AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19845, 20 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 drcams of being, and these dreams never quite fade away as the small boys reach manhood. His latest picture “The Black Pirate,” which finally shows at His Majesty’s to-night, catches this spirit to a degree never reached 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 Tempe Pigott, who plays a minor role. Miss Dove seems well worth battling for in a spectacular adventure. “The Call of the Wild.” Commencing on Saturday at His Majest’s Theatre, a Jack London story, “The Call of the Wild,” will be screened. In support “The Denver Dude,” featuring Hoot Gibson, will be shown. Both pictures and a Buster Brown comedy will be shown at the matinee. MUNICIPAL THEATRE The special feature “Beau Gcste” scored an iniejiate success at the Opera House last night The magnificent broad sweep of this drama of the French Foreign Legion has not been surpassed, nor has there been a fine theme more masterfully executed, that of the devotion of three young English brothers, of their smiling, unflinching sacrifice for each other and for duty. The idjrama of “Beau Gestc” is brought to the audience with force in the opening scenes which show a detachment of the Foreign Legion on its way across the African desert to relieve a fort which has been attacked by Arabs. Arriving at the fort, the commander of the relieving force finds no sign of the Arabs and his glass reveals that in every embrasure in the walls a soldier is hcantdjing rifle in hand, ready to fire upon the enemy. The bugle call diets no response, however. Not a man stirs, and the gates remain closed. The commanding officer goes to the walls and discovers that the men in the embrasures are all dead. This opens the mystery which deepens and quickens as the story progresses, reaching from the Sahara to England and involving there three of the main characters, the brothers, enacted by Ronald Colman, Neil Hamilton and Ralph Forbes. Colman, giving the finest and most romantic performance of his career, and Noah Beery as Sgt. Lejaune, “the cruellest beast and bravest soldier” in the Foreign Legion, dominate the production although Hamilton anri; Forbes, as Colman’s comrade legionaircs, are close rivals for screen honours. None of the many artists in “Beau Gestc” give anything but a fine characterisation. William Powell. Alice Joyce, Mary Bran, Norman Trevor, Victor MeLaglen and the ethers are certain to add to their popularity by their work in this picture. The picture will be preceeded by a stnge prologue featuring Mr Albert Petri late of the Queen’s Hall, London, who will sing “Songs of the Legion.” To-morrow’s Programme

Showing to-morrow at the Opera House is a strong double-feature programme, the two films being Zane Grey’s “Man of the Forest” and “The Wise Virgin.” Jack Holt, Georgia Hale, El Brendel and Warner Oland are prominent in the first film, and Patsy Ruth Miller and Matt Moore in the latter. “Man of the Forest” deals conclusively with that theme so beloved by womenfolk—that of a woman-hater (none other than Jack Holt) who was made to stop hating. Reserves are obtainable at H. I. Jones and Son’s. SWANKERS’ APPEAL A final reminder is given to the public of the Swankers’ annual appeal day which eventuates to-day. The lady collectors will be collecting throughout the city and suburbs during the day, and the Swankers’ Lorry Entertainers will enliven proceedings in town tonight. The big shopping centre will be at Drummond’s late premises (Kash Corner) where meat, vegetables, general produce, flowers, clothing, etc., can be purchased. Instructions have been issued to the ladies in charge of the stalls to goll everything, so there will no doubt be some snips for those who purchase from the stalls. A big feature of the shop will be the novelty chocloate game. The Garrison Band have promised to assist tonight and will play some of tho latest successes. HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY. The intimation that the Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Company are to play a farewell return visit here on Wednesday and Thursday, May 25 and 26, at the Opera House, will be received with joy by hundreds of theatregoers who enjoyed their sparkling performance on the occasion of their previous visit. “Scratcher” Ross, the leading comedian of the company, is also a well-known writer of song and sketch, and two bright and breezy numbers from his pen will be seen in the forthcoming new productions. Walter Kingsley has new baritone solos, and, in association with Thelma Trott, he will be heard in new duets, and also in the Pilgrims Chorus from “Tannliauser” in the full company chorus will appear. Dorothy Ryder and Fred Webber have a new musical sketch, and Charles Albert will appear in an entirely new role which is exceedingly humorous. The new introductory and hilarious finales are original and diverting. offering a lively start and a joyous finish to a brisk show. New and elaborate costumes were made during the Wellington season; these will be seen for the first time here. A complete new programme is announced and the box plans will open at the Bristol on Monday,-May 23. Mr Bishop also has the pleasure of presenting for the first time in Wanganui Mr Arthur Helmsley, the well-known London comedian