ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 280, 26 November 1932, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE “GIRL CRAZY” OPENS TO-DAY Mirth and melody, romance and action, beauty and atmosphere—such is the keynote of “Girl Crazy,” the rollicking Wheeler and Woolsey comedy opening at the Majestic Theatre this ' (Saturday) afternoon. In the cast are comedy stars; a child prodigy, Broadway beauties, Hollywood cowboys, Mexican senoritas and polished villains. The action shifts from city tenement, to western dude ranch and Mexican resort and ranges from rip-roaring chases to rhythmic dances. Heading the imposing array of talent are the inimitable Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, who start the film as city slickers and wind up as rough and ready westerners. Eddi G Quillan carries the romantic lead of a girl crazy youth who transforms a respectable cattle ranch into a whoopee dude resort. Mitzi Green, Hollywood’s child mimic wonder, plays a pestiferous little sister and the romance and beauty brigade is headed by Dorothy Lee, Arline Judge, Kitty Kelly and Lita Chevret. The story deals with a girl crazy youth who is sent to the quiet of a western ranch to cure him of his weakness for beautiful women. He imports a snappy jazz band, a bevy of broadway beauties, dresses the cowpunchers in dinner jackets and turns the ranch into a playboy’s paradise. Melodies, which are liberally sprinkled through the fast and furious action and laughs, are original compositions by George Gershwin, modern music’s master hit creator. Amongst other selected supporting items this programme includes the first sound picture of the 1932 Melbourne Cup, “The Bridal Veil,” another of the beauti-fully-coloured music items from Paul Whiteman’s Scrapbook, a most interesting sporting film, and Sir Harry Lauder singing “Roamin’ in the G loamin ’ To-day’s Matinee. There is a first rate programme for this afternoon’s children’s matinee at the Regent Theatre. Mickey the Mouse i s featured and also Buck Jones, the first being in a first rate cartoon, and the second in “South of the Rio Grande.” There will bo community singing and competitions, while there will also be a special stage novelty act provided by Miss Eva Mathews. The first episode of a thrilling chapter play entitled “Danger Island’’ wil 1 be shown. Further entries are being received for the Regent Theatre Mickey the Mouse Club. “South of the Rio Grand,” in which Buck Jones is starred, will provide an hour of thrills that is the last word in whirlwind adventure. Romance-packed, swiftly-ex-citing and dramatic, it is easily a topnotcher, and a real treat for those that like their entertainment fast, furious and exciting. A perfect picture for the hard-riding, fast-shooting, romantic hero, Buck, who has been surrounded with a splendid cast, Mona Maris, Doris Hill and George Lewis.

PLAZA THEATRE

‘FRAIL WOMEN” THIS EVENING

As a story of life without veneer, as a strong, enthralling production, real to every detail, 44 Frail Women,” which opens at the Plaza Theatre’s evening performance to-day, is a picture that must be classed with the best. The ?*creen becomes a mirror and reflects the life story of characters who are but counterparts of many men and women of to-day. With all its frankness and reality, it offends not, but teaches, pointing out tho pitfalls of life and the misery, caused by those who fall, to the innocent ones who come in after life. “Frail Women” is a domestic drama, using tho theme of the stigma attached to illegitimacy in a logical and highly moving manner. The story cleverly utilises in its plot the new law whereby children can bo legitimised by the marriage of their parents. In the hands of such capable artistes as Mary Newcomb, Owen Nares, Janes Welsh, Athole Stewart, and Edmund Gwenn. The poignancy of the situations is usefl to the full, and in the direction of this picture Maurice Elvey has surpassed himself, for he has created for the screen something more real and telling than has ever been achieved before. Monster Matinee 2 p.m. To-day. Judging by the enthusiastic reception accorded th 0 Plaza last Saturday afternoon, another capacity house is anticipated this afternoon when a specially selected programme will be presented. Something new to Wanganui young folk has been inaugurated by the popular Plaza manager, Mr. Ross Meikle, in the shape of a Juvenile Stage Contest. A rehearsal is being held this morning and this afternoon competitors will face tho footlights, when singing, dancing, monologues, and mouth organ solos will be presented. The various prizes to be won are now on view in the Plaza lobby. Mr. Meikle, who is well known for his “Cheer-germ-sing-songs” in northern towns, will conduct a community sing-song. Thi s gentleman’s pleasing baritone voice will also bo heard to advantage. The pictorial side of the programme includes Buck Jones in “Hello, Trouble,” while Edward Everett Horton is starred in a Radio comedy entitled 44 The Sleepwalker,” and the Gay Girls play the title role in the celluloid scream 4 4 Gigolettes.” DUCHESS THEATRE “THE YELLOW TICKET” Romance, intrigue, charm, and pathos ar e elements that make 4 ‘The Yellow Ticket,” Raoul Walsh’s production for Fox Films, now at tho Duchess Theatre, a picture of unusual entertaining quality. Elissa Landi, the beautiful and talented daughter of an Austrian countess, novelist and emotional actress, portrays the leading feminine role, with Lionel Barrymore and Laureroce Olivier, handsome newcomer from tho London stage, in the principle male parts. Other notables of the screen in the cast are Walter Byron, Rita La Roy and Sarah Padden. “Tho Yellow Ticket” reveals a true and dramatic picture of the days of barbaric splendour in Russia an uncoloured etching of the most autocratic period in modern history. It depicts the dramatic adventures of a beautiful and virtuous peasant girl, who failing to secure a passport to visit her father who is fl.yi n ff in a distant prison, accepts a yellow ticket, which permits scandalous women to travel any place unhampered. Failing to register at the police station when she reaches St. Petersburg, she is thrown into prison. When she is released she finds herself an outcast, hounded and persecuted by the police. PLUNKET CARNIVAL ST. JOHN’S HILL CANDIDATE To assist the primrose colours a concert is being held at tho Friends’ School this evening when several of Wanganui’s artists will contribute items. Among those assisting with the programme will bo the Bridges Trio. Y.M.C.A. Orchestra, Miss Evelyn Wright pupils, Mrs. Preston and Master Keith Lund. The concert is timed to commence at 7.30 p.m. The St. John’s Hill bus leaves town al out 7 p.m. MAORI SINGERS Poi dances, fascinating harmonics, | haunting Maori melodies, weird war alas, pastimes and ancient games arc included in tho programme that is to be given by tho famous Maori singers in the Opera House on November 28. This party, selected by the Rev. A. J. Seamer, tho well-known missionary and expert in Maori music and customs, is meeting with record success everywhere and is being followed by | unprecedented crowds and enthusiasm.

