AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 1 May 1942, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House Now Showing: “Little Nellie Kelly,” starring Judy Garland and George Murphy. “LITTLE NELLIE KELLY” For entertainment that leaves a catch in the throat and a laugh in your heart, '‘Little Nellie Kelly," presenting Judy Garland in her first solo starring role, is now at the Opera House. The ffimisation of the smash Broadway stage hit is a merry medley of songs and comedy, scrappy Irish folk in their feuds and friendships, the romance of an Irish colleen on the sidewalks of New York, blended with a few moments of poignant heart interest. Judy shows a new facet in her manysided talents in the role, first of the young Irish girl who marries anu journeys to the promised land of America—later as the joyous charmer of the Bowery, a characterisation that easily takes its place as one ox her greatest performances. She proves without the shadow of a doubt that she is capable of purely dramatic roles. In addition, , she displays a new style in singing such ballads as "It’s a Great Day for the Irish,” and the lilting folk song, “Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow.” For the lovers of more modern tunes is the ever popular “Singin’ in the Rain.” The supporting cast is headed by George Murphy, who als 0 appears in a role new to him, one in which he neither sings nor dances. Murphy proves excellent in this type of characterisation. Charles Winninger, seen as the elderly Irish grandfather, gets one of his best opportunities in months and makes the most of it. Douglas McPhail, youthful baritone remembered for his work in "Babes in Arms,” essays the juvenile lead with sincerity and feeling.

ON THE STAGE.

SPECIAL ADDED ATTRACTION

Patrons to the Opera House tonight; also to-morrow. ((.Saturday), matinee and night and Monday have a special treat in store for them, when The Irish-American Troupe (pupils of Miss Monica Sinnott) will be seen in a song and dance number entitled "It's a Great Day for the Irish,” a song taken from the picture, “Little Nellie Kelly,” with Miss Ella Cawley (the local, Judy Garland) as the soloist. This added attraction is being presented- as an introduction to the main picture.

Regent Theatre

Now Showing: The Marx Bros, in “THE BIG STORE.” Those madcap Marx Brothers, Groucho, Chico and Harpo, are loose again. This time they’re private detectives running wild in a department store, setting for most ol Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “The Big Store.” The Marxes, who can boast a record untouched in Hollywood, thus are celebrating their eleventh year of screen stardom. What other comedy team has remained on top for so long ? “The' Big Store” is a musical riot of fun, with no less than five song numbers interspersed with the usual Marxion hilarity. Tony Martin, playing the romantic lead, sings two songs, including the spectacular “Tenement Symphony.” During this number Harpo and Chico are seen at their favourite instruments —the harp and piano, and a 48-piece band of youngsters combines with a twenty-four-boy choir to lend accompaniment. If you think previous Marx pictures reiached a maximum of fun, wait until you see what Groucho, Chico and Harpo do with 46 youngsters of all nationalities in a room full of the strangest folding beds ever concocted. And if you survive that, see what happens when the Marxes don roller skates to te'lude the killer in the goofiest chase sequence ever filmed. Adding to the entertainment of “The Big Store” are beautiful Virginia Grey, as the romantic lead opposite .Tony Martin, mid such tried and true stars as Douglass Dumbrille, Marion Martin and Henry Annetta. Make sure you see “The Big Store.” COMMUNIST PARTY DANCE. The Communist Party grand long night dance to-night (Fri.), pro-

mises to be a bright turn out. The best swing orchestra, a saveloy supper, along with novelty dances, will give dancers a good time and should not be missed.