AMUSEMENTS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160722, 7 August 1920, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY’S. WILLIAM FARNUM TO-NIGHT. To-night, at 7.45 sharp, William Far* uum, the great actor with Che big punch, will be Seen in a super-feature production in' nine acts, “The Conqueror." with Miss Jewel Carmen os his leading lady. The < role of Sam Houston -is well played by William Farnum, who as a boy had been reared in the mountains, with the Indians, Making several trips to the town, he meets Jewel Carmen. It was a case of love at first sight, but his lady love did not like his rough ways, so he decided to get educated. Later ho joined the police force, and then things began to get lively. ' Through his daring exploits he gets the appointment of Governor. 'Then the trouble starts with the Mexicans, and war is declared against Texas. -Sam rounds up the Indians, and then leads them, and finally rescues his sweetheart from the convent, which is surrounded by Mexican soldiers, it is claimed to be the wonder picture of the film world, and the most thrilling and sensational ever screened. “Teddy,” the dog, plays a prominent' part in this big feature, and flits through scene after scene. The effective intermingling of little incidents that dim the eye with moisture is one of the charms of “The Conqueror.” Not the least of these pathetic incidents is provided by the remarkable acting of the dog “Teddy.” This canine thespian. gives the most realistic performance of dea-th by poison ever screened. The Fox Latest News and Weekly Gazette will also be shown, and special music has been arranged by Fuller’s great orchestra for the big super-feature. The usual popular picture prices will bo charged and seats can be reserved at Upton’s till 1 p.m., afterwards at Theatre office. Patrons are notified that the performance will commence sharp at 7.45 p.m. GRAND VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT. The music-loving public are to be given a treat very shortly. The Wanganui Ladies’ Hockey Association contemplate sending a representative team to the forthcoming hockey tournament at Gisborne, and they have decided to ask the public to help them to raise tlwv necessary expenses. The Association has engaged the well-known organiser, Mr B. D. Paterson, who will have sole charge of this work, which is sure to result in a delightful entertainment. Popular prices are being charged, while holders of 2s tickets will be privileged ta book their seats free at 11. I. Jones', where the box plan will be on view from Monday, August 23rd. The date of tho entertainment is Thursday, August 2G. “THE SLEEPING BEAUTY.” There was a crowded audience at the Opera House last evening to witness the J. C, Williamson pantomime, “The Bleeping Beauty,” which, from the spectacular point of view, is the most brilliant show ever staged hero, and interpreted by a strong cast, it is a production which fully merits the abnormal booking and line reception accorded it wherever produced. A delightful freshness is lent to it by the fact that most of jts principals are new to New Zealand, for no matter how good a dame, a principal boy, or a principal girl may be, when one sees the same old faces, and the same old styles, time ater time, one can almost guess what is coming next, and the enjoyment palls somewhat in consequence, oven though the performance may be a meritorious one. Practically all the stars in “Tho Sleeping Beauty” are new comers. For instance, the Dame, Marriott Edgar, is an artist; and he filled the role splendidly, proving one of the most impressive dames Messrs 'Williamson have yet introduced to ns. The principal boy. Miss Winifred Roma, is another new comer. Possessed of a fine stage presence, a pleasing style and nice voice, - she became an instant favourite. The principal girl is a dainty little American actress, Miss Eva Lynn, who is certainly a pantomime “girl” to her finger tips. She has plenty of and an acceptable voice, and to her ocher accomplishments she has the gift of whistling. Her happy blending of whistling and singing went well with the audience. The piece is particularly strong in comedy, most of which is supplied by two very finished English “knock-about” comedians, the Egbert Bros., who are really masters of their art. They have a big evening's work to get through, for they are on the stage during the greater part of the time, but their every word and every movement is productive of hilarious laughter., The dancing of Mias Maggie Dickenson and her partner, Sidney Culver, is an outstanding feature of a show that abounds in features. Miss Dickenson’s dancing ability is so well and favourably known to local theatre-goers, but in the fox and pheasant dance last evening her work was a distinct surprise. Miss Dickenson’s consummate artistry greatly stimulates the production. Mr Culver, too, dances in his own inimitable, style, and as the fox he gave a most realistic and clever interpretation of that crafty animal. Others who take a principal part which they sustain well are Messrs George Welch and Herbert Leigh, and Misses Mione Stewart, Margaret Sutcliffe, and Margot Lester. Misses Freda Mitchell and Nellie Hutton are two promising juveniles. Tho pantomime is really magnificently produced, some of the stage effects being very fine indeed. The Indlliant lighting effects of the finale of the first act, and the jazz finale of the second ant, are veritable masterpieces, while all through the spectacular strength Is particularly noticeable, The various ballets are arranged with a masterly touch, and such scenes as the dance of the rabbits, tho pigeons, and the owls in the forest gladfe. the windmill scene, the lamp shades ballet, the ballet of flowers, and the big finale scenes are triumphs of the producers* art. A feature of the performance is the cleverness of tho juvenile ballet, amongst whom one might single out Miss Connie Hobbs as a tiny tot who should find herself amongst the stars in years to come.