AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20167, 8 June 1928, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

THE NEW GRAND To-day and to-night will be the final screening of • the current programme “The Small Bachelor” and “Breakfast at Sunrise.” Both pictures are of good entertainment value. The supports include “Busters Imitations.” a clever juvenile comedy and the latest International News. To-morrow’s Attraction To-morrow Betty Compson will be the attraction in “Cheating Cheaters” a Universal mystery picture based on the novel by max Marcicn. Miss Comson is surrounded by a great supporting cast, including Kenneth Harlan, Sylvia Ashton, Erwin Connelly. Maud Turner Gordon, A. J. Ratcliffe, Eddie Gribben and; Lucien Littlefield. The plan for reserves will be open at tneutre office till 9.30 p.m. to-night. MUNICIPAL THEATRE “Children of Divorce,’ 1 showing finally this evening at the Opera House tears a slash in the veil covering the evils of modern divorce and pictures in bold colours life in the youthful ranks of the wealthy social class. The cast, headed by Clara Bow and Esther Ralston, both or whom arc starred and Einar-Hanson and handsome yuung Cooper, give wonderfully fine consistent performances. Too much cannot be said in praise of Miss Bow as the girl who forces marriage on the man of her choice (Cooper) in spite of his love for Esther Ralston. Miss Ralston, in turn, as lovely, dignified Jean WadUington, suffers her disappointment courageously. Clare Bow plays her first mother role in “Children of Divorce.' • The Last Waltz. Willy Fritsch, who is a German and who knows no other language but that of his fatherland, is the male lead in “The Last Waltz” which is to show at the Opera House to-morrow. Suzy Vernon is a French girl of Spanish de-

scent, and knows no other Longue but that of her native Erance and a little Spanish. She plays opposite Fritsch. Here is a situation that is quiteunique. Fortunately Arthur Robison, who directed the picture, can speak both German and French. His method of directing was somewhat like the running of a street car in Montreal. Directions had to be given first in one language and then in the other. While there was no understanding of language, still the main characters who are in love with one another had no trouble, for they could very well understand what thoro was to be done. Love seems to be the only universal language these days, and it was used to a very good ad/antage by the leads, who ordinarily could not understand one another.

The Misses E. and M. Wright will perform the “Last Waltz” and other dartccs at the Opera House with this picture. Also showing is the new series of the Collegians. THE DUCHESS THEATRE, ARAMOHO. Screening finally at the Duchess Theatre to-night is one of the finest British pictures ever made. It is “Mademoiselle From Armentiers” with Estelle Brody in the title role. The supporting programme is good and patrons are advised to book eaily for this truly great programme. “THE STUDENT PRINCE” AND “MADAME POMPADOUR” The complete company, principals, chorus and orchestra that created such a furore for 20 weeks at His Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, are coming, is the announcement of the J.C. Williamson firm in presenting to theatregoers at the Opera House on Thuradjiy and Friday next the Royal Comic Opera Company. The opening production is the comic opera adaptation of the delightfully romantic old period drama “Old Heidelberg,” which is played under the title of “The Student Prince.” It is a product of the new style of comic opera. Segmund Romberg is the composer and Dorothy Donnelly the librettist. It is said that Dorothy Donnelly has written beautiful lyrics and Romberg’s music is far above the present stand and of comic opera. There are times when it is niark<*.'l by a smart and lilting simplicity. The company includes Beppie de Vries, as Kathie and James Liddy as Prince Karl. 'Also prominent are Arthur Siigant. Frank Webster, Hedley Hall, Vera Spoull, Adele Crane and others. The company’s second production is “Madame Pompadour,” the famous musical comedy scenery by Frederick Lonsdale and Harry Graham. The play is based on the beautiful stoiy of La Pompadour who held the lives of statesmen in her pretty hands because of a king’s pleasure in her pretty face. The box plans will be opened at H. I. Jones and Son’s on Monday morning.

WANGANUI CHORAL SOCIETY. The fifth concert of the Wanganui Choral Society is to be held on Wednesday next, and the society should be assured of a crowded house. The society is extremely fortunate in its conductor, Mr F. W. Slater, A.R.C.0., to whom in no small measure is due the credit for the successful performances given by the choir in the two years since its formation. The programme for Wednesday night contains some new numbers and in addition one or two of the best choruses presented at previous concerts. The soloists, Mrs Wilfred Andrews (contralto), and Signor Lucien Cesaroni (basso) should need no introduction, and the audience will he prepared in advance for a musical treat. Arrangements have been made whereby any seat in the house may be reserved, thus allowing those occupying the less expensive scats full booking privileges.