ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 115, 18 May 1931, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE WILL ROGERS IN • ‘LIGHTNIN’ ” Wanganui was struck by “Lightiiin' ” uu Saturday, but it was a very ; pleasant shock for those who attended the Majestic Theatre at which this ' Eox Movietone production featuring < the droll Will Rogers, was screened. Capacity audiences at both screenings I acclaimed this all-talking comedy of < Nevada’s divorce colony one of the < funniest vehicles in which Will Rogers has starred, and the shouts of laughter that went up from stalls and dress •circle and gallery threatened to lift the roof off. : Will Rogers plays the part of Light- ; nin’ Bill Jones, of the Calivada Hotel, which sits squarely on the borderline of California and Nevada. His wife owns the hotel, which is patronised by the divorcees who are seeking to get rid of their husbands, and Lightnin’ hates work and loves a little something out of a bottle “for his lumbago.” , Wanganui audiences will remember the stage play ‘ l Lightnin’ ” when it camo round some years ago, and in this sparkling talkie they will find the role of Bill Jones portrayed by a master . hand at the business of making people laugh. Wit, humourist, and philosopher, Will Rogers plays the part as to the manner born. His droll whimsicalities when slightly under the influence of liquor are irresistibly funny, and he tells some of the most outrageous lies imaginable. “I drove a swarm of bees across the prairie in the dead of winter —and never lost one,” he recalls in one of his scenes, while one of his favourite topics was the part he played in the Spanish-American War in which he fought and advised Teddy Roosevelt. Other epigrams voiced by “Lightnin’ ’’ are well worth remembering: “It is easy to stop divorces—stop marriage.’’ “Stop alimony and you’ll put an end to divorce.” “The Chinese are the only ones who have solved the problem—they drown all the girl babies—smartest people in the world.” Supporting Will Rogers is Louise Dresser, who again has a mother role. Iler daughter in the story is Helen Cohan, youthful daughter of George M. Cohan, celebrated stage •comedian and successful producer. As the result of her long experience on the stage. Miss Dresser is a. finished artist and possesses a personality that fascinates. Supporting the star is a cast that embraces many popular favourites oi the stage and screen. Tn addition to Miss Dresser and Helen Cohan it includes J. M.'Kerrigan, Joel McCrea, Sharon Lynn, Luke Cosgravp, Frank Campeau, .Toyco Qpmpton, Jason Robards, Ruth Warren. Phil Tend, Walter > Percival. Charlotte Walker, Goodee Montgomery, Blanche La Clair and Thomas Jefferson. A score or more of georgeously gowned divorces add atmospheric? colour to the picture and, photographed and recorded in Hie vicinity of Lake Tahoe, California, some of the most beautiful and picturesque ! scenic backgrounds to be found in America arc afforded. Those who like a comedy full of droll sayings and quaint humour should not 1 fail to see “Lightnin’” at iho Majestic and they will find the supporting 5 programme, equally good. ADDRESS ON PSYCHOLOGY RADIO STATION 2ZK Radio listeners-iu who were unable ’’ to attend her lectures, will be pleased to hear that Sister Falconer, of Pal- ’ merston North, has kindy consented to 1 give an address on “Psychology” from ■ the Wanganui station, 2ZK, to-day 1 (Monday), at 11.30 a.m. J Sister Falconer is the possessor ot s a cheery personality, which should find 1 its way into the hearts of all her listeners-in, and her subject, which is an intensely interesting one, should appeal to everyone. Be sure to tune in this morning. BAND CONCERT s QUEEN ALEXANDRA’S OWN j An enjoyable programme was given ( > in the Opera House last night by the Queen Alexandra’s Own Band, under the direction of Mr Ernest Webb. The I items given by the band were of a very high order. The first, a hymn, was ] played with organ effect, and from the expressed acclamation of the large audij cnee after the rendering of the selection “La Militaire” (by Schubert) it was clear that the band is as popular as ever, and there can be no surprise at the esteem in which these concerts arc held by the public of Wanganui. Their P music, is always of the best. It is rendered bv a powerful band in a most artistic manner. The applause which I greeted the singing of Master Keith 1 Lund showed the appreciation of this , young soloist’s delightful music. The s saxophone playing of Mr Wilfred - Shardlow, revealed his wonderful abil - itv. He is always a favourite with the public. Mr G. IS. Clapham, the clever elocutionist, greatly amused his listenI ers with his humour ami was well toc ceived. Lach artist was given a well- ) earned encore. Mrs S. < ’unningham ami

