AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19914, 9 August 1927, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Acknowledged as the finest production of 1927,. “Variety” opens its four night season to-night at His Majesty’s Theatre. Wherever so far shown in the Dominion it has created a great sensation .amongst moving picture patrons. “Variety” is an absorbing story of vaudeville life and is a direct and primitive study in passion, lifted to the remarkable by Emil Jannings. Fascinated by a young dancer, the acrofbat deserts his wife. With another young woman as his partner, the man achieves success. Just when he is a “Winter Garden head-liner” he discovers that the woman is unfaithful. Another acrobat in his act has stolen her away. Then comes the big scene. He can drop the man to his death by simply missing a catch in mid-air. “Variety” is adult drama—a slice and the spice of life. The first two reels present perhaps the most gripping drama that has ever been done in pictures. Lya de Putti like the picture she plays in, will not inspire affection; but she’s sure to startle. It will be preceded by the Metro-Goldwyn comedy-drama “There You Are.” Conrad Nagel is the star. Edith Roberts portrays the main feminine part. George Fawcett and Gwen Lee are also in the case. A special “Variety” Matinee shows to-morrow afternoon. W.E.A. LECTURE. ! The second of the series of public lectures organised by the local W.E.A. will be given this evening by the Rev. J. Paterson, M.A., whose subject will bo “Public Speaking.” The aim of the lecturer will be to give some practical hints on voice production, methods of delivery and the forming of style, with illustrations from the practice and works of great orators. In the course of the subject the lecturer will recite the famous orations of Brutus and Anthony from “Julius Caesar.” The ability of the lecturer in this subject is well-known to all who have heard him speak, and a most interesting and valuable lecture should be heard. Particular attention will be given to hints for young reciters, and questions will be inivited at the close of the lecture. DANCE AT NUKUMARU. Attention is drawn in our advertising columns to a dance which is being held in the Nukumaru Hall to-morrow night. Local enthusiasts making the trip are promised a good night’s entertainment. CENTRAL W.C.T.U. The Wanganui Central W.C.T.U. held its monthly meeting last week. Mrs. Stewart presided, and Mrs. Upton led the devotions. Miss J. Bradshaw, Dominion organiser was present and addressed the meeting on educative work for W.C.T.U. members. Mrs. Exley, president of the Hawera union, was welcomed. Miss Mara was elected as cradle roll superintendent. It was announced that the Rev. Charles Wickham, who is in Wanganui under the auspices of the New Zealand Alliance will speak in St. Paul’s Hall on Tuesday on “Psychology.” On Wednesday he is holding a children’s rally.

J.C.W. VAUDEVILLE The “Canary Opera,” one of the star acts with J. C. Williamson Celebrity Vaudeville, is the title of what can easily be called the most unique act in the vaudeville world to-day. Joseph who is responsible for this amazingoffering, is also the man who furnishes Europe and America with the whistling and bird song records. He has with him his partner, whose vocal duets and instrumental’numbers on the saxophone with piano accompaniment, are the means of inspiring this chorus of feathery songsters to harmonise and trill to the delight and enjoyment of all who hear them. The scenery and beautiful lighting effects help to make the act one of the finest diversions the vaudeville stage has known. Heading the bill is Dick Henderson, “The Man Who Made the Queen Laugh.” Some idea of Henderson’s capacilities as a mirth-maker can be gained from the fact that he has appeared before the Boyal Family twice by command. Rich and Adair present another act that is a novelty and a triumph of acting combined. An act that will charm and delight everyone is that of Marie Lawton, the little lady with the harp and the mellow voice A dancing turn that has never been equalled here is Les Zenga Freres, direct from Paris, presenting “Something Different in Dancing.” The Spanish trapeze artist, Valencia, causes thrills as he performs most of his risky feats dangling head downwards from the end of a rope. The Lee Sisters, “Up In The Aair,’’ have a remarkable offering and Colin Crane, possesses a voice of a quality seldom heard in vaudeville, and Stella Lamonde is the most vivacious of soubrettes. The box plan opens to-morrow morning at H. I. Jones.