AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19988, 3 November 1927, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

MUNICIPAL THEATRE Although it is more than twenty years since Jules Verne, master of imaginative fiction, laid down his pen for the last time and seventy years since his tales first captivated the world of reaiders, his books have never lost their popularity as the casual inquiry at any public library will reveal. There is a constant demand, particularly for the tales of adventure such as 1 ‘Michael Strogoff,” which, fhougn dramatised in 1876 has only recently be enfilmed fof the first time and now the featured picture at the Opera House. So popular is this famous old melodrama that the book has been translated into nineteen languages and as a melodrama-it is said to have hatf; more stage performances than any other play on record, with the possible exception of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” In the 80’s and 90’? it was the wonder of the show world, ag presented by the famous Kiralfy Brothers, showmen who originated the form of entertainment known as t ( Spectacles. ” “ Michael Strogoff” was their last and greatest effort and millions of people to-day will testify to the thrills they felt upon witnessing what was then the crowning achievement in theatrical entertainment. Captain Michael Strogoff, Secret Courier, is ordered by the Czar of Russia to deliver a message to his brother the Grand Duke, at Irkutsk, 5,000 miles across Siberia. Strogoff has to fight bis way through country infested with Tartar rebels. On his way he takes it upon ’himself to guard a young girl, Nadia, who is seeking to join her father. Captain Strogoff finally succeeds and also wins the girl after a dramatic fight at the end of his journey. Reserves for the feature arc at H. I. Jones and Son’s.

THE GRAND THEATRE. The improvement in motion picture production within the past decade, was admirably indicated when a new Metropolitan version of “The Flame of the Yukon,” was presented at the Grand Theatre yesterday. The scenes, laid in the Canadian North-west during the early gold-rush days, are superbly presented. The story is good and the main incidents are intensely thrilling. Miss Owen was artistic as “The Flame,” while Mr Gray was an admirable foil in the leading man’s role. Jack McDonald as Sourdough, Matthew Betz as Black Jack Hovey and Vadim Uraneff as Solo Jim, were excellent in their portrayals. The supporting feature Eyes” is a thrilling mystery drama featuring Lionel Barrymore and Ruth Clifford; Fox News, and Fox-com-edy complete a first-class entertainment. On Saturday Corinne Griffith will be the attraction in “Three Hours.”

FIREWORKS AND GUY FAWKES COMPETITION The boys of Wanganui are busily engaged on their annual Guy Fawkes’ competition. The parade of guys to be held next Saturday evening next marks the third event of its kind to be helid locally. It has proved a most popular attraction when run in conjunction with a large display of fireworks. The latter, which is being supplied anGfired by the Wainoni Fireworks Co. for the Queen Alexandra Band;, will contain a further series of the latest pyroteehnieal novelties and a fine array of set pieces including the popular golden cascade or waterfall set. Many varieties of rockets and a large supply of star and golden rain shells will be fired. The boys in the Guy competition are requested to assemble at the Drill Hall not later than 7.30 on Saturday evening andi parade behind the band; to Cook’s Gardens.

HUBERT CARTER’S RECITAL. In the Opera House on Wednesday, November 16, Mr Hubert Carter will present his third Operatic and Ballad Concert, and a wonderful programme has been arranged.] There will be a concert arrangement of Gounod’s “Faust,” which includes all the solos, duets, trios, etc. The complete Miserere Scene from “Il Trovatore,” the balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet,” and the sextette from “Lucia di Lammcrmoor.” With arias and ballads this should be the finest concert of the year. Mr Carter is making his last appearance in Wanganui this year prior to his departure for Australia, where he has engagements to sing for the Sydney Philharmonic Society and other leading concerts. He will be supported by leading artists.