ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 July 1939, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE.

“THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO.

Alexander Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo,” to be screened at the Opera . House to-night, to-morrow and Thursday is a story that has thrilled millions and become immortal. Foi- generations this story has made glow the faces of the universe; for year on year it has keyed the strident heartbeats of humanity; while its appeal to young and old remains undimmed through the years. No greater adventure has ever been written than this pulsating story of Edmond Dantes, who was convicted without trial and condemned without mercy to 20 years in a dungeon; 20 years of nerve-wracking patience in which he planned his freedom and’ revenge upon the three men who had betrayed him to a living death in that dungeon. Dantes alive after 20 years of living death escapes with the secret, key to untold wealth in his brain, and the power to wreck the lives of the men who had wrecked his. The film follows the story in every detail. For you see how the granite weight of a dungeon could not crush the stouthearted Dantes; how the far-flung vista of a thousand miles • could not dim his vision; how the memory of a good-bye kiss and the beacon hope of romance-to-be-born gave him power to upset a universe and' enable him as “The Count of Monte Cristo” to break through to victory and happiness with the glory of a Summer morn sun. All the sweep and power of Dumas’ immortal story has been captured in the film, which makes it one of the truly glorious pictures of all time. Robert Donat plays the role of Edmond Dantes, whilst others are Elissa Landi, William Farnum, Louis Calhern, Raymond Walburn, and Sidney Blackmer.

REGENT: Final screening of “THE GLADIATOR” and “RACKET BUSTERS.” Commencing Wednesday: “THE VAMPIRE BAT” and “YOUTH TAKES A FLING.”

The “Vampire Bat,’’ starring Melvyn Douglas, is based on the famous story by Edward T. Lowe. It tells of the amazing adventures of an Australian sleuth in endeavouring to track down a series of ghastly murders in a little Austrian village where the inhabitants fear a terrible plague of bats. True to Austrian folk-lore, the villagers trace the murders to a human vampire, a mysterious being that takes the form of a human by day, and a bat by night. Terror strikes the village, as one by one the vampire strikes its prey. Supporting Melvyn Douglas are Fay Wray, Lionel Atwill, George E. Stone, Maude Edurne and Dwight Frye.

The associate feature, “Youth Takes a Fling.” a story into which are woven the romance, laughter and restless desire of youth, Joel McCrea is starred as the Kansas farm boy who seeks adventure by going to sea, and Andrea Leeds is co-starred as the romantic salesgirl in the weddnig gown department of a big store, who lives only for the day she herself will he a bride. How the conflicting ambitions, hopes and desires almost wreck ! their young lives has been blended into captivating drama. The talented cast includes such popular artists as Frank Jenks and Dorothea Kent, who give romantic advice to Joel and Andrea; Virginia. Grey, as the dashing department store flirt; Isabel Jeans, noted English actress, as the muchly-

married Mrs. Merrivale, and Grant Mitchell, Brandon Tynan, Oscar O’Shea and Catherine Proctor. ’Phone GOT and reserve.

SPORTS BALL. The sports bodies of Runanga have combined to raise funds for improvements to the Runanga Domain, and a grand ball is being held in the Miners’ Hall on Friday. With a wealth of organising talent from the league, soccer, tennis, cricket and other clubs, patrons are assured of a completely ■enjoyable evening- Marley’s orchestra will provide the music, and a convenient bus service from Greymouth will be run. Supper arrangement are to be supervised by a ladies’ committee representative of all clubs, and capable M’s.C. will have charge of the floor. 4 BAND CONCERT. On Thursday the Municipal Band will present their first honorary members’ concert for the 1939 season, in the Town Hall. Mr Kern the conductor, has given the band a careful preparation, and 1 , with the band in fine form, the various items should' find favour. To complete the first 1 class programme, no efforts have been spared to secure the services of the best supporting artist. Mr Harold Prescott, one of New Zealand’s foremost tenors, needs no introduction, and his well-chosen numbers will be most popular. A newcomer to the Greymouth stage in the person of Mrs N. Greenslade, is another of the attractions. Mrs Greenslade, a lyric soprano, has enjoyed a most successful career in Dunedin as a singer, and her numbers will no doubt appeal to all. Miss Miriam Trott, M.R.A.D., who has recently completed further training in Australia, will be seen to advantage in her dance items, while Miss Ida MacDonald and Master Billy Hamilton will keep the audience in merry mood with their humour. To complete this fine assisting programme, the “Lyric Fotir” will be heard in vocal quartettes, and their popularity with the public on previous occasions is -sufficient recommendation. Taken as a whole, this concert is one of the best for many years, and patrons are advised to come early.