REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 February 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“BIG CITY.” The stars of “The Good Earth" and “Captains Courageous,” respectively, are united in the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, “Big City,” which will be shown again tonight; at the Regent Theatre, with Luise Rainer and .Spencer Tracy costarred for the first time. The picture presents a cross-section of American metropolitan life, with Tracy as a New York taxi-cab driver who becomes involved in a wat between rival taxicab companies, and Miss Rainer as his immigrant wife whom he barely saves from deportation. The veteran character actor, Charley Grapewin, heads the supporting cast of “Big City” and other well-known names in prominent roles include Janet Beecher, Eddie Quillan, Victor Varconi, Oscar O’Shea, Helen Troy, William Demarest, John Arledge, Irving Bacon, Guinn Williams and Regis i Toomey. “HOLLYWOOD HOTEL.”

All the brilliance of Hollywood night life, its clubs, hotels, and the glamour of its stars, are brought to the screen in “Hollywood Hotel,” a spectacular musical film which will be shown at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday night and also at the matinee, with a cast of outstanding stars. Dick Powell, Rosemary Lane, Lola Edgar Kennedy, Hugh Herbert, Alan Mowbray. Ted Healy, and Glenda Farrell all have important roles, and Benny Goodman and his world-famous swing band have an important part. Ronnie Bowers (Powell), a saxophone player, secures a ten weeks’ contract in Hollywood, and he is given a great send-off from his small-town friends. He is thrown into “glamour circles” in an amazingly short time, but only because I of the temperamental nature of Hollywood’s leading lady (Lola Lane) who, after quarrelling with her agents, refuses to attend a preview of her own picture. Fortunately, a waitress (Rosemary Lane) is discovered, and with the aid of the make-up genius, she is transformed into the beautiful star who has left the city in a rage. Powell is invited to take the impersonator—under the impression that she is the star —to the preview, and it is after this that some hilarious incidents occur. Alan Mowbray, filled with his own importance, has a delightfully funny role, while Ted Healy, hopelessly inefficient manager of Powell, sets a new record in wisecracking. The waitress and Powell provide a suitable romantic interest, and both are heard in some exceptionally catchy numbers.