CIVIC THEATRE COMEDY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23037, 14 May 1938, Page 18

CIVIC THEATRE COMEDY

SHIRLEY TEMPLE FILM In "Rebecca of Sunnvbrook Farm," which is to continue its season at the Civic Theatre to-day, Shirley Temple has a part perfectly adapted to her versatility. Shirley Temple, playing the title role in the film is cast as a young singer, Rebecca YV instead, vho ha& impressed a radio sponsor, Anthony Kent. Kent (Randolph Scott) features her m his programme, but unfortunately Rebecca is discharged by Kent's interfering assistant. Smithers is given the task of searching for the young singer, who has in the meantime disappeared Rebecca is discovered at S'uinybrook I arm, but objections nrc raised by her aunt to proposals regarding a broadcast. However, Kent arranges a broadcast to tako place from the farm, which has been transformed into a studio. Complications ensue when Rebecca s stepfather sighs a contract for her with a rival sponsor, but the contract lapses when Rebecca pretends to lose her voice. Finally Kent adopts the child and the storv is brought to a happy conclusion. Throughout the film, there is a pleasing romantic interest between Kent and Rebecca's cousin (Gloria Stuart). Helen Westley gives nn excellent performance as Rebecca's dour aunt, while with such accomplished oomedians as Slim Summerville and Jack Haley, the film is not lacking in humour. Bill Robinson, the negro dancer, gives an outstanding display of tap-dancing, appearing in several enjoyable dances with Shirley Tempi*. This production, which comes from the studios of 20th Century-Fox, was directed bv Allan Dwan.