AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1941, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House

Finally To-night: “THE BIG GU\” and "FUGITIVE AT LARGE.” Next Attraction (Commences Tomorrow, Friday): "FORTV THOUSAND HORSEMEN.”

It’s here.... the grandest, most thrilling entertainment the screen has ever known A picture to thrill the hearts of every Australian. Adventure —action —romance—and behind Hi all the immortal story of Australia’s gallant sons of the Lignt Horse, and the New Zealand Mounted Rifles in Palestine. Described as the most spectacular epic the screen has even known “Forty Thousand Horsemen,” which commences at the Opera House to-morrow (Friday) has a brilliant! cast, headed by Betty Bryant, Grant Taylor, “Chips” Rafferty, Pat Twohill, and Joe Valii. Here is the glorious story of the Australian Light Horse, with drama, action, adventure, romance, and humour, surrounding one of the most illustrious pages of Australia's history. Magnificently impressive; an heroic spectacle which baffles description; a powerful saga of bravery —man’s sacrifice for man, and a heroe’s love for a beautiful girl, who, too, risked death to win happiness and freedom. Produced and directed by Charles Chauvel, distinguished Australian film producer, “Forty Thousand Horsemen” is world-stand-ard entertainment —the first bigscale’ film to win distinction by being booked for U.S.A, release through America’s leading picture theati.es. Gigantic in scope; spectacular scenes of valiant horsemen charging to victory... enthralling drama... entertainment like nages torn from the “Arabian Nights” as the action swings from the twisting streets of Cairo, from the strange bazaars and glamorous chantants to Sinai— Oases, mysterious villages, crumbling forts and minarets.. .in truth a saga of Australia’s fighting horsemen

Regent

Finally To-night: “DANCE, GIRL, DANCE.” Commencing Friday for an extended season is “SPRING PARADE.”

Deanna Durbin film, hailed by critics as the best picture, in which . she has ever appeared. Produced by ' Joe Pasternak and directed by Henry Koser, the picture presents a more mature Deanna than in any of her previous offerings, and a more ro-mance-laden story than has been her lot in her first seven productions. Presenting Deanna as a village maid wh 0 goes-to the city in search of the destiny foretold her by a fortune teller, the story is based on an original by Ernst Marischka and involves the star in her first real romance of the , screen. She meets and falls in love with Robert Cummings. Amid ro-l mantic surroundings, the story unfolds in an atmosphere and background more beautiful than any which have appeared in Deanna’s pictures. Deanna sings four numbers in the film, three of them from the pen of the famous Viennese, Robert Stolz, who composed, among other offerings, the famous “Two Hearts in Threequarter Time.” The fourth, “Blue Danube Dream,” is an adaptation, by Hans Saiter. Supporting toe star are such players as Robert Cummings, Mischa Auer, Henry Stephenson, Butch and Buddy, Anne Gwynne, Walter Catlett, S. Z. Sakall, and many others. There is a Special Short subject entitled “The March of Time,” which brings to the screen for the first time exclusive pictures of Vatican City. Patrons are advised to make early reservations as bookings are expected to be heavy. ’Phone 601. MASTER MUSICAL EVENT. The advent of the Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force is being awaited with great interest. This band has become famous and will arrive in Greymouth on Thursday next, May 29 They are coming here by special permission received from tne Minister Of Defence, Mr F. Jones. The musical director is Flight Lieutenant H. Gladstone Hill, and included in the personnel of the band are cornets, piccolo, trombones,

I euphonium, flute, oboe, violins, ’cello, piano and vocal soloists. Marches, quick-step and slow, rhapsodies, fantasies, waltzes, excerpts from musical comedy and grand opera suites, festive music, overtures, symphonic dances, and a number of Maori works are included in the band’s repertoire. Outstanding among the items that,' will be played at the Thursday evening concert will be the Maori rhapsody, an arrangement by Llewellyn Jones. This rhapsody is brilliantly effective in its .orchestration, it being constructed with a scholarly sense of form, beauty and refinement. The band’s marching, both quick-step and slow marching, will be a revelation to those who will be privileged to see and hear them. The marching of these sixty musicians is magnificent. symmetrical and brilliant. No one should fail to witness their performances. The drummers themselves are a real treat; their work is unique and attractive.. Preliminary applications for seats for the indoor concert at the Regent Theatre will now be received. Country letters and telegrams will be filed in order of receipt, and seats allotted accordingly; no extra charge for advance booking. Ordinary plan for season will open on Friday next, for which Mr V. C. Hughes voluntarily has undertaken the work All communications should be addressed to the honorary secretary of the Patriotic Committee, Mr W. H. Parfitt. Admission prices will be: Regent Theatre de luxe 7s 6d; D.C. ss, 3s I

and 2s. The Box plan is open at the Theatre. Admission to Victoria Park will be Is with an extra charge of Is for the grandstand.' The proceeds of the visit will be divided equally among the Garni va 1 Queens. COMMUNITY SING.' The Community Sing organised by the supnorters of the Army Queen at the Town Hall, was thoroughly enjoyed by a very appreciative audience. The “sing” was in cnarge of Mr Sid Ellis, who proved himsur a first-class 'song leader. Mr (Reg 'Buchanan was at the piano, and as usual carried out his work admirably. In addition to the “sing.” Rems were given by the following. Miss J. Sweetman and Messrs T. Hatch and S. Ellis (songs), Messrs M. Palmer and G. Hemsley tpianoaccordeon numbers), and Miss Gurden (dancing). A novelty was the appearance of the Masked Singer, whose identity was discovered by Miss M. McNulty, she kindly donating the prize to the Army Queen fund. The “sing” will be repeated inext Wednesday evening, as i'Oit. evening’s audience, though very appreciative, was not large, and it is hoped that next Wednesday there Will be a capacity audience, when a first-class programme will b e presented. So rally round your Queen, Army supporters, and see her in the lead when the numbers go up! The Queen Carnival is now weir in progress. so “Go to It.”