AMUSEMENTS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 80, 7 September 1938, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS

“MAD ABOUT MUSIC’’ Deanna Durbin’s latest picture is always an event. “Three Smart- Girls” was a surprise, bringing to the screen a fresh, sparkling and lovable little star. “Id Men and a Gild’’ was a revelation ot the tremendous singing abilities oi this amazing youngster, anu “A.lad About M.usie, Tr which screens to-night- ihnrsday and Friday at the Le Luxe Theatre is an astounding display of both acting and singing. ,

As entertainment, “Mad AboutMusic’’ excels either of her previous pictures, although it departs entirely in theme and structure from “Throe Smart Girls'’ or “106 Men and a Girl.’’ Her new production is almost entirely remedy-drama, but with a story that lends itself to several highly emotional passages, heart-gripping in their intensity, bringing tears in their wake much as did the finale oi “.H)if Mbit and a Girl.” The tears are immediately followed by. comedj* sequences, forcing smiles. It- is this procession of smiles and trail's which makes “Mad About Music” a great picture.

Deanna is cast as a fatherless girl, attending a private school in Switzerland. Her mother is an American screen star, famous for her engemie roles. Her manager has convinced the star that her future on the screen would he ruined if the public knew she was a mother; hence she can not write to Deanna, nor can the child admit who her mother isTim child keenly feels her plight as the other children boast of their parents, and. to make herself appear equal to them, she has invented a fictitious hunter-adventure-father from whom she receives Jotters (written by herself) wliicTi she proudly shows to the other students. But finally she is forced to produce a father. She selects Herbert Marshall as her .male parent —and then the complications follow thick and fast.

Gail Patrick is east as the screen star-mother, with William Frawley as; the Business manager. Arthur Treacher comes in for his share of the comedy work as the socrotnry-valot to Marshall. Christian Rub is Deanna’s confidant, friend, and accessory in her deception. . > Three youngsters have important roles In the production. These are Marcia Mae Jencs and Jackie Moran, in the roles of Deanna’s' friends, and Helen Parrish, who is her enemy.

Deanna, sings four song's in the production, three of-them, .-‘‘l Love to Whistle,” “Serenade to the ,Stars”

and ‘‘Chapel Bells” by Harold Adamson and, Jimmie McHugh. The fourth is ‘‘Ave Maria,” by Gounod.