AMUSEMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 March 1930, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS

OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT Few pdople have failed to read Sir Hall Caine’s famous novel “The Manxman.” It is therefore easy to judge the appreciation of patrons at the Opera House to-night when the picture version of the story will be presented on the screen. The film follows the story throughout. Carl Brisson, the agile Swedish actor, takes the role of Peter the fisherman, who marries the girl who is really in love with his best friend. The supporting characterisations are portrayed by Anna Ondra as Kate the girl, and Malcolm Keen, with several other versatile English stars.

“THE DESERT SONG” “The Desert Song,” a succession of bewitching song successes, colourful and magnetic, will be presented tomorrow night with boundless magnificence and .stirring intensity. It is the greatest all-talking, all singing, all dancing production yet filmed. The production retains all the charm, action, romance and love of the stage production, but is greatly enhanced by the motion picture camera’s power of motion. The desert scenes were made in a desert, and not. in front of painted scenery. The desert castle of the Caid, with the splendours of its Oriental architecture, would fill several stages. The story gains in dramatic power and picturesqueness because of the natural backgrounds. The whole ca-st are excellent singers most of whom have had both stage and screen training. John Boles, tenor lead, sang the same role in the stage pre-

sentation oL “The Desert Song,” and has been a screen leading man for several years. Carlotta King, lyric soprano, Was a concert artist of note. Her sweet voice registers perfectly and is beautiful in quality. There is a chorus? of over 100 male and female voices, 116 exotic dancers and an operatic orchestra of 109 players. “The Desert Song” is colourful and enchanting, and is a picture that will live forever in your memory. “The Desert Song” will be presented for five nights commencing to-morrow night (Tuesday) and two matinees, Wednesday and Saturday next. Patrons are advised to book early at Moss’s.

BAND CONCERT Patrons are given a reminder of the band concert at the Town Hall this evening. The programme is a most diversified one. The band itself is in excellent form, and the items that it will give are bound to appeal to all lovers of music. They are the hymn, “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” operatic selections from “Maritana” and “Semiramide,” and a characteristic item, “The Elephants’ Parade.” The artists assisting include: —Madame Anne Harper, one of New Zealand’s premier contralto singers, whose voice will be heard to advantage in the operatic selection “Ye. Powers That Dwell Below” (from Alceste), a most charming item, as is also hei’ solo, “Mary O’Neill.” Mr. Cyril Blumsky, a recent arrival in the district, and the possessoi’ of a most pleasing voice will give as his solo “Mountain Lovers.” In Mr. Geordie Wright is presented a comedian of the Harry Lauder type, whose get-up and broad Scottish accent always send his audience into convulsions of laughter. He will give quite a number of new Scottish works. In Miss C. Keating will be presented one of Greymouth’s most talented young violinists, whose solo will be “Oft in the Stilly Night'.” With this bill of fare the band anticipate a capacity house.

CHILDREN’S BALL. The children’s ball held in Blaketown on Erilday night was a huge success, more than 200 children attending in fancy costume. The judges (Mr and Mrs Brittenden and Mr Bunt), who were visitors from Christchurch, had a hard job picking out the prizewinners, but their choice received the unanimous votes of the adults and children. During the evening several items were given by the children, who also voted it one of the best night’s fun they ever had. The prize-winners were (over nine years) Miss Cronin (Cottage Garden), Master Cullin (Grandmother); under nine years, Miss Price (Bride), and Masters Hall and Brown (Stewart Scheme) dead heat, Oliver (Robinson Crusoe). The two special prizes donated by Mr Geo. McGirr and Mr P. Willis were won by Miss Patterson (Moth) and Master J. Smith (Kingsford Smith) and Miss McKane (Early Bird) special prize. Among those present were: —June Spender, Cupid; Laura Smith, Cigarette Cards; I. Messenger, Islander; Mazel O’Brien, Bristol Piano Company; Zel'ma Steel, Decorations; Jessie Patterson, Moth; Nancy McKane, Early Bird; McDonald, Hawaiian; Hillman, Spring Chicken; Dulcie Ellery, Pack of Cards; Norman Jones, Starlight; Dulcie Kroening, Cottage Garden; Alma Dunshea, Pierette; Elma Price, Bride; Anderson, ( Rainbow; Kath. Olsen, Jackie Coogan; Barton Fairy, Duncan Flour; Nancy McGirr, Carnival; Hill, Swagger; Claire Furness, Red Riding Hood; Rona Chapman, Hawaiian; Jack Wilson, Red Jacket Soldiers; Norma Robinson, Charlie Chaplin; Loveday Boyce, Charlie Chaplin’s wife; Dorothy Low, Carnival; Louie Zambesi, Hunter; Hannah de Goldi; Confetti; George Nelson, Indian; Jackson, Indian Prince; Duncan Hill, Girl; Mascot Blake, Page; Ray Wilson, Cowboy; Blundell, Court Jester; Blundell , Carnival; Feary, Moore, Cullen, Old Women; Duncan Mill, Sister Sue; Jack Smith Kingsford Smith; G. Messenger, Jockey; Page, Carnival; Jim Willis, Peanuts; K. Hall, Bfown, Stewart Scheme; Smith, Jockey the Chow; Edgar Brown, Boy-Girl; Crase, Commander Byrd; Keith Oliver, Eskimo; Smith, Parcel Post; Price, Golddigger; Duncan, Red Cross Nurse; Lester Hodgkinson, Indian; Bobbie Brown, Indian.

IKAMATUA CONCERT. The postponed concert in aid of the Presbyterian Church Parish Car Fund will be held in the Ikamatua Hall on Thursday, April 10. An excellent programme has been arranged.