ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 1 May 1937, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS “THREE SMART GIRLS” HAS REFRESHING CHARACTERISTICS THE MAJESTIC. A tangible quality of freshness is evident in “Three Smart Girls” now in season at the Majestic and last night’s large audience enjoyed to the full the story which sets forth the hilarious adventures of three young girls intent on saving their father from a fortune hunting international beauty, who wants to marry him only for his wealth. There is a comedy of errors, based on mistaken identity, which adds to the fun provoking story. Just to make the film even more interesting, there is a triple romance woven into the narrative. The dialogue is brightly amusing, the situations get funnier by the minute and the songs will steal your heart away. The ravishing Binnie Barnes portrays the huntress of fortunes; Alice Brady is seen as her scheming mother. Ray Millard helps the “Three Smart Girls” prevent the marriage and wins the heart of one of the sisters, played by Barbara Read. Charles Winninger is the milionaire. Deanna Durbin is the youngest daughter. The other one is portrayed by Nan Grey, who is whirled into a romance with John King. Deanna Durbin has been loudly acclaimed, and largely justifies that acclaim. The director (Henry Koster) is to be commended for allowing the natural charm of manner and voice of this ingenue to express themselves freely and without artistic restraints. Miss Durbin has been given latitude in this respect, and the result justifies the faith of the director in the personable appeal of the young player. She has a very clean enunciation, and an exceptional voice for one so young (she is 14 years of age). Mischa Auer is prominently cast. “Three Smart Girls” is a picture you will tell your friends to see. It is excellent entertainment.

With the plans rapidly filling for the entire season patrons are advised to make early reservation.

MAGNIFICENT COLOUR FILM AT STATE: “DANCING PIRATE” Wide acclaim has been aroused by the brilliant terpsichorean ensembles in Pioneer Pictures’ new-colour romantic comedy “Dancing Pirate” now running at the State Theatre. The numbers were created and directed by Russell Lewis, a former internationally known concert dancer. “We strove for refreshing novelty,” declares Lewis, “something other than sparsely clad beauties marching up and down modernistic objects, something other than mere photographic effets. The plot of the production, laid in Spanish California, gave us our cue. The Spanish dances of those days were both thrilling and beautiful. It occurred to us that if we presented them in ensemble form we should achieve grace and motion. For this purpose we had to recruit forty talented dancing artists, most of whom are famous as solo and concert performers. The creations seen upon the screen are the result of eight weeks of rehearsals, months of research, and painstaking study of camera angles.” A gay, romantic and venturesome comedy, “Dancing Pirate,” is the tale of a Boston dancing master, who, shanghaied aboard a merchant-ship and later, captured by pirates, finds himself in Spanish California condemned to die as a buccaneer. His death postponed so that he may teach the Alcalde’s daughter to waltz, he wins his way by conquering marauding soldiers. Charles Collins has the title role, co-l'eatured with Frank Morgan, and Steflil Duna, Luis Alberni, Victor Varconi and Jack Laßue also have principal roles.

REGENT, NOW SHOWING, “GIRL OF THE OZARKS” AND “THREE CHEERS FOR LOVE” ENTERTAINING DOUBLE FEATURE ATTRACTION.

Tiic present attraction at tile Regent is another fine double feature programme and supports. “Girl of the Ozarks” is a lovable, laughable tale of the lives and tribulations of the settlers of the backwoods of America where the acquirement of a new dress or suit is something of importance. Virgina Weidler, seen in the stellar role, has made a very fine job of this her first starring role. She is seen as a little spitfire loaded with trouble for the town folks that try to tame her, but full of affection for those that love her and take her for What she is Worth. “Three Cheers for Love” is a brand new musical Comedy that moves at a fast tempo from first to final scene. The cast includes Eleanore Whitney, known as the World’s fastest tap dancer, Roscoe Karns Who Can always be relied on for a good laugh, Robert Cummings and the new French dancing sensation Louis Dapron. There are five new song numbers introduced in this film and also to be seen is the new dance number “The Swing Tap,” The shorts include a news reel and a screen song. Patrons are advised to book.