AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19920, 16 August 1927, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

THE DUCHESS THEATRE, ARAMOHO. The leading characters in “Then Came the Woman,” which commences a two-night season at the Duchess theatre, Aramoho, to-night, truly runs the gamut of emotions. From quarterback on the college team to Jathe-hand in his father’s factory; then a vagabond of the road, sentenced to gaol, paroled under the care of a timber lord; then, a trusted employee in a lumber camp, finally a deep-rooted friendship for his benefactor and—then came the woman! Cullen Landis enacts this role and is supported by Frank Mayo and Mildred Ryan. The picture was directed by David Hartford, from his own story. The supports include a two-reel comedy entitled “Jane’s Flirtation,’ .’featuring Wanda Wiley, and two International News reels. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE Fpr this afternoon and to-night only “The Better ’Ole” will be screened again at His Majesty’s. This is to meet the demand of many who could not gain admission the last time it was screened here. Very rarely does a picture make a return visit here, but in this instance it is necessary in or,dor to please those patroris who missed seeing the feature last time. For the change to-morrow there will be three attractions, Norma Shearer appears in “Upstage,” a story of of life on a vaudeville stage, and Renee Adorce appears in “Man and* Maid” an Elinor Glyn story. A big attraction is in the vaud-cville duo Delroy and Delaney who appear in a first-rate sing and dance act interpersod with comedy. They come to Wanganui with a reputation from England, South Africa and Australia.

MUNICIPAL THEATRE The beginning of production on “It,” showing at the Opera House this evening, marked the return to Paramount of Elinor Glyn noted English novelist and author of “It,” which serves as Clara Bow’s initial starring vehicle. “It” is Madame Glyn’s film adaptation of her latest story. Through the medium of the camera lens Miss Bow reveals her interpretation of just what constitutes “It,” which the author declares Miss Bow possesses to an extraordinary degree. The novel, adapted expressly for Miss Bow, deals with a shop-girl who possesses that magnetic something which defies definition but attracts all others with compelling force. With a limited education, no family prestige and nothing but her fundamental sweetness of character. Clara rises to notable success by exerting the inexplicable “It” and winning the love of her employer. The film’s locale is any big city; the time, the present. In its unfolding, Madame Glyn goes fully into her conception of the magic quality, depicting characters who believe they have, those who live to have, and those who possibly can never gain “It.” To quote Elinor Glyn herself: “It” is that quality possessed by some few persons which draw all others with its magnetic life force. With it you will win all men if you are a woman—and all women if you are a man. Without it you take a chance—and are not certain of winning anyone, or of keeping him or her when won. Clara Bow is the featured player and the supports include Antonio Moreno, William Austin, Priscilla Bonner, Jacqueline Gad--son and Julia Swayne Gordon. Clarence Badger directed.

THE GRAND Ken Maynard used to be a stunt rider for the greatest outfit of cowboys that ever was assembled under the Big Tent with Ringling Brothers. There was no doubt in the minds of the audience who watched the premiere of “The Overland Stage” last night at the Grand that Maynard could have that job back with a raise to boot whenever he wanted it. This tall, dark haired Don Juan from the West has Doug. Fairbanks stopped for stunts and Barrymore envious for his love making. How he happened to hang around Hollywood for several years without some producer starring him long ago is one of those mysteries of the movies. Elinor Glyn said she thought of “It.” when she met Ken. The supporting pictures include “M’ Lord of the White Road,” a splendid English production, featuring Victor McLaglen, the photography in this picture is perfect and with its magnificent acting will compare more than favourably with its American competitors. Al St. John provides the comedy in “Lovemania.” For those looking for a good programme this one will more than satisfy. * 1 Ankles Preferred.’’ “I like a man who doesn’t flirt,” said Madge Bellamy, as she sat on the edge of a trunk on the “Ankles Preferred” set at the Fox studio and discussed tho story for which J, G. Blystone, was producing the picture. The story deals with a young girl, whose beautiful ankles attract the attention of all and sundry males. “The men in the story are typical of all men, and the character I portray, Nora, is a girl who tries to make business success on brains alone. Well, she finds that it is her beauty or more specifically her ankles that win her preferment. Of course it works out all right in the story, but, in real life only too often, the sensible, ambitious girl, finds her good looks a handicap because business men don’t take her seriously and flirt with her. Even when they do, they are more often than not, a great deal more interested in her as a woman than as a loyal and efficient employee. “That’s the point of the story. Nora is hired for her beauty but thinks it is for her brains. Then comes the jealous wife and —but wait till you see it.” “Ankles 1 Preferred” commences a three-night season at The Grand Theatre to-mor-row.