AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19941, 27 October 1934, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE “MANHATTAN MELODRAMA” Moving with dramatic power through a series of unusual situations, “Manhattan Melodrama” will open at the Majestic Theatre to-day, to take its place among the hit pictures of the year. Clark Gable, William Powell and Myrna Loy are the stars. From the opening scene, the picture is absorbing entertainment. One of the most thrilling scenes ever filmed is the prologue which re-enacts the fire and panic aboard the excursion steamer General Slocum in New York harbour in 1904—a tragedy in which more than 1000 were killed. Out of this horror emerges Blackie Gallagher, played by Clark Gable, and Jim Wade, played by Powell. They are reared together by a kindly old man whose son perished in the Slocum disaster. They are fast friends, inseparable. Their friendship endures through the intervening years, and in early middle age Gable is a big-shot gambler, a powerful and dramatic figure of the city’s night life. Powell, still his friend, is the district attorney. Between them, a New York playgirl, who loves them both, is Myrna Loy. Out of this strange set of circumstances comes the body of the story—a plot which never lacks for dramatic moments and suspense. Powell is called upon to sacrifice nis career, be false to his oath of office, or to demand the legal execution of his friend. And Gable’s final scenes will not soon be forgotten. REGENT THEATRE “WONDER BAR” “Wonder Bar,” the First National mammoth musical and dramatic picture, which will be presented at the Regent Theatre to-day, is claimed to surpass all previous musical pictures, not only in its novelty, but also in the beauty and grandeur of its spectacle. The picture is based on the famous play that created a sensation in Europe, and was staged before king and commoner in Continental capitals. There are six stars, headed by A 1 Jolson, who has his old stage role, which he enacts with all his old-time fire and enthusiasm as one of the world's greatest entertainers. In "W Ton-

der Bar” 300 of Hollywood's most beautiful dancers and singing girls romp through spectacular numbers devised by Busby Berkeley amid a riot of colour and dazzling light effects. A gay Parisian night club forms a perfect setting for this spectacular production, which contains a number of catchy new songs besides its clever dancing and attractive ballets. Berkeley, the wizard of musical ensembling, who also staged the numbers for “42nd Street.” “Footlight Parade,” and “Gold Diggers of 1933,” is said to have surpassed even the gigantic spectacles in these pictures by the beauty and magnificence of his new conceptions. Those spectacles spice the production, which has been staged on a grand scale, the story centring about the entertainers in the Wonder Bar night club, their romances with each other and with patrons. THEATRE ROYAL DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME A double feature programme will be screened at the Theatre Royal today. The first picture is “I’ve Got Your Number.” This production is said to touch on every phase of life behind the scenes of telephone operation. revealing its laughter and love, its tragedy and thrills. The story is in fast tempo and the dialogue unusually snappy with plenty of action and a great deal of suspense, winding up with a climax in a terriffic battle with a band of robbers and kidnappers. Joan Blondell heads a large and talented cast of players. An exceptionally fine cast of players was assembled for “The Utah Kid.” which is the second feature film on the programme. Rex Leas* Dorothy Sebastian, Thomas Santschi. Walter Miller, Boris Karloff and Mary Carr head the list of players. “The Utah Kid,” the finest of a series of pictures starring Lease, is an action story of scenic and dramatic qualities. MUNICIPAL BAND CONTESTS AND CONCERT This week-end the Municipal Band is having a very busy time. To-night in the band room B and C grade competitions will be held. Some of the juniors are playing very well and should be worth hearing. To-morrow evening in the Theatre Royal the Band will give a concert, and has been most fortunate in securing the services of that great favourite with Timaru audiences, Mr Dan Foley, known as New Zealand’s John McCormack. His numbers will include “Serenade,” “In the Garden Where the Praties Grow” and “Little Boy Blue.” Others assisting are Miss M. Kelly, elocutionist, who is always very popular, and Mrs M. Johnston, vocalist, who is always delightful to listen to. On Monday night in the Scottish Hall the A grade players will compete for a beautiful cup presented by Mr F. Smith, and the public should hear some good playing. Mr J. Annand, conductor of the Christchurch Municipal Band, will be the adjudicator. SCOTTISH CONCERT The monthly concert of the Timaru Scottish Society was held on Thursday, the Chief, Mr A. M. Miller, extending a warm welcome to a very large audience. Six new members were elected. An excellent programme was provided, the individual items being as follows:—Highland reel, S. Oliphant, M. Donaldson, K. Plever and M. MacKay; songs, Miss J. Groves; instrumental item, Messrs C. I. and R. Mathieson and Miss Mathieson; song, Mr C. Lane; tap dance. I. Bavnon; pipe and piano duet. Messrs MacDonald and D. McAteer; song, Mr D. Russell; dance. Leo. Downing; song, Mr W. Durning; ventriloquist. Mr Leslie; song. Mr C. Campbell; Sean Trubhias. Moya Cossin; song. Mr J. J. Duncan; male voice quartette, Messrs Brownlee, R. S. Nichol, Brown and Wishart; song, Miss Simms; song, Mr C. Lyons; clog dance, E. Bay non; Irish reel. M. Donaldson, K. Plever, M Mac Kay and S. Oliphant; song, Mr C. Porter.