AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20184, 28 June 1928, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

THE GRAND THEATRE The new programme at the Granr.T is one that should please any audience. Comedy is a strong point from start to finish. Johnny Hines in “Home Made” keeps everybody in roars of laughter at his various attempts to get his “home made” jam on the market. Tne picture is one of the best this comedian has given the screen for. years and should bring this popular artist again in the lead with the best funsters on the screen. The second picture features Norman Kerry and Lois Murau iu “The Irresistible Lover,” a picture of romantic cumcdy drama. Clever direction and good acting, lots of laughter, a first class entertainment. This programme shows again to-day at 2 p.m. and tonight at 7.45 p.m. sharp. THE MAJESTIC Countless are the number of legends and traditions woven around the mysterious personality of the great scientist and physician of the medieval ages —Dr. Faustus. Numerous writers have grappled with this wonderful theme. At first glance, it appears strange that a theme of such forecfulness —human interest and appeal, should not have inspired the followers of the youngest, of all the arts —the silent drama; but probably the gigantic element of forcefulness —the gospel-like appeal with a moral, has so far kept the modern producers for the film from attempting to film the legend of Dr. Faust. It is not surprising that the UFA Company have been the first to recognise the wonderful possibilities of “Faust” -as a story for screen reproduction. Preparations for this production were commenced more than a year ago. Innumerable obstacles, which, at first glance, appeared unsurmountable, had to be overcome, but, finally, the enthusiasm and th.e. inflexible energy of ail concerned, resulted in a magnificent contribution to the world’s masterpiece of screen art, which is now showing at The Majestic. The part of Mephisto has been created by Emil Jannings, who is recognised to-day as the world’s leading screen character player. Marguerite is in the capable hands of Camilla Horn—a beautiful newcomer to the screen; and Goesta Ekman plays the title role of “Faust”; whilst that incomparable artist —Yvette Guilbert — the world famous chanteuse, appears as Martha. “MERCENARY MARY” TO-NIGHT.

To-night and to-morrow night at thg Opera House “Mercenary Mary,” the third and last production of Sir Ben jamin and John Fuller’s London Musical Comedy Company, will be presented. Elsie Prince, Jimmy Godden, Charlton Morton, and all the favourites will make their farewell appearances to theatregoers in “Mercenary Mary,” which is an ideal final production, with its wealth of comedy, dancing, and song features. Describing the opening night at Wellington, the Dominion writes: “A crowded housg greeted ‘Mercenary Alary,’ staged by the London Musical Comedy Company at His Majesty’s Theatre. It is quite on a level with ‘Archie’ and ‘Sunny,’ the two plays which preceded it, and, in tne opinion of many, outshines both for rollicking humour and brightness, Elsije Prince as ‘Mercenary Mary,’ and Jimmy Godden as her tame husband, Christopher Skinner, are the life and soul of the show. They make a great hit with their duet, “I’m a Little Bit Fonder of You,” and Miss Prince convulsed the large house in the bacchanalian scene, which was well acted. Jimmy Godden had the audience in hysterics with his lugubrious acting as lhe slighted husband, and it was good to hear the merriment he occasioned with his dolpful number, ‘My Sweetie’s Turned Me Down.’ Charlton Morton was at his best as the bad boy of the play, and made the most of the duets, with Nelle Deane, ‘Honey, I’m in Love With You,’ ‘Thinking of You,’ ‘Tie a String Round Your Finger,’ and with Elsie Prince, ‘Give a Little, Get a Little-’ Dancing is a feature of the show, and the audience immensely enjoyed Royston McDonneJl and Betty Lambert in ‘l’m Going to Danes at Your Wedding,’ and Elsie Parkes and Len Rich in ‘Over the Garden Wall.’” The box plans arc at H. I. Jones and Son’s, Ltd. THE DUCHESS THEATRE (Aramoho) A big attraction at the Duchess Theatre to-night and to-morrow night is the film “Aly Best Girl,” starring Mary Pickford. The superb acting of the famous actress needs no fuither description. Patrons should not miss this great picture. W.E.A. LECTURE Tonight in the Technical College Hall Mr A. 11. Abernathy, M.A., B. Com., will give his second W.E.A. lecture entitled Free Trade and Protection. The subject which is one of the current economic problems is of vital interest at the present time, and has been a question of paramount importance in British politics ever since the days of Huskisson, Cobden, Bright, and Sir Robert Peel. The, lecturer will endeavour to examine the favourite arguments of Protectionists and Free Traders and to test their validity in the light of economic study. The lecture should prove to be one of outstanding interest. UNEMPLOYED FUNDS All those ladies who are in any way interested in the raising of funds for the unemployed, are cordially invited to meet Airs Rogers, Mayoress, at the Presbyterian Hall, Durie Hill this afternoon at 2.30. It is hoped a large number will attend as the need is great.