Amusements

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 276, 21 November 1928, Page 2

Amusements

THE MAJESTIC THE GARDEN OF ALLAH WITH PROLOGUE The biggest picture for this year is certainly “The Garden of Allah,” which is now showing at The Majestic Theatre. The stars are Alice Terry, who plays the part of the girl spy in “Mare Nostrum,” and “Ivan Petrovitch,” a new screen find and one which shows great promise of filling the gap caused by the untimely death of the famous lover, Rudolph Valentino. “The Garden of Allah” is taken from the well-read novel of the same name by Robert Hichcns and the. screen story follows the book very closely. The whole of the scenes were taken on the locations as described in the novel and some wonderful shots were secured. The production is preceded by an appropriate song number “When the Incense is Burning,’’ by Mr W. Scott. Incense is really burned on the stage which gives the whole setting an Oriental colour and makes a prologue thoroughly in keeping with the picture. In addition to “The Garden of Allah,” John Gilbert is seen in “Man, Woman and Son.” This is one of the most strikingly dramatic pictures this great star has appeared in. This is a programme which for thorough screen entertainment, js seldom seen. Jt will be presented again to-night, and finally tomorrow. DUCHESS THEATRE, ARAMOHO. Patrons of the Duchess Theatre may look forward to : - enjoyable evening’s programme to-morrow, when the chief attraction will be “Ladies ftt Play.” On Saturday evening the two star attractions will be “The Air Patrol,’ ’and “The Devil Dancer.” THE NEW GRAND In these days of carping criticism of motion pictures and everything pertaining thereto, it is gratifying to realise that there is at least one film production in the field in which the most zealous hunter for things to criticise can find not the least fault. Bluches—there is not one in the entire subject. This photoplay is the William Fox production “Over the Hill.” In addition to being the reigning screen success for many months in New York City, “Over the Hill” is noted as the most persistent breaker of theatrical traditions ever located in Broadway. “Over the Hili’* started on its remarkable career in September, 1920. and shattered all records there and elsewhere. Yet it contains none of the traditional factors of success. It is just a simple, homely story with a little old mother as its pivotal character. About her revolves all the meanness and selfishness and loyalty of true-to-lifo human nature. Mary Carr, a player of distinction, is tne mother of the story and her characterisation is one that will live Tong in the memories of all ho see her. “Over the Hill’ has been re-issued and will continue an engagement, nt the Now Grand to-day and to-morrow. Private Screening of “Metropolis.” Remarkable fur wonderful photography, excellent acting and an exceedingly gripping story, “Metropolis,” one of the finest films yet, produced in Germany, was screened privately in Wanganui on Monday. Tho production, which is to open an extended season at the New Grand next Friday, is based on the story by Thea von Harbcu, in which thousands of men and women, all nameless, toil unceasingly, without ambition and without hope at mighty machines in an underground -dty, controlled by the brain

MUNICIPAL PICTURES One of the amazing true stories of filnidom, transcending in its drama the make-believe tales ot the screen, is the story of James Cruze, “Tho Mating Call,” starring Thomas Meighan, showing at, the Opera House to-morrow and Friday evenings. It, is one of the most romantic, celluloid dramas that his come to the screen in many months. It affords Mcighan one of the greatest characterisations o' - his career. “The Mating Call,” is rich in loveinterest, and Meighan is presented with dual feminine supports in the pretty persons of Evelyn Brent and Renee Adoree. These both have outstanding characterisations, Miss Brent as a charming and ultra sophisticated society queen, and Miss Adoree as a comely Russian immigrant girl. The other feature, “Tho Flight Commander” has been produced for popular patronage and with its romance, thrills, drama, swift action, adventure, humour and big east of well-known box office attraction. Maurice Elvcy has relied upon laughter, calculated to keep audiences of all kinds thoroughly entertained. “HIT THE DECK.” The J. C. Williamson company make their farewell appearance to-night in a naval musical play “Hit the Deck.” The production has proved a great success on both sides of the Atlantic, and is still running after many months in London and New York. It is described as “a nautical musical comedy.” In this play there figure a varied selection of characters, including missionaries, mandarins and other Chinese; sailors, and men from along the water front. The scenes are enacted in a coffee house, on the dock at, Newport, the forward deck of a warship, a seaport town in China, and inside a mandarin’s home. The piece provides plenty of opportunity for scenic and spectacular effects, and has the tang of the sen. Sonic of the musical numbers are particularly fine, including the already famous “Hallelujah” which MayBeatty, as the black “mammy,” will sing with full vocal ami instrumental backing. In London, “Hit the Deck” provided a remarkable stimulus to recruiting for the Navy, and tho call of “Join the Navy—See the World,” which is contained in one of the principal songs, was responded to by thousands of young men. The full strength of the J. C. Williamson company. Annie Croft, Reginald Sharland, Leo Franklyn, Gus Bluett, Billie Lock wood, and the popular chorus and ballet are all happily placed. The box plans arc at IT. I. Jones and Sons.

and the wealth of one man. The pro- , ducers of the picture have followed the | theme through the periods of revolution and chaos to the final chapter where Christianity enters into the lives of the human machines and brotherhood understanding and peace triumph, and ; lin doing so have introduced scenes de- I picting giant machines working at full pressure, and have fully exploited the wonders of electricity, wireless, television and aerial transport. Brigettc Helm gives a fine portrayal of the dual role of Mary, the (laughter and leader of the toile- • and of a relentless, soulless witch, who very nearly' brings about, the extermination by flood of itho whole of the people < the vast underground city. The picture has played to record houses wherever it has been screened. The story depicts what may happen in 100 years from now, and will be found to be something radically different in motion pictures.