ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 251, 31 July 1940, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. With minds occupied by international “situations,” rising taxation, widespread rearmament and other sombre world happenings, the average man and woman needs bright, light-hearted entertainment more than anything else. Therefore, films with a bearing on the bright side, providing distraction with a. laugh, a. song and a thrill arei today more than ever a definite necessity, and' in Gracie Field’s brightest and most melodious comedy “Keep Smiling.” patrons will find the needed distraction and leave this theatre with a smile on their face and a- song in their heart. The final performance will be given to-night. Another bright programme is in store for the many followers of the Tuesday and Friday tliree-star bills. This week’s offering includes Chapter three of the serial “Mandrake the* Magician.” Romance and war hit the range country at the same time in Paramount’s new “Hopalong Cassidy” outdoor- action thriller, “The Frontiersmen,” with William Boyd George Hfyes and Russell Hayden cast in familiar roles. “Hie Frontiersnuen” boasts both a setting and story unsurpassed by any of the previous “Hoppys.” Two rising boy stars, Donald O’Connor and Billy Cook, share the spotlight as two of the favourite characters of fiction in “Tom Sawyer, Detective,” Paramount’s homespun com-edy-drama based on the famous Mark Twain novel,' which completes a particularly strong “whole family” programme. WILLOWBY SOCIAL CLUB.

The Willowby Social and Educational Club held its weekly meeting in the Church Hall. The evening was devoted to music, under the leadership of Miss M. M. Lill. CONCERT AT TUARANGI HOME. The Ashburton County Scottish Society and Pipe Band gave a concert at the Tuarangi Home last evening. Items were given by Messrs K. Perry, A. Arnst, . W. Johnston and Craighead, Mrs Craighead, Misses 1. McNicol and K. Beaty. Piper George Robertson gave a solo and Misses M. Wilson, B. McKie, M. Dobson, and F. Gardner gave dancing items. Miss A. Watts was accompanist. Mr Massey, of the Home, contributed an excellent musical sketch, and Mr C. Duckworth a mouth-organ solo. The Master of the Home (Mr N. Corbett) extended a welcome to the visitors and thanked them for the enteitainment. Chief J. Bruce replied for the Society. At the conclusion of the concert a dance was held. Music was provided by Mesdames McGregor and Craighead, Messrs A. Dolphin and G. Chilton. Messrs G. Chilton and T. McGregor were masters of ceremonies.