AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 24 August 1945, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House Now Showing: "Gentleman Jim,” starring Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith. “GENTLEMAN JIM” Translated into ring jargon, “Gentleman Jim” is a knock-out. Packing all the excitement of the 1880’s and the colour of the Gay Nineties, the current Warner Bros, picture now showing at the Opera House, is an action account of the life of James J. Corbett, who somehow typifies the period in which he became heavyl weight champion of the world. Especially worthy of mention is the thrilling climax of the picture in which Corbett wins the crown from John L. Sullivan in the New' Orleans bout which has become a classic in the annals of sports history. The story of “Gentleman Jim’ opens in the San Francisco of the 1880’s, where boxing matches were banned by law', but heartily approved —and attended—by the people. James J. Corbett (Err.pl Flynn) ambitious San Francisco bank clerk, and Walter Lowrie (Jack Carson), his friend were two of the ring’s staunchest supporters. Through Vickie Ware (Alexis Smith), Corbett crashes the exclusive Olympia Club, and here engages in his first boxing match, an exhibition bout put on by the club, in which he knocks out a former English champion. At the dance following the fight, the boastful Corbett and slightly intoxicated Lowrie are .ejected from the club. The next morning finds them in Salt Lake City, with Corbett under contract as a professional fighter. A series of spectacular victories over leading fighters of the time allows Corbett to challenge John L. Sullivan, and in the famed September 7, 1892, bout he wins the heavyweightcrown.

Regent Theatre Now Showing: “Lady in the Dark.” Photographed in technicolour, and starring Ginger Rogers, Ray Milland, Warner Baxter and Jon Hall, Paramount’s “Lady in the Dark,” is now showing at the Regent Theatre. The film tells the unusual story of a woman’s repressions and their effect on her life. Ginger is seen in the role of Liza Elliott, successful editor of a high class fashion magazine. Liza find.s herself slipping in her work and unhappy in her personal life. The psycho-analyst whom she is induced to visit, reaches into' her past and into her dreams for an explanation of her mental turmoil and comes up with some very interesting revelations. Liza’s, dreams are interpreted on the screen in a breath-takingly beautiful and ingenious wav. How they land her finally in the arms of Ray Milland whom she thought she detested, instead of married to Warner Baxter or Jon Hall make an exciting and colourful story. Colourful dream sequences, the circus number in which Ginger sings “The Saga of Jenny,” the wedding scene, are highlights in the picture which sparkles with music, gaiety, dancing and romance. Altogether “Lady in the Dark” is perfect film entertainment and one of the most spectacular and' lavish musical productions to come out of Hollywood.