ENTERTAINMENTS Opera House

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 September 1947, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS Opera House

Now Showing: “The Bells of St. Mary’s” starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Conceived' as a drama with humour and songs and with a story that is heart-warming and human, The Bells of St. Mary’s” is now showing at the Opera House. Bing has the role of Father O’Malley, newly appointed pastor of a somewhat rundown parochial school, St. Mary s. Miss' Bergman is seen as the Sister Superior, Sister Benedict, whose ideas as to child-training do' not always coincide with those of the new pastor. Though the nuns greatly outnumber him, Father O’Malley manages to hold his own, thanks chiefly to the warm sense of humour existing within the walls of St. Mary’s. Sister Benedict takes it upon herself to instruct a too inoffensive youngster in the noble art of self-defence. St. Mary’s is threatened by condemnation proceedings and then the methods used by Father iO’Malley and the gentle nuns to preserve their beloved school are responsible for some of the most amusing scenes. There is drama in the rehabilitation of Patsy, who is a neglected waif, whose life is replanned for her at St. Mary’s. Bing sings five numbers “Adeste Fideles”; “The Bells of St. Mary’s”; “In the Land of Begin Again”; “Aren’t You Glad You’re You”; and “Santissima.” Miss Bergman sings, for the first time in her screen career, a short Sweedish folksong.

Regent Theatre Now Showing: “Song of Scherazade,” starring Yvonne de Carlo Brian Donlevy and Jean Pierre Aumont. Intriguing and delightful entertainment as keenly conceived as the spectacular whiplashing duel that provides but one of its many highlights sounds the keynote of “Song of Scherazade,” is now showing at the Regent Theatre. Done in the warm tints and chromes of technicolour, each phase of the production has been paced for interest and .enjoyment, from the dashing heartstirring story of one of Rimsky early adventures in love Ito the expert blending of the composer’s most popular musical masterpieces into the romance. Yvonne di, Carlo has the role of a vivacious Spanish dancer in a. shoddy Moroccan cafe*- Brian Donlevy plays a swaggering hard-bitten captain of a Russian training ship. Pierre Aumont is sincere' in his convincing portrayal of Midshipman Rimsky Korsakoff. Charles Kiillman Metropolitan Opera singer, player the part of the ship’s doctor, and sings among other selections, Korsakoff’s “Song Of India.” FOLIES BERGERE Among notable performers in the Tivoli combination appearing on October 4 and 6-, at the Regent Theatre, Greymouth, are Jack Murray and Connie Hobbs, who have won fame throughout the English music halls for their excellent character comedy sketches. The Kwam Brothers are three Chinese who perform the most amazing feats of balance. Their precision and showmanship puts them in the top class. Warren Latona and Sparkes form a trio of talented young Australian dancers. Their crazy comedy acrobatic act is one of' the best of its type. .“Chord and Discord” are two- young men that present a most unusual comedy vocal act, that has won them fame thorughout their tour in Australia. New Zealand audiences are sure to like them. Ormonde Douglas has proven ah outstanding success in several musical comedies and is best : remembered by New Zealand people for'singing with Miss Gladys Moncrief! in her recent tour of the DoI minion. He has played opposite her lih such successful productions as “Rio Rita,” “Victoria and Her Hus- ! sal's,” and “The Merry Widow.” Bunny Westney is a young Australian who is making excellent head*

way in musical and vaudeville revue. Possessor of a pleasing voice, Bunny also- can' play many parts through'out a show.