Amusements, Meetings, Etc.

Wanganui Herald, Volume L, Issue 14742, 22 October 1915, Page 2

Amusements, Meetings, Etc.

KING'S THEATRE. A representative selection of pictures constitutes the present programme at the King’s Theatre. A fine human sentiment is awakened .in "The Bond of Womanhood,” which is the story of a conflict between two different classes of married people, arid how the two women gained a victory by purity and devotion over their husbands, and in the end were happily re-united. It is a most pleasing and effective drama, A very interesting -number of the Australian Gazette was shown; the views of the Boy Scouts’ parade at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, also the Maori haka, were very well received. Another topical film was “The Wellington Queen Carnival,” shelving the record procession passing through the city,' various happenings at the Carnival and some very beautiful scenes in the crowning of Queen Kitty Doughty in the Town Hal) at nightAnother well cnstructed picture was an Edison drama, “A Chip of the Old Block,” showing society life and how honesty is the best policy, and wins in the end. The comedies were a good lot, rind included “Mystic Moustachless Magician,” “A Versatile Villain” (Keystone), and “/Out for a Stroll,” the latter being especially funny, describing the adventures of a comedian cut lor a walk. THE GRAND THEATRE The present.Grand programme is proving a strong attraction to the picture loving public, but this is easily understood when it is stated that two such well-known celebrities as Charles Chaplin and Francis Bushman are figuring on the screen. .Both are established favourites with the public, and never fail to draw big audiences. Such was the experience at the Grand at all the sessions yesterday. . Charlie Chaplin is seen in the Essaney comedy, “Charlie by the. Sea.” In this hilarious film the little comedian is ivresistible, and his antics convulse the spectators. The pressure is kept up right to the end, and the subject adds to Chaplin’s reputation as a fun-maker. “The Beturn of Richard Neal” is a capital drama which features the fine scroer actor Francis Bushman in the leading role. The story is shrouded in a certain amount of mystery, which adds a pieman cy to the picture, which, combined with the fine work of Bushman, make it r splendidly entertaining subject. The associated productions are a good selection and the programme, on the whole, is one .of the best vet that the Grand has shown. '■ To-day and to-night will be the last chances of seeing this great double bill. MISS MARY PICKFORD. ' Mary Pickford will appear at the Grand Theatre for a three nights’ season commencing on Monday next, in the Famous Players' great five-reel production, “Behind the Scenes.” This attraction should convince the Wanganui theatre-goers that the directors of tile Wanganui Amusement 'Enterprises, , Ltd., are put to provide only ■the 'very beat for’their patrons’ pleasure and entertainment!, HANDEL'S “MESSIAH.” The performance of “The Messiah” in the. Opera House‘(last evening, in aid of the Patriotic Farids/ was a complete success, both musically I, and financially. Thera was a crowded audience, very few seats being vacant, and those present were keenly appreciative cf the' undeniable treat afforded. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr Webb, who excelled himself as a conductor,“and whose painstaking care’ in the training of the large chorus was evident frohi the manner-' in which the .work was attached. The performers sang with the greatest spirit, • and with wonderfully good expression, their work being especially good in the “Hallelujah,” “For unto ua,” .and “All we, like sheep.” The latter was ’ brilliantly rendered, and the concluding adagio impressively sung without accompaniment. The band, though at times showing a tendency to he too loud, did their work well all through, and was particularly successful in the “Pastoral Symphony.” The trumpet obligato, bv. Lieutenant Buckley, to the solo, “For the Trumpet shall sound" (Mr L. Craig) was beautifully played, and was quite one of the features of the performance. The soloists wore in splendid voice. Madame Briggs quite excelled herself in “Rejoice Greatly,” in which she never sang better, and also gave splendid renderings of “Come unto Him” and “I know that my’Redeemer Liveth.” Notwithstanding the effects of a recently sprained ankle. Mrs Ivo Symes pluckilv made her appearance, and in spite of hesevere handicap took the contralto solos ’'beautifully, lief singing of “He shall Feed His Flock” and “He was despised” being real gems. Mr, S. Butler’s singing as usual, was an artiste treat. “Comfor) Ye” and “Every Valley” were most beautifully sung, and he showed rare expression in the ate and recitative “Behold and See” and “He was cut off,” followed by “But Thou didst not leave.” Mr L. Craig sang the ha«s solos consistently well. “Why do the Nations” being a specially fine effort, and “The Trumpet shall sound’’ being also.rendered with excellent effect. Altogether the audience were given a quite exceptional treat, and one .that they will long remember, besides having the additional satisfaction of knowing that their patronage has materially assisted the .Patriotic Fund.