Amusements

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 108, 9 May 1931, Page 11

Amusements

OLD ENGLISH,

GEORGE ARLISS. “Old English,” the Galsworthy play which proved so tremendously popular when played on tho stage by George Arliss and which has been made into a talking picture, opens at the Slajestic to-day. “Old English” can be compared best perhaps to the epochal “Disraeli” of last season, which introduced the genius of George Arliss to the talking picture world. “Old English” is considered by Mr Arliss to be his finest characterisation. Incidentally, it is the first Galsworthy drama to reach the talking screen and it is understood that no little per suasion was needed to secure from the English playwright the permission to produce his play as a picture. The Galsworthy play, from which “Old English” is adapted, is the story of a crochetty old ship-owning rascal of Liverpool, who finds himself on the verge of bankruptcy and to provide for a granddaughter enters into some dealing which would have incriminated him but for the intervention of a greater foe in the guise of leberator. The gay old rake makes a grandstand play not only with his creditors but with death —and wins while he loses. Mr Arliss makes the role unbelievably moving and at the same time amusing. An excellent cast supports the star and the direction of Alfred E. Green —who also di.d “Disraeli” and “The Green Goddess”—is of the best. Don t miss Arliss in “Old English.”

THE RIGHT TO LOVE.

SHOWING AT THE REGENT The talkies came and revolutionised the picture world, and now has come the silent recording to again change the whole of film outlook. The silent recording stops all ground noises, and the voice comes crystal clear, without the strident tones that used to be such a drawback to a pretty little girl. Re | production of r he huina voice on the j talking screen has advanced to a greater , and a higher level. “The Right to I Live.” featuring Ruth Chatterton, is | the first picture to reach Wanganui ’ which has been recorded by tho new I precess. It is now showing at the Re- | gent Theatre. Miss Ruth Chatterton | displays her power to sustain a heavy i call upon her ability. It is a highly I dramatic story of three generations of women engaged in a desperate struggle ' to attain tho love which is their heritage. As Naomi Kellog on a farm in the Middle West, she has her romance with a young neighbour, but ho is killed in a harvest accident .id thei r secret, is discovered. Her parents force her into marriage with a man old enough to I be her father, and a little daughter is born. The years go by ami the girl, now grown up, has her romance which Naomi’s husband destroys, and the girl goes to China as a missionary. Here she again falls in love with an impulsive, buoyant young man who desires to * change the monotony of her mission life. Reaction causes her to change her mind and continue the career she has chosen, but again that time she has a cable announcing her mother’s death with a final message, “Courage.” The girl reflects on the position, ami finally decides that she will accept the love which is her right. So happiness comas. Miss Chatterton gives a powerful impersonation in each incident, and has in this picture given her best work. Paul Lukas and ’David Manners fill the roles of the two young lovers, and Irving Pichel is the middle aged man of sanctimonious character to whom Naomi is sacrificed. The story is strongly emotional in places, and will have a strong appeal Io the public.

THE GRAND.

•HER WEDDING NIGHT.” Sizzling! Whizzling? A'tion! Fun!' Clara Bow’s in town in Paramount”s , “Her Wedding Night,” a deliriously romantic farce-comedy, written by Avery Hopwood, king of farce. “Her Wedding Night” opens to-day at the. Grand Theatre. It’s laughs at the start, the middle and love at the end. It’s a Bow knockout. Imagine Clara Bow as a red-headed film star in France, where, because she, doesn’t nmlerstand the

language, she unwittingly becomes the bride in a wedding ceremony in which the groom is masquerading under an assumed name. Thus slick becomes the wife, by proxy, of a man she has never seen. And when they meet, and when Charlie Ruggles gets in his complicating comedy, ami when ISkeets Gallagher, the bridegroom's proxy, gets through explaining, there’s a diverting love story with Clara falling hard for her strangely acquired husband, Ralph [Forbes. “Her Wedding Night” zips in Paris, whizzes through France, and winds up in a merry matrimonial tangle in Venice. The cast is superb. A special matinee will be screened at 11 a.m.

GARRISON BAND.

