AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20013, 2 December 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

THE DUCHESS THEATRE (Aramoho).

The final screening will be given at the Duchess Theatre to-night of a production described by the critics <is the crowning effort of Colleen Moore. Thu talented star appears in a screen version of “Irene,” the famous musical comedy success, and the additional scope afforded by modern sereencraft is said to have furnished an amazingly beautifuJ presentation. Though the bewitching story itself forms ample entertainment, one of' the high lights of “Irene” is the gorgeously coloured fashion parade that is unwound late in picture. For this, sixty of Hollywood’s most beautiful specimens oi femininity were engaged, their ability to “wear” jlothes being th© deciding factor in their selection. As “Irene’s” parents, Charles Murray and Kate Price provide plenty of Irish humour during their various verbal wars. Appearing oa the stage are John Colin and John Campbell, the Concertina Duo, playing ail the latest popular melodies. These popular artists have the distinction of being the first to appear on the stage of Wanganui’s latest theatre.

HIS MAJESTY’S Swashbuckling gallants, dastardly villains, brave men, and fair women, in a dazzling, sure-fire swift-moving romance of feudal iSpain, credit Samuel Gcldwyn with another one hundred per cent success with “The Night of Love” and definitely place George Fitzmaurice as one of the ten best directors of the year. The picture, which will be shown finally at His Majesty’s Theatre tonight, makes another “knockout” for the famous team, Ronald Colman and Vilma Banky. Colman never looked more handsome than he does as the brave and ro antic ISpamsn. bandit, seeking revenge against the dastardly Duke for the murder of his childhood sweetheart. Miss Banky is more beautiful than ever, if that is possible, and as the Duchess de la Garda, kidnapped by Colman on her wedding night, she fights and loves with'a verve and abandon that moves audiences almost to cheers. It is evident that the fair Vilma, who came from far Hungary a little over a year ago, has progressed marvelously during her stay in America, for, in addition to being one of the most beautiful women on the screen, she is to-day the most accomplished of the younger actresses and in “The Night of Love” makes her character an outstanding triumph. A potential star whose light shines brighter with each succeeding picture is Joan Crawford, the beautiful girl who plays the title role in “The Taxi Dancer,” which is also showing. In the title role of this picture, Miss Crawford looks very much like star ma’ terial. • She has rare beauty, a delightful personality, an extensive range of expression in one so young and that elusive quality, charm. She had an exceptionally difficult role in her latest production as the girl who becomes a “taxi-dancer. It calls for great emotional ability, and this young actress takes advantage of every opportunity. Owen Moore plays opposite Miss Crawford as a happy-go-lucky young Irishman, whose interest in gambling is not so malicious as it is a means of making a living. Comedy seems to be Moore’s forte, and there a.re many scenes in this production that are simply carried away by his delightful sense of the humourous. GARRISON BAND RECITAL On Sunday evening the Garrison Band, under Conductor T. Gray’s direction, will give a very attractive programme in Cook’s Gardens, commencing at 8.15. That magnificent selection from “Ernani” will be played, and no doubt the audience will be delighted to, hear a work which gives ample scope for artistic playing. On Sunday afternoon the band will give a concert at the Hospital, Gonville, commencing at 3 o’clock.