ENTERTAINMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 305, 2 October 1940, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE. When compared with a number of successful British screen melodramas of similar type, “The Lady Vanishes,” screening finally to-night, easily emerges ahead of the field. This is not because of the story or the acting, even though the latter is particularly good, but because of the brilliant manner in which Mr Allred Hitchcock, as director, has presented his material. This is rank melodrama that constantly stifles laughter without offering any “let-up” in its tenseness. Michael Rodgrave and Margaret Lockwood are starred in a film of delightful zest and fascinating mystery.

A vastly entertaining three-star programme is scheduled for screening Thursday night and again .on. Friday afternoon and evening with Chapter 12 of the popular serial “Mandrake the Magician.” J. P. Marquand’s famous Saturday Evening Post sleuth, Mr Moto, resumes his career of 'catching murderers in “Mr 'Mote’s Last AA Taricing.” In his latest adventure, Moto is hot on the trail of a band of conspirators who have formulated a plot to cause an international crisis by .planning a major disaster at the scene of the Suez Canal. Peter Lorre , again plays the starring role, with Ricardo Cortez, Virginia Field, John C'arradine, George Sanders and Joan Caro featured in the cast. An old flame singes Dagwood . . . and Blondie burns! An eyeful of “oomph” barges in on the Bumsteads—the screen’s most lovable family in newest, and most hectic of the richly human domestic comedies “Blondie on a Budget.” Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake have the title roles. In addition to-night’s programme is still further enhanced with the stage presentation" of a Mannequin Parade of spring fashions—sponsored by Beath’s, of Ashburton. The mannequins are travelling specially from Christchurch for the presentation. ~

FOOTBALL DANCE AT HINDS. The annual ball of the Hinds Football Club, held in the Centennial Hall, was largely attended, visitors being present from- Ashburton and surrounding districts. Messrs Robilliard (president) and E. S. Chambers, representing the Ashburton Rugby Union, were welcomed by the club president (Mr D. J. McDonald). Mr Robilliard congratulated the club in winning the junior section of the Rugby competition and presented the banner. Mr W. H. McConnell, the team’s captain, suitably replied on behalf of his club. Monte Carlos were won by Mr N. Bunt and partner, and Mr IV. Gibb and Miss J. Hawke. A competition was won by Mr M. Hampton. Cook’s orchestra supplied the music, and extras were played by Mr Duke. Mr S. Lowe was M.C.

GOLF CLUB BALL. Novel decorations were a, feature of the Ashburton Golf Club’s annual ball which was hold last evening in the Radiant Hall. There, was an attendance of about 125 couples. Music was supplied by Mrs Mitchell’s orchestra and Mr E. P. Fogarty was Master of Ceremonies. The decorations .were imposing and were a credit to Mr D. A. Miller, who was largely responsible for their arrangement. Mr G. Welsh attended to electrical effects. The ball was in the control of a strong sub-committee of the club. The hall was draped in coloured paper streamers and in the middle of the floor was a funnel draped in streamers from which coloured balloons gently waved to and fro, agitated by a careful^ 7 concealed electric fan. At one end of the building there was an artificial fountain in a garden of spring blooms, with a trellis interwoven with cherry blossoms as a background. Silver paper formed a background to the orchestral stage. A set of cartoons depicting humorously members of the club were displayed on the Avails. .