ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 45, 3 December 1940, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Boasting one of the largest casts ever assembled for a picture and some of the most impressive sets ever constructed, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is deemed the outstanding spectacle entertainment of the decade and one of Hollywood’s foremost achievements. Dealing with the efforts of a crippled cathedral bell-ringer to protect a beautiful gipsy dances from a mad Parisian nobleman, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” paints a vivid picture of life in the stormy and treacherous France of King Louis XI. Told with the pageantry and splendour and stirring drama which accompanied the era, the film provides eye-stunning, breath-tak-ing entertainment, abounding in impressive mass sequences staged against an array of mammoth settings. Reproductions of the cathedral of Notre Dame and other history-making locales were peopled with more than 3500 atmosphere players—a record for Hollywood. ‘Charles Laughton is seen in the stellar role, supported by a superb cast including Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Thomas Mitchell, Maureen O’Hara and Walter Hampden. William Dieterle, directed for RKO Radio.

DANCE RECITAL. One of the. most interesting and entertaining dance recitals to be offered to Ashburton audiences will be presented at the St. Stephen’s Hall this evening by pupils of Miss Mamie Wilson. The proceeds are in aid of the patriotic funds and patrons are assured 1 of a really good evening. The programme will be varied, with" some unusual numbers among the numerous items to be given.