AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19827, 29 April 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE “Madamoiselle from Armentieres” has played to good houses at IDs Majesty’s Theatre. The film is described as a soldier’s story of the war. After all, the war, to the men in the trenches, was essentially a personal adventure, and it is appropriate that for the purpose of entertainment with a quality of reminiscence, the film should be a picture of intimate drama and comedy of the war, told with convincing realism, rather than an effort to convey the whole panorama of a world upheaval in which truth must inevitably be sacrificed to spectacular effect. As a film heroine, “Madamoiselle” appears as a patriot whose activities might very easily have led to the scandalous rumours about her character; the author’s solution of a delicate problem is at least ingenious. As an entertainment, the film has humour and pathos and is sure of its popular appeal. The picture will be screened for the last time to-night.

The Big Parade, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s remarkable picture production, “The Big Parade,” which has been the subject of much discussion in England and America, has been secured for His Majesty’s Theatre commencing the season on Monday next. The records established by this celebrated film are remarkable. In England “The Big Parade” showed at the Tivoli Theatre, London, for over seven months, a record for the British Isles. Characterisations by John Gilbert, Karl Dane and Tom O’Brien arc regarded by the press of England, “as three of the finest character delineations ever seen together in one picture.” Renee Adoree presents a portrait of Melisande, a French girl who can “spik no Inglis’’ with marked skill which has won for her a position amongst the first flight of actresses for the etreen. A special musical score (the identical one used in London) accompanies the picture and this will be rendered by an augmented orchestra. Box plans for the season are available at Upton’s and the management desires to impress upon patrons the necessity of making early reservations, A prologue will precede the picture and will be presented with the same scenery and effects as were used in the Majestic Theatre, Auckland. THE GRAND THEATRE A fine melodrama with suspense' and thrills as well as pathos and humour mark Fox Films version of Clyde Fitch’s greatest play, “The City,” which had ils first showing at The Grand Theatre yesterday. There is not a dull moment in this sensational revelation of city life, its lures and temptations and its hopes and successes. A cast of players or stellar ranx., including such favourites as Robert Frazer, Richard Walling, May Allison and Walter McGrail are featured in the leading roles. But one of the outstandi ing characterisations in this picture is furnished by Nancy Nash, a new Fox discovery. “The City” is splendid entertainment no one should miss and is also supported by another big attraction “Fifth Avenue,” adapted from the stage play of the same name with Marguerite De La Motto and William V. Mong in the leads. This programme will be repeated again to-day, to-night and to-morrow afternoon only. To-mor-row evening a complete change will be presented the attractions being “Subway Sadie” and “The Futurity Winner” featuring Patsy Ruth Miller. MUNICIPAL PICTURES Thomas Meighan, starred with a highly capable cast arrives at the Opera House in a cinema adapted by Arthur Stringer from W. Somerset Maugham’s play, “The Canadian Pioneer,” and directed by William Beaudine. Frank Taylor, having failed to harvest his crop the year before, is shown working for his friend, Ed. Marsh. To disturb an otherwise normal existence, Kora Marsh reaches her brother’s ranch after having lived most of her twenty years within the confines of London. Needless to say, the temperaments of Nora and her brother’s crude wife clash. And hearing that “Taylor wants a wife who will work, she asks if she’ll do. Here is where drama of the most poig nant sort creeps in and it is in these scenes that Meighan’s artistry is said to rise to heights. Reserves may be obtained at H. I. Jones and Son’s until 8.30 p.m.