ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 September 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE—Now Showing "AT THE VILLA ROSE.” Foremost among fiction’s detectives is that of Inspector Hanaud, brought to the screen for the first time in A. E. W. Mason’s most absorbing murder mystery, “At the Villa Rose,” now showing at the Opera House. The story, which is. most ingeniously presented, tells of a wealthy olds lady, with a craze for spiritualism, who is strangled during a seance, whilst the medium, her companion, is missing. The jewels, motive of the murder, are found in a secret safe in the house. There are signs that the medium has been kidnapped, and there starts a really clever plot that will tax any audience’s efforts to spot the culprit. Kenneth Kent, who portrays the slightly flambouyant mature sleuth Hanaud, more preoccupied with the needs of the inner man than the case in hand, is excellent. He resents questions and follows his clues in a seemingly haphazard manner, until suddenly the pieces of the puzzle fit together and the picture is completed by an arrest that will amaze everyone. Judy Kelly as the truly psychic medium, gives further proof of her abilities as a dramatic actress whilst others in the cast include. Walter Rilla, Antoinette Cellier and Peter Murray Hill. REGENT. —Now Showing—An Excellent Double Feature Programme: “BEWARE OF SPOOKS” and “CRACKERJACK.” Joe E. Brown, wide-mouthed comedian whose antics have enlivened the screen for years, returns to “Beware Spooks!” The comedy star is seen as a policeman whose antics make him the underworld’s best, if most unwilling, friend. An outstandi ing cast of screen favourites is seen in support of the star. There is Mary Carlisle, the piquant blonde actress, who portrays a young bride bewildered by the bizarre adventures which confront her husband’s career. Marc. Lawence, one of the top-rank-ing Hollywood menaces, plays the part of the dangerous desperado, while Clarance Kolb is seen as the belligerent police commissioner. Other featured players include Frank Thomasf Joseph Downing, Don Beddoe, L f orna Gray, and Eddie Laughton. ALSO SCREENING. Of the number of Englishmen who have found fame in British films, , there is probably not one who is better known or better liked than Tom

Walls. It was Walls, with his partner in comedy, Ralph Lynn, who helped to establish British films on the world market. For one of the first British films to achieve big success was their “Rookery Nook,” still remembered as one of the screen’s outstanding comedies. Walls has achieved success in many spheres — only due to “honest to goodness” hard work. To-day Walls is one of the most vivid characters on the stage, and screen. He has been stage star, producer, director, film _ actor; businessman, and now he is branching out into mystery thrillers in “Crackerjack.” ’Phone 601 for reservations. SOLDIERS’ SHOP. On Friday the Committee will be in attendance to receive gifts from all the streets and side streets on the town side of Sawyers Creek. The list of streets is posted in the window of the shop. The Committee appeals to all to send a gift of cakes, jam, pickles, vegetables, fancy work, jumble or any saleable article. Failing these, donations will be appreciated, and may be left at Harley’s on Thursday or at the Soldiers’ Shop on Friday. The soldiers’ comforts, .etc., are what we are working for. Come and help us in our efforts. Come and bring and buy. You won’t regret it.