AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 29 July 1940, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House Finally To-night: “LADY OF THE TROPICS" (starring Robert Taylor and Hedy Lamarr). Next Attraction (commences to-mor-row): “ON BORROWED TIME.” Celebrating his thirtieth anniversary in morion pictures with one oi the outstanding characterisations of his career, Lionel Barrymore appears in the picturisation of last season’s great Broadway stage success, “On .borrowed Time.’ as me lovable, old, outspoken Gramp, Barrymore marks a new milestone in his amazing record. It is Gramp who desperately fights death in order to prevent the young grandson he loves rrom falling into the hands of a scheming and unscrupulous aunt. That is tne simple outLne of the story which is full of warm humour and of thought-pro-voking and inspiring imagery. An exceptional cast surrounds Barrymore. In the role of th e mysterious stranger, Mr Brink, personilcation of Deam is Sir Cedric Hardwicke, noted British stage and screen personality. The role of Pud falls to eight-year-old Bobs Watson, most talked-of youngster of the year. Beulah Bondi is the devoted Granny, Eily Malyon the hypocritical Aunt Demetria, Una Merkel and warmly human maid, Marcia, whilst others include Nat Pendleton, Pfenry Travers and Grant Mitchell. “On Borrowed Time” was produced to prove the contention that Hollywood has grown up. It is a definitely adult approach to screen entertainment completely off the screen track. As a departure from the laminar “boys gets girl” formula, th e new picture stresses the enduring affection of Gramp and Granny which continues even after death, and the deeply tender and understanding fellowship between Gramp and Pud. Entertainment highlights include th e fishing escapades of Gramp and Pud in their old rattle-trap of a car, the humour of their first appearance together at church, the grim feud they wage with Aunt Demetria, the thrill of trapping Mr Brink in the apple tree. And finally, .there is the catch in the throat at tragedy, offset by shiny-eyed rapture at the disclosure that Death is not. so fearsome a personality as he

had first appeared. “On Borrowed Time” is one of th e most daring and unusual stories ever filmed, a thoughtprovoking and inspiring story, full of heart-warming humour and affection and one that will long be remembered. Regent Now Showing* “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 sc.een 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 pennress 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 Lmda Ware do many grand numbers, both popular and classical. “The Star Maker” 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. P. AND T. BALL. That they can organise a ball second to none th e P. and T. Social Committe e in past years have repeatedly proved, and with the- added. 1 inducement of the Patriotic Fund as

a cause, th e committee, in organising this year’s P. and T. Ball, have doubled their efforts. They are making it such a night of joy as no dancer should miss. The hall decorations are something quite new, and judging from the time and labour devoted to this work, the result will be an exceptionally happy setting for young and old to enjoy a variety programme, crammed full with novelties of every kind. One of the highlights of the evening will be a specially prepared supper With Mr Pat Coll M.C. to lead, and Mr. Billy Williams’ Orchestra, an evening of real pleasure will be complete. DISTRICT DANCES. The following is a list of the forthcoming dances: — _ Julv 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. I September 7—Grey Valley League. I September 7—Runanga R.S.A. September 13—Runanga R.S.A. September 14—Stillwater. October 12 —Ikamatua Basketball.