STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 January 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“‘SHIPYARD SALLY.” Gracie Fields has never given a more vital nor more amusing performance than she does in her latest film “Shipyard Sally,” which will be screened tonight at the State. Opening with the launching of the “Queen Mary” on the Clyde, moving powerfully on to depressed days, and progressing through comedy and pathos to a triumphant and inspiring ending, the story provides a perfect setting for the finest film yet made by one of the most popular stars the world has ever known. Gracie appears as Sally, a variety singer who is discouraged by the poor response of Glasgow audiences and embarrassed by the presence of her rascally but lovable father, the ‘Major,’ played by Sydney Howard. ‘The Major’ buys a Clydeside pub with Sally’s savings, just before the depression settles over the shipyards. By the time Sally has learned the running of the place, her customers have no money left. When the men learn that a commission has been appointed in London to report on the situation at Clydebank, they realise how important it is that the authorities should know of their desperate plight. A petition is signed and Gracie is persuaded to go to London to urge that the men be given work. In London, Sally still has 'The Major’ to keep under control as well as trying to see the elusive Lord Randall (Morton Selten), chairman of the commission. She must pose as an American blues singer to gain admittance to a party at his house; she must pose as a young man to gain admittance to his club; she must continue her impersonation of the singer so that she might visit his country mansion. Eventually, in spite of the •Major,’ her efforts succeed and the way is paved for an inspiring close to an entirely satisfying film. Greatest star of England’s entertainment world, Gracie shows in ‘Shipyard Sally” all the qualities that have made her beloved of millions throughout the world. She has never given so varied and spell-binding a performance. Among her songs in the film are: “Wish Me Luck,” ‘I Got the Jitterbugs,” “Grandfather’s Bagpipes,” “Annie Laurie,” ‘Danny Boy,” “In Pernambuco,” and “Land of Hope and Glory." The screen has rarely sqen anything so hilar- . ious as Gracie Fields’s male impersonation, nor anything so stirring as the finale, in which she sings “Land of Hope and Glory. The supporting cast, 1 headed by Oliver Wakefield, Morton Selten, Norma Varden and Tucker Me- 1 Guire, is of top calibre. There is an- ’ excellent selection of featurettes. 11