AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19989, 4 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 hi s tales first captivated the world of readers, 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 “Michael Strogoff,” which, thougn dramatised in 1876 has only recently be enfilmed for the first time and 1» 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 had; 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, as presented by the famous Kiralfy Brothers, showmen who originated the form of entertainment known as “Spectacles.” “Michael Strogoff” was their last and greatest effort and millions of people to-fiay will testify to the thrills they felt upon witnessing what was then tho 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 his 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 are at H. T. Jones and Son’s.

“Boiled Stockings” To-morrow “Rolled Stockings” will roll into Wanganui to-morrow and make its home at the Opera House. Paramount’s latest “youth picture” concerns itself with two brothers w r ho go to college and fall in love with the same girl, A peculiar change takes place. The serious youth becomes a philanderer while his jazzy brother gradually discovers that his life has been a series of errors and he determines to change his ways. What happens on the night preceding the annual boat race will have to be seen as it’s much too exciting to record on paper. James Hall, Louise Brooks, Richard Arlen, Nancy Phillips and El Brendel—the Paramount junior stars —are featured. James Hall is the philandering, gambling, flirting collegian who gets in and out of scrapes with gay abandon. Richard Arlen is his sturdier, quieter brother whose ambition is to shine in college athletics. He shines, too, as stroke in the race. Louise Brooks’ brunette beauty fits into the surroundings so perfectly one can’t Kelp sympathising with any youngster who idolises her. Nancy Phillips, a vibrant young blonde, and a new-comer to the screen, gives an effective portrayal as a peppy sister.

BAZAAR AT GONVILLE The annual bazaar of the Gonville (Cambridge Street) Methodist Church took place yesterday afternoon and* last evening in the Gonville Town Hall. The function was opened in the afternoon by the Deputy-Mayor (Mr John Morrison), when there was a large attendance and tho stalls did good business. Competitions ard an entertainment were included in the programme last evening.