AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 15 April 1948, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House

Finally To-night: “The Brasher Doubloon,” and “Beat the Band.” Commencing To-morrow: George Formby in “George in Civvy Street.” “GEORGE IN CIVVY STREET.” George Formby’s latest rib tickling adventure, “George in Civvy Street,” commencing at the Opera House tomorrow, gives this famous comedian ample opportunity for his fun-mak-ing prowess. George has the role of George Harper, and together with his pal “Fingers,” played by Ronald Shiner, both recently demobbed, they return to the village of Tumbleford where George is to become manager of his father’s dilapidated old hotel, the “Unicorn Tavern,” which he hones to put back on the map. Meantime, all the beer business is going to the “Lion Inn,” a smart, up-to-date and well-catered for house of call. It was formerly the property, of Mary Colton (played by Rosalyn Boultter), whom George admires. Unfortunately, she has been forced to sell her interest when local magistrates declare her too young to hold a license. The new owners _ put tn a smart manager in Ted Brindle, excellently played by Frank Drew, and it quickly becomes obvious that he too is paying court to Mary. His dislike of George as a rival in hope and business prompts him with the aid of two inscrutable persons to put George out of business. A last major effort, hoping to prove that George is violating licensing laws, ends in disaster for Brindle and his toughs, after a terrific “scrap” from which George and Fingers emerge triumphant. No Formby picture is complete without some good musical numbers, and this one boasts six new hit tunes which include, “You Don’t K e, -d A License For'That”: “Weve Been A Long Time Gone”; "1 Was Cnristen‘With A Harseshoe’k ft Could Be”; “You Don’t Need Them”; and “The Mad March Hare”.

Regent Theatre Now Showing: “London Town,” starring Sid Field, Claude Hulbert, Sonnie Hale, Greta Gynt.

“London Town” is a gay colourful musical, with tunfes that will set the errand boys whistling. It has lovely girls in lovely frocks to chaim the sophisticated Greta Gynt and beautiful Kay Kendall for true feminine appeal—and that lovable, warm humour characteristic of Sid Field. Wesley Ruggles’ musical technicolour production “London Town” has created several records—it is the first film in which Sid Field, brilliant English comedian appears; the first colour musical evei’ to be made in Britain; the first time in Britain that glamorous girls have been searched for, selected and groomed for a film in the Hollywood style; and it is the first film to be made at Sound City Studios after six years of war during which time they were occupied by the R.A.F. and aeroplane manufacturers. “London Town” is a gay colourful musical and the production numbers are elaborate with settings and costumes theft far outshine anything for musical in Britain before.