AMUSEMENTS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160795, 1 November 1920, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY’S. SALOME. TO-NIGHT. AND LITTLE MEG OIMINO. “Salome,” with the heroine interpreted by the Vampire de luxe, Theda Bara, which opens to-night at His Majesty’s, is the most pretentious and ■ costly production yet essayed by William Fox, prolific producer of photoplays. The attraction, it is announced, is reserved for first-clasps theatres only and will be shown throughout the country at a scale of prices usually in force for these big features at such theatres. The production is declared to be sensational in the extreme, histrionically as well as scenically, and its impressiveness is emphasised by a special orchestral score. The settings, which are described as gorgeous and gargantuan, are declared not to overawe the action of the play. Unusual scenic opportunities presented themselves.to the director, J. Gordon Edwards, in filming the famous story woven round “the woman scorned,” inasmuch as the action transpires in Old Jerusalem. Mr Fox is credited with spending 50,000 dollars alone for five hundred feet of film mirroring historical scenes—in sections at the rate of a hundred dollars a foot. It is pointed out by the management that two factors which safeguarded “Salome” against the danger of developing into mere pageantry and spectacle were Theda Bara’s especial aptitude for the delineation of such roles as the one assumed in “Salome,” and the inherent dramtic strength of the story, which remains dominant. Five thousand players were engaged for this super-picture. Eight hundred artisans alone were employed in building a reproduction of the ancient city of Jerusalem, this being one of several replicas on a grand scale. Salome’s bath of costly marble and _ the palace of King Herod are said to be triumphant examples of Judean splendour. Tire peacock fountain in Salome’s boudoir, also, is shown, haying been modelled after an old Biblical print. Of modern significance is the reproduction of the Gate of Jaffa, through which recently marched the victorious Britons under command of General Allenby. SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT OF LITTLE MEG CIMINO, Preceding the screening of Salome at His Majesty’s to-night the management will present the clever child artiste, Little Meg Ciminb. This little tot is only seven years of age, but she is a wonder, she dances and sings with the confidence of an experienced artiste, and never fails to win the heart of her audience. She has the lilt of music in her blood and the spirit of dancing in her tiny dainty feet, and for one so young she has a voice which will surprise everybody and her actions and gestures will compare with some of the best vaudeville soubrettes that faced the footlights. Press reports all praise the work of this clever child, and she is sure to secure fresh triumphs during her season in Wanganui. She is billed to appear nightly at 8.15 p.m. Patrons are reminded that in order to secure good seats it will be necessary to reserve at Upton’s. UNITY LODGE, No. 76, 1.0. G.T. QUARTERLY SESSION. Th Lodge met in the Central Hall on Friday evening, the P.C.T., Bro. Greig, presiding. ' The following officers were elected for the quarter: —C.T., Bro. Greig; V.T., Sister F. Ansley; secretary, Sister D. Wood; F.S., Bro. P. W. Ansley; treasurer. Sister G. Siddells; M., Sister M. Saunders; chaplian. Sister A. Ansley; D.M., Sister M. Irwinf P.C.T., Sister G. Lethaby. Bros. R. Read and Barratt were elected trustees for the year. Six members applied for atnd were granted permission to have the district degree conferred on them, which will be held on Tuesday, November 9. The District Deputy stated that Fe had sent circulars to most of the ministers with reference to the World’s Temperance Sunday, and advised the members to attend those churches who observed that day. The Wanganui British-Israel Association held a very enjoyable and successful garden fete and sale of work on Thursday afternoon at Ackbrook, Carlton Avenue, the residence of Mr and Mrs Walter Ashton. The object was to raise funds towards forming a library for the Association, and about .£4O Was raised for that purpose.