ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 144, 20 June 1931, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

CHORAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT | Alfred Noyes’ poem “\. Tale of Ob. Japan,” set to music hy >S. Coleridge Taylor, to be performed* by the above Society on Wednesday next, will bi an outstanding musical event. N< words can convey the beauty of this wonderful music—the work * must In heard. . To those who have previously heard it, the very mention of the title immediately conjures up delightful memories, and arouses a desire tc hear it again. In this period of mental stress, it will well repay one tc turn the mind away for a time to an entirely different world and atmosphere portyared by the preservation phero portrayed by the presentation of this oriental gem. The music enchants, and dramatic feeling- has ful] play in the tragic love story of T 'imi. Coleridge-Taylor’s musical artistry no where better shown tha • ’ this masterpiece. As this work is not length enuogh to take up the whole programme, the first half will be provided by the artistes engaged by the Society—Mesdani’ Wilfred Andrews and Olive 'Tarrant, Messrs Denis Sheard and Charles Haar. Seats mav be booked at Emmett’s <n Monday. THE DUCHESS THEATRE ‘ • CANA RIES S< )METIM ES SING ' ’ ‘ ‘Rookery Nook,” ‘‘On Approval, and now “Canaries Sometimes Sing,' the latest British Dominions’ laugh success, now at the Duchess Theatre, definitely place Tom Walls on a pedestal as a talkie comedy star, and. incidentally. these pictures once again prove conclusively that the British actor is second to none in his art. How pleasant it is to sit in a picture theatre and listen to the English language as it should be spoken, so free from nasal- . ness and blatnntness. “Canaries .Sometimes Sing” is yet another British screen hit. The witty and sparkling dialogue of Frederick Lonsdale, coupled with the brilliant acting of an excellent- east, makes the film an entertainment of outstanding merit, and one to be recommended to everyone who desires tn make Wanganui's Welcome Week a happy time. WANGANUI COLLEGIATE OLD BOYS All ' >ld Bovs of the Wanganui (id legiate School arc cordially invited to attend a smoke concert, which will be held in the Masonic Hall. Bell Street, to-night at 8 o’clock, for the purpose of’ forming a local branch of the Old Boys’ Association. As the association is anxious to create more interest, in its activities in Wanganui and the surrounding districts a full muster of all Old Boys is requested. WALK EASY OINTMENj tor tired, ten..nr fuel. Remo. f?R tian! skin, callouse® etc. ivorks while you sleep n excuse for linipinxTin posted for 1/6. —E. W. Hall. 117 Armagh St reef. Christchurch. Advt.

MAJESTIC THEATRE d i “THE PRINCESS AND THE e- i PLUMBER” ‘1 he Princess and the Plumber,” o which opens at tho Majestic Theatre is to-day, is a delightful melange of com•e edy and rapid-lire romance. Charles y barrell and Maureen O’Sullivan por- <• tray the title roles in this Fox Aloviet- tone picture, and the featured cast ino eludes 11. B. Warner and Joseph Caw- -- thorn. Or Much happens during the unfolding ii of tho story, laid in a. mythical Prins' cipality among the Balkans. A young n American engineer, sent by his firm to n supervise tho installation of a heating plant in the castle of Daritzia, en--11 counters that country’s charming prini. coss and in a mutual misunderstanding, s neither realises this other’s identity. s I How, under the hilarious handicap the t romance is successfully brought, off, e forms the exciting •climax of this entertaining film. •’ Playing opposite Farrell is Maureen s O’Sullivan, the dainty Irish colleen, * whom Director Frank .Borzage discovv cred in Dublin while he was filming John AlcCormack’s Movietone, “Song O'Aly Heart. ’ Miss O’Sullivan jumped right into the leading feminine role of that picture without any pro iessional experience, and when critics stated that, ner charming performance ~1 "as only a “flash in the pan,” she ~ discredited their judgment with hci remarkable work in “So This is Lon1 don” and “Just Imayine.’’ ’ Bert Roach, whose comedy roles have folded much to the enjoyment of ’’ suvh films as “Sally,” “Song of the Flameo n n«l “So Long Letty,” has I another hilarious part in “The Princess And The Plumber.” Roach enacts the American millionaire, whose leasing of the Princess’ castle brings ' about must of the complications in the h story. Charles Farrell and Alaureen i O ’Sullivan play the title roles in this ’ i Fox .Movietone film. 'J H. B. Warner also enacts a features I role, that of the Prince of Daritzia, ( J while such well known performers as | Joseph Cawthorn, Lucien Prival, Bert, | Roach, Louise Closscr Hale, have the j leading roles in Farrell’s strong sup- ( porting east. Alexander Korda ! directed the production from the .Saturday Evening Post story by Albee ’ Ihier Miller, which was adapted for the screen by Howard J. Green. THE LUXOR ’ . ’lii“ usual monthly <lnnce will beheld J in “Tlic Luxor” this evening from 8 ! p.m. till 12. Prizes will be awarded for the var- , ions competitions and the latest dance music will be supplied by the Globe Dance Band. Supper will bo served in tin 1 Rovale Willows, where patrons have the privilege of selecting their own tables.

