ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 295, 24 September 1938, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Via. the genius of David 0. Selznick and the magic of technicolour, Mark Twain’s famous characters step from the pages of his immortal story and on to the screen in the technicolour production, “The Adventures of Toni Sawyer,” which will he shown at the St. James Theatre this evening and. again on Monday. Tom Sawyer, who has come to he the embodiment of all American boyhood and a. beloved hero to millions the world over, was recreated by Tommy Kelly, who was chosen by David O. Selznick out of 25,000 aspirants for the role. The east is an impressive one and includes May Robson, who gives one of her finest performances as Aunt Polly; Jackie Moran is the ragged Huckleberry Finn; Becky Thatcher, red hair, blue eyes, freckles and all, is played by Ann Gillis; Walter Brennan is tho town derelict, Muff Potter; Victor Jory makes a sinister and menacing Injun Joe; Cora Sue Collins is convincing as Amy Lawrence and David Holt is excellent as Tom’s brother, Sid Sawyer. In the school scene presided: over by Donald Meek as the severe schoolmaster, a host of fifty oi- more juvenile extras are seen. Norman Taurog, who is considered Hollywood’s outstanding genius in the handling of juvenile talent, directed, and lie lias done a perfect job. Credit for the superb photography goes to James Wong Howe, the famous Chinese cameraman, who photographed the picture in association with Wilfred Cline, technicolour specialist.

HARMONICA BAND CONCERT. A concert in aid of health camp funds will be given in the St. Andrew’s Hall this evening by the Ashburton Harmonica Band. Previous demonstrations staged by the band have proved firstclass entertainment and the programme billed for to-night is well up to the high standard set by the other concerts. The worthy cause of the presentation should ensure a* strong public patronage. Among the visiting artists from Christchurch are: The Pitt Bros (comedy duo), Miss H. Harrison; J. Gant (piano-accordion); the Rjipley Trio (electric guitars), Reg. Stevens (comedian) and Swanke (magician) The following Ashburton performers will also appear: Ivan Collins (musical saw), H. Hayward (xylophone), C. E. Hopwood (bass) and Miss Mavis Bax (tap dance). GYMNASTIC DISPLAY. Of interest to the Ashburton public is the gymnastic display in the St. Andrew’s Hall next Tuesday evening. Preparations are well in advance, and the St. Andrew’s Physical Training Club, who are giving the. demonstration in conjunction with local gymnasiums, aye looking forward to a most successful evening. To cope with large squads, and, to ensure that the appara-tus-work will not suffer through lack of space, the stage has been built from wall to wall, and brought further out into the body of the. hall. A special attraction will ho three clowns, _ who have been practising enthusiastically for the important part they will play in tlie evening’s entertainment.