Al A J ESTIC SUNDA Y E VEN ING. The Garrison Band will be giving another of their popular concerts in the Majestic Theatre on Sunday evening, commencing at 8.15 The band will be assisted by Miss Zelda Watts, who is always popular wi n hpi elocutionary items, and the wornUr l.<y sopra t.i, Master Keith Luud. Se’dnuj docs the public have the opportunity of hearing a boy with clear soprano voice such as that possessed by this local boy. The items by the band will include the selection “The Vagabond King” which was quite recently on the talkies and featured those beautiful artists Jean etle McDonald and Denis King. The selection “Lucia Di Lanmermoar,” which is a delightful arrangement for; brass bands, features the exceptional sextette in which tho hand soloists J. Farrell ('cornet), W. Francis (soprano). ('). Williams (euphonium), R. Boyd (baritone), A. Burt (tenor horn) and C. Brown (trombone), are heard to advantage. These two numbers will be played for the first time in Wanganui, and, no doubt there will be a largo atendance to hear such an exceptional programme. It has been arranged by the conductor, Mr J. Watson, who has the band in first-class form at present.

■CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD”

NOW AT THE DUOHESS Glorious in its epic sweep of hearthitting drama; majestic in its resistless surge of gigantic conflict; o’erpow- - ering in its passionate surge of un- , leashed emotions, yet withal one of the most appealing romances ever told—that is “Captain of the Guard,” the flaming glory of the singing screen—tho picture that brings to you the golden voice of John Boles, whom you will see in his strongest and most colourful role at the Duchess to-day and to-night. See him as the dashing Captain who falls in love with the daughter of the lowly innkeeper. See Laura La Plante as the meek little girl who becomes the fiery centre of a nation gone mad. Never before a picture like this, from a story suggested by the song “La Marseillaise.” In order that the many town patrons may be assured of catching the tram, screening commences at 7.45 p.m.

THE TRIUMPH OF HISLOP.

WUk’LU CELEBRATED SINGER. The return of Joseph Hislop, the famous Scottish-born tenor who created • /lite a fnroro when last in the Dominion, will be hailed with delight by ;he t liotisands of music-lovers in New Zealand who remember with happiness the beautiful and artistic singing of the great tenor. 11, has truly been said that: Joseph Hislop occupies a peculiarly unique position in llic world*of snug. Endowed with a wonderful \uice. he is equally gifted as an actor. • -el it is generally admitted that he is 1 io day one of the greatest dramatic ■ ingers I lie operatic stage possesses. Hislop has made a name for himself in ; e\ery part of the world he has visited, and this British-born tenor has engage- > mentss well on to 1936. He is coming 1 his : time with his (‘harming wife and their ; talented daughter May, and those in : N'i w Zealand who met Mrs Hislop were very favourably impressed with her sympathetic, disposition. Again the < i t Ichrated singer will tour the Doniioion under the distinguished banner of Messrs J. and N. T;iil. who hn \ e fbeen

instrumental in bringing to tho Dominion some of the greatest musical artists in the world. Hislop, though born in Edinburgh, completed his musical education abroad, and scored his ii itial success in the capital of Sweden. He has sung before Royalty, and has received many honours at their hands. He is now at the zenith of his power, and his tour of New Zealand should bo a series of musical triumphs, for Hislop’s repertoire is such as to make effective appeal to till classes; it varies from grand opera to the simple ballads so loved by the people. With Hislop comes as accompanist Tsidor Goodman, ti talented pianist, who has already made his mark, and who plays with rare sympathy and intelligence, giving valuable assi‘2ance to the great, singer by his perfect understanding of tho varied selections. ’l’his wrold-famous singer will appear for one night al the Opera House on Monday. May 11. ami as there is no possibility of a return \ isit music-lovers should make, prompt application for reservations. Messrs Tait have decided on bringing the recitals of Hislop within the scope of all, and there will be special concessions to students of musical and educational institutions. 'fhe New Zealand tour will bo under tho personal management of Air Alaurice Ralph (of the managerial staff of Messrs J. and N. Tait), who has been associated with several other rioted artists in their tours of tho Do