AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 22 June 1944, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House

Finally To-night; “So’s Your Uncle” and “Fighting Frontier.” Next ■Attraction (commences Friday): “Harrigan's Kid” and “Corregidor. 1

A new juvenile star is introduced in M.G.M.’s dramatic and moving tale of the turf, “Harrigan’s Kid,” commencing at the Opera House to-mor-row (Friday) He is Bobby Readick, sensation of the Broadway stage, who plays the title role in this original screen story. The story deals with the career of a young jockey, played by Readick. He is taught the tricks of rding by a formei’ star jockey, played by William Gargan. But Gargan is. not only teaching the cocky youngster to ride. He teaches him all the ways and means of throwing races so that he and his unscrupulous partner, J. Carrol Naish, will reap the profits of crooked bookmaking. But the “grand old man of the turf,” Frank Craven, meets the youngster and sees through his tough exterior. He buys his contract and takes the youngster under his wing, teaching him the ideals of fair plav and good sportsmanship, until finally the jockey rides a good, clean race to win the first place in the turf classic. Readick handles the difficult role with sympathy and understanding. William Gargan is first-rate as the “fallen” jockey who finally redeems himself in a stirring climax.

A great love story of the war that will no doubt take its place beside the immortal “Mrs Minniver,” as a beautiful poignant drama of human sacrifice and heroism in the f.ace of disaster. This powerfully emotional drama is “Corregidor,” commencing at the Opera House to-morrow (Friday).

It is in fact the story of the sacrifice of two American officers in love with’the same woman—two friends who stand ready to give their lives so that she might be saved for the other. Elissa Landi, that, glamorous star, gives a superb performance of the woman married to one surgeon and in love with another. Otto Kruger is the husband. Donald Woods is the old sweetheart whom she again meets at Corregidor—and they realise that their love has flamed anew. So does the husband, who philosophically offers to step aside that they might be happy together. But both wife and frienn refuse. And so, durinp- the last bitter days of hopeless fighting on “The Rock”, they pursue their humanitarian work, all being surgeons, till in the final hours Kruger is killed in the field dressing station, and the other man watches as the bomber evacuates the woman he loves to Australia .and safety, as he remains behind.

Regent Theatre

Finally To-night: “The Navy Comes Through.” Commencinq Friday: “Presenting Lily Mars,'” starring Judy Garland and Van Heflin.

Lilting melodies minglb with comedy and a haunting love story in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s special 20th anniversary production. “Presenting Lilv Mars.” starring Judy Garland and Van Heflin, commencing at the Regent Theatre on Friday. This is a romance of the modern theatre and tells what happens when a young singer sets out to attain stardom. Judy is the young singer. She tries to “crash her wav to the attention of a famous producer, Van Heflin, manages make his Prima Donna, Martha Eggerth insanely jealous, and am comical complications and a ouc - inv love story the embryo stai achieves success musically and mantically. Richard Carlson s cast as a harassed young plavwi _ghL Fay Bainter ana Spring two are effective as mothers of tl e t principles. Bob Crosby and his band add musical moments of j°y fuJ n tertainment. Catchy num bers highlight the action and m and “When I Look at You.