AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1944, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House

Finally To-night: “Beau Geste”. Next Attraction (Commences' Tomorrow, Friday): “Stardust on the Sage” and “The Spider Woman”. A new high in thrills, excitement and songs is in this, the greatest of all range adventures, “Stardust on the Sage”, starring Gene Autry, and featuring S'miley Bnrnette and Edith Fellows, commencing at the Opera House to-morrow (Friday). ’This latest Autry musical, western presents Gene as chief buyer for a national packing concern who scents trouble when he learns that his ranch owning friends are investing all their spare money in a hydraulic mining venture instead of in cattle. The mining venture is being promoted by young Jeff Drew, local agent of the packing company, and his two attractive sisters, Nancj’ and Judy, lend support through the radio station they own and operate. Gene quickly learns that young Drew is up to his neck in the venture, with h:s sisters being automatically implicated. Jeff has been 'Using the cattlemen’s funds to keep the mine running, relying on the undeniable fundamental soundness of the mine to keep him out of trouble. However, he has failed to reckon on the dishonesty of the foreman, who wants to gain sole rights to the mine. In traditional stvle Gene saves the day for the Drew family and the ranchers. Song hits include: “Deep in the Heart of Texas”; “You are My Sunshine”; “Home on the Range”; “Goodnight Sweetheart” and many others. For the first time in his intricate history of mystery unravelling, Sherlock Holmes faces a diabolically clever feminine opponent, _ Adrea Spedding, in Universal's “Spider Woman”, commencing at the Opera Hr use to-morrow (Friday). Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are co-s'.arred in the respective roles cf Holmes and Dr. Watson, while Gale Sondergaard appears as Adrea Spedding. An absorbing dramatic piot constitutes the basis for the story, a chilling mystery involving a series of seemingly inexplicable “pyjama” suicides. Each victim is found dead under the same circumstances which indicate self-destruction; but Holmes, with unerring instinct, detects the feminine. touch. Employing clever disguise, he contrives to meet _ the perpetra : or of the crimes, and, aided by the faithful Watson, sets an ingenious trap to solve the ghastly murders.

Regent Theatre

inally To-night: “The Youngest Profession.” Commencing Friday: “Flesh and Fantasy.”

Three' separate but inter-related tales have been cleverly merged in “Flesh and Fantasy”, commencing at he Regent on Friday. Many noted stars appear in vivid roles as the multiple plot unfolds. Presented as episodes, the stories are linked by an ingenius plot structure, and the unified result is completely fascinating. The first episode, dealing with the psychological transformation of an unattractive woman into a glorious creature, has Betty Field and Robert-Cummings in the leading roles. Through supernatural, yet logical means, the action blends into the second episode, in which Edward G. 'Robinson, as the potential murderer, is unwittingly doomed by a clairvoyant. Merged into this situation. is the absorbing performance of Charles Boyer, as the circus tightwire artist, involved with a refugee crook, portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck. A spectacular climax unique in every cinema respect, brings the film to its startling conclusion.

GRAND SPRING BALL. The recently-formed Si. Patrick’s Horticultural Society held a grand spring ball in Schaef’s Hall on Tuesday. evening. The attendance, though not particularly large, made dancing easier, an accomplishment which is more than difficult at same balls. The hall was extremely well decorated, spring flowers, greenery 'and coloured streamers combining to make an excellent background. The music of the Mayfair Orchestra was good, as was the floor. The serving cf supper was accomplished without, the usual confusion 'or crowding, and the quality of th e repast, supplied byl two caterers, was superb. A novel, though contemporary touch, was introduced by the awarding of a Victory Loan bond to the winning lady and gentleman in the Monte Carlo The presentation was made by Captain A. B. Curtis, M.C., who congratulated the winners. Other novelty dances contributed to the evening’s enjoyment. An appreciated solo item “Warsaw Concerto” was played on the piano by the visiting celebritv Henri Penn. ‘