ENTERTAINMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 303, 5 October 1935, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. “The Scarlet Pimpernel” leaves a critic vainly groping for superlatives, longing to find one that has not been lessened in value by its misuse in advertisements. For this new Alexander Korde production, to be presented at the St. James Theatre to-night and on Monday, is unquestionably one of the finest British pictures, and probably deserves the prize for the best film produced during 1934. The “Pimpernel” story was originally ivritten in 1903 as a tale of adventure in Russia for a newspaper serial. At that time the relations between England and Russia were somewhat strained, and the serial was withdrawn after two instalments. Baroness Orczy then adapted the story to the French Revolution period. Perhaps the choosing of the title “The Scarlet pimpernel” —an English roadside flower —was influenced by the fact that the Baroness has always been a keen botanist. Advice on matters of historical accuracy in the making of the new film was provided by Mr John Orczv-Rarstow, son of the Baroness Orczy.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. * The wonderful story of England’s might—«. story that ever sends tlmlls of pride surging through the blood of every Britisher —resolves to a very great extent around her prowess on the seas. Inspired by a daring spirit of adventure and encouraged by Queen Elizabeth, her subjects undertook sea voyages and expeditions hitherto undreamed of. These were men like Sir "Walter Raleigh, and, probably, the greatest of them all, Sir Francis Drake, who boasted, “We’ll draw a circle of English ships around the world.” The film “Drake of England;,” which will be screened at the Majestic Theatre tonight and on Monday night, made a great impression on the Ashbuj-ton audience which viewed it last night. It records many of the stirring exploits of Drake, and the scene depicted are unforgettable.

CHORAL SOCIETY FESTIVAL. The Ashburton Choral Society’s second musical festival for 1935 will be given next Wednesday in the Majestic Theatre. The conductor, Mr Victor C. Peters, has chosen a number of attractive part-songs, choruses and orchestral items, hut the special feature of the entertainment will he the singing of Miss Mary Pratt, who is recognised as New Zealand’s leading contralto. She has sung to large and 1 enthusiastic audiences in all the large towns in Australia and New Zealand. John Blrownlee and other visiting artists have been lavish in their praise of Miss Pratt’s voice and artistry. To hear her sing the songs of the land of her birth (Scotland) is a sheer delight: Mr W. Ewart Crewes, the Wellington baritone, is famous for his diction songs and attracts large audiences wherever he sings. Other attractive items include Miss Elljs Fraser’s singing of “Maureen,” accompanied by male voices, and Miss Audrey Ruddock’s playing of the famous Weber concerto, written for piano and orchestra.