ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 77, 13 January 1936, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Good comedy-drama and elaborate fashion displays are features of the First National picture “Fashions of 1934,” which will be shown finally at the St. James Theatre to-night. William Powell and Bette Davis have leading roles. Powell, in the role of Sherwood Nash, a promoter, bribes truck drivers for exclusive modistes, who handle Parisian gowns, to let him see the new models before they are delivered. Lynn (Bette Davis), an artist, copies them and lie sells the patterns to the cheaper class of houses. The importers finally discover the leak and put a stop to it. Nash then boldly goes to these same importers and offers to copy tbe Paris designs for them. They reject the scheme as dishonourable, as a body, but each one secretly agrees to it. Nash goes to Paris, but is unable to obtain any designs. The story moves on from intrigue to intrigue and after an exciting climax ends happily, with Powell and Miss Davis leaving the business. MAJESTIC THEATRE. “West of the Pecos,” the latest Richard Dix starring vehicle from IMvO-Radio studios, has sweep, power and scenic grandeur, and faithfully portrays the vivid days of tho old West. It will be shown finally at the Majestic Theatre to-night. The story, from the pen of Zane Grey, shows Dix as Pecos Smith, a two-gun cowhov, who was “horn under a covered wagon,” and has never known any law but that of a clear conscience aiid a quick draw. Terrill Lambeth, the girl, played by Martha Sleeper, is the daughter who prefers to bo the “son” of Colonel Lambeth, a Dixie aristocrat impoverished by the Civil War. When Pecos and the girl meet she is a young cowboy helping her father drive a herd of cattle to the Pecos River range. There are had men to be disposed of, and Dix does it with characteristic neatness. Fred Kohler turns in a striking performance as the chief ol the renegades, but be comes to no good end. For those who love to see the stirring history of the old West brought to life again, for those who love action, dominated by tbe homely virtues, this is an ideal picture. The outdoor background of the picture is breath-takingly beautiful at times, and has been well photographed. BAND EUCHRE PARTY. The opening euchre party held by the Ashburton Silver Band in tbe bandroom on Saturday was very successful, about 60 people attending. The men’s ancl special prizes were won by Mr Challis, and the women’s prize by Miss Digby. The winners of the prizes tor the last eight games were Mrs Lusk and Mr Pile.