“PLAYMATES”

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3208, 23 December 1942, Page 5

“PLAYMATES”

a peasant cut chiffon blouse with voluminous sleeves and a turn-over collar. Red is the colour chosen for the belt.

Specially designed for dinner in Vienna —but it might be worn any where-—is the lovely simplicity of the blue and white striped chiffon with tight bodice and low neckline.

GAY, TUNEFUL COMEDY PROGRAMME AT REGENT “FEDERAL BULLETS” ALSO High-brow Shakespearean actor ties in with low-brow band leader. This is the situation around which has been written the hilarious plot of RKO Radio’s melody-filled comedy “Playmates” with John Barry mere and Kay Kyser, playing themselves, in ‘the leading roles. “Playmates” will show at the Regent Theatre on Thursday only. Unable to get publicity for their respective clients, Kay Kyser and John Barrymore, two press-agents hit on the idea of tieing the two together in a story that Kyser will study Shakespeare under the tutelage of the noted Shakespearean player, Barrymore. Both object strongly to the idea, but Kay is talked into agreement by his press agent, while John must accept, because only through the tie-up can he land a much-needed radio contract. The latter is determined, however, that he will never appear on the same stage as the band leader. How the great tragedian’s ingenious schemes to disable the earnest baton-leader are brought to naught, and how the latter on discovering the plot is able to turn the tables on the actor provides the basis for the many laughs in the. hilarity-scored plot. Two romances add spice to the story of “playmates.” One between Kay Kyser and his lovely vocalist Ginny Simms, and the other between John Barrymore and his tempestuous, bullfighting fiancee, Lupe Velez. The latter romance provides many laughs in the film, as the fiery Lupe fights to keep the roving eye of her wayward fiance turned towards herself. . 'Kay Kyser’s band is featured in five new song hits specially written for the film. Ginny Simms and Harry Babbit look after the vocalising, and funny man Ish Kabbible enlivens proceedings with his inimitable brand of humour. These and other members of the popular dance band will 'be recognised by those who saw the previous Kay Kyser films. May Robson again plays the role of Kay Kyser’s advice-giving grandmother from Rocky Mount, North Carolina and provides good comedy support for the two principals. The two crack-brained press agents "are played by (Patsy Kelly and Peter Lind Hayes. “ Federal Bullets,” starring Milburn Stone, Zeffie Tilbury, Terry Walker, William Harrigan. and Helen MacKellar will also show at the Regent' Theatre on Thursday. FINALLY TO-NIGHT “THE GREAT LIE” “ The Great Lie” will show finally to-night at the Regent Theatre.

CHRISTMAS DAY

ILONA MASSEY IN “NEW WINE”

Although the period of Gloria Productions’ "New Wine,” which will he screened at the Regent Theatre on Christmas Day is 1820, the time of Franz Schubert’s happiest days in Vienna, the. costumes designed by Rene Hubert for Ilona Massey are surprisingly modern. The period was that of simplicity, yet smartness of line, contrasted with the straight Directoire and First Empire periods. Particularly noteworthy is a morning outfit worn by Miss Massey. The almost-tailored shirt-waist is of cream chiffon, and has a double horizontal shirring which extends across the extremely full sleeves. A turn-over collar sports a brown chiffon bow. The voluminous brown silk jskirt ’ has high waist and a leather belt. When Ilona goes to the reception given by the Countess (Binnie Barnes) she has a most fascinating frock. It is of white crepe with a tight bodice, a high waist and a. flowing skirt which sweeps the floor. This sounds simple enough, but the adornment is adorable. The off-the-shoulders bodice is trimmed with both embroidered and glass cherries, and the elbow-length puff sleeves again have the cherry motif and are tied with cherry-col-oured ribbons. Happily combining the period style with the modern is a riding habit. This flaunts a burnt orange bolero, embroidered in black and white, with a rather high collar and frogs of black and white. A black leather belt tops a tan skirt, which is split for riding astride and shows a pair of smart tan riding boots. The blouse is of sheer - linen with long puff sleeves. Of tan suede is the Designed for morning wear is a frock in blue wool. The full skirt has two narrow bands of red and is worn with a little vest, also with red bands,, (Continued in previous column}