ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 251, 4 August 1933, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Closely following the late Paul Armstrong's dramatisation of Bret Harte's famous "Salomy Jane's Kiss," filmed in the majestic big-tree settings of Sequoia National Park in California, and with brilliant portrayals by Charles Farrell,, Joan Bennett and the other players, "Salomy Jane," showing finally to-night at the Majestic Theatre, ranks with the finest offerings since the Coming of talking pictures. The work of the principals is a. revelation even to their most devoted followers. Farrell as the mysterious ex-Confederate soldier bent on grim revenge ; Miss Bennett as the tom-boyish child of nature ; Ralph Bellamy as the suave and sympathetic gambler; Eugene Pallette as the boastful stage-driver, and Irving Pichel as the scheming rancher, all give memorable performances, astonishingly real, and colourful. The supporting players are equally well chosen. The backgrounds are a sheer delight. And Raoul Walsh, who has directed some of the most notable productions in screen annals, here outdoes any of his former efforts. "BACK TO SCHOOL DAYS" DANCE i The "Back to School Days" dance, organised by the Ashburton Women's Hockey Association to assist in raising funds to send the representative team to the Dominion champonship tourney, was held in His Majesty's Theatre last evening and proved a great success both socially and financially. Over 150 couples, the great majority dressed in school clothes, occupied the dance floor and the dress circle was packed with onlookers. The Regal Dance Band supplied the music. Special items included an exhibition fox-trot by Mr and Mrs R. J. Ross and a tap dance by Miss Gladys Bushell and Mr L. Wilson, which were greatly appreciated. A waltzing competition attracted many entries, the winners being Miss Kura Chapman and Mr J. Coward. Prizes for original costumes were won by Mr and Mrs Ross, Miss Kura Chapman and Mr J. Dickinson, while a special award was made to the "Five Checkers' Girls." During an interval the member's of the touring team, the chaperone and the manager were introduced to the gathering by Professor 'DrysdaleSmith, the stage making an effective schoolroom. Professor Smith was M.C., Mr E. Davidson (president of the Women's Association) acting as assistant master.