REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 October 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

■THERE’S THAT WOMAN AGAIN.”

The final screening of Columbia’s bright comedy, “There’s Always a Woman,” featuring Melvyn Douglas and Virginia Bruce' takes place this evening. The associate feature, "The Strange Case of Dr. Meade,” is a truly appealing story featuring Jack Holt. “SONG OF THE PLAINS.” Lusty outdoor drama of the pioneer west, “Song of the Plains,” which opens tomorrow at the Regent Theatre, presents Nelson Eddy in his most virile characterisation to date, surrounding him with a cast of veterans who, despite their formidable reputations, are hard put to it to match the sterling work of the singing star. In his singing, his acting and his climateric fistfight with Victor McLaglen, Eddy sets a new high standard for himself, the role of the young Harvard law graduate of the 1860’s who must resort to trickery to win a battle against unscrupulous railroad interests being not only made to measure for his talents but offering him a scope hitherto untouched. Picturesque in setting, stirring in its patriotic motive, authentic in detail and thrilling in song, “Song of the Plains” offers other memorable portraits by Lionel Barrymore as the pioneer farmer who is Eddy’s father, by Virginia Bruce as Eddy’s childhood sweetheart, by Edward Arnold as the thoroughly melodramatic villain of a Wall Street railroad tycoon, and by Victor McLaglen as the Irish railroad foreman with whom Eddy battles in a stirring sequence. To this must be added fine comedy from Charles Butterworth as the saloon pianist, and other convincing character studies of the period from Guy - Kibbee, H. B. Warner and Raymond Walburn. Veritably a feast of talent. The songs of the picture are introduced as an integral part of the plot action, with Eddy heard in a wide variety of selections, among them “Dusty Road,” "When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “Pat, Sez He,” “Where Else But Here,” “Home, Sweet Home,” “Song of the Plains” and “Love’s Serenade.” From the viewpoint of story and acting, “Song of the Plains” spells entertainment from its first picturesque opening shot to its thrill-splattered climax. A really exceptional array of featurettes include the latest Air Mail News, Cinesound gazette, “Goldie Locks and the Three Bears,” probably the finest all-colour cartoons of the year, and “Ice Antics,” a special preview of “Ice Follies.” The plans are at Nimmo’s and the theatre and early reservations are earnestly' advised.