AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 8 November 1938, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House '‘THERE GOES: THE GROOM.” What happens when an Alaskan prospector returns with a “sourdough” companion to claim a college sweetheart, if that sweetheart has occupied her time with a fresh romance during the '■ prospector’s absence, is ’demonstrated in “There Goes ’the Groom,” a romantic comedy hit to be finally screened at the( Opera House to-day and to-night. ( Burgess Meredith is cast as the successful gold searcher in the film, with Louise Henry playing the girl who couldn’t wait, and Ann Sothern portraying Miss Henry’s rival for Meredith’s affection. Part of the humour is provided by the antics of Mary Boland, who, as Miss Sothern’s fluttery' and. irresponsible mother, adds to the complications. Onslow Stevens, William Brisbane and Roger Imhof also have important parts. “ROARING TIMBERS.” The feature attraction to be finally screened to-day and to-night at the Opera House is “Roaring Timbers,” starring Jack Holt and Grace Bradley, a story alive with crashing power and. flaming thrills among the giant timbers of the Great North country. “LITTLE MISS SOMEBODY.” Binkie Stuart, the 4-year-old child wonder, comes again to steal your heart anew with her wonderful performance. in “Little Miss Somebody” to be screened at the Opera House to-morrow and Thursday. The story, a homely, one, is that of Jim Trevor, a smal! farmer, who promises his old friend to look after his motherless daughter, Binkie, should anything happen to him, and when dies, Jim honours his vow. Binkie and Jim soon learn to love each other, but their happiness is rudely shattered when Squire Borden, the unscrupulous local big-wig, pulls wires and secures Binkie’s legal adoption. Jim smells a rat and refuses to take the matter lying down, and his suspicions are later confirmed when happy fate places in his hands proof that Borden had secret knowledge that Binkie had inherited a fortune, and that he had deliberately concealed this intelligence to further his own ends. The law comes down on Bordern, whilst Jim legally adopts Binkie. Supporting Binkie are John Longden, Kathleen Kelly, and Clarke Smith. “THE BLACK DOLL.” ; Chills, thrills, surprises, fast paced drama .and plenty of heart interest, make a' first rate screen mystery thriller of “The Black Doll,” starring Nan Grey and Donald Woods, to be screened to-morrow and Thursday at the Opera House. The story from a Crime Club novel tells how Nelson Rood (C. Henry Gordon), a cruel and shrewd financier, finds “The Black. Doll” on his desk in his home. It is a sign to him that vengeance is due as a result of his having slain one of his partners after the discovery of "The Black Doll” mine, many years ago. There are six persons who would benefit by the death of Rood. They have every reason to hate him and all are present in his home when he is struck down. But it would take a master mind to determine which is the guilty one. And we, are not going to give the answer away. We will leave that for you to solve for yourselves. Others, in cast are Edgar Kennedy, Syd Taylor, William Lundigan and C. Henry Gordon'.

Regent Theatre “MR. MOTO’S GAMBLE.” The mystpry master stakes his life to play a dangerous game against a phantom killer in “Mr. Moto’s Gamble,” which will be shown to-day at the Regent- Theatre. Guns without bullets—silent, invisible and deadly--with 20,000 witnesses unable to tell how death struck in the midst of a packed .fight arena, provide Peter Lorre, the star, with an entirely different and far more exhilarating type of “who-dbne-it” drama than the star ever has given before. Keye Luke, playing his famous role as Charlie Chan’s Number One Son, helps Mr. Moto clear up the strange case of a prize-fighter’s death. “Mr. Moto’s Gamble” is new, gripping to the last scene, and packed with surprises—produced by an excellent supporting cast featuring Keye Luke, Dick Baldwin, Lynn Bari, Douglas Fowley, Jayne Regan, Harold Huber and Maxie Rosenbloom, in the cast. Directed by James Tinling, with John Stone associate producer, the 20th. Century-Fox mystery thriller is an original screen play by Charles Belden and Jerry Cady, based on the character created by J. P. Marquand.

