AMUSEMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 380, 25 September 1930, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE. A BRITISH PROGRAMME. SINKING OF TAHITI. A welcome change was provided last evening at the Majestic Theatre by way of a British programme. The feature picture, ‘‘The American Prisoner,” featuring Carl Brisson and Madeline Carroll, is the talkie version of Eden Philpotts’ well read novel of the same name. This picture is not a war picture as those who have not read the book might imagine from the title, but deals with the life of prisoners in Dartmoor Gaol in England. English actors, so welcome for their polished performances, English voices perfect in their reproduction, and English scenes provide a much appreciated change. Tho humorous farce, “His First Car,” also a British production, is the main support of the’feature picture. “The Sinking of R.M.S. Tahiti” id also included in the programme. This extraordinary film was taken on board the ill-fated vessel by Mr Hector MeQuarrie, a motion picture cameraman who had set out on a world tour. The picture shows clearly the transhipment of the passengers into the lifeboats as the ship is given up for lost and their boarding the “Penybryn,” who stands alongside, and the arrival of the “Ventura,” after a fast trip to the rescue. The sinking of the “Tahiti” is shown clearly and forms a dramatic close to the picture, which is as extraordinary as it is timely. ‘‘SONG OF THE WEST.” A SPLENDID PRODUCTION. REGENT’S FINE PROGRAMME. Indoor and outdoor scenes are blended harmoniously in “The Song of the West,” a Warner Bros. Vitaphone production, which is tho main attraction at the Regent Theatre. With the advent of the talking picture there were many who doubted whether picture patrons would see again the many outdoor scenes which were a feature of the silent film. In “The Song of the West” those doubts are dispelled, many of the scenes not only taking place out of doors, but some with the background of magnificent country. In its idea, “The Song of the West” is, briefly, a record of the adventures of pioneers travelling to the Pacific coast across the American continent, but unlike many of its predecessors it is not accompanied by hard riding and driving and sensational escapes from bands of roving Indians. The story centres round Virginia (Vivienne Segal), the colonel’s daughter, for whose hand there is rivalry. During a march there arrives at the camp a wanderer, Stanton (John Boles), who had to leave the regiment several years previously owing to a fight over a love affair. He is recognised, and in a second encounter kills an officer after which, disguised as a parson, he makes his escape in the caravan. Matters come to a head later, and, threatened with exposure, Stanton decides to leave the company. He explains to Virginia, but she marries him, and the pair set about to earn a livelihood by keeping a gambling saloon. During a visit to the saloon by some members of the regiment, Stanton realises that his wife’s heart is still with the regiment, and ho makes matters easy so that she may return to her former life. After a period in which he has gone prospecting he arrives in San Francisco to find his wife awaiting him. Later he is reinstated in the regiment, and everybody is happy. The cast includes Joe E. Brown, Marie Wells, Sam Hardy, Marion Byron, Eddie Gibbon, Ed. Martindel, Rudolph Cameron. It is a technicolour picture, and as an adaptation from the light opera “Rainbow” is a great success. The.ro is a chorus of one hundred voices. “HIGH SEAS.” A STIRRING DRAMA. A prodigious drama of love, hate and revenge, entitled “High Seas,” is to be shown at the Opera House on Saturday afternoon and evening. It is one of the most stupendous productions of life on the ocean wave yet producer!, for it was twelve months in the making, and has been acclaimed as having the biggest shipwreck scene ever photographed for tho screen. It is imperative that a picture such as this should be seen for not only does it take you to the romantic atmosphere of the sea, but it is an education that you owe to yourself to see. Seen in the principal roles of this super film are some of the greatest actors the British screen has ever known, including John Stuart, Lilian Rich, James Carewe, and Randle Ayrton. Cinema Art Films, the local distributors for the British International output, are releasing this picture.

