ENTERTAINMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 18, 1 November 1938, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. “THE FIREFLY.” As has been the case wherever else it lias appeared, “The Firefly,” starring Jeanette AlacDonald, has di;awn packed houses to the St. James Theatre at every screening. The film will bo shown again this evening and to-mor-row evening. Romantic Spain of the period when NapoleoA Bonaparte and his marshals marched over the Pyrenees on an errand of conquest, provides a vivid background for “The Firefly,” Jeanette AlacDonald’s latest film. This is a picture combining all tho essential ingredients of outstanding entertainment. It goes without saying, in view of tho east, that it is a musical triumph; but in addition to that it has drama, romance, and deft touches of humour. Jeanette AlacDonald is at her splendid best in this picture. Her acting is above reproach. She dances- pleasingly and her golden voice has never been hoax'd to better advantage. Playing opposite Miss AlacDonald is a new leading man in handsome Allan Jones. He, tooj has a wonderful voice and the two stars make a singing team of memorable quality. One of the best indication! tlm popularity of a musical film is the extent to which its music appeals, and by this rating “The Firefly” stands high indeed.

TREE-DWELLER IS FUNSTER. Übangi, a diminutive lady from Central Africa, figuring in Dave T. Aleekin’s sideshow, is, or was, in her native habitat, a tree-dweller. But for one who has spent her early youth along with members of her lilliptatian tribe in hurling poisoned darts at the enemy, Übangi is a remarkably bland and pleasant little person. Her silvery, merry laugh is a proof of this, and .her high soprano constantly rings above the whirr and noise of surrounding machinery. Also her step-dancing, which she executes with gay abandon, is an enlivening contribution.

Übangi sets the audience in a simmer of merriment with her playful little ways—all executed on ' terra firm a, there being no tree handy for Iter to display those acrobatic qualities one naturally associates with a treedweller.

This smiling elf has a taking way of running round among the visitors and trying to startle them with her sudden shouts. Tiny as she is, Übangi possesses a distinct individuality and character, having the uncommon knack of putting those patrons who wander into the tent into a rare good humour.

PIC-A-DILLY CIRCUS. Do pigs think? Are you aware that pigs can fire a gun with such precision as would become a seasoned marksman, fight in realistic fashion a DempseyTunney battle royal, and act with high intelligence their clever and deliriously funny impersonations ?■ Yes, incredible in writing but perfect truth in fact is the aptitude of Freckles, Pork Chops, and other famous pigs, so skilfully trained by Aliss- Alarjorie Van Camp, without doubt the world’s greatest, trainer of pigs. Aliss Van CanVp has been in New Zealand for only a month and during that time she has been training six little pigs, purchased locally, to add to her combination. Five of them are from three to four weeks old and the balxy one is not yet two weeks old. She starts training at six o’clock each morning and holds rehearsals every two hours, working till late at night. The pigs are really very intelligent and Aliss Van Camp is pleased with the rehearsals. Something , really novel in entertainment should be provided—clean anti wholesome, with educational qualities. Thousands, it is claimed, have ’ been enthralled by this clever combination of pig performers in Pig-a-dilly Circus, featuring Freckles, “the pig with a personality. The exhibition will be located in the amusement section at tho A. and P. Show on Thursday.

HINDU MIRACLE BOY AND THE GIRL ON THE ROPE. One of the attractions in the amusement section at the Ashburton A. and P. Show will be the entertainment provided by Gunga Khan, the Hindu Miracle Boy, who is reported to have drawn large crowds everywhere. Possessing an uncanny gift of making objects appear from space and disappear in a similar manner, he has the whole audience mystified, while at the same time his cheerful patter is full of humour. His act finishes with a display of the Indian rope trick in which he will hypnotise a girl before the eyes of the audience, place her on the ground on top of the rope, and at his command the rope will rise with the girl right to the top of the tent. Gunga will make the rope disappear, and the girl will lie suspended in mid-air, .a clever piece of work which must J>e seen to be believed. Gunga Khan, it'is claimed, is the only person in the world to perform this remarkable feat.. He will perform at the .Show only.