ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 December 1940, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE—Now Showing: “DEVIL ON WHEELS” and “MEXICAN SPITFIRE.” With fast-talking Pat O’Brien, Ann “Oomph Girl” Sheridan, the exotic Gale Page, heart-breaker John Payne, and comical Frank McHugh in the leading roles, “Devil on Wheels,” spine-tingling drama of automobile racing, is now showing at the Opera . House. The story concerns the efforts of Pat O’Brien, | champion race driver, to make John I Payne, his younger brother, continue i with college, and not follow in his own [footsteps. But John is bitten by the i racing, and his added romantic interest in Ann Sheridan, whom Pat dislikes, causes the brothers to feud, climaxing in a race in which Pat’s best friend, Frank McHugh, is killed in a spectacular crash. The accident breaks Pat. He gives up racing and vanishes. Gale Page, Pat’s girl friend, knowing if she is ever to locate Pat it would be at the Memorial Day speed classic at Indianapolis, goes there. She finds him at the tracks, a seedy, broken figure. As they watch Payne compete with another for the number one spot during the last laps of the race, there is a minor accident. John needs a relief driver, and before Pat realises what is happening, Gale has rushed him to the pitss In a dramatic, sensational scene, Pat again comes into his own, and is reconciled to his brother.

“MEXICAN SPITFIRE.” Tempestuous Lupe Velez and her .inimitable style of comedy, combined with the laugh-making proclivities of the rubber-legged comic, Leon Errol, will have audiences in a panic in “Mexican Spitfire” now showing at the Opera House. Plot of the story revolves around the efforts of Linda Haynes, as the groom’s jealous ex-fiancee, to break up the marriage so that she can marry the personable young man. In this* cause she has the support of Elizabeth Risdon, the groom’s snobbish aunt. On the other hand, Leon Errol, the uncle, is heartily in accord with the marriage, although his blundering efforts to straighten out their marital troubles always boomerang. As a result of one of their schemes which backfires, Lupe and the uncle find themselves fleeing to Mexico. Errol to avoid arrest for forgery and impersonation, and Lupe to obtain a quick divorce in the heat of jealousy. Many of the film’s most amusing scenes occur in! Mexico and lay the foundation for | the ensuing hilarious events which i take place in New York when the I couple return there. They find Woods j at a bachelor dinner on the eve of his marriage to his former sweetheart. A telegram arrives, advising Lupe her divorce is illegal. This is,the spark which ignites a little bundle of feminine TNT. The wedding , ceremony ‘turns out to be a shambles, the malicious rival is given a good working over, and Lupe gets back, her man.

REGENT:—To-night: “THE YOUNG IN HEART.” Commencing Friday at the Matinee “BALALAIKA.” Janet Gaynor, Douglas Fairbanks junr. and Paulette Goddard made their debut as an exciting new screen trio in the comedy romance “The Young in Heart.” Roland “Topper” Young, Billie Burke, Henry Stephen-

1 son, Richard Carlson, romantic new- | comer from the New York stage, and Minnie Dupree head the imposing supporting cast of this film now showI ing at the Regent Theatre. >■- Blazing a musical trail from Petrograd to Paris over the strife-torn Russia of the Czars, the screen operetta, “Balalaika,” presents Nelson Eddy and Ilona Massay, Hollywood’s newest singing star,, in a thrilling, colourful and romantic musical drama. It tells a tale of romance between a Colonel of Cossacks and the daughter of a revolutionist in the midst of social upheaval, and gives an opportunity for an expensive musical programme that ranges from Russian folk songs to a love song by Franz Lehar, comedy songs by Herbert Stothart, and even the operatic version of a Rimsky-Korsakoff ballet suite. “Balalaika” is based on the London 1 stage musical success, and is heralded as one of the most stirring and colourful musi-films of the year. Patroqs are advised to make their reservations early as the bookings are heavy. ’Phone 601 or call at the theatre booking office.

SOLDIERS’ APPEAL FUND. On Monday, a large card and mah jong entertainment is being held in Harker’s Tea Rooms. The Committee of the Women’s Branch of the Patriotic Society are in charge and are providing afternoon tea. The function is open to everyone and it is hoped that all will rally round and make it

the success it deserves. Players are asked to arrange their games and advise one of the Committee or ring 224 so that tables and chairs will be ready. Don’t hesitate, but just come and bring your friends. Play, commences from 2.30 and you get a' good afternoon s fun, a dainty tea and you are helping our soldiers. The Committee . urges everyone to come along and join in a very worthy cause.