AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20568, 30 May 1941, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “STRIKE HP THE BAND”: BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT Mirth and melody reign at the Regent Theatre, where Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and a group of clever youngsters, many of them seen with the youthful stars in “Babes in Arms,” are regaling audiences with harmonies and comicalities. Mickey and Judy organise a high . school band in the story and that is when things begin to happen. Paul : Whiteman has announced a radio ccni test for high school bands. They set : out to raise funds for the trip to Chicago. They stage a travesty on old-time melodrama, with the buz? saw. heroine tied to the railroad tracks, and such ditties as "Heave , Will Protect a Working Girl." When Paul Whiteman appears in their town they borrow his orchestra’s instruments during an intermission and give him an audition ho never expected. They raise money for the trip, and then one of the youngsters becomes ill and must be flown to a great surgeon. They sacrifice the money for the trip to save him, but fate in the person of the town millionaire provides the train fare and they win the nrize in a grand musical climax embellished by their comical specialties. Mickey masters the drums and is irresistibly funny. He also does some appealing “straight” drama with Ann. Shoemaker, playing his mother. Judy sings the catchy “Our Love Affair” and “Nobody,” and burlesques such old-time numbers as “The Curse of an Aching Heart” ietchingly. .She rises to comedy heights in the melodrama number. June Ereisser, an amazing little dancer, also imitates. Anna Held singing “I Just Can’t MakeVly Eyes Behave.” Paul Whiteman not only conducts an orchestra, bul proves himself a very capable actor in his scenes with the youngsters. The broadcast climax featuring Gershwin’s “Strike Up the Band” and i musical medley including Mickey’: strenuous drum sold, brings .the .mirth 1 to a close in a blaze of harmony, flic fine associate programme includes a further edition 01" the popular Regent news service, together with an amazing story of an amazing figure. “More About Nostradamus.” MAJESTIC THEATRE “3 CHEERS FOR THE IRISH” AND “CONFESSION”

Warner Bros.’ "Three Cheers for the Irish,” now at the Majestic Theatre, is a warm-hearted, captivating story of .the ups and downs of a typical Irish-American family. Heading the cast are such performers as Priscilla Lane, Thomas Mitchell, Dennis Morgan and Alan Hale —all of whom trace their lineage back to old Erin. The picture meant more to Ihese people than just another assignment. Irish all, the crew were infected with the charm that effervesces from the story as Irish as Killarney. Just as Casey celebrates his twentyfifth year on the police force, he is replaced by a rookie fresh from police college, played by Dennis Morgan. The fact that Iris most beloved daughter, portrayed by Priscilla Lane, should fall for the whippersnapper is out of his ken. Priscilla and the other Casey girls, played by Virginia Grey and Irene Herye'y,' decided that “Pop” is going to run for office of alderman and before he realises it. Casey is enmeshed in politics. • Priscilla” elopes with her Scotsman, and when she has twins, Casey consoles himself with the possibility that one might be full-Irish. The associate feature, “Confession,” is a powerful emotional drama of mother love starring Kay Francis, Basil Rathbone and lan Hunter. Owing to the length of the programme the serial commences at 1.30 and 7.30 p.m.. and the matinee on Saturday at 1 p.m.

KING’S THEATRE ANNA NEAGLE IN “NO, NO. NANETTE” A sprightly and tuneful modern romance, adorned with songs, dances and hilarious complications, forms the basis of “No. No, Nanette.” Anna Neagle’s latest film vehicle, which opens to-d.ay at the King’s Theatre. Topping its predecessor, "Irene,” in gaiety and novelty, the. new offering deals with .a hectic' triangle of a pretty heiress, a successful rirtist and a prosperous theatrical producer. The girl is interested in both men, but no: for romantic reasons; she is using them for purposes of her own. Her uncle has become involved with some gold-diggers, ' and Nanette seeks to get him out of his difficulties. However, the two men fall in love with Nanette, which complicates matters, for she cannot explain the situation. Moreover, her aunt becomes suspicious of the goings-on, and events pile up until'the unique climax when everything is straightened out aboard a stratoliner. Featuring the tunes of the original Broadway success. “Tea For Two," "I Want To Be Happy,” and “No, No, Nanette,” the picture strikes a fresh note in screen entertainment. Included in the t'eaturettes is a special film of the Anzacs facing the Germans in the Middle East, ancl the A.R.P. Parade in Wellington, which included New Zealandmade Bren gun carriers and tanks.