THE REGENT. DE MAURIER IN “ESCAPE” Written by John Galsworthy, and starring Sir Gerald du Maurier, “Escape” opened at the Regent Theatre on Saturday. It is a drama of the first quality. Outbreaks, riots and general unrest in the penitentiaries have centred attention upon prison conditions. Galsworthy’s remarkable drama, a true, masterful study of the problem, carries a real message from the talking screen. “Escape” is the first of this noted author’s jvorks to reach the talkies. It is admirably suited to screen treatment, introducing a number of unusual characterisations and moving at a fast pace toward a brilliant and thrilling cMmax. The production was made under the supervision of Basil Dean for Associated Radio Pictures. Dean, one of the foremost of English stage and screen directors and producers, was aided by a complete American technical staff and the film is said to be one of the most outstanding productions of the year. An all star cast of noted stage and screen players, many of whom have appeared in previous Galsworthy plays, was selected for the film. Gerald du Maurier, most popular player on the Englinh stage, appears in the load as Matt Denant, world war veteran, London clubman and fugutive from the law. Edna Best, noted actress who has apeared in a number of New York stage attractions, Mabel Boulton, one of the most promising of young film players and Jan Hunter arc prominent among the remainder of the superlative cast. “Escape” has received wide acclaim from audiences and critics wherever previously shown. GRAND THEATRE ARLISS’ PERFECT “DISRAELI” It is by the wonderful acting of George Arliss in “Disraeli” that he is remembered; it is that performance which draws theatre patrons to his later piemics. Arliss lives the part, his masterly facial expression, oca to his hands (Considered by some to be the greatest pair of actor’s hands in the world) blends with a voice and a manner that makes one think, that the loved and hated Disraeli is within the screen. The Grand was packed on Saturday night which is a just tribute to the great actor after the capacity run that the picture had when showing first in the city. There were many there who had seen the production bc- | fore, but it is one of those that may , bo seen many times and appreciated the more at each. The picture has only two more days and nights in Wanganui. It should not bo missed. The story runs that both England and Russia have their eyes on the Suez Canal and Disraeli knows that the spies around him are to inform Russia of any move on England’s part to purchase this important gateway. Disraeli attempts to get the manager of the Bank of England to advance the funds for the purchase of the canal until Parliament meets and approves the plan. He feels they must act quickly. The banker refuses. Disraeli calls on Hugh Meyers, the international Jewish banker, who agrees to furnish the money as soon as he can bring the gold from the Argentine. , Disraeli wins over Charles Deerford, makes him one of his secretaries and ' sends him on the important mission to ( complete the purchase of the canal, giving him Meyers’ cheque. Through ’ the work of the spies, the ship containing the gold from the Argentine is p sunk. Disraeli will be ruined unless he can act quickly. What Disraeli did, how he saved England, how he made certain of the Indian Empire, will hold ’ all in silent admiration. The east supporting Mr Arliss is an unusually good 1 one. Florence Arliss plays Lady Beaconsfield, Disraeli’s wife. Joan Bonnett is beautiful as Lady Clarissa and gives a commendable, performance. Anthony Bushell, David Torrence, Ivan Simpson. The supports are good and those who attend either a matinee or an 1 evening performance can leave with ’ but one impression—that, they have seen one of the few truly great pro- ! duct ions. NATIONAL DAIRY SHOW. Attention is drawn to the L’Pth. Nn ■ tiona.l Dairy Show to be- held at Pal- ; merston North from June 16 to June 20 next. The schedule is now available, and will be sent free, on application to the secretary, Alp W. T. Penny, P.O. Box 85, Palmerston North. This year several now classes have boon added, including classes for porkers, and calf clubs championship, while features of the event will bo the display of bacon, frozen lambs, fat stock, and the North Island Show Ring Dog 'Trial Championship. Hehl in conjunction with the event is the annual exhibition of the Mannwalu Poultry Association, which includes classes for rabbits. A separate schedule for this section mav also be had on application. Patries in >ll classes close deliniH lv on Saturdav, Muy