time of Nero, most corrupt of the Caesars, when the Eternal City was the melting pot. of the world. The contrast between Nero and the Apostle Peter, the Empress Poppaca Augusta and Lygia, the Christian maiden, with the transformation of Vinicius’ life and character through his love for Lygia are as vivid as anything in the drama or in literature. The scenes are tremendously real and spectacular. Nothing more realistic has ever been accomplished in photographic art than the portrayal of the great royal banquets, the burning of Rome and the scenes in the arena—the tossing of the Christians to the lions, Ursus’ rescue of Lygia from the back of the raging bull, and others. Emil Tannings, whose'characterisations in “Passion,” “Deception,” and other pictures, won him international fame, has the role of Nero and carries off the honours of the production. The motion picture public is introduced to a new leading woman in the person <f Lillian Hall Davis, noted English stage star. As Lygia she makes her debut in American films and gives promise of becoming a favourite very soon. The Wanganui season will be four days commencing Monday next. The

plans are now open and to be sure of a seat be wise and reserve.