Amusements

Northern Advocate, 1 August 1938, Page 7

Amusements

Records Broken At Plaza Entertainment without peer came to Whangarei on Saturday, when Deanna Durbin’s latest film. ‘‘Mad, About Music." broke all records at the Plaza Theatre. Although the weather was bad, patrons were turned away at both afternoon and evening sessions. Deanna Durbin's first picture, “Three Smart Girls,” was a surprise, bringing to .the screen a fresh, sparkling and lovable little star; ‘TOO Men and a Girl” was a revelation of the tremendous singing abilities of this amazing 15-year-old youngster, but “Mad About Music” is an astonishing display of both acting and singing ability. With a new departure in both theme and structure, the new Durbin film excels either of its predecessors in entertainment value. Although almost entirely comedy-drama; the story lends itself to several highly emotional passages, bringing a succession of tears and smiles which lends the film its greatest appeal. Deanna appears as a fatherless girl attending a private school in Switzerland. Her mother is an American screen star, whose manager has convinced her that her career would be ruined were the public to find.. out that she was a mother; hence the mother cannot write to the daughter, and the daughter cannot admit who her mother is.

Feeling her position keenly, the child, to make herself equal with her fellow-pupils, and even to go one better, has invented a fictitious hunterexplorer father from whom she receives letters, written by herself. When finally forced to produce a father, she does so by adopting the first likely-looking male who happens along. Tliis is Herbert Marshall in the role of a rest-seeking English composer, and so the complications follow thick, fast and hilariously, Deanna’s singing is a notable feature of the film, and Saturday’s audiences were captivated early in the showing by the theme song, I Love to Whistle,” sung to the accompaniment of schoolgirls cycling down leafy lanes in scenes of indescribable beauty. The same number is also featured by Gappy Barra’s Harmonica Swing Band. Other highlights are Deanna’s renditions of Gounod’s “Ave Maria,” to the accompaniment of the Viennese Boys’ Choir; “Chapel Bells,” and “Serenade to the Stars.” ■ “Mad About Music” screens again tomorrow, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Regent’s Big Double Bill The audience which assembled at the Regent on Saturday night was given a double programme of high calibre. Two star pictures were screened, and as they were of distinctly different types the menu was acceptable to all tastes. The favourite musical play, “The Lilac Domino/’ was a rare delight. The production, the plot of which is laid in that delectable land, the generic term for which is Euritania, is picturesque to the last degree. Not only are the leading characters clothed in the brilliant garb affected by the officers of the kingdom, while the ladies are fascinating to behold, but the whole of the surroundings are of a type which charms the beholder. Add to this a dashing, carefree atmosphere in which peasants and nobles alike j dance and sing and make love and in- j dulge In all manner of lighthearted good humour, and there is provided all the ingredients required for a delightful play. Apart from the picturesque aspect of the production, “Lilac Domino” is redolent with haunting ! musical numbers, and as the leading j man and leading lady are renowned vocalists, especially Michael Bartlett, a very high standard of musical excellence is achieved. The “Lilac Domion” was one of the most popular of the many musical plays which delighted audiences throughout the world, and when it is said that the film production far outdoes any stage production so far as sumptuousness of dressing and staging are concerned, it will be readily understood that the audience on Saturday evening enjoyed a rare treat. The other star picture was “Tall Timber.” which is a typically Australian drama. Apart from the strength of the plot, which is of a striking character, the working out of the play 1 gives a very good insight; into the timber industry of Australia, especially in regard to the felling and milling of trees. One of the highlights of an absorbingly interesting production is a demonstration of the mass method by which a number of forestgiants are brought low in lightninglike fashion. Australian actors and actresses are seen in very convincing roles, and the bounds of melodrama are not invaded despite temptations. A fine supporting programme makes up an offering which should not be j missed tin’s evening. j | Eggs Are | Cheaper j The Auckland Egg Marketing Committee announces that wholesale egg prices have been reduced by 2d dozen. Current rates ai’c: —Hen. first grade, 1 1/84 a dozen; B grade, 1/71. Duck, first grade, l/8£; B grade, 1/7-1. Country storekeepers’ minimum buyingprices for first grade eggs are; Hen. ' 1/3J a dozen; duck, l/3£.