ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 303, 4 October 1938, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Modern motion picture magic lias brought a new kind of aviation film to the screen, one that glorifies the man who “lays a floor in the sky so that future generations can go to bed in safety.” It is “Test Pilot,” dedicated to those men who gamble their lives against the airworthiness of a designer’s dreams. Enthusiastic receptions have been the lot of this film whenever it has been shown, and its run at Ashburton has been most successful. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer spared nothing in making their first aviation film in more than two years a saga of civilian flying. They gave it four stars, in Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy and Lionel Barrymore. They provided authentic and realistic flying sequences which could only have been made at legitimate flying fields. They presented a story, by Lieut-Commander Frank Wead, which encompassed the life of a typical test pilot. The directorialproducing team of Victor Fleming and Louis D. 'Lighton. so successful with “Captains Courageous,” was reunited to bring another masterful drama to the screen. That they succeeded was testified by the s ontaneous applause at the conclusion of last night’s showing. SAVAGE CLUB BALL. Considerable pains have been taken by those responsible for the Ashburton Savage Club’s first annual ball to be held, in the Radiant Hall this evening to present an atmosphere that will be unusual while being appropriate, and a glance at the hall to-day indicated that they had been most successful. The decorative scheme has been carried out with much thought, and flax, cabbage trees and other greenery has been employed very effectively with a Maori wharo and figures of natives to heighten the effect. A feature of the proceedings to-night will be a liaka given by the Club Council, led by the Mayor (Dr. G. I. Miller) Avho is an exGreat Chief of the Club. The committee responsible for the arrangements comprises Messrs 0. Vial (convener), A. H. Todd, A. C. Wilson, C. Parsons, C. E. Moller, R. C. Major and A L. McGrath THE WILLOWBY SOCIAL CLUB. Championship prizes Avon by Miss Hazel Vessey and Mr Ron. Vessey Avere presented at the final meeting of the WilloAvby Social 1 and Educational Club held in the Church Hall. The CA'ening AA’as spent in social games and competitions. A Lexicon competition was Avon by Miss Valrnai Do la Mare. Supper concluded a pleasant evening and a successful season.