Amusements

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 220, 17 September 1928, Page 2

Amusements

“WINIFRED OF WANGANUI” Can Wanganui make a picture to compare wit’ the imported film? This has always ' i a very debatable question, but after seeing Mr Rudall Hayward’s local production “Winifred of Wanganui,” which is now showing at The Majestic, and which features only local talent, this scribe unhesitatingly expresses his opinion lhat the local film not only compares ..ivourably with imported ones but actually more pleasing than a lot ef them. Miss Rae Bond, one of our local amateurs, plays the part of the heroine, and plays it well. When we think that this is the first time Miss Bond has seen a movie camera, let alone ?cted for one, her performance is most praiseworthy and deserving of the greatest credit. Mr Jack Burns, as the villainous reporter, is all that one could wish for, and carries his _mrt, which, by the way, is anything but an easy one, through to the end in the most professional style. Mr Burns is indeed a screen find and should have no difficulty in securing work in Hollywood. The hero, Mr Jack McDonald, not only proves himself an actor, but a very accomplished horesman, and his rescue of the heroine as she is being carried off in a fast travelling motor car, is most thrilling. We have seen many American cowboys in stunts such as this but our local Jack McDonald is as good as any of them. The remainder of the cast is made up of local beauties and celebrities, all of whom are easily distinguishable on the screen. Very pretty views are included of Virginia Lake and other beauty spots around town, also scenes of the Waratah-Wanganui football match, the local fire brigades in action, and wonderful panorama of the city from Durie Hill, and scenes of the Avenue on a very busy Saturday morning. Mr Rudall Hayward is to be congratulated on his efforts, and it is sincerely hoped that he will honour Wanganui in the ne< r future by another visit and by the making of another movie in our city. The remainder of the programme is of the usual high standard set by the management of The Majestic, and is one which is bound to fill the popular house of amusement for the remainder of the season.

MUNICIPAL PICTURES In “His Tiger Lady,” now showing at the Opera House, Henri (Adolphe Menjou), a super, is taking the part of a Maharajah in a Hindu tableau in the Folies Bergere. As he sits enthroned on his elephant his hands are sketching the profile of the beautiful Tiger Lady (Evelyn Brent) who sits each night in a box with three admirers. Henri’s love for the lady becomes known to the members of the cast. The stage manager writes a message from her to Henri, and the super, hardly I able to believe his luck, puts on his one suit after the show and leaves to meet his love. However, as he reaches the door and opens it, he is emersed with a deluge of water. His only suit is ruined. Crestfallen he strikes upon the idea to wear his costume, and forthwith dons it. At a restaurant, the Tiger Lady is dining with her three admirers. Henri enters garbed as a Rajah, and waiters ilo k to his service. Henri accompanies

THE NEW GRAND Continuous laughter greeted the First National picture, “Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath,’’ co-featur-ing Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall, w'hich is playing to record houses at the New Grand Theatre, showing twice daily at 2 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. This comedy, produced by Asher, Small and Kogers, who also filmed '•McFadden's Flats,” and “Gorilla.” was directed by Edward Cline from the famous stage success of the same name by Chariton Andrews and Avery Hopwood. The Turkish bath incident wherein Jack Mu hall and a friend: appear in a Turkish bath on a ladies night while escaping pursuing policemen is beyond the shadow of a doubt as funny a situation as has ever been presented in a motion picture. The audience simply sat back and roared, l.’iss Mackaill and Mulhall, who started the fashion of teaming up in motion pictures, give remarkable performances and are ably supported by an excellent cast headed by Jimmy Finlayson, we 1-known comedy star specially engaged for this production. Reed Howes. Fred Kelsey, Sylvia Ashton. Ethel Wales, “Big Boy” Williams, Frank Clark, all favourites, do cxccptiona; work. “Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath” is a sure cure for the blues and should not be missed. It is one of the best pictures of the last five years. Supporting this big laughing attraction is another exceptionally good picture •‘Surrender,” featuring Mary Philbin and the famous Russian actor Ivan Mosjukine. The plot is thrilling and gripping and full of uperb romance which holds the interest of the audience right through the eight magnificent reels. The pans for reserves are open at Grand Theatre office.

the Tiger Lady to her hotel. In her room she tells' him that to prove his love he must enter a tiger’s cage and retrieve her glove. By a stroke of good fortune, the tiger dies during the night, and Henri enters the cage, places his foot on the animal, who lies prone on the cage floor, and strikes a pose for the Tiger Lady’s benefit. Henri, however, now seeing she loves the man whom she thinks he is, and not really what he is, tells her that the tiger was dead. She disbelieves him. He also tells her he is only an actor, and not deserving of her love with her station in life. She also disbelieves this, but the next day Henri at rehearsal sees a new girl in the chorus, and she is revealed as the Tiger Lady. Having lowered herself to his level, there is nothing left for them to do but accept each other, which they do. Coming To-morrow Harold Lloyd is scheduled to lead the feature comedy parade for 1927, for his newest Paramount release, ‘ ‘ The Kid Brother,” coming to the Opera House to-morrow night. The story of the new Lloyd is simple, yet forceful, accondjing to studio reports. It relates the tale of the youngest son of a family of strong men—three brothers, and father—who control the mountain town in which they live. Heading the supporting cast is Jobyna Ralston.