AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20168, 9 June 1928, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

THE NEW GRAND. There is nothing more entertaining than a well-performed, mystifying, farce-comedy, and there is no better example of this rare dish than “Cheating Cheaters,” the latest Universal-Jewel production, which opens a three days’ season at the Grand to-day at the matinee starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Like all good pictures of this type the star must become involved in some embarrassing or difficult situation and by tho aid of assistants becomes more deeply involved in the affair. Well, that’s just what happens to Betty Compson, the bewitching little blonde, who gets herself into a peck of trouble and out again in “Cheating Cheaters.” The whole production is lavishly filled with unusual and embarrassing situations, and tho superb “gags” arc feathers in the directorial cap of Edward Laemmle, who gets credit for the picture. There are no big mob scenes, great lapses of time or spectacular settings for comedy. Instead, there are nine supposedly super-intelligent New York crooks who become immersed in a social quagmire leading up to a laugh-provoking jewel robbery. Betty Compson plays the stellar role of her colourful career in th?s screaming crook production opposite Kenneth Harlan, and the pair are surrounded by capable supporting players. Eddie Gribbon, who is well-known for his comedy-burg-lar roles, contributes many humorous interludes. “Cheating Cheaters” is a screen version of the famous stage play by the same name, from the pen of Max Marcin. Tho supports include a bombshell of mirth in the universal comedy featuring Sid Saylor “Oh, Taxi.” The British News and International News provide the latest in moving picture events. Intending patrons are advised to go early or reserve by phone 3152 or at theatre office.

THE DUCHESS THEATRE (Aramoho). An excellent double-feature will be presented to patrons at the Duchess Theatre to-night. Tim McCoy, outdoor star, again proves his versatility in “Foreign Devils,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture based on Peter B. Kyne’s fascinting story of the Chinese Boxer Rebellion. As Captain Kelly, of the U.S.A. Embassy, McCoy falls in love with Claire Windsor as Lady Rutledge, and risks his neck for hers a thousand times. However, she is well worth the risk, and the victorious Allied troops help them to consummate their love at the end of a gripping series of breath-taking adventures with the Boxer rebels. Also showing is Virginia Valli in “Marriage.” “Foreign Devils” will be the matinee attraction. MUNICIPAL THEATRE. 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-day. Suzy Vernon is a French girl of Spanish descent, and knows no other tongue but that of her native France and a little Spanish. She plays opposite Fritsch. Here is a situation that is quite unique. 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 there was to be done. Love seems to be the only universal language these days, and it was used to a very good advantage by the leads, who ordinarily could not understand Tho Misses E. and M. Wright will perform the ‘ 1 Last Waltz” and other dances at the Opera House with this picture. Also showing is the new series of the Collegians. Waltzes by J. Strauss: “Vienna Life”; “Tales of the Vienna Woods”; “Artists’ Life”; “Doctrinin”. Selections by O. Strauss: “The Last Waltz”; “A Waltz Dream”.

Selection by R. Strauss: “The Rose Cavalier. ’ ’