ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 October 1939, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE—Now Showing: ( “BOYS’ TOWN.” Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, re-united for the first time since their memorable performances in “Captains Courageous,’’ which won Tracy the Academy Award, are starred in the great heart drama, "Boys’ Town,” to be screened at the Opera House tonight, and on Monday. For the first, time in bis career, Tracy portrays a. living man on the screen. Father Edward J. Flannigan, one of the greatest humanitarians of this day, who served as technical adviser on the production. ’Prue-life story of Father Flannigan, the film reveals his dramatic 21-year struggle to found a home for neglected and abandoned boys. More than a year ago the studio became interested in “Boys’ Town,” Iho only incorporated village of its kind in tho world. This city of little men. governed and operated by youngsters, who range in age from i> to IS. has a population of 275. of which 200 are boys, and is situated on the main highway west of Omaha Nebraska. It was from Father Flannigan’s files, the records left by his boys, that the rich material was found. In gripping terms of human drama, it tells the battle waged by Father Flannigan to save boys from lives of crime, and’ his problem with one boy who thought ho was too tough for Boys’ Town. To assure fidelity in the spirit and background, a motion picture company of 135 spent three weeks at Father Flannigan’s home, filming authentic scenes for the picture. Tracy’s portrayal of Father Tim in . “San Francisco” made him the perfect choice to play the role of Father Flannigan. Father Flannigan thought so, too, and it was. Tracy’s selection for the part that influenced him (Father Flannigan) to approve the filming. Mickey Rooney was picked to play opposite Tracy as a bad boy, after his outstanding work in “Love Finds Andy Hardy.” and “The Boy From Barnardos.” Featured in tho supporting cost aro Henry Hull, Leslie Fenton, Gene Reynolds and Bobs Watson. REGENT —NOW SHOWING: “TAIL SPIN” AND “INSIDE STORY.”

“Tail Spin,” told' for the first time, is the exciting story of women of the sky, their split-second escapes and the heart-throbs behind their spectacular lives. Rarely has the screen dealt with a more compelling theme than this, and rarely has it succeeded in maintaining such breathless suspense from beginning to end. Instead of attempting to cover the entire history of aviation, the film strives to show what induces these women to fly and, in singling out Trixie, Gerry and Lois for subjects, have succeeded in making the finest picture of its kind ever presented'. With Alice Faye, Constance Bennett and Nancy Kelly in the starring roles and each contributing splendid performances “Tail Spin” is as notable for its acting as it is for its theme. The versatile Alice Faye tops any performance she has given in her lustrous career while the fast-rising young Nancy Kelly again displays the unusual talent that made her a star overnight. Constance Bennett in a role totally different from anything she has ever played, gives a sincere and convincing portrayal of the girl who had too much money for her own good. A fine supporting cast headed by Joan Davis, Charles Farrell, Jane Wyman, Kane Richmond, Wally Vernon, Joan Valerie and Edward' Norris, handles its roles skilfully. >

THE ASSOCIATE FEATURE. With Michael Whalen and Chick Chandler in the roles of two reporters who get up to their typewriters in mystery, and Jean Rogers as the cause of all the excitement, “Inside Story” gets off to a fast start ; and maintains a terrific pace from beginning to end. There’s an abundance of action, comedy and romance in this new hit. In addition to Michael Whalen, Jean Rogers and Chick Chandler, a fine cast features Douglas Fowley, John King and Jane Darwell. Patrons are advised to make early reservations for these excellent race night attractions. ’Phone 601. LABOUR DAY BALL A record attendance at Schaef’s Hall next Monday is an absolute certainty, when the annual Labour Night bail will be the star social attraction for the coming race week-end. Three capable Masters of Ceremony will control the floor, the full Marina Orchestra will supply the music, all announcements and music will jbe amplified to all parts of the large hall, and a splendid supper will be provided by an enthusiastic committee. EXCURSION TO REWAN UI The Corsair Social Club are running excursion trains to Rewanui to-mor-row, when an opportunity will be afforded to view the State Liverpool mine and the miners hoist. The first train leaves Greymouth at 9 a.m. and the second at 9.25. both returning at 12.30 p.m. The line to Rewanui ascends at a grade of 1 in 33, and is a beautiful run through bush clad gorges, dotted with the storage binns of co-operative mines. Local residents who have not been to Rewanui should take advantage of this opportunity of making the trip.

CENTRAL QUEEN COMMITTEE. There was a large attendance at the meeting held in Trinity Hall yesterday afternoon to form a. committee to further the interests of the Central Queen in the forthcoming Centennial Memorial Fund Carnival. A large number of apologies and offers of assistance were received. On the motion of Mr T. O’Callaghan who convened the meeting with Mr F. Costello, Mr W. H. Parfitt was appointed chairman of the committee. Mi' F. W. Baillie was appointed secretary and Mr K. E. Balchin treasurer. All present were elected Io the committee and Mr O’Callaghan. Mesdames .1. O’Brien and K. McCarthy were appointed delegates to the Centennial Carnival Committee now being formed. ’Hie matter of selecting a (|iioen candidate was discussed at length, and it. was finally resolved that Mesdames O’Brien and Olsen interview prospective candidates and report to the next, meeting. It was decided Io suggest, that the carnival should be brought to a. close about two weeks before the Greymouth celebrations ami that the coronation ceremony should form part of the celebrations.

It was decided to hold the next meeting, to consider plans for the campaign, on Tuesday afternoon.