ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 February 1940, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE: “6000 ENEMIES” and “THE WARNING.” “6000 ENEMIES,” which will be screened at the Opera House to-night, to-morrow and Thursday, will give you 6000 thrills! Here is a worthy successor to “The Big House,” all time champion of prison pictures. For hundreds of fans who have clamoured for Walter’ Pidgeon in bigger and better roles it offers satisfaction plus. Likewise, for those who have asked to see Rita .Johnson in better opportunities the pleas have been answered. They are teamed in tjvo of the finest roles of their careers and they meet every expectation of their followers. “6000 Enemies” is stark drama, tinged with just enough romance to enhance, the story. Its direction is excellent. Its presentation in massive, forbidding backgrounds of a statepenitentiary is awesome but you will be impressed by its authenticity. Pidgeon plays Steve Donegan, a rugged young district attorney who has just successfully prosecuted Anne Barry, played by Miss Johnson, and sent her to the penitentiary. Donegan, who has risen from the ranks of newsboy and prizefighter, declares war on the underworld. With this announcement a big shot racketeer has him framed on a bribery charge- and Donegan is sent to the prison that houses the enemies he has sent there. Donegan’s life is at stake every moment, but he opposes the suggestion of the prison physician that he remain in the infirmary for his protection. Instead, he faces the mob and a riot results. Steve goes to solitary. Later, working as a plumber, Steve goes to the women’s quarters and meets Anne Barry. She convinces him that she too, was framed. He determines to rectify the mistake of prosecuting her. With the aid of the prison physician, Donegan gets an opportunity to show his courage to the prison mob when he fights “Socks” Martin, the leader of his enemies and, though he is beaten, wins the respect of the other convicts. Later, in a prison break, he saves the life of the prison physician. The climax comes when Donegan’s brother is murdered by henchmen of the racketeer, but not before he has delivered into the hands "" Donegan evidence that the racketeer framed both him and Ann. Donegan is released to become district attorney once more and sends the racketeer to the chair. Also showing: A special short entitled “The Warning,” showing England’s. land, sea and air defences in graphic detail.

REGENT: Final screening of “WHITE BANNERS.” Commencing Wednesday is an excellent double feature programme, “KING OF THE UNDERWORLD” and “THE FLYING IRISHMAN.”

“King of the Underworld” has Kay Francis 'and Humphrey Bogart Although Bogart has played featured roles in many successful pictures — among them “Racket Busters,” “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse” and “The Petrified Forest”—he has never before actually been a star. “King of the Underworld” marks the climax of his swift rise to the top. In this picture he is a half villainous, halfhumorous gang-leader with enormous conceit—so much, indeed, that he makes a prisoner a young novelist to write a eulogistic biography of him. He wants the world to know him as the Napoleon of crime. All this is reported to be very- funny. On the other hand, he doesn’t hesitate to make a prisoner of Miss Francis, a noted surgeon, so that she may dress wounds the gangsters receive in their conflict with the police. Bogart’s characterisation of “Red Gurney,” the mob leader, is said to be one of his finest efforts. Other notables in the picture include James Stephenson, John Eldredge, Jessie Busley, Arthur Aylesworth, John Ridgley, Harland Tucker, and Charley Foy.

THE ASSOCIATE FEATURE That truth frequently contains more sheer drama than fiction, is borne out in the picturisation of Douglas Corrigan’s life, “The Flying Irishman,” in which the world-famous “Wrong Way” flyer portrays himself. The film traces the rocky career of the intrepid aviator from his boyhood to the day when he startled the world by flying a nine-year-old plane from New York to Ireland. His bitter disappointments in his efforts to become an airline pilot, his struggle to support his mother, brother and sister, by working as a newsboy, carpenter 1 and grease-monkey, his joys and sorrows, all make for a dramatic plot that rivals any fiction Horatio Alger ever penned. Doug’s early flying training, his work as a mechanic on the famous Lindbergh plane, the death of his dearest friend from whom he inherited his cherished black leather jacket, are authentic incidents in his‘colourful life that provide absorbing fil inentertainment. Drama pathos and comedy mark his interesting life’s story which reaches a gripping climax in his epochal flight across the Atlantic to achieve fame and fortune overnight. Phone 601 and make your reservations now.

CENTENNIAL CONCERT. The Centennial concert to be held 1 in the Town Hall on Thursday, includes items by Miss Miriam Trott and pupils, Mrs R. Dumpleton, Mrs D. Bagot and pupils, Mr Hughie Smith, “The Bobby Burns of- New Zealand,” Mrs Rona Hay, Mr J. Duffy, Miss Patsy Kiely, Miss Rona. Peillon, Mrs Cogswell, Parkas Karkus, Miss Patti Marshall, and members of the Lyric Four. The programme is welll varied and is certain to provide a pleasing evening’s entertainment.

GYMKHANA, VICTORIA PARK. The Gymkhana, postponed last Saturday owing to rain, will, providing to-morrow is fine, lose nothing of its attractions. The procession, leaving the Grey Main School at 1 p.m., will proceed via Mackay Street to the Park. As the Mayor has asked business houses to observe a half-holiday a large crowd is expected' to witness the various events.