STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 July 1939, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

A GRACIE FIELDS TRIUMPH. Gracie Fields is undoubtedly a great singer, and a great actress. She has taken the place of Mary Pickford on the screen as the “World's Sweetheart” and she has earned that title. She exceeded her former great presentations in an. outstanding picture, “Keep Smiling,” which was shown to a large audience at the State Theatre last night. “Our Gracie” captivated the audience with her singing, acting and humour. Never before has she been better served musically or risen to such heights of brilliance. Her singing was of such a high standard that the audience were thrilled with it and were soon swaying to the lilt of some of the songs. Her numbers are widely varied, from “The Holy City,” which she sings in a village church, to “Mrs Binns’ Twins,” which she sings at a performance given by the “Keep Smiling” troupe in a riverside showboat. Other numbers sung by the star include a haunting melody, ’’Peace of Mind,” especially composed for her by Gerald Paul, a young London barrister; “May Morning,” “Swing Your Way to Happiness,” “You’ve Got to be Smart in the Army Nowadays” and “Giddy Up.” The feast of music is supported by a brilliant cast all of whom provide excellent performances —lovely Mary Maguire (the Australian), brought from Hollywood to play the part of Avis, the troupe's soubrette; Roger Livesey, London stage star, who appears as Gracie’s devoted admirer and at last, husband; Jack Donohue, tap-dancing star, who plays the role of Denis, conceited partner of Avis; the screen’s most lovable dog star, “Skippy” as the dog who causes a lot of happiness and almost as much trouble; Peter Coke, rising young star of the West End stage, who plays romantic lead opposite Mary Maguire, and peppery Edward Rigby, remembered as Robert Taylor’s scout in "A Yank at Oxford,” who appears as Gracie’s grandfather. “Keep Smiling” is the story of a touring vaudeville troupe, led by Gracie Fields, their guide, philosopher and very true friend. She leads them in revolt against a crooked manager, takes them to her grandfather's farm where their open-air rehearsals startle even the cows, and eventually lands them in the top spot among seaside carnival shows. Gracie Fields presides over a great feast of fun which should not be missed by the picture patron.