ENTERTAINMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 267, 24 August 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. “ESCAPADE.” The William Powell - Luise Rainer team in “Escapade,” which will be shown at the St. James Theatre finally to-night, is a new one to Ashburton patrons, but it appears to be as bright as any of the Powell combinations or earlier releases. The story is a snappy one, set in an atmosphere of artistic Venice. “The Widow from Monte Carlo,” Warner Bros.’ rollicking comedy romance, based on the gay romance, by lan Hay and A. E. W. Mason, is scheduled as the feature attraction at the St. James Theatre to-morrow night and on Wednesday night. The story centres about the unusual adventures of a debonair major and a South American beauty who is the widow of an English Duke. Through the importunities of her former husband’s relatives, she becomes engaged to a stuffed shirt diplomat who, is about as romantic as an iceberg. Terribly bored, the young lady slips out one night to the Casino. There she meets the irrepressible major, who takes her in his arms without even knowing her, and kisses her. The major finds out who she is and demands a meeting with such persistence that she finally yields. There follows a series of exciting and amusing episodes that ends in the smashing of her engagement to the diplomat and her betrothal to the major, whom she really, loves. Warren William has the role of Major Chepstow, who literally and figuratively sweeps the Duchess off her feet and into ins arms. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The double-feature bill at the Majestic Theatre drew a large house on Saturday night, and patrons found much to keep them interested. First on the list is “Fog Over Frisco,” a tense story of tho underworld on the west coast of America. It tells particularly of the doings of a society girl who throws in her lot with a gang of security thieves. There is excitement in plenty. “You May Be Next” is the second big film. This tells an ingenious story of a radio racket in which a gang blackmails a wireless company into paying a large sum of money to stop the jamming of broadcasts. The story is logical and is well handled by a capable cast of players. SCOTTISH SOCIETY’S DANCE. There was a particularly large attendance at the Ashburton County Scottish Society’s Dance in the Orange Hall on Saturday evening, and an enjoyable time was spent by all present. Monte Carlo dances were won by Miss O. Watts and Mr A. B. Dunnert, and Mrs 1 Shives and Mr D. Young. Music was ployed by Cook’s Orchestra, and extras by Mrs McGregor and Messrs G. Chilton and G. Dolphin. Messrs G. Chilton and T. McGregor were Masters of Ceremonies. • COMPLIMENTARY BAND CONCERT The Timaru Municipal Band, in conjunction with the Ashburton Silver Band, gave a complimentary concert in the Majestic Theatre last evening to Mrs 11. J. Chapman, who lias been associated with the Ashburton Band for many years, and for a long period gave her services as accompaniste. The programme was an excellent one, and there was a fair attendance. Many Timaru artists gave items, jn addition to items from the Timaru Band under the baton of Lieutenant W. H. Osborne (formerly of Ashburton), and the concert was greatly appreciated by all present.

The programme was:—March, “London Pride,” massed bands; hymn. “Sandon,” massed bands; vocal solo, Mr Colin Campbell; soprano solo (band accompaniment), “Silver Threads,” played and arranged by Bandmaster It. Thomas; trombone solo, “The Switchback,” Bandsman G. Langridge; piano-accordion solo, Mr L. Griffin; selection, “I du Foscari,” Timaru Band; elocution, Mr R. AA 7 ills; cornet duet, “Ida and Dot,” Lieutenant AV. H. Osborne and Bandsman C. Hutchinson ; vocal solo, Mr Colin Campbell; march, “Emblem of Freedom,” Timaru Band.