AMUSEMENTS

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 171, 19 April 1939, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS

“SAILING ALONG 1 ’ “Sailing Along”, .which is duo at the Regent Theatre on Thursday and Friday, presents Jessie. -Matthews, in one of the greatest roles of her meteoric career. Unprecedented opportunities to display her famous 1 singing and dancing talents and amazing versatility are V.; vouchsafed the star in -this brilliant new G. B. D which is based on an... original, story by Selwyu Jepson. Oast as the adopted daughter of a bargee who becomes a. famous dancer, the star has five leading men, all of whom play an important part in her: rise to fame. Barry Mackay, who. played opposite Jessie Matthews* in “Sparkles,” portrays the bargeman’s son, whose affectionate scorn prompts the young girl to accept Roland) Young’s generous offer of sponsorship, while Jack Whiting, who is an ideal new dancing partner for the star, is seen as an in-' fiuential producer -who is responsible for her first big chance on the stage. Noel Mbdison appears as a highspeed Press agent, and Alastair Sim plays the part of an eccentric painter who befriends the star. Directed by Sounie Hale, the min is notable for .some of the most picturesque and unusual backgrounds ever to be seen on the screen, the opening sequences on the barge introducing some of the loveliest .scenery on the upper and lower reaches of the Thames. • Soon everyone will lio humming “My River,” “Your Heart Skips a Beat,” “Trusting My Luck” and' “Souvenir of Love,” the song numbers', written bv Arthur Johnston and Maurice' Sigler, featured by Jessie Matthews and Jack Whiting in the film. Nicely cast in a toothsome role is, high-powered! comedian Alastair Siiu. As a futuristic painter who sees Jessie’s soul as a dot on an ocean, he is responsible for lots of the fun. “LAUGHING AT LIFE” It. is a relief at times to turn from the modern school of ever-plotted and self-conscious film stories to tales of unabashed adventure, and so “Laughing at Life,” the new Action Pictures Release, starring Victor McLaglen, is certain to be greeted with considerable enthusiasm, at the Regent Theatre. on Thursday, and Friday, for it» is a robust and vivid tftlj-o!' a soldier of fortune. Offering MBpaglcn an almost perfect, role as .Captain Easter, a daredevil adventurer and gun-run-ner, it has such valued and backgrounds as -Panama, Shanghai, France, India, the South Seas and South America in the throes, of a revolution. McLaglen, roistering around the world, using three names to cover his misdemeanours; loyal to his wife, but unable to resist a pretty face .or figure, gives a performance;,gi.n|e. the--equal of his Academy; A^rc^jjmmiVgV; “The