ENTERTAINMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 21, 6 November 1935, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

“SHADOW OF DOUBT.” Heading the bill at St. James Theatre finally to-night is “Shadow of Doubt,” featuring Constance Collier. Instead of the usual suave and fearless amateur detective, this story deals with a picturesque, elderly woman and the possessor of millions, a recluse in America’s biggest city 1 , who emerges from obscurity to solve a “perfect crime.” Pitted against the cunning of the city’s best detectives, and the power of its police, this remarkable character creates something entirely new to both the films and fiction. AVhile the actual commission of the crime is not stressed, and dramatic and comedy situations predominate, the story deals with the mysterious murder of a Broadway playboy. Under suspicion are the three women in. his life. MAJESTIC THEATRE. , Years spent tirelessly practicing pirouettes at a dancing school in Germany paid dividends to Lilian Harvey as she began her role of a revue dancer in Jesse L. Lasky’s Fox film, “I Am Suzanne, ’ ’ which will be shown finally to-night, heading an entertaining programme at the Majestic Theatre. The diminutive star will be seen as the ballerina of a Paris music-hall in .this story of .the Continental show world, and a special ballet has been created for the film as part of an elaborate revue. Sixty of Hollywood’s prettiest girls haye been signed by Lasky to take part in the theatre sequences.

THE REPERTORY SOCIETY. Another of the receptions held by the Ashburton Repertory Society to occupy the attention of members between productions was held at Dewitt s reception rooms last evening, when a reading of A. A. Milne’s delightful comedy, “Mr Pim Passes By,” was given. There was a large attendance, and the reading was greatly enjoyed. The producer was Miss I. Chamberlain, and the cast was as follows: Olivia Marden, Mrs L. A. Charles; George Marden, Mr E. R. EasterbrookJ Lady Marden, Miss 0, Tyndall; Dinah Marden, Miss J. Haslam; Brian Strange, Mi< E. Johnston; Mr Pim, Mr J. H. Millar; Anne, Miss M. Barker. evenings for scout funds.

Two card evenings in aid of the funds of the St. Stephen’s Troop of Boy Scouts woro held this week, proy very successful. Mrs A. T. Saundeis arranged the functions, v which were held on Monday evening and last, evening. Forty players were present on the first occasion, when bridge was played, and the prizes were won by Mesdames F. AV. Seldon, A. Lane, A. Amos and Mr N. E. Fiezgerald. Five hundred was played by about 20 people last evening, Mesdames T. U. Webley and AV. 0. J. Osman and Mr A. M.„, Meredith winning the prizes. lbe chairman of the scout committee (Mr AV. C. J. Osman) thanked those present for their attendance, and expressed the committee’s appreciation of Mrs Saunders’ efforts on its behalf . BIBLE CLASS REUNION. The diamond jubilee celebrations in connection with the Baring Square Methodist Church were continued last evening, when a largely-attended Bible Class social and reunion was held m the schoolroom. The function was most successful, many old Sunday School and Bible Class members being present. Photographs of former classes displayed in the hall were the centre of considerable interest. A welcome was extended by the Rev. G. B. Hinton, and Mr L. H. Steel (Wellington) made response, speaking on behalf of former members. Miss Ida Ede gaye elocutionary items, and Mi T. Pethiclc contributed clarinet solos. Impersonations of prominent church members by the senior young men s class caused much amusement. Games and competitions were controlled by Messrs 0. E. Morriss and K. Macfarlane. . Two short plays were presented by Bible Class members, and were t.ho:rouglily enjoyed. The first, “Michael, was given by Misses R. Watts, L. Graham, G. AVaters, <M. Dellow, B. Dixon, S. Oliver, G. Hopkins and A. Moore, and Mr K. McFarlane; and the cast of the second, a comedy, “The Rest Cure,” was Misses M. Graham, M. Hinton, 0. L. AVatts and H. Sawle, and Mr H. M. Denton.

SMALLEST BRIDAL COUPLE. The world’s smallest bridal couple will be an exhibition at the Ashburton Show and the public will be truly surprised when they see the diminutive pair. Ervost Yodkoff was born in Moscow, the famous Russian town, his wife Fay in Durban, South Africa. Although not 30 inches high their mental faculties are really astonishing. Speaking English fluently, they will entertain visitors to their marquee in a most charming and delightful manner. Those who intend seeing _ them can rest assured that they will have the pleasure of meeting two persons who are distinctly unusual.

REPTILES AT THE SHOW. There arrived in New Zealand a few weeks ago a collection of live deathdealing reptiles which include a_ huge alligator. In capturing the alligator alive several natives were and one lost his life before the monster was subdued, and it is only under a special permit and a heavy bond that these monsters were allowed to land in New Zealand for a limited period. These creatures will be on view at the Ashburton Show on Thursday.