ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1940, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE—Finally To-night: “DEVIL ON WHEELS” and “MEXICAN SPITFIRE.” Next Attraction (commences Tomorrow): “THE REAL GLORY.” Starring Gary Cooper, and with Andrea Leeds and David Niven heading an unusually important cast, the new adventure drama, “The Real Glory,” which will commence at the Opera House to-morrow, unfolds a thrilling and exciting tale of the Philippine Scouts and their herpic bravery at the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, when the Philippines were overrun by insurrectionists and religious fanatics. The central theme revolves around the exploits of the scouts, who became a constabulary on the island and rallied to their support loyal natives and peaceful Moros. The Moros, a tribe of unorthodox Mohammedans, had retreated to the hills and jungles of the Sulu Kingdom to wage a fierce religious war against the remaining American troops. The supporting cast is headed by unique players, among them Broderick Crawford, Reginald Owen, Kay Johnson, Vladimir Sokoloff, Russell Hicks and Henry Kolker. For the first time in his career, Cooper plays the role of a doctor, who comes to this distant outpost for medical experience. He remains to help the Army quell the rebellion and establish lasting peace. Miss Leeds is in the role of an American visiting her father, and also stays on—not to win the war, but to win a trip to the altar on the arm of Gary.

REGENT—Now Showing: “BALALAIKA.” 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 Rusian 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 stage, musical success by Eric Maschwitz and is heralded as one of the most stirring and colourful musical films of the year. Patrons are advised to make their reservations early as the bookings are heavy. ’Phone 601 or call at the theatre booking office. GARDEN PARTY. The Girl Guide Garden Party being held to-morrow (Saturday), at Mrs. F. A. Kitchingham’s residence, Ida Street, is the annual financial effort, and it is to be hoped this excellent organisation will be given the support is deserves. During the afternoon, demonstrations of work will be given by the Guides, and there will be the usual cake, sweet and produce stalls, together with competitions run by the Guides.