BIRTHDAY PARTY MICKEY MOUSE’S BIRTHDAY. The all-important event of Mitkey the Mouse’s first birthday will he celebrated at tho Majestic Theatre this morning at 10.30 a.m. The huge birthday cake, which has been on view in Dustin’s window for the past, week, will be cut and a piece given to each child attending. A further present of a toy of Mickey himself will also be given to the children. Mickey’s matinees at the Majestic, have now well established themselves in the favour of young and old in Wanganui, but of all the matinees yet held tomorrow’s should prove the most popular. A special will be screened, the main feature of whi’ch will be Hoot Gibson’s latest picture. “Roaring Ranch,” and it is all the title proclaims. Hoot’s wonderful horse, Silver King, plays an important, part, and the picture is not wanting in action, thrills, and laughter. The next most important item is. undoubtedly, the tenth episode of rhe children’s senial, “The Indians are Coming. ’’ which is entitled, “A Redskin’s Vengeance.” And then Mickey the Afouse himself in his latest and funniest cartoon. “The Cactus Kid.” Another of the wonderful monkey comedies, entitled n The Little Pig House,” and an Aesop Fable cartoon. “Oom Pah Pah” conclude an excellent programme. The usual prizes will he given to the winners of the Majestic photo contest and holders of the lucky seats. •LAUGH THAT OFF" AH arrangements are complete for the presentation of tho comedy, “Laugh That Off,” at the Opera House on Monday and Tuesday. The final polish has been given to the, rehearsals, the scenery is painted, all the many details of production arc ready. It is now up to the public to show their appreciation of the good work, and at, the same time help to alleviate some of the local distress by filling the Opera House at both performances. With such an array of talent in the cast, and with one of the most successful comedies of recent years to present, there can be no doubt that the “show” will bo well worth seeing. “Laughter and Love” are the keynotes of the play—with “Bob” Howell as chief fun-maker, but most i ably seconded by Harold Hean. Aliss Leigh Swan. Airs Dalrymple and Paul Latham, while Miss Evelyn Wright and James Pawson, in the leading roles, have also their share of comedy as well. Admission prices have been kept very low, and the public are advised that the rear portion of the dress circle will be available at 2s. Seats may be reserved in dress circle or orchestral stalls for 3s at 11. J. Jones and Sons. BAND CONCERT TO-MORROW’S ENTERTAINMENT To-morrow in the Majestic Theatre,

the Garrison Band is giving another of its much enjoyed concerts. The band will bo assisted by some of the best of Wanganui’s concert artists. Mr ' W. Shardlow will play “Light Cavalryon the xylophone. Afiss K. Blanchett (contralto), and Master Harry McKenna are also on tho programme. Mrs Kendall will be the accompaniste. Included in the programme is Cyril Jenkins’ wonderful tone poem “Coriolanus.” This masterpiece was speciallv coninosed for the A Grade test at the Crystal Palace and is one of the most difficult and pleasing compositions of modern times. The high standard of efficiency attained by the Garrison Band was shown by the large number of telegrams and letters received from all over New Zealand ami Australia congratulating them on their recent broadcast concert. The concert promises to be one of the most entertaining that has been given this season, and a large attendance is assured nt the Majestic Theatre on Sunday evening The theatre is heated comfortably for patrons. GRAND THEATRE iIVO BIG FEATURES. A great favourite with Wanganui audiences is now appearing at the Grand Theatre in her latest picture, “Madonna of the Streets,” rhe Col umbia film adapted from W. B. Max well’s story, “The Ragged Ales senger.” It, is none other than Evelyn Brent, the alluring, the beautiful, the magnetic personality of the screen. The story is an excellent vehicle for her. It is a dramatic story of love and reformation unfolded in the colour ful locale of the Barbary coast or San Francisco. Evelyn Brent plays the designing woman of the world who goes through an amazing change of character when she falls in love witn a man who patterns his life along the golden rule. Miss Brent has shown herself supreme in the interpretation of this sophisticated woman who ruled men with her haughty glance. Tn “Madonna of the Streets” she is allowed a Hgl variation in portraval. The sto; f p IfiLs her to bo trans

