AMUSEMENTS

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 142, 6 February 1939, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS

MAGIC INITIALS WHAT IS THE SECRET/ OF G.F. ? "Wliut is it the public, which is always the master, likes so much about Georye Formin' ? His immense popularity all over the English-speaking world is beyond all question, placing him definitely as X o/ 1 comedian ot' the screen. His magic initials, G.F., by sorao •quaint freak of fate, the same as those of that other great comedy favourite, Gracie Fields, would be .sufficient to fill a theatre. Some keen student of numerology inis also discovered that there are the .same number of letters in Christian and surnames of Gracie Fields and George Formby. They were both “discovered' ’ for the screen by the same producer, Mr. Basil Dean, both starred in Associated Talking Picture productions, both came from Lancashire, and both appeared on the programme of the recent Royal Command variety performance. All of which does not get- away from the fact that George Formby is veritably an entertainment riot in himself, and, with his film, stage and recording work, commands a salary that would make a Cabinet Minister turn green with envy. On the other hand, most Cabinet Ministers are certainly less funny.

Still, what is it the master-mind’ of the public likes so much about this modest young man? His scope is frankly limited—but that iu itself is an asset, because specialisation in show business is always more profitable than versatility. His ..nke- yaudr.., haiijy , acconip^i niod songs, occurring at regular intervals in his films. which are always ‘ catchy, snappy and bright, with olton a touch of the risque. His greatest admirer would not call him handsome—lint- handsome is as handsome does, and George hormhy does handsomely by the sheer simplicity of his manner and his matter. He has a. homely, ingratiatingly personality which reaches the hearts of masses. In his latest A-T.P. comedy. “1 Sec Ice,” George, is ail amateur photographer who rims into trouble as only George can. His adventures land him in debt, into prison and crash into the middle of an international ico hockey match—as the referee, of all persons, and what a referee! . ..But they always find him a charming wife, and Formby himself finds time to sing four Formby fun songs, accompanying himself on the banjo, All in all. it’s real lun. Kay Walsh, Cyril Ritcliard and Betty Stockfeld head the big supporting cast. “1 See. Ice” will he screened at the De Luxe Theatre on. Tuesday and "Wednesday (matinee Wednesday).