ENTERTAINMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 31, 16 November 1939, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

“PENITENTIARY,” Grim in implications but unfolding a poignant romance of young love on a prison threshold, the tense, dynamic drama “Penitentiary” opens at the St. James Theatre to-day. Jean Parker, John Howard and Walter Connolly, arc featured in this Columbia picture. Here is one drama of the prison world that does not lean on the usual gaolbreak for thrills. It is the story of a different sort qf gaolbreak—a psychological one. “Penitentiary” shows the escape from moral disintegration of a young prisoner undergoing a severe punishment for an accidental crime. Not only convicts, but a girl and the warden himself are accomplices to the “escape.” How Howard is retrieved from the despair of sordid surroundings by Connolly, flip man instrumental in his conviction; how, as a trusty, daily contact with the warden’s daughter inspires patience in the wait before he can tackle life with a new interest ; how crime-hardened companions' respect youthful integrity when ho stands fast by the “code” of the Big House though it shatter hopes—these are the dramatic circumstances from which has been fashioned an inspiring tale. Fun on the campus, laughs and thrills on tho football field, and heyhey in the classrooms':—these and more add up to the entertainment ingredients of Joe Fenner’s latest film riot, “Mr Doodle Kicks Off,” opens to-day at the St. James Theatre. The film is a travesty on college football, and curriculum, too, for that matter.

HARMONICA BAND CONCERT. SAILORS’ SOCIETY BENEFITS. The concert given in aid of funds of the Ashburton branch of the British Sailors’ Society by the Ashburton Harmonica Band 1 last evening, proved a popular attraction, and the society’s funds will benefit substantially by the functions. The proceeds of the concert will be incorporated with the annual gift of the society to the Lyttelton Sailors’ Institute for the provision of comforts for sailors. The programme was as follows: — Selection, the band; recitation, Miss R. Watts; song, Mr O. Hopwood ; tap duo, Miss B. Stills and Miss H. Thompson; selection, the hand; song, Mi ss B. Opie ; xylophone solo. Mr H. Haywood ; selections, the band; recitation, Miss M. Willis; song, Miss H. Drummond; skipping rope dance, Miss B. McKee; selection, the hand; song, Mr J. Wilmington:. piano accordion duct, Air and Miss Hanson; selection, the band 1 . The accompanists were Miss G. Woods and Air R. Dabourn. After the concert, those who took part were entertained to supper by the 'committee of the society. Air J. R. AVells thanked the performers on behalf of the society. Lady Nosworthy also spoke in appreciation of the services of the performers.