AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19871, 20 June 1927, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

THE GRAND. The star attraction on- the new programme which opened at the Grand on Saturday evening is First National’s “For Ever After.” The story of a young boy in a New England town, who loves a girl far too wealthy for him to wed. Through their adolescent school days, extremely well done in the film, and on into the gay adventures of college, the two take it for granted they are meant for one another. The boy becomes the hero of his school, after a thrilling football game (filmed by the crack University of Southern California eleven), and then graduated,, starts to claim his childhood mate. Here the utter pathos of real life enters when social differences and family ambitions step in to thwart the course of the youngsters’ tender love. Rebuffed, bitter, not with the hokum melodrama, that mark® so many other war pictures, the boy seeks solace and perhaps an escape from his broken heart in the world war. From then on the action in “Forever After” rushes through an intriguing plot to a sensational denouement. Mary Astor is very fine in this picture. Lloyd Hughes is a convincinig hero, and the supporting cast boasts of some fine acting from Eulalie Jensen, John St. Polis, Hal Cooley and those lovable character actors, David Torrence and Alec Francis. This picture is supported by another splendid feature entitled “Flaming Waters,” featuring Malcolm McGregor, Pauline Garon and Mary Carr. A tip-top comedy and Gazette complete this excellent programme, which will be repeated again to-day and to-night. “The Volga Boatman.” “The Volga Boatman,” Cecil B. de Mille’s great production for First National has been secured by the Grand Theatre for a full week’s season commencing on Monday, June 27. The reputation of this attraction has already precededed it and Wanganui picture lovers are looking forward to see this wonderful version of the novel of Konrad Berconci inspired by the famous “Song of the Volga Boatman.” This picture played to crowded houses for two weeks at the new Paramount Theatre, Wellington, and both press and public are unanimous that it is one of the finest yet brought to the screen. The story is one of Russia in revolt; revealing in a terrible light the madness of the peasants when fate gave them the upper hand over the nobility, and enabled them to wreak vengeance on those regarded as their oppressors of all the ages. A beautiful romance runs through the tragedy. The character of “The Volga Boatman” is taken by William Boyd, while Elinor Fair shines to perfection as the charming Princess Vera. Julia Faye in the role of the Tartar camp follower is another outstanding actress, and with Victor Varconi and Theodore Kosloff the combination is one of the strongest that could have been brought together to feature life in Russia in the days of the Tsar and afterwards. Romance, humour, and drama are all blended. During the Wanganui season the management have arranged for the Lyric Quartette to apopar nightly to feature the song of “The Volga Boatman.” The season promises to show record booking judging by the early applications at the box office. The plans for the six days’ season will be open every day this week at the Grand Theatre office. ODDFELLOW’S LODGE MANCHESTER UNITY BRANCH At the fortnightly meeting of Wanganui Branch No. 4738 of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows 52 brethren were present, Bro. Keesing presiding. After the usual busin es an impressive initiation ceremony was performed when nine candidates were balloted for and initiated members of the Order. The new brethren were then given an able address by the Lecture Master on the aims, ob*jects and benefits to be gained b” joining such a strong institution. The installation of officers for the term then took place, the ceremony being duly performed by the Past District officers, after which the newly installed officers returned thanks to the brethren.

A dainty supper was done justice to and a very enjoyable musical programme submitted. Five new candidates were proposed for admission into the Lodge and it speaks well for the enthusiasm of members in obtaining so many new members. The following officers were installed: 1.P.N.G., Bro. Keesing; N.G., Bro. Bowling; R.S.P.P.G.M., Bro. Harris; L.S., Bro. Norris; P.G., V.G., Bro. McNeil; R.S. Bro. Ward; L.S., Bro. Bain; E.S., Bro. Carr; warder, Bro. Clcsby; guardian, Bro. Tulloek; conductor Bro. Kench; Lecture Master, Bro. F. Wilson; pianist, Sis. Fletcher; treasurer, Bro. Gibson; secretary Bro. G. Wilson.