AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 6 September 1939, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House NQVJ SHOWING. SOUL STABBING DRAMA “THE SHINING HOUR.”

Keith Winter’s famous stage play, “The Shining Hour” which startledi two continents and which was pre-1 sented on the stage in New Zealand a' few years ago, has now been brought I to the screen with a brilliant cast, of' stars, Joan Crawford, Margaret Sullivan, Robert Young, Melvyn Dougias,! 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 I is the account of a charming dancer | who marries a grave young farm expert, for security and peace rather | than for love. When he takes her' into the cold heart of his Kansas fam- j ily, 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 reveals the good and bad in all of them, herself included. Miss Crawford players a superb role as Olivia I Reily the dancer; Margaret Sullivan! is remarkably fine as the sister-in-law j I and Robert Young as her young hus- ' band, 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 fire, 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 i the searing fire of complete under- j standing. “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. NEXT ATTRACTION: “THE GOLD-! WYN FOLLIES." i The most amazing array of stellar talent ever assembled in a single pro- t I duction will be presented in Samuel : Goldwyn’s magnificent technicolour musical extravanganza, “The Goldwyn Follies,” which comes to the Opera House on Friday for an extended season. NOW SHOWING: TWO EXCELLENT FEATURES: “BOOLOO” AND “IN OLD SANTE FE” i I “In Old Santa Fe”—Gene Ainry 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 into town with thrills, romance, songs and blood-tingling adventure woven about the historic Santa Fe trail, with its glorious mounI tains, golden sunsets and vast exI pansc 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.” “Booloo” has been taken out of the Malayan jungles. It is the kind of picture which causes frequent scatters of applause from an excited audience. Paramount placea Colin Taplev 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 fascination of “Booloo,” however, lies m the animal life, those amazingly interesting creatures xfhich 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, establishes wireless contact with the outpost, and thence with his sweetheart in England. In the midst. of this dramatic conversation, the bahi tribes (apparently knowing a thing or two about radio), destroy the tian mitting equipment, ana Kill one of Tapley’s servants, causing the rest ot his staff to desert, and leave him. alone in the jungle. Colin Tapley does a great job of work, and is assisted by Jayne 3 Regan, Mamo Clark, and Ivan Simpson. runanga r.s.a. ball. Hundreds of dancers throughout the district are eagerly looking f o ['Y to the Runanga Returned Soldiers second annual ball on Friday, September 15th. Arn. Beck’s orchestra will supply the music for a popular programme of old time and modern dancing. Novelties galore, including Monte Carlos, Lucky Spots and Lucky Seats will add to the gaiety of what is sure to be the biggest ball held in the new Miners’ Hall, Runanga, during 1939. Coburn’s bus will leave Greymouth at 8 a.m. and 9.10 p.m., and' will leave on return to Greymouth at 2 a.m. RAILWAY DANCE. In response to numerous requests a second Railway social and dance will be held in the United Pavilion to-morrow (Thursday) night and it ' promises to eclipse the function lei cently held in Cobden. . Arn. Becks popular dance band is supplying tne music, and the supper arrangements are in the hands of a capable ladies committee. A free bus will leave Abbie’s store, Cobden, at 9 p.m., picking up patrons en route, and returning, after the dance. Elaborate arrangements are in hand to ensure that the floor will be in first class order. Mr P. Sweetman is M.C.