“PASSPORT HUSBAND.” .Stuart Erwin probably is going to be a logical contender for Maxie Rosenbloom’s ' pugilistic title. Maxie, known for his penchant for striking his opponents with his open hand, has won the sobriquet “Slapsie Maxie.’’ And Erwin, heading the featured cast of “Passport Husband,” at the Regent on Thursday, discovered he is possessor of a rare technique. Director James Tinling was on the 20tfi. Century-Fox set putting Stu and Edward Brophy through a scene in. which' the sad-faced comedian knocks out “tough guy” Brophy and revives the unconscious gangster by slapping him. “Make him take it easy,” moaned the raspy voiced Brophy. “He didn’t hurt you,” replied Tinling. “I saw him pull the punch.” “Who’s talking about the punch?” roared Brophy. “It’s the slapping.” “BATTLE” FILM. For the first time Louise Hovick will sing in 20th. Century Fox’s comedy of the American Legionnaires in New York, “Battle of Broadway,” opening Thursday at the Regent Theatre. . Miss Hovick sings a new number by Sidney Clare and Harry Akst, “The Daughter of Mademoiselle,” the? Inodern successor to the famous sweetheart of the A.E.F. Victor McLaglen heads the cast and his

pal between punches is Brian Don-, levy. . • ' “BOY OF THE STREET.” To be seen at the Regent on Saturday at three sessions, 10 a.m., 2.15 p.m. and 8 p.m., is Jackie Cooper in his first “grown-up” starring role. Young “Skippy” has grown. Sixteen years old—six feet tall —Jackie still retains that wholesome boy appeal that endeared him to the world. He’ll steal your heart anew in this stirring real life drama of a grand youngster who overcomes the trials and temptations of tenement life, when he learns the real meaning of words like: honour, courage and success, in his fight for decent citizenship. VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT. THE ELTON BLACK COMPANY. Variety entertainment of the fastmoving, vigorous type characteristic of vaudevilles, is to be presented in good style by Elton Black and his Company at the Town Hall next Friday and Saturday evenings. The variety show of Mr. Black and his Company is certainly worthy of good public support, for the quality of entertainment is well up to standard, and, of course, the appeal of “flesh and blood” productions is always refreshing in these days of mechanised theatre entertainment. Comedy is the keynote of the performance, and it is led with great vers

■ tility by Mr. Black himself, who. al--1 though essentially a Scottish comedian, has all the arts ahd wills of his craft in good supply and is able to produce laughs consistently' and well. He is ably supported by Mr. Cyril Northcote, and these two in actions provide one of the bestequipped comedy teams that, has been here for some fame. The supporting company include Miss Alice Bennetto, an accomplished comedienne, Miss Laurie Jones, a song and danpe expert with a decided talent for making the most of her numbers. In Mr. J. W. Charlton, the Company is fortunate in having an' extremely able pianist, whose performance at the keyboard is just as. versatile as that of whatever artist he may be accompanying. The Company are appearing at the Criterion Theatre, Reefton, to-night, and the Miners’ Hall, Blackball, to-morrow evening. DANCE AT HERB MOORE’S. • Everybody is assured of a bright and happy evening’s entertainment at to-night’s popular weekly dance at Herb Moore’s cabaret. The New Marina Orchestra will supply :the music for a well balanced programme of modern and old time dances. All dancers are cordially invited and all are guaranteed a good time. IKAMATUA FAIR. On Saturday, November 12; a novelty fair in aid of the Catholic Church la-repair fund will be held?,in the,lka

. . •• ■ ' r ■ f matua hall. Stalls will include ice w cream, sweets, fruit and vegetables, if novelties and cakes. The - competi- M tions will include nail-driying,. shoot-jM ing and bun-eating, and there will I several side-shows. Supper will lz4 ..available, and a dance will follow/B