AMUSEMENTS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 88, 23 September 1938, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

“HEIDI OF THE ALPS" 1 . • A Shirley. Temple move glorious than anyone lias ever known and a beloved story that pas enthralled millions the world over comes Saturday to the screen of the Do* Luxe Theatre in the never-to-be forgotten picture, “Heidi*,” of the Alps, Johanna Spyrj’s enchanting tale brought to such laughing, loving life by Twentieth Century-Fox that it touches tho deepest corners of the heart.

Everywhere readers in all languages have been charmed .by the warm tip tenderness and beauty of tne Swiss Alps and all the colourihi folk dwelling up just under -the stars, intf> whose lives “Heidi” brings tenderness and mirth and courage. An embittered mountain-top exile is reclaimed from his fierce bate of the world by the heroine, who brings him 'a new zest for* life, and a young girt is given strength and the will to walk again in the story that has thrilled readers of every country.

“Hcidij” one of the world’s fam- \ ous stories, had to "Wait foil its star before it could be brought to the screen, declares Darryl F. Zanuek, and the reason is evident. Shirley was cast in the title role in response to The thousands of movie fails who be- f sieged the studio with requests/ that, | she play the part. The result, is a picture for which she .1 will be remembered always. Ideally '• cast and gloriously portrayed, the { screen play by Walter Ferris and | Julian Josephson is an achievemopt | in transcribing a familiar and beloved j story to the screen. , \ ‘ | Heading the east is Jean Hersholt, . famous veteran actor who gives his greatest. characterisation as the grandfather of “Heidi.” A taciturn 3 recluse dwelling high in tlje Alps, the character is the most difficult he lias ever had to portray, Hersholt says, ,» because the burden of the delineation \ is placed 011 physical mannerisms and j attention to details of action and dress. 1 Arthur Treacher, as the comic butler in a. rich Frankfort home, is <* provided by Hollen West-ley. Other leading roles in the story are played by Pauline Moore, Thomas Beck, Mary Nash. Siiluey Blackmcr, . : Alndy Christians and Sig Rumann. On a novel set depicting, the colourful Zuyder Zee, Shirley and a large chorus enact’ an elaborate dance sequence, with special routines arranged by Sammy .Lee. , Shirley also sings the grand new novelty tune, “111 Our Little Wooden Shoes.” written, by Lew Pollack and Sidney D- Mitchell.