AMUSEMENTS & MEETINGS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15617, 27 September 1918, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS & MEETINGS.

HIS MAJESTY'S. “THE AUCTION BLOCK.” Rex Beach’s famous story, “The Auction Block,” has been very widely read, and while .all admirers of the famous American author have them preference among his books, there is no doubt that a large number made “The Auction Block” their favourite: It is certainly an absorbing story, illustrating as it does the struggle of a beautiful and virtuous girl against evil surroundings fiom which escape seems hopeless. It indicates, too, the rottenness of certain phases of life in New York, the “new rich” coming in for pitiless exposure, particularly the gilded-youth section thereof, for their callous selfishness and their pursuit of personal pleasure, quite careless of any effect it may have on others, or, for that matter, on themselves. The daughter cf a humble family in a country town, the heroine, Lorelei, is brought by her gold-greedy and unscrupulous mother to New York, for the purpose of exploiting her beauty. The mother places her on the stage, and aided by her equally unscrupulous son, the father being too meek a character to realise all that is involved, they attempt to use the girl for the purpose of compromising wealthy and idle young men, with a view to making the family fortune. Without going into detail, it need only be said that Lorelei’s exceptional character keeps her in the straight path, and enables her to win through to a happy ending. The film version of “The Auction Block” attracted a record attendance to His Majesty’s last evening, and the picture certainly deserved the patronage accorded, being followed with interest interest throughout. The picture will be repeated to-night and to-morrow evening, and it should be noted that all reserves, whether in circle or stalls, will be Is 7d each. Further, owing to the record booking and the still great demand for seats, the management have had to reserve room in the gallery for to-morrow evening, and seats in this part of the house will bo Is each after 7.30 p.m. MAUD COURTNEY AND MR. “C.” The well-known London comedian and raconteur, Mr ‘ ‘C” and Iris partner, Mia; Maude Courtney, of the radiant personality, are billed to appear for a short season at His Majesty’s Theatre by very special arrangement with Messrs Ben and John Puller, Jnr. Mr “C.” has hem characterised by a Wellington critic as being a “Machine Gun of Laughs,” and the joint offering of the duo is said to be one of the most entertaining “turns” that has been bookfor Australian variety. Their topical duet, “I will still love you,” has become very popular in the larger cities and their many other musical numbers are of a high-class and ultra modern order. These clever people will be the star attraction in conjunction with the pictures at His Majesty’s, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week. Seats may be booked at Upton’s music warehouse. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Kai Iwi, 2.30 p.m.—Sister Agnes. Maxwelltown, 7 p.m.—Sister Agnes.