AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1941, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House Finally to-night: “Congo Maisie” and “'Money to Burn.” Next attraction (commences to-morrow, Saturday) “My Little Chickadee.” “MY LITTLE CHICKADEE.” Starred together for the first time, glamorous Mae West and stalwart' Bill Fields in the action packed, laugh jammed romance filled screen classic, “My Little Chickadee,” which commences on Saturday at the Opera House. A. roaring comedy of frontier days, the film presents Mae in a glamorous Chicago night club entertainer, who comes to the western town of Greasewood City, and captivates the hardriding, quick-shooting gentlemen of the wild and woolly community. Fields is seen as a travelling medicine man and tricky gambler falls deeply in love with Mae find struggles mightily to win her favour. Combining hilarious comedy with stirring action, romance and music, “My Little Chickadee” is said to . afford its celebrated stars the outstanding screen opportunities of their careers. Supporting Miss West and Fields are such well-known players as Joseph Calleia, Dick Foran, Gene Austin with Candy and Coco, Anne Nagel, Donald Meek, Ruth Donnelly, Margaret Hamilton and George Moran.

Regent Now Showing: "THE OLD MAID.” . "The Old Maid” deserves high praise for acting, production and actually something new in the way ot plot.' It is the tale of two girls, cousins of a proud old Philadelphia family, and its period ranges from the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861 up to the 1880’s. Across that stretch of years the two live under the same roof—hating each other, never achieving reciprocal sympathy or understanding till both arc well into middle age, and the young daughter of one is leaving the ancient homestead for matrimony. Miriam Hopkins is a widow, with two children of her own. The old maid is Bette Davis. She has never wed, yet the sweet young girl of the house is her daughter, born of a farewell night with the man that both she and her cousin loved, and who was killed in I the war. The daughter grows up without knowledge of her true origin. and gives her love and affection to the woman she calls "Mummy” (Miriam Hopkins) rather than to her true mother. It is only on the eve of the girl’s own wedding that she comes to realize some measure of the sacrifices that her ‘old maid aunt” has made for her. And after the wedding, the two women go back to the empty house. This brief outline of the story cannot do the film justice. The manner in which “old maid” developes from thoughtless and lovely girlhood to irritable and pitiful middle-age is admirably portrayed by Bette Davis, who is surely the most accomplished actress in Hollywood to-day. That sincerity and depth of emotional expression for which she seems to have a special gift is never more evident than in this film. As Delia, Miriam Hopkins is also excellent. She is sc good in some scenes that she almost steals them from Bette Davis, a feat which only an actress of her ability could hope to achieve. George Brent, who plays a fairly thankless part, gives a good account of himself. The rest of the cast, which includes that dependable veteran Donald Crisp, as the doctor who knoWs all the secrets of the family, Jane Bryan, as the daughter Clementina, and Cecila Lof. tus, a§ the old grandmother, give the leading players the support they deserve. ’Patrons are advised to book their seats early. ’Phone 601.

sistance of town and district organisations and the response from the residents in th e area canvassed for donations towards the market, it is hoped the balance of the money necessary will be obtained. Stalls will be stocked with, a variety of g ooc j s —fresh lamb, farm products, home cookery, vegetables as well as novelty articles, and a tea-room wiL be an attraction. Various side-shows will cater for patrons amusement, and the “Dad and Dave” quartette will add to the fun. Shoppers at the Fair will be able to get their weekly supplies at bargain pricesthe district’s choicest products Be sure to pay a visit to Paddy s Market, to-day