AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20547, 6 May 1941, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “GREAT WALTZ” (STRAUSS WALTZES) TO-NIGHT Romantic Vienna of the days of Franz Josef. the haunting waltzes of Johann Strauss, the poignant romance .if the life and loves of a great composer, blend with the pomp and pageantry of Europe's gayest court and the brilliancy of its people in 'The Great Waltz,” a drama of the life of the Waltz King, at the Regent Theatre to-night. "The Great Waltz? brings to the screen Luise Rainer, Fernand Gravel, and iVfiliza Korins, a :inging discovery from Vienna. Gravel plays the composer, Miss Rainer Roldi, his wife, and Miss Korjus the brilliant Carla Dormer, opera star of the ciay. The drama deals with Strauss' rise as n musician, his joining the revolution, his opera triumph. Iris idealistic love for- the singer to whom his devoted wife offers to surrender him, and the greatness of a woman who refuses the sacrifice. Spectacular epera, palace. court and casino sequences present authentic Strauss music, much of it adapted to songs for IVlis.s Korjus. Hundreds of people appear. A 90-piece symphony orchestra conducted by Dr, Arthur Guttman, first conductor of the Strauss Theatre in Vienna, modern versions of the music of Dmitri Tiomkin, romantic harmonics in the Vienna Woods, and presentation of an opera with lavish Albertina Raseh ballet are among the musical highlights. The revolution and Strauss’ composing of the Revolutionary March, his day of love with the prirna donna in the Vienna woods, his debut at Dommayer’s Casino, are among dramatic highlights. Spectacular settings and costumes add colour to the story. Much of the Vienna of the day was produced. One hears a huge orchestra, rousing choruses, soloists in "Blue Danube Waltz,” “Tales of Vienna Woods,” and many other Johann Strauss melodies. Julien Duvivier, French director of “The Golem” and “Pepe Le Moko," directed The cast includes Hugh Herbert, Lionel Atwill, Curt Bois, Leonid Kinsky, A 1 Shean, Minna Gombell, George Houston. Bert Roach, Greta Meyer, Herman Bing, Alma Kruger, Henry Hull. Sig Rumann and Christian Rub.

MAJESTIC THEATRE GANGSTER COMEDY, “BROTHER ORCHID,” AND “BEYOND TOMORROW” In the ganster comedy, "Brother Orchid,” Edward G. Robinson returns to the gangster characterisations of his screen beginnings and gives a convincing performance as the gang leader. Humphrey Bogart, likewise, has a gangster role, and Ann Sothern appears as a girl in the “Maisie” manner. The strong cast includes Ralph Bellamy and Allen Jenkins. The story introduces the gangster leader in the act of retiring to seek culture abroad, shows him swindled of his money by sharpers and returning some years later to resume leadership of his gang. Dethroned by his lieutenant, he seeks to recruit a new gang, and, shot for his labours, finds sanctuary in a monastery. Joining this voluntary order, he learns about brotherly love and service, but returns to the outside world on vengeance bent, when he learns of his sweetheart's engagement. In swift developments he achieves overthrow of his gangster enemy, then renounces romance and worldly interests to rejoin his cloistered brothers. In sup port of the main attraction is an unusual and heart-warming drama, “Beyond To-morrow,” starring Jean Parker, Charles Winninger, Richard Carlson, Helen Vinson and C, Aubrey Smith. The serial. ‘‘Women of the West,” commences at 7.30 p.m.

KING’S THEATRE “SWANEE RIVER” AND “I KILLED THE COUNT" Commencing to-day, the King’s Theatre presents “Swanee River,” 20th Century-Fox’s story of Stephen C. Foster, Ihe great American troubadour. Few there are who at some time have not hummed, sung or whistled “The Old Folks at Home” (Swanee River), “Old Black Joe,” “My Old Kentucky Home," “De Camptown Races,” “Jeanie with the Light Brown “Ring, Ring de Banjo"? In Technicolour, “Swanee River” takes moviegoers back to the romantic days of Foster’s time when minstrels and river boats were popular. It shows his happy young manhood, depicts his early struggles, the introduction of his songs by Christy’s Minstrels, his meeting with and marriage to “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair,” portrays his rapid rise to fame and happy life with his wife and daughter. Then, with relentless realism. "Swanee River” shows Foster’s emotional instability, his disillusions and disappointments, his gradual disintegration and eventual death in a shabby Bowery rooming house. The second feature. “1 Killed the Count,," is based on the successful stage play by Alec Coppel, and tells one of the most ingeniously contrived mystery stories the screen has seen. SPARKLING COMEDY REPERTORY’S “LUCKY DIP” Frank Vosper’s sparkling comedy. “Lucky Din" is to be presented by the Gisborne Repertory Society on race night, Monday. May 12, at the Opera House. The scene opens in the Lounge of the Mainwaring fiat in Mayfair, a luxurious room with distinctly modern decorations. The Mainwaring seniors are abroad and their charming daughter, Betty, and her fiance. Oliver Boulton. members of the younger social sol. have arranged a dinner oarty to entertain some of their friends. As the time for the dinner party draws near, it transpires that the invitation

cards have the wrong month printed on them. The young couple then hit upon the idea of telephoning subscribers picked out at random from tho telephone directory and inviting them to an impromptu dinner party. From this point onwards the play abounds in bright situations which promise a most enjoyable nights entertainment for patrons. A competent cast has been rehearsing under Miss Ellen Millar. The box plan is at. the "Mary Elizabeth," Peel street,