OCTAGON

Evening Star, Issue 22455, 28 September 1936, Page 2

OCTAGON

‘ First a Girl,’ which heads the current bill at the Octagon, is musical comedy at its best and brightest. It is a sprightly story of a girl’s masquerade as a. male impersonator and tho subsequent complications. A scintillating performance by Jessie Matthews embraces piquant romance, saucy innuendo, and merry masquerade, in addition to a rich feast of song, dance, and spectacle, in whirl) she, the central figure, is finely supported by Sonnie Hale. The entertainment also includes

a finely-staged mannequin parade and a superbly fantastic scene in which Jessie Matthews sings from a suspended gilded cage prior to presenting a whirlwind dance. The narration is spiced throughout by sparkling dialogue and diverting comedy incident. Jessie Matthews is a star who never fails to take hearts by storm. Small, vivacious, full of verve and rhythm, she is indeed a “ magnetism ” girl. The supporting film is ‘ Here’s to Romance,’ featuring Nino Martini, with Genevieve Tobin and Anita Louise in the romantic roles. In the supporting cast is Maria Gambarelli, famous as a member of Roxy’s Gang, one of radio’s most celebrated aggregations The romantic plot of ‘ Here’s to Romance ’ serves as a background for some of ‘the most entrancing dancing and songs that the screen has been privileged to present.