AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19844, 19 May 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE The main reason for the pleasure which Douglas Fairbanks ’ pictures have given in the past is that Doug, appeals (strongly to that part of a man’s mind that never grows up. In each of his stories, he has been just what every small boy dreams of being, and these dreams never quite fade away as the small boys reach manhood. His latest picture “The Black Pirate,” which opened at His Majesty’s last night, catches this spirit to a degree never reacheii by him before. There is much that is beautiful, much that is brave and thrilling and spectacular in “The Black Pirate.” The picture is entirely in natural colours (incidentally, it is the best colour job from a mechanical | standpoint that we have ever seen) and you can easily imagine how lovely are the scenes showing the moon rippling over the water, the pirates thronging the decks and clambering up into the rigging and burying their treasure m the golden sands of the tropical island. As for bravery and thrills, the very thought of a man contending single-handed against two hundred cutthroats suggests them. Billie Dove is the heroine, and is the only woman in the picture except Tempo Pigott, who plays a minor role. Miss Dove seems well worth battling for in a spectacular adventure. “The Black Pirate” shows again to-night and Friday. THE GRAND THEATRE. Commencing to-day at the matinee, another’splendid double attraction will be presented at the Grand Theatre for two days only. William Fox will present “Stage Madness,’’ a fascinating story of a French dancer’s career from the Boulevards of Paris to the White Way. A gorgeously staged, highly talented photo-play with Virginia Valli ar the flaming dancer, Lou Tillegen as the sinister influence, Tullio Carmenati as the artist lover, Richard Walling in his best role, and Virginia Bradford as his sweetheart. The comedy situations ire furnished by Tyler Brooke, who won national acclaim as a result of his work in “No, No, Nanette’’ and other legiti- 1 mate stage successes. The second attraction will be Cecil B. De Mi lie’s mystery photo-play, t ‘ Three Faces East,’’ featuring letta Goudal, Robert Ames, Henry B. Walthall and Clive Brook. This is a picture of exceptional dramatic force, and the scenes are effective and thrilling. From start to finish there isn’t a dull moment in the action and with its beautiful photography, patrons will find entertainment in a mystery drama of superlative quality. The supports will include comedy and gazette. On Saturday another complete change will introduce Doris Kenyon and Lloyd Hughes in “Ladies at Play. ’ ’