AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19843, 18 May 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

MUNICIPAL PICTURES Once again proving the popularity of Paramount special productions, a capacity audience of Wanganui theatregoers greeted the featured “Beau Geste” last evening at the Opera House, and several hundreds were unable to secure seats. 1 ‘Beau Geste” itself was preceded by a graphic prologue, while special musical numbers were rendered by the Paramount Orchestra during the screening. In the prologue, Mr Albert Petri sang impressively: “Madelon,” “Adieu Marie,” and “The Trumpeter.” Mr Petri was dressed in the correct Foreign Legion uniform, and his items proved popular. The two Soupers, who also appeared in the prologue, received a fine reception. “Beau Geste” is a film with a particularly fine theme. In years past the dead Viking hero was placed upon his ship with his favourite dogs at his feet, and the ship set on fire and shoved out to sea. As little boys the brothers Geste amused themselves in Brandon Abbas playing naval battles, and in exceptional cases winning the honour of having a viking funeral. “Should I die before you,” said the eldest, Beau, to Digby, “will you give me a Viking funeral?” and there they solemnly pledged their word. In after years this incident is brought into great prominence when the brothers are serving in the French Foreign Legion. Digby, as one of the relieving force, found Beau dead in Fort Zindcrneuf and not another sou l alive. His brother John, who had beer there also, was missing. Then he thought of that childhood promise, the Viking’s funeral. Taking the body to the sleeping quarters and building a pyre, he thought of the dogs, and his eye fell on the body of the brutal commander Lejaune, killed by a French bayonet. He was a dog. And when his commander came to look for the trumpeter, Digby, he found strange things in the fort. Unable to persuade the men to enter that evening, he decided to spend the night at the nearby oasis. A few moments after leaving the fort was a mass of flames. These are the mysteries that Major Beaujolais found when he rode to the relief of Fort Zinderneuf. Ronald Colman is Beau Geste, Neil Hamilton and Ralph Forbes, the brothers. Alice Joyce, Marv Brian, Norman Trevor, William Powell, Noah Beery and Victor MaeLaglen are in the mighty cast. The film shows again to-night, to-morrow and Friday nights, and on Monday. Reserves are at H. I. Jones and Son’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 Grand Theatre again. This programme will be repeatcid. for the last time at tho matinee to-day and the final screening will take place tonight. Norma Talmadge as “Kiki” brings her to the screen in all her April moods, whether trailing disconsolately 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 sets representing the opera, lhe boulevards of Paris lend interest anid reality to tho picture, and the frocking of the principals is all in the most approved French style. Ronald Colman is Miss Talmadge’s leading man. “Kiki” is a picture that all 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 “Tho Broadway Gallant,” a picture with interest and fast moving stunts, which keeps everyone on the edge of their seat from start to finish. The Grand augmented orchestra provides an excellent musical programme. The plan for reserved seats will be open all idsay at Grand Theatre office.