AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1942, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House Now Showing: “A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN,” Starring Gloria Jean. “A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN.” Gloria Jean’s personality, performance and amazing soprano voice comprised a major motion picture surprise when “The Under-Pup” reached the screen. Therefore it is no surprise that Gloria Jean gives another outstanding performance in Universal’s “A; Little Bit of Heaven” now showing at the Opera House. The twelve-year-old’s singing voice is remarkably displayed in five numbers, three of them popular songs. Musical climax is reached in the rinale, when, she sings “Dawn of Love” (“Eli Eli") with a choral and orchestral background. The number is one of the most Impressive ever accomplished by any singing star. Gloria’s other numbers include “A Little Bit of Heaven”, “After Ev’ry Rainstorm, ' “What Did We Learn at School?” and “High-school Cadets’’ from “The Under-Pup.” Story of the picture concerns Gloria’s family, of the “brownstone front” district. That family, as loveable and funny a clan as has ever been assembled, includes Hugh Herbert, C. Aubrey Smith, Nan Grey and Frank Jenks, Robert Stack and Stuaft Erwin are effective as a radio team that “discovers” Gloria and places her on the air. Stack also provides romantic interest for Miss Grey. Eugene Pallett is hilarious as a radio executive who first blocks Gloria’s radio plans, as are Billy Gil-' bert and Butch and Buddy, teamed successfully for the third time. They play an East Side safe proprietor and his mischievious kids. Tommy Bond, as Gloria’s boy friend, and Alex D’Arcy as a society playboy, are

also seen to advantage. Story height is reached when Gloria' realises that her success as a radio star has caused consternation in her once-happy family, and she decides to “do something abrjuc Chief surprise is furnished by eight ex-stars who portray Glorias many uniformed uncles, and all of whom score hits. Familiar to niillions of film fans, they include Charles Ray, Maurice Costello, Monte Blue, William Desmond, Pat O’Malley, Kenneth Harlan, iNoan Beery and Fred Kelsey. Regent Theatre Now Showing: Tyrone Power in “THE MARK OF ZORRO.” Through the night rides a masked adventurer . . . the jagged mark of his sword striking terror to every heart but one! In the most famous and colourful of all screen roles, the characterisation that brought Douglas Fairbank’s undying name, is also the perfect role for Tyrone Power, who brings to thrilling life the exploits of the celebrated bandit in his latest starring picture for 20th. Cen-tury-Fox, “The Mark of Zorro,” which opened yesterday at Regent Theatre. Boasting the most spectacular action and sword play the screen has seen in many a moon, Power’s role is crammed with hardriding, furious fighting, ardent romance and highlighted by an unforgettably realistic duel with Basil Rathbone. And according to all reports Power scores the greatest triumph of his career. Featured with Rathbone at the bead of the brilliant supporting cast is lovely Linda Darnell as the fairest senorita in Old California, who gives her to Zorro. Spectacularly filmed, “The Mark of Zorro” also features Gale Sondergaard, Eugene Pallette, J. Edward Bromberg., Montagu Love, I Janet Beecher, Robert Lowery and

Chris-Pin Martin. Also outstanding supporting programme, “Vyvyan Donners Fashion Forecast” in beautiful technicolour, photographed outdoor. “Vacation Time in Florida,” also in outstanding technicolour, showing the different sports and beautiful spots in Florida. A Technicolour Cartoon, This is one of the finest yet. Also Regent Latest Overseas News and a N.Z. Government Short entitled “Boots and All.”