REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 October 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“SONG OF THE PLAINS.” Crowded houses at the Regent Theatre are provided with one of the most outstanding and entertaining pictures of the year when “Song of the Plains,” starring Nelson Eddy commenced a screening which will extend until Wednesday evening. Packed with stirring action and picturesque settings and enrichened with Nelson Eddy’s glorious renderings of “Love’s Serenade,” “Dusty Road,” “Home Sweet Home,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” and “Song of the Plains,” the picture was one to suit all tastes. The story was particularly interesting and held the close attention of the audience throughout. The acting of the veteran cast of old favourites tendered to steal the scenes at times but did not detract from the splendid portrayal of Nelson Eddy in his most vigorous role to date. Humour was provided by Charles Butterworth as a pianist in a saloon, who “begged to be knocked out at a dollar a time,” and H. B. Warner as a bombastic journalist. Guy Kibbee, Windy Hayes (of Hopalong Cassidy fame), Raymond Walburn and Virginia Bruce also gave a good account of themselves. Victor McLaglen as an Irish railroad foreman gave a magnificent portrayal as did Lionel Barrymore. The story was a stirring drama of the pioneer west and the advent of the Iron Horse. In the role of a Harvard lawyer of the 1860's Eddy returns to his old home to find a new order’ of things. Controlling force behind the railroad company,- Edward Arnold as a Wall Street, wolf governs the community, including the local court, the judge of which “legalises" the eviction, by burning out, of stubborn land-owners who will not sell out to the railroad company. When his own father is in danger of being burnt out Eddy resorts in stirring fashion to outwit the financier by trickery. The story, then develops into a smashing climax when Eddy fights and beats the Irish foreman in a magnificent fight in a mountain cave. The overthrow of the financier, who also loses Virginia Bruce, and the eventual winning out by Eddy makes screen entertainment of the highest possible degree. The first half, which included the latest newsreels, and a splendid M.G.M. technicolour, “Goldie Locks and the Three Bears,” and “Ice Antics,” a special preview of “Ice Follies,” was particularly good. The whole programme is one which can be thoroughly recommended.