ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 September 1945, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE.— To-niqht: ’"The Hour Before the Dawn.”

A woman air dangerous as she is beautiful—as treacherous as she’s enchanting—as evil as she is fascinating. Such is the portrait of Veronica Lake, as the ruthless Dora Bruckman, in Somerset Maugham’s bestselling novel, “The Hour Before the Dawn,” showing at the Opera House to-night, co-starring Franch.ot Tone and featuring Henry Stephenson and Binnie Barnes. The story revolves around Franchot Tone, who, by reason of certain inhibitions, is more or less a conscientious objector.. The son pi a well-to-do family in England, his row is a hard one, as although his appeal is accepted lie finds it almost impossible to obtain employment, which it is necessary to find under the terms of his appeal. Howecer, he finally succeeds, and is doing a job, but complications arise when Miss Lake, who becomes his wife, decides to become active as an agent of the Nazis, she being Austrian by birth. Air raids commence over England and Veronica sets fire to a hay field to guide the raiders. She is seen by a small boy, who reports it to her husband. The picture , from here reaches a dramatic climax, with Tone taking matters into his own hands in dealing with his wife, and from such a situation the whole course of his life is changed.

REGENT THEATRE—To-night: “The Climax,” starring Susanna Foster, Turhan Bey and Boris Karloff.

Packed with drama, suspense and .romance and song “The Climax,” co- ' starring Susanna Foster, Turhan Bey and Boris Karloff is showing at the Regent Theatre to-night. The story is set against the background of the opera, where the spectacular scenes are enhanced by magnificent technicolour. “The Climax” is the suspenseful story of a man who committed murder in a passion of thwarted love, and got away with it only to find ten years later he must kill again if he is to know any peace. Boris Karloff who returns to the screen after a long absence, plays the role of Doctor Hohner an opera company physician who ten years previously murdered an opera star and was able to cover up his crime. Susanna Foster has the role of Angela, whose beautiful voice is unfortunately similar to that of the girl Karloff loved and murdered. Her voice constantly torments him and reminds him of his past crime. He sets out to destroy that voice forever, and but for the intervention of Turhan Bey might have succeeded. Supporting Miss Foster in her singing roles is George Dolenz. “THE COUNTRY GIRL” Several new finds have been made in both cast and principals and among members of the well-balanc-ed chorus which will be introduced on Monday week in the musical comedy feast, “The Country Girl,” which is the first presentation of the Greymouth Oneratic Society, under the able tuition ol' the producer (Mr Len McGlashan) in co-operation with the musical director (Mr w. Ford). In addition to the quality of the efforts of the various performers, there will be exquisite frocking, secured at considerable cost. The wardrobe mistress is Mrs J. W. Hannan, while ■Mr Jim Rhodes has attended to painting some delightful backgrounds for the acts. The solo dancers have been carefully trained by. Miss Miriam Trott. The season of six nights and two matinees should bo given most loyal support from all parts of the district, particularly as ;he proceeds are to bo devoted to the benevolent fund of' the Greymouth branch of the R.S.A., which has adopted the presentation as a grand Victory Celebrations’ finale. Patrons are advised to book early at the Regent.