REGENT THEATRE

“SKY BRIDE” TO-NIGHT

As a humorous melodrama, “Sky Bride,” opening at the Regent Theatre this evening has been well received wherever it has been shown; as a thrilling aero film it leaves nothing gto be desired, interest and entertainment being •carried right up to the breathtaking climax. Richard Arlen as the broken ace stunter, plays magnificently, while Jack Oakie plays the humourous nal so convincingly that even his fost caustic critics have given a word of praise. 44 Sky Bride” truly deserves all the highly complimentary remarks which have been passed on it. Tho picture is . adventure-romance of aviation as it is lived and loved to-day. Richard Arlen is seen as an ace stunter, and through an accident kills his partner in a crash. This so upsets 44 Speed” Condon, as Arlen is known, that he loses his nerve and in consequence is branded 44 yellow” by his associates in the air circus of which he is manager. Unable to face his fellow workerg Arlen wanderg away and eventually finds work as a mechanic with an aero transport company. There he meets new friends but is very unpopular because of his fear of flying and his moody disposition. At last he is called upon to rescue a small boy from the undercarriage of a run away plane and this rescue. brings a spectacular thrill and splendid climax to the closing scenes of this picture. Plenty of humour is supplied by Arlen and Oakie, while Virginia Bruce supplies the feminine interest. SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT SPECIAL ATTRACTION The programme to be submitted by the Garrison Bund and visiting artists on Sunday night promises to eclipse all previous efforts. Wellington’s foremost mezzo-soprano, Mrs. Gwen Clayton, will be appearing in Wanganui for the first time. Mrs. Clayton, who is the possessor of a beautiful voice, has twice won the coveted diamond ring at the Wellington Competitions and also the gold medal at the Masterton Competitions, wil] bo heard in two of her best numbers. Miss Kathleen Cosgrove (xylophone) and Mr. Mick Cosgrove (pianist), th© Hawke’s Bay stars, will be heard in a beautiful instrume tai duet “Carnival-de-Venice” (Arban), besides other numbers. The Hawke’s Bay Tribune, commenting on the Cosgroves’ performances recently, states that Miss, Cosgrave is a finished artist on the xylophone, while her brother is a wizard on the piano. They had their audience spellbound, while rounds of applause greeted each item. The ever-popular Rushden Trio, who received such a magnificent reception at their previous appearance in Wanganui, will contribute some of their most popular numbers. These will include, by special request, 4 4 When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain” and are. sure to please. Miss Myrie Watts will give an exhibition of fancy club swinging with mirrored clubs to band accompaniment. The Garrison Band will, as usual, provide their portion of the programme which will include that beautiful selection “Meyerbeer,” besides other numbers. In view of the forthcoming championship contest which is to bo held at Dunedin in February, the band will play th© contest march “Marathon” for the first time. This march is composed by Rimmer and was selected by Mr. W. HaHiwell, the well-known English band trainer as the test march for the contest. With such a splendid programme the Majestic Theatre should be taxed to its utmost and ag there arc no reservations patrons are requested to attend early and thereby secure a good seat. Admission will b e by silver coin and trams will wait until conclusion of concert. WANGANUI SAND DUNES DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE’S SCHEME In connection with the efforts made by the Wanganui and district Develop ment League to have tree planting carried out on the sand dunes between the Wangaehu and Wanganui Rivers, a comprehensive report was been received by the league from the State Forest Service. This report is to be presented at a public meeting to lacalled to consider the matter on Monday next in the City Council Chambers, when it is proposed to appoint a deputation to interview members of Parliament and tho Commissioner of Unemployment. The purpose is to establish an afforestation board for the purpose of controlling two largo areas of land which have been sot aside by tho lessors, which will enable a compact. block of 1000 acres to be planted by unemployed labour. In his report Air. Field, the Gove?nmont forest ranger, commends the Teague on its proposal to attack the sand menace on a reasonably large scale.