AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 10 June 1943, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House Finally To-night: “Shepherd of the Ozarks” & “Two Latins frbm Manhattan”.’; Next Attraction, commencing to-morrow (Friday): “Laugh it Off” & “Madame Spy.” “LAUGH IT OFF.” Unmistakably patterned for wartime popular entertainment, “Laugh it Off” with Tommy Trinder (comedy star of "Sailors 3”) supported by Jean Colin, Peter Gawsborne, W. Patch, Sidney Burchell (Australian baritone), and Geraldo's famous dance orchestra, commences at the Opera House to-morrow (Friday); The story opens with Tommy and Sally stars of a Blackpool concert party, who with other members of the company find themselves jobless on the outbreak of w.ar. Tommy reports for military duty, where his adventures with wartime train service, his rough handling of a tough fellow who turns out to be the ser-geant-major and riotous introduction to the mysteries of army life bring howls of laughter. When the sergeant falls down on preparing a concert, Tommy gets the old concert party together, which goes with .a bang. The troops are entertained, the Colonel can look the General in the eye, the sergeant sees his Waterloo, concluding in a grand patriotic scoectacle which 'features marching songs, and old favourites with Tommy inveigling the audience to join in. “MADAME SPY” Constance Bennett, whose, screen career has been high-lighted with brilliant dramatic success, is said to have one of her most spectacular roles in “Madame Spy”, commencing at the Opera House to-morrow (Friday). The picture is described as a distinct innovation in topical espionage adventure movies. Miss Bennett portrays a young bride, deeply in love with her husband, who is unable to disclose to him that she is a Federal agent rounding up a nest of spies. Porter, hex’ husband, is a famous newspaper man, .and when his own investigation of the spies puts him on the trail of his bride, the complications ensue rapidly. Regent Theatre Finally To-night: “The Big Blockade.” Commencing Friday: “Crossroads,” starring William Powell — Hedy Lamarr.. A combination of swift-moving action and powerful, believable drama, plus one of the vear’s most powerfulcasts headed by William Powell and Hedy Lamarr —the screen’s most polished gentleman, the screen’s most glamorous lady—are together for the first time in Metro-Goldwyn Mayer’s story of blackmail and intrigue. The stellar cast includes Basil Rathbone. Claire Trevor, Felix Bressart, H. B. Warner, Philip Merivale, Margaret Wycherly, Guy Bates Post, James Rennie and Vladimir Sokoloff. The picture combines all the elements of suspense, intrigue, romance and thrills, and gives abundant opportunity for Powell and L«rnarr to display their individual talents. Excitement and romance parallel one another, with Powell in the dramatic role of a man who finds himself struggling .against malevolent odds to maintain the life he has built for him. As a French diplomat, Powell is catapulted into a life of intrigue when Rathbone accuses him of once being a notorious underworld character. With the help of his accomplice, Claire Trevor, Rathbone baffles Powell to such .an extent that he doesn’t know which is his true identity. Director. Conway maintains this heightened suspense until the last moment, and not until the final scene is the audience aware of the true situation. The excellent associate programme includes one of the most remarkable shorts ever to come to this country and should be seen by everyone. Its title is indicative, “Mr Blabbermouth.”