ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 25, 9 November 1940, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Lusty outdoor drama of the pioneer west, “Song of the Plains,” which opened at the matinee to-day presents Nelson lElddy in his most virile characterisation to date, surrounding him with a cast of veterans who, despite their formidable reputations, are hard put to it to match the sterling work of the singing star. In his singing, his acting and liis climactic fist-fight with Victor McLaglen, Eddy sets a new high standard for himself. Picturesque in setting, stirring in its patriotic motive, authentic in detail and thrilling in song, “Song of the Plains” offers other memorable portraits by Lionel Barrymore as the pioneer farmer who is Eiddy’s father, by Virginia Bruce as Eddy’s childhood sweetheart,' by Edward Arnold as the thoroughly melodramatic villain of a Wall Street railroad tycooh, and by Victor McLaglen as the Irish railroad foreman with whom Eddy battles in a climactic sequence. That slugging match in the mountain cavern should add to Eddy’s fans by the score. Add fine comedy Loin Charles Butterworth as the saloon pianist, and other convincing character studies of the period from Kuy Kibbee, H. B. Warner and Raymond Walburn. Veritably a feast of talent. Under the excellent direction of Jack Conway, thq songs of the picture are introduced as an integral part of the plot action, with Eiddy heard in a wide variety of selections, among them “Dusty Road,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,’’ “Pat, Sez He,” “Where Else But Here,” “Home, Sweet Home,” “Song of the Plains” and “Love’s Serenade.” From the viewpoint of story, acting and direction, “Song of the Plains” stands head-over-heels above anything of its kind seen on the screen here in recent monthc. It spells entertainment from its first picturesque opening shot to its thrill-splattered climax.