AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19831, 4 May 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE “The Big Parade,” the Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer epic which is showing at Hia Majesty’s Theatre, is not a war story although it has frequently been described as such. It is true that the world conflict does enter into it, but first and foremost it is a story of youth, lovo and devotion sharply outlined against the horizon battle. Telling a sweet and most appealing love story, “The Big Parade” deals not with nations nor with armies, but with , individuals who in the midst of life a.nd laughter, are suddenly brought face to face with the tragedy of war. Humour and humanity abound, however, and melodramatic moments and super-heroic heroes are refreshingly absent. In London, Paris, Berlin, New York and many other cities of international importance, “The Big Parade” has succeeded in captivating and enthralling huge audiences as no other picture has ever done before—proof positive of the world wide appeal this epic possesses. International boundaries and racial likes and dislikes count for nothing where such a picture as “The Big Parade” is concerned. John Gilbert and Renee Adoreo will never be forgotten in their respective roles of Jim Apperson, the wayward son of wealthy parents, and of Melisande, “the woman of France” who carried on when her menfolk went away, and it is the appealing humanness of its characters and the impressive simplicity of its story, that makes “The Big Parade” a picture that rings so absolutely true in every respect that you can never forget it. A special matinee is being held this afternoon, commencing at 2.30. THE GRAND THEATRE Following the recent run of feature films, the management of the Grand Theatre, has another excellent programme for the three days’ season commencing this afternoon. “The Country Beyond” is a stirring tale of the North West from the pen of James Oliver Curwood, produced by Fox Films. Olive Borden, whose rise to popularity has been rapid and decided, has the leading role, supported by Ralph Graves, Gertrude Astor and J. Farrell McDonald. The second feature is “Paris at Midnight,” with Jetta Goudal and John Barrymore in the leading parts. The settings in this picture are particularly fine. COMBINED SCHOOLS ENTERTAINMENT The combined primary schools’ entertainment to take place in the Opera House to-night and to-morrow night is attractive and provides a big variety. This is a school concert de luxe, when all the schools’ choirs will combine in several choruses, while National songs will be given by individual choirs. Then the Putiki Maori children, always very popular, will give pois and hakas, and squads of boys and girls will contribute physical drill under the direction of Mr Roydhouse, physical drill instructor. These, with individual items from the various primary schools and a selection by the Aramoho School Mouth Organ Band will combine in making the concerts most popular. Reserves may be had at H. I. Jones and Son’s. •‘NO NO, NANETTE” “No No, Nanette’s” first night success was repeated at the Opera House yesterday, when there were large audiences at the matinee and evening performances.