AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 5 September 1939, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House NOW SHOWING. SOUL STABBING DRAMA. “THE SHINING HOUR.” Keith Winter’s famous stage play, “The Shining Hour” which startled two continents and which was presented on the stage in New Zealand a few years ago, has now been brought to the screen with a brilliant cast of stars, Joan Crawford, Margaret Sullivan, ‘Robert Young, Melvyn Douglas, and Fay Bainter, and will again be shown to-day, to-night and to-morrow at the Opera House. The story an ul-tra-modern one, is an appealing combination of Broadway gaiety with the lights and music contrasting with the tranquility of a mid-western farm; it is the account of a charming dancer who marries a grave young farm expert, lor security and peace rather than for love. When he takes her into the cold heart of his Kansas family, her difficulties begin. A younger brother falls in love with her, and she is attracted to him. His wife, a courageous and unselfish girl, is heartbroken. A dour spinster sister is bitter and unrelenting; in this predicament, the dancer is helplessly trapped as the play of human emotions Teveals the good and bad in all of them, herself included. Miss Crawford players a superb role as Olivia Reily the dancer; Margaret Sullivan is remarkably fine as the sister-in-law and Robert Young as her young husband, presents his usual outstanding performance; Melvyn Douglas, gives a strong characterisation to the role of the bewildered bridegroom, whilst Fay Bainter brings her wealth of stage artistry to the part of Hannah, the spinster sister. The story ends on a happy note, following spectacular scenes of a lire, which results in near tragedy. In her blind rage, Hanna fires the new home built for the newly-weds, Judy the sister-in-law, rushes into the burning building deliberately intending to leave the way clear for her husband and the dancer, but*Olivia goes after her. The shock of the incident brings them all to their senses and with that comes realisation. Both couples are reunited and Hanna’s bitterness is destroyed by the searing fire of complete understanding. “The Shining Hour" is a human story of ordinary people in a situation which might occur in any household. The acting, one of the most brilliant seen on the screen for some time, whilst the fine direction of Frank Borzage combines to make it compelling and heart-stirring entertainment. An excellent featurette programme includes: Newsreels; “Captain and The Kids” Cartoon; a two real musical “Dream of Love” by famous composer Frank Lizst; and “Our Gang” comedy.

REGENT finally to-night: “THE AD- | VENTURES OF TOM SAWYER”. Commencing Wednesday two excellent features: “BOOLOO” and “IN OLD SANTA FE.” “IN OLD SANTA FE.” "In Old Santa Fe”—Gene Au'.ry heads a splendid cast of old favourites including “Windy” Hayes, Ken Maynard, Smiling Burnette, H. B. Warner and Evalyn Knapp. In this story of the modern Dude Ranch the hero rides int 0 town with thrills, romance, songs and blood-tingling adventure woven about the historic Santa Fe trail, with its glorious mountains, golden sunsets and vast expanse of prairie. “In Old Santa Fe” is a picture outstanding in all departments, and one that will appeal to all types of audiences. ATTRACTION NO. 2 “BOOLOO.” I • “Booloo” has been taken out of the Malayan jungles. It is the kind of picture which causes frequent scatters of applause from an exciting audience. Paramount placccr Colin Tapley at the head of a small cast, and the New Zealander, who has had too few opportunities, proves that he was worthy of this chance. The-fascina-tion of “Booloo,” however, lies in the animal life, those' amazingly interesting creatures which are trapped or, sometimes unfortunately, shot. You are sorry to see them go, even the great white tiger, for which Tapley makes the expedition, and which is a particularly ferocious specimen. There is excitement of another sort, as Tapley, furtively watched from behind bushes by hostile Saki tribes, es-

tablfehes wireless contact with the outpost, and thence with his sweetheart in England. In the midst of this dramatic conversation, the Saki tribes (apparently knowing a thing or two about radio), destroy the transmitting equipment, ana Kill one of Tapley’s servants, causing the rest of his staff to desert, and leave him alone in the jungle. Colin Tapley does' a great job of work, and is assisted by Jayne Regan, Mamo Clnrk, and Ivan Simpson.