AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 443, 26 May 1937, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

Plaza Theatre. Lily Pons In “That Girl From Paris” From the opening scene when Lilv Pons say “No!” to a marrying minister instead of the customary “I do, ’ to her hectic marriage in a racing taxi cab at the climax of the picture, the tiny singer’s new offering, “That Girl | From Paris,” shatters all precedents for screen vehicles for opera stars. It screens at the Plaza Theatre, tonight. The distinguished little Frofich soprano is supported by one or the most versatile groups of comedians ever assembled for a photoplay, including Herman Bing, Mischa Auer, Frank Jenks and Lucille Ball. Miss Pons plays the role of a French opera star, who jilts her manager at the altar and pursues a handsome American saxophonist to America by stowing away in his cabin. Her troubles as a fugitive from the immigration authorities are manifold, and they increase when two of the members of the orchestra, Gene Raymond and Jack Oakie, fall in love with her. Interspersed in the kaleidoscopic picture, with a French grape festival, an ocean liner, an American roadhouse and the Metropolitan Opera House as backdrops, is a pot pourri of melody climaxing in the rendition by Miss Pons of the- beautiful aria from “The Barber of Seville.” The prima donna also sings “Tarantella” and the “Blue Danube Waltz,” in addition to “Call to Arms,” “Seal It With a Kiss” and “My Nephew from Nice.”

“THREE SMART GIRLS”

Deanna Durbin Is Radio’s Sensational Songbird They smiled encouragingly when she stepped up to sing. “They” were the technical crew on the Universal picture “Three Smart Girls,” screening at the Plaza on Friday, Saturday and Monday—a picture every cinema fan in Stratford has been waiting for. The crew had seen more than one experienced prima donna falter in her first Him recording. The girl was 13 year old Deanna Durbin, noted radio soprano, making her screen debut. Instead of suffering from camera fright, which the technicians expected, Deanna sang easily, as if she were just practising. Deanna, an American girl, was born in Winnipeg, Canada, December 4, 1922. When she was a year old, her parents took her to California. Vocal experts marvel that so young a girl should have such a finely developed voice. Deanna portrays the youngest Bister of the “Three Smart Girls.” Possessing a lyric soprano voice that electrifies all who hear it, little Miss Durbin makes her movie debut in one of the gayest comedy dramas ever to come out of Hollywood. “Three Smart Girls” deals with the madcap adventures of three lovely daughters of a New York millionaire who join in a conspiracy to break up their father’s romance with a fortune hunting beauty. Just to make the film even more Interesting, there is a triple romance woven Into the narrative. The dialogue is brightly amusing, the situations get funnier by the minute and the songs will steal your heart away. The ravishing Binnie Barnes portrays the huntress of fortunes; Alice Brady is seen as her scheming mother Ray Milland helps the “Three Smart Girls” prevent the marriage and wins the heart of one of the sisters, played by Barbara Read. Charles Winninger is the millionaire. Deanna Durbin is •the youngest daughter. The other one is portrayed by Nan Grey, who is whirled into a romance with John King. You will be enchanted by the music, thrilled by the romance and convulsed by the humour of “Three Smart Girls.” It is advisable to book early for this film.