REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1941, Page 8

REGENT THEATRE

"BUSMAN’S HONEYMOON.” The "Busman's Honeymoon" will be finally shown tonight, “SECOND CHORUS.” Hollywood has always been the birthplace of unexpected and unusual events, but seldom has it sprung a greater surprise than the exuberant swing-comedy, "Second Chorus,” which will be shown at the Regent Theatre tomorrow night. In the picture there is. gusty laughter and the tap-tap-tapping of jitterbug feet dancing vicariously with Fred Astaire and Paulette Goddard and keeping time with the music of Artie Shaw and his band. Surprise Number One is Paulette Goddard as Astaire's new dancing partner] This is the first time the brunette star dances on the screen, and it would be hard for anyone to say that she has not been doing it all her life as she nimbly goes through the gyrations of the "Dig It” with Fred Astaire. Astaire shows himself to be still the master dancer of the country, and a comedian whose warm and genial personality stir one’s admiration. About equally surprising is the complete metamorphosis of Burgess Meredith, who has turned from stark dramatic acting to comedy. Meredith as "Winterset” proves he is as adept at handling laughs as at heavy drama. Casting Miss Goddard and Meredith required boldness and shrewd judgment. The amusing story tells of the rivalry between Astaire and Meredith for the affections of Miss Goddard, whom they have inveigled into becoming the band’s manager. Catastrophe strikes when the boys, who have been doing the best in their studies year after year, learn they are to be graduated. The band is broken up and Paulette Goddard becomes manager of Artie Shaw’s band. She tries to get the boys jobs in the band, but they cross up each other’s chances with practical jokes. The boys then write a song called "Poor Mr Chisholm,” in honour of Charles Butterworth, in the role of a millionaire music-lover who is tone-deaf. The boys and Miss Goddard persuade him to finance an Artie Shaw concert, at which the number will be played. The supporting programme includes the latest March of Time, “Uncle Sam, the Non-Belligerent.” Reserves are at Nimmo’s and the theatre.