GRAND THEATRE “HIT THE DECK” The successful musical comedy, “Hit the Deck,” which has been transferred to the screen by Radio Pictures, will be presented at the Grand Theatre for the first time to-day at 2.15 and tonight at 8. The screen version is produced on a scale unattainable within tho limits of the actual stage. While the “Hallelujah” song in the original production was a solo, in tho picture it is rendered by a chorus of 100 singers. Four new songs have been added to the original musical score.' As a spacious background the entire naval base at San Diego, Califoria, has been used, while complete replicas of a village, tho deck of a battleship and a Negro tabernacle have been adopted. Scenes such as a real landing wharf with boats plying between shore and a huge fleet resting at anchor combine to lend a reality to tho theme impossible on the stage. As a finishing touch “Hit the Deck” is partially screened in technicolour, a particularly effective scene being the battleship deck and the “Smith party” with 300 players participating. Tho leading role is filled by Jack Oakie, who as a humorous sailor is said to give a performance placing him high among the best comedians of the talking films. Polly Walker, who has the chief female part is a former Follies actress and is heard to advantage in the vocal numbers. Several of the players have appeared in “Hit the Deck” on the Broadway stage and appear in the roles they originally created. Roger Gray and Franker Woods, who with Harry Sweet comprise the “sailors three,” belong to the New York cast. Other prominent members of the large cast are Ethel Clayton, Juno Clyde, Wallace MacDonald, Marguerita Padula, the leader of the Negro chorus, Charles Sullivan, and George Ovey. Luther Reed, the director, and Robert Kurrle, the photographer, are known for their work in the production of “Rio Rita.” This picture will be preceded by the Fox News, and patrons are advised to be seated early. Seats may be booked at the theatre office, or by ’phone—--3152. “LOOSE ANKLES.” MAJESTIC’S NEXT CHANGE. A YOUTHFUL CAST. * “Loose Ankles,” a hilarious screen comedy about a modern girl who must marry the choice of her old-fashioned aunts or lose a fortune, has been scheduled for the Majestic Theatre and is to open on Saturday. This First National and Vitaphone all-talking hit was adapted f om the stage comedy of the same name by Sam Jenncy. It is one of the Burbank studio’s funniest and peppiest productions. A host of noted comedy players support Loretta Young and Douglas Fairbanks junr., the youthfull screen favourites who are cast in the romantic leads. Louise Fazenda, Otis Harlan, Ethel Wales, Daphne Pollard, Inez Courtney, Edward Nugent, Norman Selby and Raymond Keane are all in the cast, which is really all-star, for each and every one of these popular favourites has seen his or her name in electric lights. Miss Young’s comedy role is arousing widespread attention because it follows right afcr her notable success as an emotional actress in “Fast Life.” Critics are divided as to which type of part the 17-year-old leading woman should portray on the screen, as she is equally apt at both. “Loose Ankles” casts Douglas Fairbanks junr. in the role of an unwilling gigolo. His fellow gigolos aid him in winning the hand of Miss Young by all but compromising her aunts. Two songs, “Loose Ankles” and “Whoopin’ It Up,” written specially for the picture, add to tho merriment. Tho production was directed by Ted Wilde from a film version by Gene Towne.

THE AMATEUR MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY.

“YEOMEN OF THE GUARD.” PLANS OPEN TO-DAY. “Yeomen of the Guard.” —Even the title sounds appealing, and there is no doubt about the marked interest with, which the general public awaits tho Wanganaui Amateur Muscical and Dramatic Society 's initial performance of the brilliant Gilbert and Sullivan opera to be staged at the Opera House on Monday night.

It is essential, when an amateur company undertakes a work of such a type, that a strong and adaptable cast should be inarsha'led. Under the exp?rt guidance of a producer of the calibre of Mr fiarison Cook, and with such a capable musical director as Mr Louis Cohen the Society has been able to gather talent and mould it to such a degree of perfection that a performance in keeping with a professional standard seems assured. And of that Wanganui should feel justly proud. It may take courage to tackle Gilbert and Sullivan, but when the choice of opera falls on that which has found most favour^with the performers themselves and with an accredited success in the

“Pirates of Penzance ’’ to look back upon, these W .ngabui amateur have nothing to fear. A glance at the cast strengthens the opinion that, good fare is in store for the lheatre-loving public. Mr Hubert Carter is well enough known tc need no introduction. Mr G. Williamson will make his first appearance in a stage performance under the Society’s banner So to will Mr J. Shanks and Mi G. Boshier. Mr Harold Hoan has been seen to advantage in many another production staged by Wanganui amateurs, but his part in this is easily his most important and. quite the biggest in any Gilbert and Sullivan work. Mr Hean has devoted particular care to his work and Mr Harison Cook has found him an apt pupil. The “awkward” part of Wilfred Shadbolt, the gaoler, falls to Mr C. Stanley Brown. He has figured in other stage efforts of the Society. Mr Rob Bond has a small part in actual fact, but his ability to catch tho spirit of the piece will make him a big factor in the promotion of a successful show. The soprano work in the piece will fall to Mrs Tarrant, and her ability to fill the role is unquestioned. Miss Julie Worry has the part of “Phoebe Meryll,” and it suits her to an even greater degree than that she took in the last performance. Mrs Wills, as “Dame Carruthers,” is one of the best members of the cast and her handling of the part has helped the producer very consiuerably. Minor parts have been entrusted to Messrs Burson, Casford, Caichmaillo and Miss J. Murdoch. Their blending of talent has created something above tho ordinary and an outstanding cast of principals will be capably supported by a chorus of Yeomen, citizens and ladies, roughly fifty strong. Box plans open to-day, at Messrs H. I. Jones and Son’s for a season of five rights, commencing on Monday next.