AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20110, 31 March 1928, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

MUNICIPAL PICTURES Thomas Meighan’s new Paramount Picture, “The City Gone Wild,” which, will be screened at the Opera House to-night is described as an under-world j melourama, the story of a gangster and police war in an American metropolis. By this is meant “The City Gone Wild” is a vividly told tale of a modern city’s underwood. It treats of its gangsters; their loves, lives, and laughs. To be brief and to the point, the story is that of John Phelan, a criminal lawyer and Franklin Ames, a district attorney and their love for Nada Winthrop, daughter of Luther Winthrop, an eminent capitalist. In spite of their different views on life and their affection for the same girl the two men are close friends. Nada really loves John, but when due to Ames’ probe, Gunner Gallagher, a gang leader, is arr Gated and John agrees to take his case, she announces her engagement to Ames. The latter’s investigations suddenly disclose a fact which has a fatal bearing on .his life. Ames discovers that Nada’s father is really the uncrowned king of the un-der-world. Both he and John realise that to prosecute Winthrop will mean t.hc end of their friendship with Nada. Winthrop catches wind of what is going on—and Ames is shot that night in a theatre. But this is not half the story which be it sufficient to say works up to a climax, to which the screen version of the exciting plot gives true colour. Thomas Mcighan is said to have the best role of his career as the criminal lawyer, who later turns district attorney in an effort to avenge his friend. Marietta Millner, the Viennese beauty, who was Tom’s leading woman in “We’re All Gamblers,” appears as Nada. Louise Brooks has an important part as Fred Kohler’s “gangster gal.” Wyndham Standing is Ames and Charles Hill Mailes, Winthrop, “Gunboat” Smith, Nancy Phillips, Duke Martin and King Zany are in the supporting cast. “Hula” On Monday “Hula,” Clara Bow’s latest Paramount production is called the flaming haired star’s most active picture. In it Clara dances a real hula, which accomplishment necessitated daily training and instruction over a period of two months. She also rides a horse, climbs trees and swims. “Kept me in goad shape, but it was by far my most strenuous picture.” says she. “Hula” opens at the Opera House on Monday night for a four night’s run. In support of Miss Bow are Clive Bruok, Arlette Marchal, Arnold Kent, Albert Gran and Agostino Borgato. “Hula” is an even more fascinating picture than the langourous scenes which the name suggests and in it vivacious Clara Bow makes the hit of her career. Branded as the girl who was “It” there is no need to record her eharms, sufficient it is to tell that as Hula Calhoun she uses them all to enslave Anthony Haldane (Clive Brook), even to giving a most alluring exhibition of the .dance which gave her her name. The Calhouns were a reckless type, and only by the care of the plantation overseer had Hula escaped the degrading influence of their free and easy lifo in Hawaii. It is on Hula’s birthday that Anthony conics to the island and Hula immediately decides he is “a most gorgeous man” and a fit husband for her. Unfortunately her lover is married, but Hula cares little for conventions and disposes of all difficulties in unique and disarming, if often disconcerting ways. The supports are up to the usual standard.

NEW GRAND ••SKY HIGH SAUNDERS” A perfect love story, thrills galore, and dramatic touches are found in their proper proportions in “Sky High Saunders,” a Universal Western air film starring Al Wilson, the screen’s greatest stunt and trick aviator. This exciting airplane picture opens a three-day season at the New Grand Theatre, commencing to-day at the matinees at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The supporting cast was carefully selected and is headed by Elsie Tarron, a talented actress with many years of stage experience. Other players are Bud Osborne, Frank Rice, and Frank Tomick. “Sky High Saunders” is adapted from a story by Bruce Mitchell, who also directed. This breathtaking, hair-raising Universal Western airplane picture provides the great air star with every chance to display not only his prowess as a stunt flyer, but also his splendid acting ability. Running a bandit flyer to earth and staging a fistic duel on the wings of a ’plane 2,000 ft in the air arc just two of the many gripping scenes in store for thrill seekers. The star has a wonderful supporting cast consisting of Elsie Tarron, Frank Rice, Bud Osborne, and Frank Tomick. The picture was directed by Bruce Mitchell. Supporting the picture will be a tiptop Universal comedy featuring Baby Snookums, and two Universal International News, showing all the world’s recent happenings, and an additional attraction will be the official record of Hinkler’s triumphant arrival at Sydney and Bundaberg. The box plans for to-night will be open all day at theatre office. Intending patrons are advised to come early to secure good seats.