AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 13 September 1937, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

. Opera House “CHARLIE CHAN AT THE OPERA” “Charlie Chan at the Opera,” the Twentieth Century-Fox picture now al the Opera House shows a solid hour of thrill-packed entertaniuu-nt, highlighted by hilarious comedy and youthful romance. Warner Olninl us Chan, enemy of crime, faces Boris Karloff, king of terror. Tin 1 film features Keye Luke, Charlotte Henry, 'Thomas Beck and Margaret Irvig. An insane asylum guard is slain by Karloff, an inmate whose warped mind recognizes a picture of his wife in a newspaper. Karloff escapes and goes to the thoatre where his wife is appearing in “Faust.” Attacking the baritone, Karloff dons his Mephistopheles costume and usurps his role on the stage, disguised by the mask. Chan appears backstage at the opera but is unable to prevent two more murders. The madman strikes at two young lovers. Chan craftily apprehends him and, in a surprise denouement unmasks the real killer.

“BORN TO DANCE.” A new musical extravaganda, coming to the Opera House on Friday and Saturday, “Born to Dance,” presents the dynamic Elearnor Powell as a star and runs the entire gamut of rhythm. There are more than 250 dancers and more than 200 instrumentalists and singers with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, for several seasons Broadway’s No. 1 tunest.er. Miss Powell whose versatility and and personality won stardom in “Broadway Mlelody of 1936," introduces fourteen varieties of dance steps. .In one number she does a medley of six different types of dancing. She even leads a 75-piece band with taps. In addition one dance group of 110 men does a fast tempo routine which embraces Hu- shuffle, Waltz, waltz clog, the strut, fast and slow buck and wing, military tap. the drag fox trot, with imaginary partners, ami an exceedingly fast straight lap. A topnotch song-atid-dance supporting east features James Stewart, Virginia Bruce, Una Merkel, Sid Silvers, Frances Langford, Kuymund Walburn, Alan Dinehart, and Buddy Ebsen.

MOVIE BALL—TOWN HALL. The co-operalion of all the Film Companies in New Zealand lias been promised for the first Movie Ball ever held in Greymouth, to be staged in the Town Hall on September l.'Slh. The Ball, preparations for which have been begun on an elaborate scale, promises to lie I lie biggest brightest and gayest ever of the West. (.'oast, social season. Features which will he new to this part of the Dominion, include Impersonation Contests, prizes of £2 being given for a Ginger RogersFred Astaire impersonation; £1 for a Laurel and Hardy “take off” and fl for an "All Star” impersonation. The floor will be specially prepared in the near future, and lavish decoralions will transform Hie Town Hall into a gay rendezvous. The supper will incorporate many' of Hollywood’s latest dishes and will be served al Ihe "Cafei Continental. Reels of novel lies, and hours of fun are promised dance patrons on September 28th.

Regent Theatre SHIRLEY TEMPLE. To-day’s matinee at 2.15 and tonight will see the final screenings of Shirley Temple in "Stowaway". This picture is Shirley’s best to date, and patrons will not. regret attending at. the Regent Theatre lor the last screenings. 36 HOURS TO KILL. A lifetime of love—if he can wipe out the last mobmen—is the reward facing dashing Brian Donlevy in “36 Hours to Kill,” Fox picture coming Tuesday to the Regent Theatre with Gloria Stuart, Douglas Fowley and Isabel Jewell also featured. Fowley last of public enemies, boards an express to go East and collect a prize he has won in a lottery. Donlevy, apparently' a reporter but. in reality' an under-cover man, is close on Fowley’s trail. Terror develops when Gloria Stuart becomes involved. Fowley kidnaps Miss Stuart, uses her as a shield, and makes his escape, In a

series of thrill-packed events, the film rushes to a thundering climax. “BACK TO NATURE” The Jones Family, America’s favourit film folks, go "Back to Nature" in a trailer with all the comforts of home in the new Twentieth CenturyFox picture that opens Tuesday at. the Regent Theatre, heralded as the best picture in the series. Jed J’routy, Shirley Deane, Dixie Dunbar, Tuny Martin, Spring Byington, Kennel h Howell, George lilriest Florence Roberls and Billy Mahan are featured. “MURDER GOES TO COLLEGE” Roscoe Karns is right back in his most famous role in the new Paramount mystery thriller "Murder Goes to College,” which opens Thursday al the Regent Theatre. Karns is seen as bewildered reporter in his latest picture. “MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.” A new screen team Charlie Ruggles and Alice Brady, appeared as man and wife in Paramount’s “Mind Your own Business,” a gay domestic comedy which begins on Thursday at Ihe Regent Theatre. Lyle Talbot, Jack I,a Rue, Bennie Baker, Frankie Darro anil others make up the cast. “MOONLIGHT SONATA” Charles Farrell, who wilt be remembered by Australian audiences for his recent tour there, plays an important part in “Moonlight Sonata." Featuring Ignace Paderewski, the world-famous pianist this production will be seen at the Regtml Theatre on Sat u relay.

ST. JOHN’S DAFFODIL SHOW. St. John’s Daffodil Show to be held in St. John’s Hall on Thursday' afternoon and evening next should be attractive to all horticulturalists, and in view of the recent good weather for spring flowers, it is to be expected that there will be record entries this year. Classes for all spring flowers are included in the schedule copies of which are obtainable from Messrs J. Torment, Mawhera Quay and .11. Ogilvie, Walter Bros, Mackay Street. Cakes, Sweets mid Sewing stalls 'm addition Io the sale of cut flowers, will draw many housewives who are anxious to secure novelties and bargains. Afternoon lea will be provided. The Committee have decided to continue the.show in the evening from 6.3 b to 8.30 p.ni. as well as from 2 to 5 p.m. BASKETBALL BALL. The West Coast Basketball Association are holding their first animal ball on Tuesday. September 21. The. Committee intend making this event .one of the most popular of the year. The Marina Band are supplying the music. The hall will be tastefully decorated by members of the Railway Ball Committee, and Hie supper arrangements will lie all that is desired. Another great attraction will lie the special selection of novelties. The cheap prices prevailing will enable all dancers to attend.

BLAKETOWN DANCE. To-night in the Blaketown Tlpil a grand dance will be held as a benefit for Mr W. Hannam, who has been obliged through ill health to give up his employment for the lasi twelve months. Mr Hannam has been an energetic social worker for Blaketown for a number of years, and a number of sporting bodies of the locality are united in this effort to recognise his work in a timely manner. Prizes have been donated by several business .firms, while a generous supper is being provided by residents of Blaketown and Preston' Road. The music will lie provided by Williams’ lull orchestra, and the floor is firstclass. Messrs Willis and Dimond will be in charge. Blaketown Ladies’ Committee are determined lo see everybody is well provided for, and wilh the excellent, arrangements a tip-top night’s enjoyment will lie assured.