AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1941, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House

Now showing: “THE BIG GUY and “FUGITIVE AT LARGE.” “THE BIG GUY.”

Presenting Victor McLa'glen and Jackie Cooper in a story which blends fast action and thrills with heart-throbbing drama, “The Big Guy,” now being screened at the Opera House. McLaglen, whose stirring emotional performances have won him the highest acting honours that Hollywood can bestow, is seen as the warden of a great penitentiary. When he unexpectedly conc-s into possession of a fortune in stolen money, the warden finds himself subject to the same desire to keep it . which might affect any of the convicts under his care. Cooper portrays an ambitious young mechanic who, through a strange twist of fate, becomes involved in the escape of two convicts who kill an officer ana leave Jackie to face trial for their crime. Although the story has an action background, and presents spectacular fights .and running gun battles with police, the dominant theme is warm and human. McLaglen as the warden torn between honour and greed is said to give his finest performance since “The Informer.” The supporting cast includes Ina Munson, Peggy Moran, and Ed. Brophy;. FUGITIVE AT LARGE. J’ack ■’Holt, two-fisted action star of ,sp‘Tnany breath-taking melodramas, crashes through with another top-fught thriller in Columbia’s ‘ Fuat Large,” now showing at the Opera House. . Dealing with the’close physical resemblance between, a-reputable construction engineer and the chief of a hold-up ring, this sensational new ffilm' tops the current output in the ’?orce and vigour of its action and in the abundance of its tense screen sequences. ■ The ingenious plot makes the engineer the victim of a clever scheme contrived by the bandits, which sends the innocent man to prison on a framed charge. But the malefactors’ plans go awry as Holt intrepidly battles his way out of gaol and comes back for vindication and revenge in a series of breath-taking episodes. Thrill piles upon thrill as he escapes the guns of the pursuing posse only to plunge head-on into a hail of bullets from the guns of the very men who framed him. How he brings his enemies to justice is screen drama of the kind that must be seen to be appreciated. The outstanding supporting cast features such personalities as Patricia Ellis, Stanley Fields and Guinn (Big Boy) Williams. Regent Now Showing “DANCE ■ GIRL DANCE,” Delightful New Film. Using as its thematic basis the heartaches, joys and tempestuous romances of backstage life, “Dance, Girl, Dance” is said to be the year’s unique screen offering. Maureen O’Hara, Louis Hayward and Lucille Ball have the stellar roles in this RKO Radio film, which is replete with spectacular dance numbers and captivating songs. The vivid story traces the adventures of an Irish dancer (Maureen) who dreams of some day-sffiecoming a famous ballet dancer, and of a go-getting chorine (Lucille) whose ambition is to lure any man who is financially attractive. Louis Hayward, as a millionaire playboy who becomes one of her victims; Virginia Field, as his divorced wife, and Ralph Bellamy, as a dance impressario who eventually answers Maureen’s dreams, have other pivotal roles, as do Mary Carlisle, Katharine Alexander, Maria Ouspenskaya’, Edward Brophy and Walter Abel. Plans are open and patrons wishing to reserve ’phone 601. Air Force Band • VISIT TO GREYMOUTH NEXT WEEK. Advice has been received from the Secretary of the Air Board that permission having been granted for the

Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force to make a special visit to the West Coast next week, the Band will give performances at Greymouth; Hokitika and Westport. The local Patriotic Committee is now working on a programme which will be advertised during the next few days. The band is recognised as a remarkably fine combination of musicians. It is a full military band of sixty players, and one that will make an instant appeal to every section of th P community. It is seldom that the opportunity is given the citizens of Greymouth and surrounding districts to hear and see a band withsuch a reputation as the Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and it is confidently expected that whatever concerts are arranged will attract- record attendances. Th<\ Band, which will remain in Greymouth for two days, has recently completed a tour from the North Cape to the Bluff, and had a wonderful and enthusiastic reception whereevert' jt appeared. As a result of its visit "io Greymouth the Patriotic funds should be considerably augmented. ! SCHAEF’S HALL. The Air Force Queen’s coming-of-age ball to-night, promises to be a great success and the programme, *ncluding a guinea Monte Carlo, cash lucky spot dances and other prizesshould prove very popular. The Mayfair Dance Band will feature programme of the latest popular and swing music.