Big Double-Feature At Plaza: Theatre

Northern Advocate, 30 December 1938, Page 2

Big Double-Feature At Plaza: Theatre

Amusements

A double feature of unusual Interest opened for a two-night season at the Plaza Theatre last night. Studded with stars from England’s stage, screen and radio firmament, “Variety Parade’’ Is a refreshing change from the average run of films of its type, and Butcher-Malcolm has made a good job of transferring a galaxy of entertaining turns to tho silver sheet.

The line-up includes Mrs Jack Hilton and her Boys; Sam Browne, wellknpwn light vocalist; Nat Gonella and his Georgians; Harry Tate; Teddy Brown Npni; G. S. Melvin and numerous others. Their programme covers light comedy, burlesque and snappy music and is guaranteed good fun. It is noticeable that in producing a variety show of this nature the English producers have not endeavoured to copy the American style, but have emerged with something that is entirely different and refreshingly English,

New Zealand's own Ronnie Sinclair (the Ra Hould of Hollywood), has an important role in ‘‘Boots and Saddles," the Republic production starring the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. The New Zealand boy actor appears as the Earl of Granville, youthful owner of the ranch Autry manages, and gives an excellent performance. Autry carries the burden of the production with his usual catchy songs, among which

“Boots and Saddles’' takes pride of place, and his nonchalant manner. The heroics arc not overdone, as a result of which the many thrilling moments are real and vivid, and the him races to an exciting climax in a horse-race over typical rough Western country. Judith Allen makes an appealing leading lady,