ENTERTAINMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 172, 4 May 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. “THE LITTLE COLONEL.” Patrons of St. James Theatre will have their, final opportunity this evening of seeing Shirley Temple in “The Little Colonel,” a remarkably entertaining film in which the tiny screen star shares honours with Lionel Barrymore . Packed houses saw the pictuie on Saturday afternoon and; even-

ing. Miriam Hopkins will be seen at the St. James Theatre to-morrow and Wednesday nights in Samuel Goldwyn’s “Splendour,” the dramatic story of a girl who marries into New York’s “400,” and is ruthlessly sacrificed by her husband’s impoverished family to their blind craving for luxury. Joel McCrea, who scored opposite the blonde star in “Barbary Coast,” again appears with her in this Rachel Crothers story. By marrying Brighton Lorrimore, the scion of a once-great New York family, Phylis Manning wins the hatred of liis domineering- mother. The embittered old dow'ager manoeuvres the girl into an affair with a. wealthy and influential admirer to insure a lucrative business connection for Brighton. When Brighton learns the truth lie is- bitter and unforgiving, so Phylis leaves him. But he finally comes to his senses, and the film fades out on a happy ending. Paul Cavanagh, Helen Westley, Billie Burke, David Niven, Kathleen Alexander and Ruth W eston arc also prominent in the cast.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The highly amusing story, “The Perfect Gentleman,” in which the inimitable Frank Morgan is the chief player, drew a full house to the Majestic Theatre on Saturday night, and it will be shown finally to-night. It is racy tale which gives ample scope for I 1 rank Morgan’s exceptional qualities or comedy. There is a good supporting programme. Considering the great handicaps with which the producers were faced in the making of the picture, when compared with picture production in such countries as England and America, it must be freely admitted that “Phar Lap’s Soil?” is a splendid effort. It has been brought to Ashburton by Dr. A. L. Lewis, of Hollywood, who produced it in the Dunedin district, and it will be shown to-morrow and on Wednesday nights. It is a, cleverly-executed film, and is packed with laugh-pro-voking and interest-sustaining episodes, two ossentiail features in a successful production to-day. The story round which the action is woven is slender, but no effort lias been spared to provide plenty of action, with the result that there is not a dull moment. The cast has been well chosen, and some of the players show really exceptional talent. Mr H-. V. Smith, of Dunedin, has been saddled with the principal role, that of Colonel Drinkwater, and he does his work extremely well. He has assisting him some first-class comedians, all of whom contributed something toward the success of the picture, and some of the settings show rare artistry. The photography, too, is of a good standard.

SCOTTISH SOCIETY DANCE. The Ashburton County Scottish Society’s fortnightly dance in the Orange Hall on Saturday was well attended, despite cold weather, and proved an enjoyablo function. Several novelty dances were held, including a. Monte Carlo. Mr G. Chilton was M.C. Music was played by Cook’s Orchestra, and extras by Messrs McGregor, G. Chilton, and A. Dalton.

TANCRED STREET HALL. There was a good attendance at- the Saturday night weekly dance in the Tailored Street Hail. The guinea Monte Carlo was won by Miss Sumner and Mr Montgomery, and the half guinea by Miss Spicer and Mr Bright. JDabourn’s orchestra supplied music. Extras were played by Mrs Chambers. Messrs Dingr well and Chambers were M.C.’s.