AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20103, 23 March 1928, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

NEW GRAND THEATRE. To-day and to-night will be the final screening of First National’s racing drama “The Sunset Derby,” a picture entirely different to any other racing drama scon on the silver sheet. In this picture tho expected does not happen. There is no villain, the hero 's horse is not doped, no one tries to fix the race, tho jockey is not kidnapped, the girl does not ride the winner to victory in order to save the family homestead. Thus docs “The Sunset Derby” violate all motion picture traditions. It is instead of the usual bare plot, a story of a jockey who loses his nerve through a fall and gets back again through heroic measures taken by his friend .and counsellor. Alary Astor and William Collier, jnr., play the loading roles. The picture abounds with comedy situations and the racing scene is correct in every detail. The supports include Topical Budget, comedy, and a delightful travel picture. The plan for reserves is open daily at theatre office. To-morrow ’ s Attra-ctions. Johnny Hines will be the feature at the New Grand Theatre for three days commencing to-morrow at the matinee in his latest First National picture, “White Pants Willie,” produced under, the personal supervision of C. C. Burr. The picture is a screen adaptation of the Liberty Magazine story of the same name by the humorist. Elmer Davis.

A splendid cast of players appear in support of the comedian with Leila Hyams playing the leading feminine role. Others appearing prominently are Ruth Dwyer, Walter Long, Henry Burrows, Margaret Seddon, George Kuwa, and last but not least, Bozo, the educated goose. “White Pants Willie” is said to abound in humorous sequences, one of the most hilarious being a fast polo match played by crack players with the comedian being mistaken fop a polo champion, thrust into the game and forced to win or lose the girl. Naturally the comedian’s white pants play an important role and supply moments of genuine humour, starting the picture off with a gale of laughter that doesn’t cease until the final fade-out. Supporting this picture will be another feature play with human Harry Carey, the popular star in “Drifting Thru” a drama, full of thrills, adventure and romance with supporting Gazette and First National comedy. Intending patrons are reminded to make reservations early as Saturday evening is sure to be crowded. No extra charge is made to reserve. Make sure of a scat by booking. Plan open at theatre to-night till 9.30 p.m.

THE DUCHESS THEATRE. (Aramoho). Gloria Swanson gives the greatest performance of her successful career in “The Love of Sunya,” the first picture she has produced as an ownermember of United Artists. Those who go to the Duchess Theatre to-night will see Gloria in five intensely dramatic characterisations. Her dominant personality is more attractive than ever and the excellence of her portrayals is sufficient evidence of the fact that she was supported by an enthusiastic and competent cast and staff of technicians. In “The Love of Sunya,” she is Ilie incarnation of an Egyptian girl centuries ago, a modern American girl, sought by a reincarnate Yogi, the temperamental opera singer, w’ho shocks sophisticated Paris; the “bought” wife of the millionaire; the prematurely aged school teacher, battling to support her family.