AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20061, 6 October 1939, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE NOTED SINGER, MILIZA KORJUS, IN “THE GREAT WALTZ” In dazzling spectacle, magnificent in its brilliant sweep, and to the accompaniment of the lilting, haunting refrain of his most famous waltzes, the life of Johann Strauss is unfolded in the colourful film. “The Great Waltz," which will open to-day at the Regent Theatre. During the season, at the 8 pm. sessions, a delightful prologue by the pupils of Maurc-en Keany will dance “The Blue Danube." Strauss lived amid the gaiety of old Vienna, and the love of care-free pleasure, the zest for joyous celebration displayed by its citizens, has been recaptured in the magic melody of his music. Although as a young man he had a good position in a bank, his devotion to music and his brilliant talent oould not long be suppressed. In a spirited out burst he defies the manager and. waving the manuscript of a waltz in his face, declares that he will leave his den of usury richer than any man who ever entered it. From that moment Johann Strauss began a career of unparalleled success. He composed stirring music in stirring times, as the people of Vienna rose in revolt against their autocratic rulers. His tempestuous nature led him to reject the love of his simple sweetheart and. torn between ecstasy and despair, he becomes infatuated over a beautiful opera star. Seeking refuge from an angry mob of revolutionaries, Strauss flees with her to the Vienna woods, and there, enchanted by her loveliness in the beautiful forest glades, he receives the inspiration for one of the most famous of his songs, the exquisite “Tales from the Vienna Woods.” The picture, and the love affair of the dashing young master, are brought to a spectacular climax as Strauss is acclaimed with his presentation in the Imperial Opera House of Vienna. The popular and accomplished French actor Fernand Graver plays the part of the renowned composer with appropriate vigour and poise, Luise Rainer gives a sincere portrayal as his sweetheart, Poldi Vogelhuber. while the glamorous and gifted Polish opera singer Miliza Korjus is cast as the prima donna who threatens the happiness of the lovers. Accompanied by full symphony orchestra, Miliza Korjus is heard in charming renderings of Strauss’ immortal songs. Priceless instruments were used to ensure the faithful reproduction of the famous waltzes and operatic airs, among these being the Da Vinci Stradivarius violin, which is played in solo numbers by Toscha Seidel, an eminent concert artist.

MAJESTIC THEATRE “TIEE GRACIE ALLEN MURDER CASE” AND “LAW BEYOND THE RANGE” When a picnic ends up with one of the picnickers being accused of murder, it is a safe bet that Grade Allen is somewhere in the vicinity. Lovers of mystery tales who have had a great yearning to be a detective will not envv the status- of Pnilo Vance, who is called upon to unravel S. S. Van Dinc's "The Grade Allen Murder Case,” Paramount's mixture of comedy and mystery which heads the week-end double programme at the Majestic Theatre. Warren William, as Philo Varied, runs up against Grade Allen, who thisiks that she knows just as much about tire mystery as he does. Grade has pointed the accusing finger at Kent Taylor because she knows that the cigarette case found) in the room with the murdered man ; was Taylor’s. Ellen Drew, who is m love with Taylor, calls upon Warren William to get her lover out of gaol. William does his best to straighten out matters even though Graeie is continually obstructing things with her •hair-brained role in the her hair-brained deductions. Also holding a featured role m the story is .Judith Barietl. The associate feature is an exciting out-door picture, “Law Beyond the Range,” featuring Tim McCoy. Included in the programme is the eighth chapter of “Buck Rogers. —Personal Appearance of Charlie McCarthy— An added attraction on the stage foi to-night and Saturday will be the pelcjonal appearance of the famous Hollywood star, Charlie McCarthy, who is touring New Zealand in connection with his latest film, "You Can’t Cheat An l-ionest Man.” Charlie McCarthy will be the guest of the management of the Majestic Theatre during his stay in Gisborne and "fan” mail addressed to the theatre will receive his persccr.nl attention.

KING’S' THEATRE “ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE” TO-DAY A glorious evening’s entertainment awaits one at the King’s Theatre in "Rose oi Washington Square, which makes its melodious way there to-day. Tyrone Power and Alice Faye, the romantic stars ot Irving Berlin’s "Alexander Ragtime Band, are co-starred with A 1 .lol.son, singing again in his inimitable way his memory-laden song "hits” of yesterday. The story ot a woman who loved her man and kept on loving him although lie tricked her and hurt her and brought heart-break upon them both is thrillingly told in the milestones of melody ot the last two decades. "Rose of Washington Square” opens at the close of the! World War with Jolson as Ted Cotter, a singing candy butcher in a Fourteenth street burlesque theatre, who iias big-time ideas. He loves I-lose Sargent (Alice Faye) and

dreams of taking her with him up the ladder to fame. BUI Rose falls for Bart Clinton, a charming but wayward fellow, played by Tyrone Power. The film traces Ted’s rise to the dizzy heights of stardom at the famous Winter Garden and gives Jolson an opportunity to sing again the songs he made famous. Rose, meanwhile, becomes a star of the Follies. At the height of her fame, Bart brings disgrace upon her, but her love for him never wavers.. Among the memorable songs hoard in. the film arc “My Man"; “Toot Toot Tootsie, Good-bye"; "I’m Sorry I Made You Cry”; “Ja-Da”; "The Vamp"; “The Curse of an Aching Heart": "April Showers”; “Mammy”: "Rose of Washington Square,” the James F. Hanley and Ballard Macdonald number which gives the film its name; "I’m Always Chasing Rain-

bows”; "I’m Just Wild About Harry”; “California Here I Come” and “Avalon.” A fine supporting programme includes a coloured cartoon, ‘Owl and the Pussy Cat”; “Recording Modern Science”; a camera thrill, “Viking Trail,” a magic carpet travelogue; the latest overseas lir-mail news, and the popular “FoxAussie News.”