AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 14 February 1940, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera Heuie NOW SHOWING: “6000 ENEMIES” AND "THE WARNING.” “6000 Enemies,” which will be screened at the Opera House to-day and to-night, also to-morrow night & evening, will give you 6000 thrills! Here is a worthy successor to “The Big House,” a l time champion of prison pictures. For hundreds of fans who have clamoured for Walter Pidgeon in bigger and better roles since .his excellent work in "Too Hot to Handle” and “Society Lawyer,” it offers satisfaction plus. . Likewise, for those who have asked to see Rita Johnson in better opportunities the pleas have been answered. They are teamed in two of the finest roles of their careers and they meet every expectation of their followers. “6000 Enemies” is stark drama, tinged with just enough romance to enhance the story. Its direction is excellent. Its presentation in massive, forbidding backgrounds of a state penintentiary is awesome but you will be impressed! by its authenticity. Pidgeon plays Steve Donsgan, a rugged young district attorney . who has just successfully prosecuted Anne Barry, played I by Miss Johnson, and sent her to the penintentiary. Donegan, who has risen from the ranks of newsboy and prizefighter, declares war on the underworld. With this announcement a big shot racketeer has him framed on a bribery charge and Donegan is sent to the prison that houses the enemies he has sent there. Donegan’s life is at stake every moment, but he opposes the suggestion of the prison physician that he remain in the infirmary for his protection. Instead, he faces the mob and a riot results. Steve goes to solitary. Later, working as a plumber, Steve goes to the women’s quarters and meets Anne Barry. She convinces him that she, too, was framed. He determines to rectify the mistake of prosecuting her. With the aid of the prison physician, Donegan gets an opportunity to show his courage to the nrison mob when he fights “Socks” Martin, the leader of his enemies and, though he is beaten, wins the respect of the other convicts. Later, in a prison break, he saves the life of the prison physician. The climax comes when Donegan s brother is murdered by henchmen or the racketeer, but not before he has delivered into the hands of Donegan evidence that the racketeer framed both him and Ann. Donegan is released to become district attorney once more and sends the racketeer to the chair. Also showing: A special .short entitled “The Warning,” showing England’s (and, sea lud air- defences in graphic detail.

NEXT ATTRACTION (Commences Friday): "SONG OF THE PLAINS."

The spectacular musical drama “Song of the Plains.” starring Nelson Eddy, screen’s No. 1. singing-star ot “Naughty Marietta,” and Sweethearts.” with Virginia Bruce; Victor McLaglen, Lionel Barn-more, Edward Arnold, in strong supporting roles, commences at the Opera House on Friday for a season of 3 matinees and 3 nights. Hear Nelson sing “Where Else But Here,” The Dusty Road” “Love’s Serenade,” When Irish’Eyes Are Smiling,” and others with male voice choruses.

REGENT: NOW SHOWING an excellent double feature programme: "KING OF THE UNDERWORLD” and “THE FLYING IRISHMAN.’

“King of the Underworld” has Kay Francis and Humphrey Bogart Although Bogart has played featured roles in many successful pictures—among them “Racket Busters,” The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse” and The Petrified Fotest”—he has never before actually been a star. "King of the IJnderworld” marks the climax of his swift rise to the top. In this picture he is a half villainous, halfhumorous gang-leader with enormous conceit —so much, indeed, that he makes prisoner a young novelist to write a eulogistic biography of him. He wants the world to know him as the Napoleon of crime. All this is reported to be very funny. On the other hand, he doesn’t hesitate to make a prisoner of Miss Francis, a

noted surgeon, so that she may dress wounds the gangsters receive in their conflict with the police. Bogarts characterisation of “Red Gurney, the mob leader, is said to be one 01 nis finest efforts. -Other notables in the 1 picture include James Stephenson, John Eldredge, Jessie Busley, Arthur Aylesworth, John Ridgley, Harland Tucker, and Charley Foy. THE ASSOCIATE FEATURE' That truth frequently contains more sheer drama than fiction, is borne out in RKO Radio s current picturisation of Douglas Corrigan s life, “The Flying Irishman,” in which the world-famous “Wrong Way” flyer portrays himself. The film traces the rocky career of the intrepid aviator from his boyhood to the day when he startled the world by flying a nine-year-old plane from New York to Ireland. His bitter disappointments in his efforts to become an airline pilot, his struggle to support his mother, brother and sister by working as a newsboy, carpenter and grease-monkey, his joys and sorrows, all make for a dramatic plot that rivals any fiction Horatio Alger ever penned. Doug’s early flying training, his work as a mechanic on the famI ous Lindbergh plane, the death of his dearest friend from whom he inherited his cherished black leather jacket, are authentic incidents in his colourful life that provide absorbing i film entertainment. Drama; pathos and comedy mark his interesting life’s story, which reaches a gripping climax in his epochal flight across the Atlantic to achieve fame and fortune overnight. Phone 601 and rhake your reservations now. GYMKHANA, VICTORIA PARK. The Gymkhana, postponed last Saturday owing to rain, will, providing to-day is fine, lose nothing of its attractions. The procession, leaving i the Grey Main School at 1 p.m., will proceed via Mackay Street to the Park. As the Mayor has asked business houses to observe a half-holiday a large crowd is expected to witness the various events. CENTENNIAL CONCERT. The Centennial concert to be held in the Town Hall to-morrow night, includes items by Miss Miriam Trott and pupils, Mrs. R. Dumpleton, Mrs. D. Bagot and pupils, Mr. Hughie Smith, “The Bobby ’Burns of New Zealand,” Mrs. Rona Hay, • Mr. J. Duffy, Miss Patsy Kiely, Miss Rona Peillon, Mrs. Cogswell, Parkus Karkus, Miss Patti Marshall, and mem l bers of the Lyric Four. The programme is well varied and is certain to provide a pleasing evening’s entertainment.