AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19842, 17 May 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Two well-known writers have their books showing in picture form to-night at His Majesty’s Theatre. The fame of Marie Corelli’s novel "Thelma,” read and re read by Countless thousands throughout the world, has made jlhe photoplay version of the book one I of the really outstanding achievements I of the year in the rcmlm of the cinema. 'lt serves as a starring vehicle for beaujteous Jane Novak. The picturization i has adhered religiously to the original ! narrative and lovers of the famous novel will see all their old friends of [the book spring into life again when i" Thelma” is shown to-night. In supj port is an Oliver Curwood story of the ■ great snow country. ‘’Prisoners of the | Storm,” featuring House Peters. The I snow scenery is glorious in this picture, while the story running through jit is quite up to Curwood standard, i To-night is the final showing of this | programme. , “THE BLACK PIRATE.”

An outstanding attraction comes to His Majesty’s Theatre, commencing at the matinee to-morrow afternoon, in the form of the much boomed "Black Pirate,” which features Douglas Fairbanks and Billie Dove. Several years of preliminary work were required to gather the material, to build the ships and to study the many details neces-1 sary to make the picture a true representation of piratical history. The finished product is ample reward for the time spent to make it an outstanding' picture. The coloured photogrpahy is like a scries of marvellous paintings. The brown of the men’s flesh and the sudden splash of colour in a parrot’s feather are especially noteworthy touches. The whole of its 9000 feet is done in natural colours. It is a faithful, thrilling epic of the golden days of buccaneering near the end of the eighteenth century, and depicts vividly and colourfully the hectic life of the dare-devil roamers of the Spanish Main during that era. In every way it is the most stupendous production that he has ever attempted, and from end to end it is filled with the unique athletic feats that place a Fairbanks picture in a class by itself; in fact, in "The Black Pirate” the star has thought up a number of now stunts that are as thrilling as they arc novel. Prices are ordinary, and the plans are open at Upton’s.

THE GRAND THEATRE Large audiences at both afternoon and evening screenings of Norma Talmadge and Ronald Colman in the sparkling comedy "Kiki” were recorded yesterday at the Granri, Theatre. It has required a vast amount of experience and experiment to evolve such a character es "Kiki.” To appeal wholeheartedly to the public tastes, she has to be a composite blending of laughter and tears, of reserve and unconventiou, an enticing little creature who would captivate the heart with her fij'st flashing smile and her first "bonmot” Norma Talmarige brings her to the screen in all her April moods, whether trailing di'V’onsolately the Paris Streets, or selling her papers with witty cries, or delighting the Parisian public on the coveted stage, she is an irresistible imp of mischief, hiding an aching heart and a despairing soul behind her mask of bravado. That is where the genius of "Kiki” appears. It is life, because life is a comedy tragedy that it is best to laugh at "Kiki” is presented on a lavish scale Gorgeous sots representing the opera, the boulevards .of Paris lend interest i and reality to tho picture, and the frocking of the principals is all in the most approved French style. Ronald Colman is Miss Talmadgc’s leading man. "Kiki” is a picture that nil the advance reports have been confirmed an entertainment of the highest of order, that ranks with the best pictures screened this year. On the same programme Richard Talmadge appears in "The Broadway Gallant,” a picture with interest and fast moving stunts, which keeps everyone on the edge of their seat from, start to finish. Special matinees will be given to-day and tomorrow afternoon for this programme. SWANKERS’ APPEAL FRIDAY NEXT Attention is drawn to tho Swankers’ Club announcement in this issue regarding their appeal day arrangements next Friday. Everything is now well in hand and it is confidently anticipated that the public will once again rally round the Swankers’ banner and help to make the day a financial success. Already a good response has been made to the club’s appeal for produce, meat, clothing, etc., and the voluntary workers who will be in attendance at Drummond’s late promises in the Avenue (Kash Corner) hope to receive still further additions to the various stalls during the week. The premises will bo open as a receiving depot all the week, but should any donors find it inconvenient to bring their gifts to the depot, a phone message to the secretary Mr L. C. Swan, phone 3557, will ensure collection. Messrs Adams’ Ltd have generously offered the free service of a car for this purpose. Messrs A. J. Burchall and Hodson’s Motor Service have kindly consented to carry free of charge any meat, produce etc., from the Kakatahi district and those settlers who have promised donations are asked to notify the mail drivers when to pick up same.