EMPIRE THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25364, 23 October 1943, Page 7

EMPIRE THEATRE

MUSIC, SONG, AND DANCE

A combination of talent that provides entertainment of a high order is presented in Irving Berlin’s " Holiday Inn." Paramount’s musical dance and romance film that is allotted pride of place in the r.ew programme introduced at the Empire Theatre yesterday. Starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, “ Holiday Inn ’’ sparkles with 11 Irving Berlin hit tunes warbled by the inimitable Bing and danced to by the one and only Astaire, who is assisted by two new dancing partners, Marjorie Reynolds and Virginia Dale, both of whom Astaire claims are ” easy to dance with " (You’re Easy to Dance With ” is one of the 11 songs in the picture). The songs were written to fit the nation’s favourite holidays, which are an integral part of the story. Bing, who has converted his Connecticut farmhouse into an inn open only on holidays, entertains patrons with a floor show appropriate to each occasion. Some of the holidays celebrated are the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, and some of the songs which Mr Berlin wrote especially for the picture are “ White Christmas," “ Be Careful, It’s My Heart," “Abraham,” and “ Song of Freedom.” A couple of old Berlin favourites are also included—" Lazy ” and " Easter Parade.” For the Fourth of July celebration Astaire does a firecracker dance, claimed to be the fastest, most exciting routine that he has ever originated. With its many songs and dances, “ Holiday Inn ” also combines entertaining comedy-romance. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.