REGENT THEATRE, ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 September 1940, Page 4

REGENT THEATRE, ELTHAM.

GRACIE FIELDS TO-NIGHT. Hearty comedy, glorious singing of old favourites and new hits by Gracie Fields and a strong story combine to make "Shipyard Sally." which will open at the Regent Theatre, Eltham, to-night, the most satisfying entertainment the screen has offered in many a season. It is incomparably the best Gracie Fields picture to date. Clydeside, where the story opens, is seen as a period of prosperity closes and poverty and despair settle over the workers. Gracie Felds appears as Sally, a music hall artist who finds that to keep her errant father, the "Major," in order is becoming almost a full time job. The "Major" is played by Gracie's co-star, Sydney Howard. He buys a Clydeside "pub" with Gracie's savings and looks thirstily forward to drinking the profits. There are no profits, however, for the men can no longer alford to pay for their beer. Gracie proves a friend to the workers, dispensing beer and encouragement without hope of reward beyond their profound gratitude and friendship. A commission is appointed to go to London to report on the conditions at Clydebank and Sally is sent to London to plead for a resumption of work. In this film Gracie sings such glorious. favourites as "Danny Boy," "Annie Laurie," "Land of Hope and Glory" 'and a new hit tune, the modern number, "I've Got the Jitterbugs." A good comic tune, it's one of the highlights of the film.