STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 November 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“IRENE.” When a Manhattan mannequin ruins one of the modiste’s most expensive gowns just before a fashionable social function, dire consequences might ordinarily be expected. But the accident, as it happens in R.K.O. Radio’s sparkling romantic musical “Irene,” which will be shown at the State Theatre tonight, starts a train of exciting and hilarious events. “Irene” is as refreshing and enjoyable a show as has been presented. Anna Neagie, in the title role, plays the part of Irene O'Dare, the hot-tempered, independent young Irish girl who comes to Roslyn Manor, the palatial home of Mrs Robert Vincent, to see about the upholstery of the new furniture. While Irene is trying to work she is discovered by Don Marshall (Ray Milland), who is a guest of Bob Vincent, the son and heir to the Vincent fortune. Bob also arrives on the scene, and both young men become attracted by the pretty upholstress. Don, who has been more or less forced to take some shares in a new dressmaking establishment, “Madame Lucy’s,” determines to get something more than profits for his money and suggests that Irene might like to be a model. Irene applies for the job, but she dislikes the proprietorial manners of the manager- and departs in her usual flurry of temper. When Don hears the story he promptly sacks the manager and instals the head clerk, MiSmith (Roland Young), in his place. Smith, who has many bright ideas hidden away under a rather hen-pecked exterior, thinks up some great publicity schemes for “Madame Lucy.” The cast fairly bristles with well-known names. Among the featurettes will be a “March of Time.”