AMUSEMENTS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160796, 2 November 1920, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY’S. “SALOME.” ? - Stupendous! The word but inadequately. describes the great dramatic , spectacle which was last evening unfolded for the first screening in Wanganui, viz., William Fox’s masterpiece, “Salome.” For the time being the twentieth century spectators were swept back into the ancient nast, back into Old Judea, to the Old Jerusalem of forty years before Christ,' there to witness thß working out with wonderful realism of one of the greatest tragedies of the ages. The story upon which this super-picture is,based has been told again and again. Writers, poets, musicians, artists, all have pourtrayed the infamous life of the Herodian Princess whose vengeance culminated in the brutal slaying of John the Baptist, so that she might kiss, in death the saintly lips which in life had proclaimed her a wanton and denounced hef as accursed. It is a sordid story, set in a wealth of gorgeous pagehtry, and certainly nothing has been spared either in money or in talent to ensure its faithful reproduction. Enterprise, art and genius, acting in harmonious cooperation, have done their best, and tneir best is a veritable triumph. The “stage” stretching from city to distant wilderness, the caste a multitude of no less than five thousand players, the innumerable scenes a series _of superbly ' staged spectacles, the acting powerfully and artistically admirable—and all for what? To point a moral? To teach a lesson? to provide a healthy tonic for a war-weary world? Or to enable all who so desire to revel in the pictured spectacles of the “wild, sensuous, fascinating dance” of a royal wanton? It is said that it cost oyer a million dollars to produce this superpicture. Preceding the star film, Little Meg Cimino, a winsome baby soubrette, afforded a pleasant contrast. The wee girlie, who was thrice recalled,_ treated the delighted audience to the ditty and dance of innocence—dainty, piquant and humorous —and her extraordinarily clever performance will long be remembered with pleasure. Two interesting gazettes and a bright comic completed Ihc current bill of fare. THE FAMOUS N.Z. DIGGERS. OPERA HOUSE ON THUESDAY. That wonderful combination of artists, The Diggers, is a mauch travelled company. Originating in France, they have appeared in Belgium and Germany, giving performance after performance to the delight of our soldiers and Allies. The Diggers also appeared in London, under the direction of Sir Alfred Butt, and when appearing in Glasgow were the guests of the city on the invitation of the Lord Provost, Sir William Stewart. The Diggers have just completed a tour of Australia, where they created a furore, under the banner of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and are now paying a farewell visit to New Zealand prior to going on tour in the East. Under the direction of Mr Victor Beck, who has introduced many notable companies to the Dominion, The Diggers will appear at the Opera House on Thursday and Friday. Their many friends and admirers will remember with pleasure the sensational success of this brilliant company of artists on their previous tour through New Zealand, when they “took the country by storm.” The Diggers will present entirely new programmes and many new and novel features, which should cause a riot of mirth and laughter. Included in the company are Tano Fama, comedian; Gns Dawson, ragtime exponent and dancer; George Proctor, tenor; Ronald Stuart, comedian; Frank Perkins, baritone; Len Walker, dancer and light comedian; and the inimitable Stan Lawson, “the misleading lady.” An orchestra of ten members will be a special feature of the entertainment. Bernard V. Cottier is the musical director, ~ajid Tano Fama producer. The box plans are at H, I. Jones and Son’s. A very pleasant evening was spent by a large number of guests and pupils''of Mrs Ckland’s dancing classes at the Druids’ Hall on Saturday evening. Exhibition dancing was done .by the latter and was greatly admired by the large number present, after which the older people occupied the floor. A dainty supper was prepared, and altogether those present spent a most enjoyable evening.