AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 5 January 1940, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House NOW SHOWING: “HONOLULU.*’ It is a perfectly safe bet to wager anyone you know that he can’t Keep his. feet out of motion through the showing of “Honolulu” at the Opera House to-day, and to-night, also tomorrow and Monday. The tap dancing by Eleanor Powell and the .music that accompanies it are both so likely that nothing less than a cigar store Indian or an Eskimo totem pole could resist the urge to beat rhythm. In addition to Miss Powell this new musical mirthpiece has the versatile Robert Young in an amusing dual role and the irrepressible George Burns and Grade Allen of screen and radio fame. A splendid supporting cast features Rita Johnson, Clarence Kolb and other notable talent. The picture’s outstanding song numbers are “Honolulu,” “The Leader Doesn’t Like Music,” and “This Night Will be my Souvenior,” with Andy lona’s Islanders, most famous of all Hawaiian native orchestras, lending authenticity to the musical background of the hula numbers. In addition to the musical comedy features there is a plausible story which deals with a screen star who wants a vacation to get away from fame At an “opentng night” he is told that the crowd has surrounded a man who resembles, him. demanding his autograph. This inspires the star to arrange an exchange of personalities with his double and the deal is on. On board ship bound for Honolulu, the Hollywood man meets a cabaret dancer and falls for her. Then, in Honolulu, he discovers that he has come into tire difficulties of his double, including a charge of embezzlement and a fiancee. The confusion is straightened out when the double is persuaded to come back to the island. Excellent featurettes include Metro News, Cinesound Review, a Fitzpatrick Traveitalk, a Robert Benchley short, an “Our Gang” comedv and a coloured cruise entitled “Costa Rica."

REGENT: Finally to-night—“GAR-DEN OF THE MOON" and “YODELLIN’ KID FROM PINE RANGE.” Commencing Saturday: “THE NEAREST THING TO HEAVEN.”

In keeping with its distinguished stars, sterling story and the production mounting, “The Nearest Thing to Heaven,” co-starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer, boasts a supporting cast of exceptionally talented players. Lee Bowman, fast rising young leading man, who scored as Douglas Fairbanks Jr.’s rival in “Having Wonderful Time,” is seen as ( Boyer’s rival for Miss Dunne’s af-| fections. Astrid Allwyn, blonde siren, plays the “other woman” in the romantic conflict. Bringing years of dramatic experience to their respective roles, Maria Ouspenskaya, noted for her work with the Russian Art Theatre, and Maurice Moscovich, famed for his “Shylock" in “The Merchant of Venice," also have prominent roles. The story of “The Nearest Thing to Heaven" revolves around the romance between a no-1 torious Continental playboy (Boyer) and a sophisticated lady of wealth (Miss Dunne), whose ultimate attainment of happiness comes only after much sacrifice. Leo McCarey directed and produced “The Nearest Thing to Heaven” for RKORadio.