REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 December 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

‘•THE GREAT WALTZ.” A. dramatic, romantic story of JoI liana Strauss, the voice of Vienna—i “The Great Waltz,” will be shown at the j Regent Theatre tonight. Luise Rainer, | Fernand Gravet, and Miliza Korjus, ; Viennese opera stars, are united. Not | only the physical Vienna of the period. I but also its spirit is caught in the story of the Waltz King’s life and loves. Strauss’s waltzes and operatic airs are presented in spectacle sequences in the Imperial Opera, the Dommayer Casino, at a ball, and in the court of Emperor Franz Josef. Thrills arc provided by the revolution in the days of Metternich. The story deals with the composer from the time he loses his position as a bank clerk and turns to music, to his final honours in the Emperor's court. His marriage to the sweetheart of his youth, and his subsequent infatuation for a brilliant opera star who sends him back to his faithful wife form the plot. Gravet. French star, plays Strauss, appearing throughout the story as a young man till the final scenes, where he appears during old age, the Strauss best known to the world. Luise Rainer is appeal- ■ ing and powerfully dramatic as Poldi, his wife. Mme. Korjus, credited with one of the greatest voices in the world, has a fine flair for comedy, is beautiful, and makes Carla Donner, the singer, a glamorous' figure. Outstanding featurettes include the latest Air Mail News, with views of the war in the Far East and R.A.F. attacks, an “Our Gang” comedy, a Metro Miniature and an excellent cartoon. The plans are at the shop of Messrs Steele and Bull and the theatre.