toi med from this type of woman to one who is willing to humble herselr and work hard for the man s ne loves. An excellent cast has been assembled to support Miss Brent. Robert Ames, one of screendom ' 3 most, popular leading men, one who is in constant demand to play opposite the most out standing women stars in the industry, plays the leading male role opposite Miss Brent. Josephine Dunn and Ivan Linow play other important supporting roles. John Robertson directed. He is considered one of Hollywood’s ace directors. Among the prominent star* who have come under his guidance are Richard Barthelmess and Mary Pickford.

Thrill follows thrill in “Men Without Law,” a stirring “western,” released by Columbia Pictures, which opeus to-day at the Grand Theatre. Buck Jones, the star, does some of the most amazing riding ever seen on the screen. Added to this, the story has a strong loment of novelty, the sets are colourful and the acting is excellent throughout. Jones’ hair-raising riding stunts are as usual the big feature of the picture but these are enhanced in the present instance by some unusually good acting on the part of tho star. The plot is built around a friendship cultivated during the World War between two boys from the western section of the country. The incidents resulting from this friendship are full of adventure, drama, humour, and thrills. It kepi the audience on the qui vive throughout and more firmly established tho star, Buck Jones, as the most popular delineator of “western roles” on the screen.

REGENT THEATRE ‘•CITY’ LIGHTS” MATINEE. To-day is the last day for “City Lights,” and there should bo a good attendance at the 10.30 o’clock mattnee this morning. Bookings are well up for this afternoon and to-night. A production absolutely void of din loguo but with fascinating musical synchronisation and sound effects, “City Lights” is hailed as the newest thing in cinema art and the greatest Chaplin effort of all time. More ■ than two years in the making and with ; an expenditure of close to two million dollars, “City Lights” is said to be the last word in pantomimic genius. “City Lights” is an original iden and was written by Chaplin. It is a simple story of everyday life in any large city, with a human treatment such as the style for which this producer is noted, and. whwh he followed in his direction. There is not a human voice used at any time throughout the picture but the unique manner employed through instrumental music, is declared to be a revolutionary step in synchronisation. A majority of all tho music used throughout the action is original and was created by Chaplin. More than any production Chaplin has ever offered “City Lights” is the most, extensive. Some of the massive settings include the business district; slums, theatrical, select; a prize-fight stadium; a river and its embankment; a huge and guy cafe and the exquisite rooms of a millionaire’s mansion. The action represents that whivh goes on in any largo city anywhere. There are three characters vital to the story. One is a tramp, as enacted by Chaplin, another a flower girl who is blind and portrayed by Virginia Cherrill and rhe other an eccentric millionaire, by Harry Myers. And of importance t<* these three, the girl’s grandmother. I Florence Lee; the millionaire’s butler. I Allan Garcia, and a prize-lighter. Hank | Ma nn. Coining Monday “Brothers.’’ tho successful stage I play in which Bert Lytell captured countless audiences, has been adapted from the talkies by Columbia Pictures. It is scheduled to play at the Regent Theatre on Monday and Tuesday. | Lytell is again portraying the dual ' role and is being supported by Dorolh} , Sebastian. William Morris. Claire MvDowell, Richard Tucker, Maurice I Black, Frank McCormack, Francis Me | Donald, Rita Carlyle. and Howard j Hickman. Walter Lang directed. BOWSERS LTD. All motorists should make a point < i | seeing the display of tvres, brake Hi. ing and accessories at. tho premises of , Messrs Bowsers Ltd., next to the Re ; gent Theatre. First of its kind in ; Wanganui, this station makes a special- I ity of catering for the many needs of i motorists, while it. is the first station to instal an hydraulic hoist, up-to-date free air service, high pressure greasing plant, in addition to many other inventions. Bowsers Ltd. is taking a very groat interest m tho Wanganui Wei come Week and its cars are to be seen in the processions.