ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 June 1937, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. “David Copperfield,” “Anna Karenina,” “Little Lord. Fauntleroy”— such have been the successes which have led up to the mercurial rise to stardom of young Freddie Bartholomew, who has the leading role in “The Devil is a Sissy,” which is now at the Opera House. In this, his latest starring picture, he eclipses all his previous performances, and places him- „ self once and for all on the pinnacle of fame. Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney, lan Hunter and Peggy Conklin are some of the supporting artists seen opposite him. . \

“LONELY ROAD.” A versatile plot, exciting adventures, and an engaging love story are features of “Lonely Road,” at the Opera House to-morrow and Thursday. The immaculate Clive Brook is seen in a role which offers opportunities, rarely met with in his earlier characterisations. In one sequence, for instance, and a most exciting one at that, he engages in a rough-and-tumble fight for life with members of a gun-running gang, revealing a versatility hitherto hidden behind the suave Brook exterior. Victoria Hopper has never been seen to greater advantage than in her role of the dance-hall partner, a part which gives her opportunity not only for her clever artistry, bu,t also to wear smart dresses. The story deals with the adventures of an 'ex-commander of a British submarine (Clive Brook), now an agent of the Secret Service, and the entrapping of an unsuspect-

ing lorry driver in the meshes of a gun-running plot. It”is the several interests of the commander and of the young driver’s sister (Victoria Hopper) in the fate of the victim that bring about the romance which runs through the story. The notable support includes Nora Swinburne, Malcolm Keen, Ethel Coleridge, Charles Farrell and Frederick Peisley. All in all, “Lonely Road” is just the happy blend of adventure, thrills and romance that is sure to appeal not only to the multitude of Clive Brook admirers, but to all who enjoy a welltold thrill-filled and romantic story, well acted, and delightfully presented.

REGENT THEATRE. “God’s Country and the Woman’’ is to be screened' finally this evening. This is an all-colour picture of the Canadian lumber forest, and is well worth seeing. WODEHOUSE’S “JEEVES.’’

Jeeves, P. G. Wodehouse’s mad, mumbling butler of fiction, makes his debut on the screen in “Thank You, Jeeves!” opening to-morrow at the Regent Theatre witli droll Arthur Treacher playing Jeeves. Treacher, the silly beanpole who always convulses audiences with his “fawncy buttling,” is the perfect Jeeves, and extracts his master —that amiable crackpot, Bertie Wooster —from hilarious predicaments. Davie Niven plays Bertie, with Virginia Field the “lady in distress.”

"THE GREAT O’MALLEY.” The studios did a terrific business in ice cream during the production of ’The Great O’Malley,’’ which opens at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. There were a couple of hundred school children working in the picture, in intensely hot weather, and Pat O’Brien treated each to ice cream every day. “The Great O’Malley” co-stars O’Brien and Humphrey Bogart, supported by AHU Sheridan, Frieda Inescort, Baby

Sybil Jason and other well-known players.

“SONG OF FREEDOM.”

Paul Robeson, who stars in “Song of Freedom,” the musical drama, coming to tlie Regent Theatre on Saturday, is regarded as the greatest actorsinger in the world. The picture is based' on episodes in his spectacular career. FIRE BRIGADE BALL The Greymouth Fire Brigade are holding their annual ball in Schaef’s Hall to-morrow evening. The programme will consist of old time and modern dances while the music will consist of seven instruments supplied by the Marina Orchestra. Firemen Batty, McEnaney and Heaphy will be in charge of the floor. The supper arrangements are in the hands of an energetic ladies’ committee and will be conducted on the ticket system while the decorations of the hall will be in charge of Firemen Scott, Grant and Malloy. The Christchurch Rugby footballers have signified their intention of being present. The committee expect a record attendance, judging by. the large number of tickets sold.

BARRYTOWN TENNIS BALL. The annual ball of the Barrytown Tennis Club takes place on Saturday, and an energetic committee has arrangements well in hand. The Marina Dance Band will supply the music.

MUNICIPAL BAND. The first honorary members’ concert of the 1937 season will be held in the Town Hall to-night. The conductor, Mr G. Kerr, has trained the band to a very high standard of clean, crisp and smart playing, maintaining the excellent tone which judges at contests have commented on. The programme is well varied, while the assisting artists are new to Greymouth audiences, including Master Alan Kilcullen, Mrs U. McCullough, Mr W. Wright, Miss Iris Turner, Mr W. C. Tylee-Porter, Mr W, Payne and Mr Billy Stolz, who will give a number of piano-accordeon solos. The band’s numbers include: March, “Gympie City”; overture, “Tantalusqualen”; entracte, “The Goblins’ Parade”; cornet solo. “Tosselli’s Serenata” (Bandsman McHerron); fantasia, “Call of Youth”; hymns, "Old Earth” and “New Rochdale”; and the final march “Lights Out.’’ The accompanists are Miss I Moira McSherry, A.T.C.L., L.T.C.L.,; and Miss V. Millar, A.T.C.L Mr PColl' will have charge of the stage

RUNANGA LADIES’ GUILD

The Runanga Co-operative Ladies’ Guild held their birthday whist drive and dance on Friday evening in the Druids' Hall. In spite of the wet weather, and the electric power being off, a largo company attended. The winners of the whist were: Mrs. .1. Hewison 1; Mrs. A. Jenkinson 2; consolation. Mrs. L. Radcliffe. After supper, dancing was enjoyed. Mrs. A. Williamson and Mr. J. Davey winning the Monte Carlo dance. A solo by Miss Isohel Clay was much appreciated. Music was supplied by Mrs. J. Hewison.