AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 362, 17 February 1937, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

Plaza Theatre. “Forget Me Not.” The growing demand among filmgoers for better class musical entertainment is admirably catered for in the London Films’ production, “Forget Me Not,” which is to show finally to-night, at the Plaza Theatre. Beniamino Gigli, the world- famous singer, who has been acclaimed as the greatest tenor since Enrico Caruso, has the leading role, and his rendering of many beautiful numbers from famous operas, in addition to several pieces specially composed for the film, provide a rare musical treat. Although not originally intended for a musical career, Gigli’s voice attracted attention when he was a small child,, and many years of careful tuition and painstaking study under some of the most famous singing te ( achers in Italy followed. After he made his debut in “Gioconda” at Rovigo in 1914, he made steady progress, finally being acclaimed in the celebrated musical centres of Europe and also at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. He receives capable support in the interpretation of a pleasing romantic story, from Joan Gardner, Hugh Wakefield and Ivan Brandt.

King’s Theatre.

“Poppy.”

Paramount’s “Poppy,” W. C. Fields’ picture of 1883 carnival days, showing for the last time to-night, is the star's twenty-second film since his first appearance in the movies. His first, in silent days, was “Sally of the Sawdust,” in which he made an immediate hit in the same role he plays in “Poppy.” Fields was famed as a juggler, pantomimist and stage comedian before he went to Hollywood. In a small town where Fields sets up his medicine show—and quiet shell game—Rochelle meets and falls in love with Richard Cromwell, a village youngster who is the son of the mayor. The comedian, scenting monely, fakes up a plan to obtain for Rochelle and himself an unclaimed estate. He palms the girl off as a missing heiress. The plan has succeeded when his plot is uncovered. and Rochelle faces a return to the life of the road. The developments which follow bring a happy ending for all concerned, with Fields strutting his way into the distance, searching for new carnivals and new “yokels, their pockets bulging with filthy lucre.” Lynne Overman, Catharine Doucet, and Rosaland Keith are outstanding as featured players.