ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 December 1939, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE— Now Showing: “THE GREAT WALTZ.”

Magic melodies of Vienna amid a dramatic, romantic story of the musician who was the , voice of the gayest city in the world, brings Luise Rainer, Fernand Gravet and Miliza Korjus, Viennese opera star, to the screen in “The Great Waltz” drama of the life of Johann Strauss, to be screened at the Opera House tonight, and on Monday. Not only the physical Vienna of the period but its spirit are caught in the romantic story of the Waltz King’s life and loves. Strauss’ waltzes and operetta airs are presented in spectacular sequences in the Imperial Opera, the Donmayer , Casino, grand ball sequences, and the court of Emperor Franz Josef. Thrills are provided by the evolution in the days of Metternich. Romance abounds. The story deals with the composer from the time he lost his position as a bank clerk and turned to music to his final hours iji the Emperor’s court. His marriage to the sweetheart of his youth and his subsequent infatuation for a brilliant opera star who sends him back to his faithful wife, form the plot against which dazzling spectacle, ballets and other glamorous incidents bedeck the best-loved music in the world Gavet, French star, plays Strauss, appearing throughout the story as a young man until the final scenes, where he appears during old age, the Straubs best known to the world. Luise Raiheir is appealing', and powerfully dramatic as Poldi, the wife. Mme. Korjus, credited with one of the greatest voices in the world, has a fine flair for comedy, is beautiful, and makes Carla Donner, the singer, a glamorous figure. Musically, the picture is outstanding. Symphony orchestras of 90 pieces, augmented by rare Stradivarius and Amati violins, are recorded through nine separate sound channels in the largest recording task in screen history. So perfect is the recording that single instruments stand out in the big group Choruses of 100 voices figure in opera sequences and’ in the singing of “Tales of the Vienna Woods” and other songs lyricised by Oscar Hammerstein IL Albertina Rasch presents a brilliant ballet in the Imperial opera sequence. >

REGENT: NOW SHOWING: “MIDNIGHT” and, “ROMANCE OF THE REDWOODS”; “THE LONE RANGER,” Ep. 7; ALSO BABIES 71 to 128. . “MIDNIGHT.” Mitchell Leisen, one of Paramount’s top directors, stood behind the megaphone during the filming of the new all-star comedy, “Midnight.” Under his direction Leisen had one of the most formidable casts of years—made up of Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, John Barrymore, Francis Lederer Mary Astor, Elaine Barrie, Hedda Hopper and Rex O’Malley. The picture deals with the experiences of an American adventuress in Paris, torn between a romantic taxi-driver and a handsome man about town with millions. ASSOCIATE FEATURE. “Romance of the Redwoods” is adapted to the screen from a Jack London story, with Charles Bickford and Jean Parker featured. The new film is set amid the scenic grandeur of the Pacific Northwest, and tells a story of simple, yet powerful emotion.' A moving record of a man’s conflict within himself, and of his battle with nature, “Romance of the Redwoods” has been hailed as a visual as well as a dramatic treat, with deep natural appeal to lovers of all types of entertainment. .Romance, death, a murder trial and the bitterness it leaves behind are all major items in a film whose climax is a spectacular forest fire, a virtual inferno of flaming emotion and blazing timber. Gordon Oliver, Lloyd' Hughes, Marc Lawrence and Pat O’Malley are among the principals in the supporting cast. SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT. The success of the sacred drama, “Catherine of Alexandria” presented injuring the week by the Greymouth Senior Pupils, was such that repeated demands have been made for a second performance. To meet those wishes, “Catherine of Alexandria” will be presented at the Town Hall to-morrow (Sunday) evening at 8.30 o’clock. The full cast will be engaged and patrons are assured of a highly enjoyable and spectacular performance. Admission will be by silver coin. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE DANCE. The huge crowds that attend every night are sufficient proof that the most popular dance in Greymouth is the St. John Ambulance Association’s dance at Schaef’s Hall. “Well conducted” is the freely expressed opinion of the many dancers who attend this popular function. Good prizes will be offered to-night for the Monte Carlo and lucky spots, and all dancers are invited to join the happy throng.