OCTAGON THEATRE

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

OCTAGON THEATRE

MUSIC AND ROMANCE Betty Grable, Victor Mature, and Jack Oakie have a happy, carefree time on a South Sea island in 20th Century-Fox’s technicolor musical hit, “ Song of the Islands,” which began a season at the Octagon Theatre yesterday. With the rotund Jack Oakie handling the comedy, assisted by Thomas Mitchell and George Barbier, the film takes patrons to a small outpost of the Pacific, where Mitchell and his daughter, Betty Grable, are striving to keep the island unspoiled from the encroachment's of civilisation. Tycoon George Barbier sends his son, played by Vic Mature, to the island to take care of the cattle ranch which he owns. Under the spell of the tropical moon and in a setting of breath-taking beauty, Betty and Vic fall in love to the strains of a number of “catchy” song hits, written by Mack Gordon and Harry Owens for the picture. These include " Down on Ami, Ami, Oni, Oni Isle,” “ O’Brien Has Gone Hawaiian,” “ Sing Me a Song of the Islands," “ Maluna, Malolo, Mawaena,” “ Blue Shadows and While Gardenias," and “ What’s Buzzin’ Cousin? ” Also featured in the cast are Billy Gilbert and Hilo Hattie in some clever comedy characterisations. Hilo Hattie is out to get her man—and her man is Oakie! With the assistance of Gilbert she nearly gets him—much to the amusement of all. The box plans are at the theatre and at Begg’s.