ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 248, 27 July 1940, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Co-starring Gary Cooper, Ray (Milland and Robert Preston, as the brothers “Gesto,” Paramount’s new, adven-ture-crammed, excitement-filled production of “Beau Geste” was presented to local audiences for the firsttime at the matinee to-day and will he shown again to-night and finally on Monday. Based on the great novel by IP. C. Wren, the picture tells the roaring, lusty story of three gallant brothers who endure danger and hardship in the French Foreign Legion because their loyalty to each other will not permit the finger of suspicion to point to any one of them as guilty of the theft of a valuable sapphire, stolen from their guardian. Brian Donlevy, Susan Hayward, J. Carrol Naish, Donald O’Connor and James Stephenson are prominent in the supporting cast. A splendid first half includes a Popeye cartoon “Never Sock a Baby” and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of U.S.A. rendering “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” Intending patrons are advised to reserve. CONCERT AT RUAPUNA.

The Huapuna and Carew patriotic committees held a successful concert and dance in the Huapuna Hall on Wednesday evening. The following programme was given : National dance, Miss N. Read and Master K. Readi; sketch, Mrs Keith Perry and Miss W. Bruce; doll dance, Miss N. Read: vocal duet, Mr Perry and Miss W. Bruce; song and dance, Miss N. Readtap dance, Miss E. Wellman; vocal solo, Mr J. Moss; “A Story of Horace,” Mi C. Fantham; vocal duet, Miss W. Bruce and Mr Perrv.

Mr ,T. Moore (chairman of the Ruapuna, committee) thanked the performers arid Miss A. Ruddock for bringing the concert party. The l net proceeds were £24. After the. concert a pleasant dance was held. Music was supplied by Mi aind Mrs 0. W. Mathews, with extras by Mr Keith Ross and Mrs H. R. Tasker. Mr TV W. Allan was Mastei of Cteremonii.es. HARMONICA BAND DANCE. A fancy-dress hall in aid of the Red Cross Society was held last evening by the Ashburton Imperial Harmonica Band. It is expected that £7 os will be handed' over to the Society.

The judges of the fancy-dress costumes, Mosdaines W. R. Rybiirn and C'. Frampton, awarded prizes as follows : —Best couple, Mrs Balms and Mr L. Miles; gentleman, Miss M. Amos ; old-fashioned lady, a Mrs A. Sbierlaw ; dancer, Miss D. Adamson - Hutch girl, Miss H. White; stars and stiripes, Miss E. 'Stott; pienette, Miss B. Knighte hobo, Mr G. Baker ; sailor, Mr J. Wesley ; bell-boy, Mr H. Thomson; Hawaiian boy, Allan Miles.

Mrs F. W. Seldon. presented the prizes. The Monte. Carlos were won by Miss MahompV and Mr Harper, Miss Wells and Mr. Scott, Miss Forsyth and Mr Jpwett.

Music was supplied by the Yacht Club Boys’ Orchestra and extjras were given by the Reo String Band, Mrs Gordon and Messrs Taylor, Adamson, Chapman and Flint. Mr J. Drummond was Master of Ceremonies.