ST. JAMES THEATRE

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

ST. JAMES THEATRE

MUSIC AND ROMANCE Picture-goers who are ever on the alert for something novel in musical entertainment are well catered for in the Universal production “ When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” which was shown at the St. James Theatre yesterday. The unusual and refreshingly new feature ■of this Universal production is the first screen appearance of Phil Spitalny and his all-girl orchestra and choral group. Thi» talented and famous group of entertainers presents a variety of novel specialties in addition to providing accompaniment and rhythmic background for the action of the picture’s story. Prominent in an all-star cast is Gloria Jean, who, in addition to solo numbers, is heard to great advantage with Allan Jones in the hit tune “ You and the Night and the Music." Jane Frazee and Jones have the romantic leads, and are ably supported by such well-known artists as Donald O’Connor, Peggy Ryan,/ and the Four Step Brothers. The "story is told of a soldier who returns home on furlough and finds himself the object of all sorts of attention. Seeking seclusion, he is mistakenly believed to be a deserter. This error provides the dramatic impetus which speeds the plot along a surprising musical path to a grand and happy finale. The first half comprises a number of specially-selected featurettes. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C., and Jacobs’s.