AMUSEMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1928, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS

OPERA HOUSE , Produced as a very vital gesture of equality, and virtually a challenge to the American film industry, the amazingly successful production due to be screened at the Opera House to-night and to-morrow night, featuring the famous actor-playwright, Sir John Marton Harvey, the All-British film “The Only Way,” should prove of more than ordinary interest to patrons who are looking for something outstanding in film-fare. Adapted from Dickens’ immortal masterpieve “A Tale of Two Cities,” that story is one that affords many remarkable opportunities for the exercise of clever technique. "THE DIPLOMATS.”

Bright and breezy from the first note, the revue company known as “The Diplomats,” which opened a twonight’s season at. the Town Hall on Saturday evening, proved to be one of the most enjoyable shows of its kind that has been on the boards at Greymouth. Sprightly opening numbers, of the jazzy variety, were given by the Harris Sisters (violin and accordeon), Mr Franklyri Brown (piano), and Mi- Jack Gerrard (drums and jazz effects), and the players seemed to enjoy their work as much as the audience did. The Harris Sisters are' a pair of young ladies' whose middle name should be Versatility. What would be difficult accomplishments for the average person mean nothing in their young lives, and they are at home when playing any sort of musical instrument. "Home Sweet Home,” a harp solo, and “Picardy,” violin' and accordeon duet, were particularly pleasing, while the sisters extracted music from many instruments of the horn and cornet type, being assisted by Mr Gerard, who handles an imposing collection of “side-lines” with apparent nonchalance. The Harris Sisters do not confine their activities to instrumental turns, however, but put on quite a lot of taking comedy items. The comedy portion of the entertainment owes much also to Mr Ed. Warrington, a portly personage who, with Mr Gerard as a partner, and other members of the company as assistants, evoked hearty leaughter with several sketches. Mr Franklyn Brown provided several monologues at the piano acceptably. Another successful turn was that of Mr Charles Valentine, who gave a clev'er demonstration of ventriloquism, his “assistant” singing “My Blue Heaven,” while the act also included effective imitations of the calls of various animals. Mr Jack Hylton was responsible for some pleasing singing, his numbers including “Ramona” and “Souvenirs,” accompanied by violin and harp. The show was kept going smartly throughout, there being no lost time, while the programme presented was of a high standard, there being an absence of vulgarity. “The Diplomats” should draw a record attendance to-night. COBDEN SOCIAL. In spite of the boisterous weather on Friday night, there was a good attendance at the Gymnasium when the men tendered a complimentary social to the lady helpers at the recent Jubilee. The floor had received a special preparation and the members of the controlling committee vied with one another in seeing that their guests had an enjoyable time. The floor was in charge of Mr C. Goodall, and the Mr W. Cowan, while Messrs Armstrong and Barrett played extras. Not the least important part of the evening’s amusement was the supper, this again being in the hands of the menfolk. Much interest was taken in a special competition for the ladies, and Mesdames Mead and Anton proved the winners. During the evening, Mr J, Mead, Chairman of the School Committee, thanked the ladies on behalf of the school. Their efforts, he said, had been the main cause of the success of the Jubilee, and it was proposed that the money raised be spent on asphalting an area in the playground which would prove a permanent benefit to the children. Both parents and committee were most grateful to the ladies for their work. TOTARA FLAT BASKETBALL CLUB The Totara Flat Basketball Club is holding a plain and fancy dress masquaredae ball in the Totara Flat schoolroom to-morrow (Tuesday) evening. Three special prizes will be given for the best fancy costumes. There will be several novelty dances, good music, ar appetising supper, and a splendid floor. A record attendance is expected.