ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 222, 3 July 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Enthusiastic audiences viewed Ronald Coiman’s (grandest adventure-romance “If I Were'King” on Saturday. The film is of an exceptionally high standard throughout, with many brilliant portrayals from the huge and talented cast. ■ ' ■ .

With a csfst headed by seven stars, who shine brightest ill comedy, and nine delightful tunes, “Everybody Sing” is a gay musical romance. It heads the new programme commencing at 2 p.m. to-morrow (Tuesday), and from its initial reception it is going to be a favourite. Something new in the way of screen teams is presented in Allan’Jones, the well-known tenor of “The Firefly,” and Judy Garland, the young singer who won tame in ‘ Broadway Melody of 1938.’' Mr Jones is heard in “On With the- Show” and “Cosi Casa,” while Miss Garland's songs include “Down on Melody Farm” and a. clever number, “Swing Mr Mendelssohn.” Then there is the inimitable Fanny Brice as the maid, with a number all her own entitled, “Quainty, Dainty Me.” Only Fanny Brice could sing this and it is one of the highlights of a musical mirthfeast. Reginald Owen and Billie Burke are irresistible as the theatrical husband and wife, while other outstanding performances are contributed by Reginald Gardiner and Lynne Carver. There is a well-balanced and carefully selected programme of supporting films.

METHVEN ODDFELLOWS’ BALL.

For thirty years, past the annual ball of the Loyal Methven Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., has been the popular function of the year, and that there is no waning of this popularity was shown on Friday night when the attendance at the Methven Town Hall was a record, Representatives -of sister lodges throughout" the County, as well as of others from farther afield, were present. A strong committee had - charge of the arrangements ancl everything possible was done for the comfort aild enjoyment of the guests. The hall was tastefully decorated, while special coloured lighting was installed.

Music for the dance was supplied by Cook’s orchestra, extras being played by Mr and Miss Steffens (piano-accor-dion and piano) and Messrs J. Shearer and D. McLean. P.G. s Bro. W. J. Dolan and E. A. Mangm were,Masters of Ceremonies.

The Grand March, which was lor Oddfellows and their partners only, and in which SO couples took part, was led by the N.G. (Bro. V. Findlay) and Miss Jean Campion.

HINDS CONCERf AND DANCE.

A very successful concert and 1 dance in aid of the Hinds Basketball Club was held in the Hinds Hall. The Ashburton Harmonica Band presented a number of items, which were well received. The following was the programme : Selections by tlie Band; Irish jig, Yvonne Kerr; songs, “Sympathy” and “Will You Remember,” Miss H. Drummond; piano accordion, Mr Hansen; songs, “Goodbye” and “The Gay Highway,” Mr McGuinness; tap dance, Isobel Eden; songs, "up the Wooden Hill to Bedfordshire” and “Just a. Little Old Street,” Miss Sinclair; selection by the Band; “Donkey’s Ser-

enade,” “Cane-break. “Oh Dem Gold-, en Slippers” and “colonel Bogey;-’I songs, “Let Me Be There” and “TheSunsmile of Your Smile,” Mr A. Me-', Andrew; duet, “Aloha,” Messrs Me-.. Candlish and Stewart ; selections bythe Band, “Road to the Isles,” “Irish' Eyes,” “Rosie O’Grady”; tap dance,. Miss Maisie Wilson; songs, “Chere, . Chere Bin,” and “Lullaby,” Miss Drummond; piano accordion solos, “Bridle Hanging on the Wall” arid “Home on the Range,” Mr Hansen; songs, “When You Come Home” and “Mary of Argyle,” . Mr ..AtcAndrew-j„ song, “Basketball Song,” Mr Stewart;" song, “Life’s a Balcony,” Miss Sinclair; selections by the Band, “Whistling Waltz,” “Suazanne,” and “Bells of St. Mary.” v ; The programme concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. Music for the dancing was supplied by members of the Band. Mr E. Andrews was master of ceremonies.