AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 27 July 1940, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House

Now Showing: Robert Taylor and Heedy Lamarr in “LADY OF THE TROPICS.”

An adventurous romance teeming with the drama of life and love under the overhead sun is to be seen in “Lady of the Tropics,” screening at the Opera House to-day and to-night, also to-morrow and Monday. Two of filmdom’s most glamorous stars, Robert Taylor and the eagerly-awaited ■ Hedy Lamarr, making her second motion picture appearance, play the lovers in the dramatic story. Any doubts that might have been held because of Miss Lamarr’s overnight jump to fame with her American debut in “Algiers” will be dispelled by “Lady of the Tropics.” Not only is she more beautiful than ever, but she plays the difficult, many-sided role of Manon with such a rare combination of sympathy and dramatic force that her position as a star is brilliantly affirmed. Robert Taylor, cast as Bill Carey, young American who falls madly in love with the gorgeous Manon, adds even more stature to hisi high standing as an actor. He achieves! a deft balance of humour plausibility! and drama in his characterisation. To Jack Conway, director of such out-, standing hits as “Viva Villa!” and “Too Hot to Handle,” must be given added laurels for his masterful handling of this picture. He makes the most of every one of its dramapacked moments. The action revolves around the love of Bill Carey, a penniless playboy, for Manon, whom he meets in Saigon, Indo-China. Theyj are married, despite the warnings of friends that the inscrutable East is strongly in Manon’s veins. Then Bill finds it impossible to get a passport for his wife to leave the- country. For Pierre Delaroch an influential halfcaste, is himself' in love with Manon and exerts his powers to keep her in the country. Reduced to abject poverty, Bill’s fruitless search for work is ended when he obtains a job on a rubber plantation through the machinations of Delaroch. But this is oniy a ruse on the latter’s part to try to reach Manon. This is discovered by Bill, but to give away the conclusion of the picture would be to forestall the pleasure of seeing one of the greatest climaxes of the sound screen. Joseph Schildkraut, already an Academy Award winner, wins fresh plaudits for his characterisation of the vicious, yet withal, pathetic Delaroch. A lighter vein is introduced by Gloria Franklin, a newcomer who expertly handles the part of a delightfully uninhibited friend of Manon. Other strong performances are turned in by Mary Taylor, who plays Taylors American fiancee, Ernest Cossart as a sympathetic priest, Charles Trowbridge, Frederic Worlock, and Paul Porcasi. Regent | Now Showing 1 “THE STAR MAKER” With Bing Crosby singing a host of | songs, old and new, Louise Campbell adding a note of romance, Ned Sparks as Bing’s press agent, Laura Hope Crews as an ex-opera singer, Walter Damrosch conducting the Philharmonic Orchestra of Los Angeles, and Linda Ware, sensational 14-year-old singing discovery, making her screen debut, Paramount’s great new singing cavalcade of show business, “The Star Maker” will open to-morrow at the Regent. The story of the picture is based on Gus Edwards’s amazing career; and shows Bing as a penm'ess song-writer, rising to a top position in the entertainment world by putting on great shows for children. However, Bing loses because he has children acting after 10 o’clock at night; but like a tru e showman, sets about recouping his fortune in a new field —radio. Moviegoers, young and old, will thrill as Bing sings such Gus Edwards favourites as “School Days,” “In My Merry Oldsmobile,” “Jimmy Valentine” and many others; and such grand new tunes, by Johnny Burke and James V. Monica, as “An Apple for the Teacher” and “A Man and His Dreams.” And they’ll hear Linda Ware do many grand numbers, both popular and classical. “The Star Mak-

er” was directed by Roy Del Ruth, produced by Charles R. Rogers. Walter Damrosch, the “grand old man” of American music, makes his film debut in “The Star Maker”. The story of Gus Edwards, great discoverer and developer of child stars, is a good contrast to that of Dr. Damrosch, a different kind of showman, who has been the dominating figure in the developing of a taste for serious music in America. PATRIOTIC DANCE This (Saturday) evening, the Patriotic Committee (Cobden branch) are to hold another of their popular dances in Schaef’s Hall, and if the increasing patronage of last Saturday is an indication their coming function will be a very gay occasion. The happy crowd who supported this worthy cause seemed very satisfied with their choice of entertainment and the programme of alternate modern and oldtime dances will be repeated on Saturday. The Mayfair Dance Band will present an entertaining programme of the latest dance hits and an efficient M.C. will control the floor. GREY LABOUR PARTY’S CARNIVAL DANCE. The Greymouth Labour Party’s carnival dance at the new Lyceum Hall was again crowded to the doors last Saturday night when a large crowd of happy dancers thoroughly enjoyed the popular programme of old-time and modern dances. To-night (Saturday), an even bigger crowd is anticipated when a well-chosen programme, catering for all sections ol tne dancing public will be presented, plus a goodly number of pouutar novelties. Midnight buses will, as usual, leave the hall for Runanga, Walisend and Cobden. Two capable mat-.ers or ceremony will control the floor and Arn Beck’s popular Melody Makers will provide the music. All patrons ar e guaranteed a good night’s fun and frolic. P. AND T. PATRIOTIC BALL. On Tuesday next at Schaef’s Hall the Post and Telegraph employees will hold their annual ball, the proceeds of which are to be donated to the Patriotic Fund. The ball will no doubt attract a large attendance, as in previous years, and dancers from all over th e Coast will b e able to dance to their heart’s content to the music of Billy William’s Orchestra. Mr P. Coll will have control of the floor, and the programme of old and modern dances will prov e a- delight to everyone. An excellent supper ha s been arranged under the direction of an energetic ladies’ committee. The decoration of th e hall will be even better than in the past. Novelties will be in abundance. Help the boys who ar e helping you. DISTRICT DANCES. The following is a list of the forthcoming dances:— July 27—Cronadun Ball. .• July 27—Harihari Farmers’ Union. July 30—P. and T. Patriotic. August 3—Blackball Red Cross. August 3—Mawheraiti Anniversary Ball. August 10—Ikamatua R.S.A. August 16—Reefton Fire Brigade. August 17—Stillwater. September 7—Grey Valley League. September 7—Runanga R.S.A. September 13—Runanga R.S.A. September 14—Stillwater. October 12—Ikamatua Basketball.