ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 February 1939, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. That uproarious comedy romance, “Merrily We Live,” which sent yesterday’s and last evening’s large audiences into gales of laughter, continues to he screened at the Opera House tonight and Monday. Constance Bennett and Brian Aherne, co-stars in lively and hilarious comedy, romp through its varied moods of mirth and romance in two brilliant perfoimances. Miss Bennett appears as the spoiled and spirited daughter of the Kilbourne household, 'as curious, ec- ' centric and lovable a group of characters ever to lodge under one roof. Her bright and pointed delineation of a modern girl is both amusing and appealing. Dignity is cast to the four winds if the occasion demands and Miss Bennett enters into the mad capers demanded by the script with ian infectious gaiety. Aherne’s role is much broader in comedy values than any he has heretofore portrayed. His. entrance as a tramp with tattered clothes and a two-day growth of beard forecasts a mix-u,p in identities and around this feature is built a series of events that stamp the young British actor as a light comedian of engaging quality. He manages the shift from fun-maiking to romance with deft touches and whether hobo, chauffeur or guest in impeccable evening attire, enacts the character with an intelligent restraint. Much of the hilarity is furthered by the inclusion in the cast of Alan Mowbray and Patsy Kelly, butler and cook, respectively. Miss Kelly's humour is rollicking and boisterous and Mowbray has improved upon even that rare portait of a gentleman's gentleman that he gave in “Topper.”

Bilile Burke as the absent-minded well-meaning philanthropist who redeems hoboes even at. the cost of the family silver and other relics, adds immeasurably to the dizzy pace of “Merrily We Live.” Tom Brown as her son and Bonita Granville as the sub-deb daughter offer much laughter and gain much sympathy in sketching the plight, of the younger generation. Clarence Kolb, veteran actor of the stage, makes an auspicious appearance as the beleagured head of the household. Marjorie flambeau. Ann Dvorak and Phillip Reed are other members of this stellar cast. Join in the fun with the dizziest, dafliest family you have ever seen, but we warn you, you’ll laugh till it hurts. Shorts include newsreels. Crime does not Pay. and Fitzpatrick' Traveltalk. “LETTER OF INTRODUCTION." Five great dramatic situations. interspersed with hilarious comedy moments, will march grandly across the screen of the Opera House on Tues- ( day, Wednesday and Thursday,

I when “Letter of Introduction” will be screened, with Adolphe Menjou, AnJdrea Leeds, and George Murphy pro- ■ viding the drama, the comedy being I taken care of by Edgar Bergen and ,! Charlie McCarthy. Here is a picture that surpasses all your demands, human warmth, glowing romance, dramatic (ire, whilst Charlie Mc- , Carthy burns. I REGENT THEATRE.

I Texas in the turbulent days following the war between the States forms , the exciting background of “The Texans,” which had its first local showing to-day at the Regent Theatre. .With Joan Bennett, Randolph Scott, and May Robson heading a huge cast the picture tells of the South's struggle to attain self-rule and Hud a. new way of life after the ravages of the war. Miss Bennett, playing a fire-eating Dixie belle who refuses to admit that the “great cause” is lost, and Scott, a returning soldier who advises a policy of conciliation, sym- . bolises the dilemma of the entire •South during this period. Although I goaded by the corrupt carpet-baggers ; and scalawags who took over the I government and ran it for their own I profit, wise Southerners guided the ' destiny of the State with patience. ' Scott’s 'triumph over Miss Bennett 1 and their decision to march their | cattle to Kansas m'arket a thousand i miles away mirrors the. South’s dej cision to join the rest of the Union in 1 building a vast empire in the great i South-west. The supporting cast in- • eludes some of the screen’s best-liked I character players. Walter Brennan ■ again has a role of a frontiersman of the Daniel Boone tradition. Robert Barrat. is a corrupt carpet-bag official, while Robert Cummings, as a Southern officer has his strongest screen , role to date.

SCHARF’S DANCE. With another wet week-end, all outdoor sports are at a standstill. There is no need to miss a good time, for l Imre is always plenty of fun at Schaef’s popular Saturday night dance. The Melody Boys provide the music. NELSON CREEK BALL. A.grand benefit ball will be held in Nelson. Creek on Saturday, February 11. when a splendid programme of modern and old-time dancing with numerous novelties has been arranged. .

PERRY BROS.’ CIRCUS AND ZOO.

Coming by special trains and opening in Greymouth on Thursday and Friday. February 9 and 10, for two nights only, the celebrated Perry Bros, present their all new modern circus of 50 international stars together with their mammoth zoo of IS cages of wild animals and herd of elephants. This year sees Perry Bros, at the height of the circus entertain-

ment world. Never before has such a consetllation of stars been seen on the one programme. Heading this outstanding array of talent are the two Roberdillas, the most sensational wire walkers ever imported to Aus-, tralia and New Zealand. They come with the plaudits of five continents still ringing in their ears; they perform miraculous feats on the tight wire. Albert Roberdilla is the only performer ever to atempt, let alone accomplish the difficult feat of turning a complete backward somersault from feet to feet on the tight wire.; Their act is dangerous, stimulating and sensational. Supporting this marvellous act will be one of the strongest combinations of circus performers ever to tour New Zealand, including 40 of I the world’s greatest artists and Perry [Bros.’ latest importation, Madam Danada, the only lady tiger trainer in the world. This charming young lady* enters the steel cages with wild .jungle tigers, carrying with her no other protection than an ordinary chair. Another outstanding novelty m ported by Perry Bros, is Professor Leon and his performing sheep. He is the only man to ever succeed in training the most difficult of all animals. sheep. See these sheep perform all manner of tricks at the command of their master. From America comes Deloria Silbini, acclaimed by Press and public to be the greatest contortionist of all time. This young lady will tie her nimble body into more knots in two seconds than a. sailor could' undo in two hours. Then comes Hector Hill and his performing dogs, the cleverest troupe of doges ever to appear before the public. From Mexico

comes Tex McLeod, recognised the leading rope spinner of the world. These are only a few of the acts to be seen at. Perry Bros.’; there are many others too numerous to mention. Direct from Europe, Perry Bros, have imported a new team of continental clowns and dummies, who are introducing a new era in fun and merriment. New jokes! New Wisecracks! In fact, everything that is new in comedy! There are twenty-live beautiful horses and ponies, lions, tigers, bears, baboons, monkeys, leopards, jaguars, elephants, and the mystery animal of the world, the Black Leopard Cub, the only known leopard to change its spots. A truly wonderful show is the Perry Bros.’ of 1939, pro-, duced and presented under a huge spread of canvas. The mammoth Zoo will be open in the afternoon from ■1 to 5 p.m. for the feeding of the wild animals. This, as well as being entertaining. is of very great educational, value. I Every now and then a. combination comes along that is ia masterpiece in circus art. Such a combination is the Perry Bros, of 1939. The huge tents will be located in Victoria Park. i There will be a special matinee on Friday at 2.30. Box plans are now open at Kilgour’s.