ENTERTAINMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 194, 30 May 1938, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. “I’LL TAKE ROMANCE.” An exultant fiesta of song, comedy, and romance, Columbia’s new Grace Moore starring film, “I’ll Take Romance,” featuring Melvyn Douglas, Stuart Erwin and Helen Westley, will be shown at the St. James Theatre tonight and to-morrow night. Edward H. Griffith directed the film, which surpasses all previous Moore hits in the importance, variation and discrimination of her numerous renditions. For those who prefer the classic arias, Miss Moore singe the drinking song from “La Traviata,” the gavotte from “Manon,” the quintet and finale of the third act of “Martha,” and finally, as a climax, the duet from “Madame Butterfly” in which Frank Forest, tho sensational young radio tenor last seen opposite Gladys Swarthout in “Champagne Waltz,’’ sings in the role of the famous young lieutenant. For the swing fans, Miss Moore, in harmony, so to speak, with Melvyn Douglas and Stuart Erwin, offers that breezy ditty, “She’ll Be Coinin’ Round the Mountain,” which probably serves ns an encore to the rousing reception accorded Miss Moore’s swing rendition of “MinnieffheMoodier” in “When You’re in Love.” In a diverting interlude, Grace Moore sings the infectious song of tho French music halls, “Paree,” and in the more romantic moments she regales Melvyn Douglas with the lilting strains of “I’ll Take Romance,” especially written for the film by Ben Oakland and Oscar Hamrnerstein 11.

SCOTTISH SOCIETY DANCE. The Ashburton County Scottish Society held its weekly dance on Saturday eveniing, when there was a very large attendance. Monte Carlos were won by Mrs Kerr and Mr J. Mann, and Miss F. Sandrey and Mr N. Bennison. Dance music was supplied by Mrs Mitchell’s orchestra. Extras were played by Mrs T. McGregor and Messrs G. Chilton, A. Dolphin, and R. Williamson. The masters of ceremonies were Messrs T. McGregor and G. Chilton. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE CONCERT. A varied and interesting programme has been arranged for the grand variety concert which will ho presented at the St. Andrew’s Hall to-morrow evening by tli© Mid-Canterbury Federation of Women’s Institutes. One-act plays will be presented by tlie Mount Somers Institute, the winning team in last year’s drama festival, and by the Wil-lowby-Eiffelton Institute. Other items will be given by the Ashburton Silver Band, Dr. N. E. H. Fulton, Lieut. W. H. Osborne, and Mr A. Gordon (instrumental trio), Mr A. H. Todd, Miss Y. Wright, Mr G. Fawcett and Misses Shirley James and Joan iSheelian (dancing). A mannequin parade will be an added attraction. FOOTBALL CLUB DANCE. The weekly dance held by the Alienton Football Club in the Radiant Hall on Saturday evening was particularly successful, the carnival night being well patronised. Tlie lucky spot waltz was won by Miss Jar,y and Mr Walker, ancl the Monte Carlo by Miss White ■and Mr Young. Several vocal solos were sung by Miss K. Hannan during the evening. Dabourn’s Orchestra supplied the dance music. Messrs Chambers and Bryant were masters of ceremonies. *

ORGAN RECITAL BY DR. V. E. GALWAY.

Music-lovers win again have an opportunity of hearing Dr. V. E. Galway (city organist of Dunedin) at the St. Stephen’s Church this evening. The programme includes works by the great masters such as Handel, Bach and Keinecke, while the lighter part of the programme is made up of choral preludes, evening song, a. spring song, scherzo for the flutes. A special feature will 'lie the piano concerto “Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra,” by Cesar Franck. Miss Audrey Ruddock is. to he the solo pianist and! the orchestral accompaniment will be played on the organ by Dr. Galway. Mr Allen Gainsford, the popular Christchurch, tenor will he heard in Handel’s “Every Valley,” and Schubert's “Serenade.” The special object of the recital is to raise money for the organ repair fund. r I he vestry has arranged for a plan of.the church at Mr A. C. Wilson’s, where tickets may be reserved.