AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20126, 20 April 1928, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

NEW GRAND THEATRE. j A powerful drama of fiery-blooded • youth, patriotism which burns like a i white-hot flame and for which no sacrifice is too great and a great and touching romance which knows no bounds — of these heroic elements has George Eitzmauricc fashioned a powerful, compelling film drama in “Rose of the Golden West,” his spectacular produeon for Fiirst National Pictures will have its final Screening to-day . and to-night at the New Grand Then-re. rhe beautiful atmosphere of California in the days when ■ that romantic land was under ' Spanish rule has been captured for the ’ -silver sheet as only Fitzmaurice cOuld • 'Io it. A gay, care free people, playing •vi.ii love and life under langorous kies in a kingdom where care was utiI heard of —this is the background upon which the director has stamped his • loving, emotional drama. No finer per- • iiniailce has been seen on the screen , i ins season that that of Gilbert Roland’s as the patriotic young c.iballero ho is willing to sacrifice his love for what he believes is patriotic justice. Mary Astor, in the feminine lead, hds -’ever been seen to better advantage. Montagu Lo*. e and Gustav von Seyffertz are outstanding in character roles, .nd Flora Finch contributes an unusual •liai acfcerisation. ‘ Tim Cat and the Canary.” Booking is now in full swing at the New Grand Theatre office for the fiveday season commencing at the New Grand Theatre to-rnorrow afternoon at I and 3 p.m. and evening at 8 o’clock and twice daily next week, of the big screen version of the famous stage sue<rbs, “The Cat and the Canary,” photo-dramatised for the Universay by I’iiertoi I’aul Leni, for the play ending gives no clue to the picture solution. Leni, • a postmaster in the art of scenic lighting, Originated many new startling photographic effects, which he was among the first to sponsor as a member of the Continental Cinema School.

In a number of sequences the action is entirely visualized through the play of gigantic shadows on the Avails of the fantastic, bizarre sets which were, of course, impossible of execution in the stage presentation of the play, which, by the way comes from the highlyimaginative pen of John Willard. In working out the mystery element of this spooky production, the director used no less than three well-known screen villains, or heavies” as they ore called, to play prominent roles.

Arthur Edmund Carew, Forrest Stanley and George Siegmann are the “villains,” who act so suspiciously in weaving the plot that any one of the trio might have been the guilty man. The leading role enacted by Laura La Plante, who has forged steadily ahead in such success as “Her Big Night,” “Poker Faces.” Butterflies in the Rain.” “The Love Thrill.” and “Skinner’s Dress Suit.”

Other members of the featured cast include Creighton Hale, Lucien Littlefield, Tully Marshall, Flora Finch, of old Vitagraph, two-repler fame, Gertrude Astor and Martha Mattox.

Matinees will be given daily. Intending patrons are advised that it is essential to book early for this picture. Crowded houses have been recorded everywhere for this picture and the local season promises to be a record.