ENTERTAINMENTS OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 October 1933, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT.

“Edgar Wallace at his best,” was the verdict of the dozens of dramatic critics when “The Case of the Frightened Lady,” to be screened to-night and Tuesday, was first produced. As a film, the story of the queer Lebanon menage and the perplexing happenings at Marks Priory, has retained all the thrill and eerily-sinster atmosphere that made of the play so pronounced a success. Gordon Harker, as a de-tective-sergeant with a distinct sense of humour and a keen eye for promotion, is admirably cast. Cathleen Nesbitt as Lady Lebanon enshrines, her fine stage interpretation of the strongwilled dowager, Emlyn 'Williams as Lord Lebanon fills a difficult role with marked distinction.

“BETTY.” The mqch anticipated musical comedy, “Betty,” will be produced by the Hokitika Operatic Society in the Town Hall, Greymouth, next Thursday evening, and patrons are assured of a gem in amateur theatricals. A rich vein of humour, a very entrancing theme, magnificent settings, gorgeous frookings, bright ballets and novelty dances, will. all combine to produce an entertainment which will long be remembered tor its excellent quality. The story of the play is that the Duke of Cromburgli, upon visiting his son, Gerard, in London, discovers the latter mixed up with a very fast set. He pleads with him to drop these

friends, and to settle down. Gerarc declines to do so. The Duke insists that his son should marry, or else bi disinherited. Gerard gives a partj to his friends, and' a maid, Betty, it summoned to sing tor the company j Gerard, in a lit of pique, and angry .] at his father’s “interference,” proL poses to her and is accepted, much , to tho concern of all his friends. . Angry at this insult, the Duke meets . Betty, and finds lie likes her, and tells her Gerard is marrying her to spite him. Betty loves him and the wedding takes place. Gerard sends her to his country home, -while he stays in town carrying on his old life. The Duke, to punish Gerard, transfers his estate to Betty, and the young couple do not see each other for six months, until at a dance in London, and a delightful finale results. Throughout the main story runs a minor theme in which Lord and Lady Playne, David, their nephew, Jotte, a dressmaker and Estelle, a mannequin, play leading parts. This side line lends itself to hilarious scenes and complications, which comprise tho greater part of the comedy. The play is characterised by vocal numbers, of a most attractive nature, concerted numbers by the chorus, who fad'd an excellent finish to the background, and novelty ballets.