AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20024, 17 December 1927, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

THE GRAND THEATRE Everything is now in. hand for the re-opening of the Grand Theatre which takes place at 2 o’clock this afternoon at the matinee . The management have secured for the opening attraction, the first release in this city of L’niversal.’s rollicking comedy entitled “Out All Night,” starring Reginald Denny and Marion Nixon. This picture will be screened in Wanganui at the same time as Wellington, the other copy being the attraction at the Do Luxe Theatre in that city. Reginald Denny is familiar te every movie patron in the world and in this latest comedy of his, he far surpasses any of his previous suecesses. He portrays th© role of a wealthy young man about town, who, through a series of circumstances, is forced to masquerade as his own wife's physician on board an ocean liner. The innumerable mix-ups that ensue aiyl the smashing climax provide an afternoon or evening of entertainment that will not soon be forgotten. The supports will include, comedy and special topical subjects. Tho orchestra will bo under the direction of Wilfred Scott, A.T.C.L., L.A.B. New and comfortable seating is installed by Purser’s Ltd. The theatre alterations have been carried out by Mr R. G. Taiboys, architect. The contractors, Messrs J. Jones and Son’s, have made a wonderful transformation in record time. Special scenery has been painted by R. Howell and the lighting installation by Maunder and Co. The box plans for reserved seats to-night will be open all day at the Grand Theatre booking office, and to cope with the rush for seats intending patrons are advised to make their reservations early. MUNICIPAL THEATRE Discarding all the old rules of screen comedy making, except the fundaImental one of winning laughs, Douglas MacLcan in “Soft Cushions,” showing to-day and to-night at the Opera House has produced that most welcome article . - an entirely different screen comedy. Novelty is the keynote from start to finish. The setting of the story is a city of the Far East. Mac Lean plays a young thief who introduces modern technique into the fine art of winning fame, fortune and a beautiful girl by one’s wits. Although the settings are oriental, the action and titles are entirely modern. By judiciously combining Arabian Nights atmosphere with down-to-the-minute wise cracking gags and titles, “Soft Cushions” achieves laughs and thrills by sheer contrast, and the broad comedy action is made doubly funny by the unique costuming and pictorially lavish backgrounds. In Sue Carol, the unknown beauty , Mac Lean chose to play opposite him, the screen has acquired a new player who combines beauty of face and figure with personality and ability. A cast of notable players give excellent support fi; the principals. 1 ‘Soft Cushions” was written by the late George Randolph Chester, creator of “Get Rich Quick Wallingford.’’ Director Eddie Cline, for many years associated with Mack Sennett, directed this Paramount comedy. Reserves are at H. I. Jones and Son’s until noon, then at the theatre. ‘‘We’re in the Navy Now.” The Paramount comedy “We’re in the Navq Now” shows to-day at the matinee and on Monday' and Tuesday j nights. Under the direction of Ed. [Sutherland an excellent picture has been made and original humour has been brought greatly into prominence. Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton, the two popular comedians of “Behind the Front” —also directed by Sutherland —will do much toward incraesing their numbers of admirers by their performance in this film. “We’re in the Navy Now” is a comedy of the prize ring and the high seas, showing a wealth of humour depending on the life of the world-war sailor. The author of the story is Monte Brice and featured players are Chester Conklin and Tom Kennedy. Other players in support are Lorraine Eason, Max Ascher, Joseph W. Girard, Donald Keith and Malcolm Waite. Reserves for the film are at H. I. Jones and Son’s. COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT TOMORROW There should be a large audience at His Majesty’s Theatre to-morrow nig*ht when Madame Gitta Alpar will make her first appearance before a Wanganui audience. Her beautiful mezzovoice will b© heard not only in famous grand opera numbers but in the vivacious and melodious national songs of her native Hungary. Madame will appear in costume and will give the acting which is part and,' parcel of the folk songs. She will be assisted by Mrs T. L. Spurring, who will recite (by special request) “My Leetle Rosa,” Mrs Berry, making her first appearance in Wanganui is a soprano soloist of a high standard and Mrs Stella Wills, the wellknown contralto, the very popular instrumental trio, MiSs Grace Dempsey (piano), Miss Doris Dempsey (violin), and Mr A. Ramsay (’cello), Mr Trevor Thomas, who needs no introduction here. The Lyric Quartette and Mr A. L. Griffiths, the popular monologist will also contribute items.