PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 280, 29 November 1935, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

“THE FIRST WORLD WAR.’’“The First World War/’ which is the current attraction at the Plaza Theatre, is made entirely from actual pictures taken in the European capitals before 1914, on the battlefields, and on the high seas. It contains much that is educative and of definite historical value, it reveals enough of the ghastly horrors of modern warfare to check the most belligerant believer in war, and it leaves one thinking with some anxiety about the present unsettled state of the world. “The First World War” will be screened finally to-night. ‘‘Charlie Chan in Shanghai.” “The best of the series so far” has been the verdict of overseas critics on “Charlie Chan in Shanghai,” again starring Warner Oland, which opens at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow. For who else could portray Charlie Chan, with his polish and coolness and the philosophy of ancient China, if not Warner Oland? This time Keye Luke, the young American-born Chinese actor, returns to tho screen as Chan’s son and helps him to solve what is probably the most baffling crime in his long career, The adventures of Chan, now almost a by-word among picturegoers, nearly come to an untimely end when he ventures into China’s metropolis to break up a gang of international opium smugglers. His adventures in Shanghai begin with the murder pf his host, an English secret service man. His own life is menaced by mysterious as' sailants who shoot at him during the night and try to kidnap him, but fail to match his Oriental wile. In conjunction with the American secret serviefe. Chan takes up the threads of the crime The Englishman’s secretary, Charles Locker, is suspected of the murder, but the mystery becomes more and more involved, until finally in a thrilling gun fight in a waterfront cafe Chan “gets his men” and uncovers the solution. Irene Hervey and Russell Hicks have important roles. Keye Luke, as Chan’s son, is a most interesting personality, blending the artistic impulses of the Orient with the active spirit of young America. There will be three sessions to-mor-row, and chapter four of the popular serial, “Rustlers of Ped Dog,” will be screened at the matinees.