AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 1 April 1939, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House

“CAREFREE." | The world’s gay dancing sweetI hearts Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire are together again after succesi ful solo starring vehicles the peerless King and Queen of terpsichore are reunited this time in the scintillating rollicking, sparkling and spectacular comedy romance "Carefree” to be screened at the Opera House to-day, to-night and Monday. This the greatest of all their shows presents a glittering, joyous and song-studded film romance embellished with Irving Berlin’s melodies, startling dance routines and a deftly-handled story. Because Ginger keeps breaking off her wedding date with Ralph Bellamy, the latter asks Astaire, a psychiatrist, to .fix up any lurking inhibitions the lady may /have on the subject of marriage. The pretty patient complicates matters by falling in love with Fred instead of with Ralph. When the psychiatrist fails to respond, the actress starts a hectic series of madcap adventure, the doctor meantime falling in love with her himself, only to find that he has a new resistance to overcome How the seemingly lost cause is won at the last moment makes for the uproarious climax of the picture, which is said to be both the funniest and most entertaining of all the Astaire-Rog-ers vehicles. Three sensational dance routines are given by the famous team, a novelty solo dance by Astaire, and with such catchy songs as “The Yam”, “The Night is Filled with Music”,, "Change Partners,” and “I Used to be Colour Blind,” all combine t 0 make "Carefree,” the top of (topp in musical .comedy entertainment.

REGENT- NOW SHOWING: SPEN CER TRACY AND JOAN CRAW FORD IN "MANNEQUIN.”

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s highly successful production “Mannequin stars Spencer Tracy and Joan Crawford together for the first time. It is a domestic drama of the serious kind with Joan Crawford in her best role for a long time. She is depicted as a ‘factory girl living in the slums with Oscar O’Shea for “pa” and Elizabeth Risdon for “ma,” Leo Gorcey of Dead End” for brother, and Alan Curtis for lover. Joan hates her surroundings so that she hastens the marriage with Alan and after a happy, if simple wedding with a dinner at a cafe, she meets Spencer Tracy, a man who has risen to be owner of a fleet of fishing | boats, having always treated his men better than any other owner and shared his profits as he made them. He falls for Joan, and later on Alan has a brilliant idea for coining money—Joan shall divorce him, marry Tracy, di-I vorce Tracy, get big alimony and then re-marry him, and they will live comfortably on their income. Joan leaves him and gets a divorce, and eventually she does marry after she has become a mannequin. They arc completely happy, but trouble comes when her former husband attempts blackmail. This efforts is unsuccessful and the threat of their happiness is overcome. Tracy gives a splendid performance; he acts with power and convictions, and will impress audiences strongly. In fact, the entire cast is distinctive and all players contribute towards the fine entertainment quality of the films. A very high standard of featurettes are included on this programme. A special short on cooking by Aunt Daisy, giving her many admirers who have heard her over the air, the opportunity to see her demonstrate some of her cooking recipes. A Robert Benchley comedy “The Courtship of a Newt,” an Our Gang Comedy in conjunction with the latest news services. Intending patrons are advised to make early reservation as with such popular stars teemed together, plus an outstanding story, bookings over the week-end will be heavy. 'Phone 601.

PAROA BALL TO-NIGHT.

To-night’s Social Security Ball at Paroa Hall promises to be one of the best social events yet held in this popular amusement centre. ‘ The function will be held In aid of the hall improvements and the Jack Emsworth Benefit. Arn Beck’s dance bands

has been engaged to provide the latest modern and old time music, and between 9 and 10 o'clock radio dance music will introduce a novel note. Intending patrons are urged to arrive early and enjoy a thorough night’s fun. Mr J. O’Brien M.P. has kindly consented t 0 be present. An excellent supper has been arranged and patrons are assured of the best of everything. The popular prices make it a foregone conclusion that there will be a big attendance. BRUNNER SPORTS DANCE. The first of a series of fortnightly dance organised by the combined sports bodies in the Brunner district, will be held to-night (Saturday) in the Wallsend Hall. An attractive programme of popular dances has been arranged. “Billy” Williams’ orchestra will supply the music. EASTER CARNIVAL DANCE. To mark the conclusion of its first season, the Greymouth Amateur Athletic Club are holding a grand Easter Carnival Dance, at the United Pavilion, on Wednesday next. The members are keen and energetic, and headed by an excellent and well experienced ladies’ committee, are sparing no effort or expense to see that the dance will be one to be remembered by all. A special home-made supper, £l/1/Monte Carlo, streamers, novelties, etc., and wtih music supplied by Arn. Beck and his orchestra, patrons are assured of a wonderful night’s entertainment.