PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 68, 22 March 1935, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

“THE WHITE PARADE” TO-DAY. • One of the most human, compelling and dramatic screen narratives in years, Jesse L. Lasky’s “The White Parade,” opens at the Plaza Theatre to-day, and is hereby recommended as superlative entertainment. It is a story with- a soul! 4 ‘The White Parade” may safely be described as an extraordinary picture. Extraordinary not only in its material, but in the approach of IDirector Irving Cummings and Producer Lasky to the telling of their story. It is a gripping and a poignant drama, and the manner of its presentation—buoyant, easy, gkiiiul--is a distinct contribution to screen history. In keeping with the theme and spirit of the production) “The White Parade ’ ’ is dedicated to the memory of the immortal Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing, and the idol and pattern of those who pursue 'this profession. Loretta Young offers a masterly performance as the young student nurse who is the heroine. The film follows her schooling from the daj of her enrolment, until just graduated, she has to make her choice between the man she loves, John. Boles, and the service whose true meaning has become every day more clear to her. John Boles contributes a splendid characterisation as the rich young suitor who, baffled by the elusive secret of these girl' nurses, seeks to persuade her that her life lies with him. There are memorable performances also by Dorothy Wilson, Muriel Kirkland and Astrid Allwyn, among the heroine’s comrades, and by Jane Darwell and Sara Haden, as veteran nurses who are their superiors. “The White Parade’ J has been adapted by Sonya Levien and 'Ernest Pascal from a screen story by Rian James and Jesse La*ky, Jr. This last in turn was based on Rian James’ novel of the same title. Jesse L. Lasky has always been a pioneer. His own career parallels in many respects the history of the motion-picture industry. It was Lasky who gave such a picture as “The. Covered Wagon,’’ the first great picture of the west, and “Wings,the first great picture of the air. Now, in “TJie White Parade.” he has created a picture which for originality and drama will, we think, stand unsurpassed when it is as old as “The Covered Wagon.” If it is something new you want, and something enthralling, do not miss “The White Paradp. ’ ’ A great picture. Salmon and Waitaki Pish Ladder Word has been received in Timaru that salmon have been making their way up the fish ladder on the Otago side of the Waitaki hydro-electric works, which was constructed by the Public Works Department. The designers of the ladder were not very sanguine of success, but it seems probable that the ladder will achieve its purpose. At the time of the construction of the hydro-electric works, it was debatable whether salmon would be able to surmount the huge obstacle and' find their way to the lake above. The salmon run commenced a fortnight ago, -out owing to theh milky state of the river the movements of the fish, could not be ascertained.