AMUSEMENTS

Opotiki News, Volume III, Issue 323, 18 October 1940, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

“SONG OF THE PLAINS” Lusty outdoor drama of the pioneer west, “Song of the Fla,ns,” which opens Saturday at the Regent Theatre, presents Nelson Eddy in his most virile characterisation to date, surrounding him with a cast of veterans who, despite their formidable reputations, are hard put to it to match the sterling work of the singing star. In his singing, his acting and his climatic fist-fight with Victor McLaglcn, Eddy sets a new high standard for himself, the role of the young Harvard law graduate of the 1860’s, who. must resort to trickery to win a battle against unscrupulous railroad interests being not only made to measure for his talents but offering him a scope hitherto untouched.

Picturesque in selling, stirring in its patriotic motive, authentic in detail and thrilling in song, ‘‘Song of the Plains”'ol'fers other memorable portraits by Lionel Barnymore as the pioneer farmer who is Eddy's father, by Virginia Bruce as Eddy’s childhood sweetheart, by Edward Arnold as the thoroughly melodramatic villain of a Wall Street railroad tycoon, and by Victor MeLaglen as the Irish railroad foreman with whom Eddy battles in a climatic sequence. That slugging match in the mountain cavern should add to Eddy’s fans by the score.

Add line comedy from Charles Butterworth as the saloon pianist, and other convincing character studies of the period from Guy Kibbee, 11. B. Warner and Raymond Walburn. Veritably a feast of talent. Under the excellent direction of Jack Conway, the songs of the picture are introduced as an integral part, of the plot action, with Eddy heard in a wide variety of selections, among them “Dusty Road,” “When Irish Eves Are. Smiling,” “Pat, Sez He”, “Where Else But Here”, “Home, Sweet Home,” “Song of the Plains” and “Love’s Serenade.” From, the viewpoint of story, acting and direction' “Song of the Plains” stands hcad-over-heels above anything of its kind seen on the screen here in recent months. It spells entertainment from its first picturesque opening shot to its thrillsplattered climax.