ENTERTAINMENTS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3846, 16 December 1936, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. AGAIN TO-NIGHT. “LET’S SING AGAIN.” Although just eight years old, Bobby Breen, the young songster who makes his screen debut in “Let’s Sing Again,” at the Regent Theatre for a final screening to-night, is the possessor of a lyric tenor voice, a most unusual gift, according to Dr Mario Marafioti, renowned voice teacher of Grace Moore and other singing luminaries. “Bobby’s voice now has begun to change prematurely,” says Dr Marafioti. “Which explains why he does not sing soprano like others of his age. That he owns his lyric tenor voice is extraordinary. Enrico Caruso sang lyric tenor at the age of eight, when he first appeared professionally in churches and public resorts. Later the exigencies of his career compelled him to enter the field of dramatic tenors, but he still retained his peculiar voice at the height of his fame, in addition to covering the range of a basso, baritone and dramatic tenor. In “Let’s Sing Again,” which introduces Bobby Breen to screen audiences the young singer employs his lyric tenor voice to its capacity. In addition to singing the title song and “Lullaby,” Bobby’s voice is dramatically instrumental in reuniting him with his father, George Houston, in a heart-warming denouement. Henry Armetta, well-known Italian comedian, also has a featured role in this Sol Lesser Production released by R.K.O, Radio. THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. “ KELLY THE SECOND.” There is more than “a little bit of Erin” in seven of the eight principals of the cast of “Kelly the Second,” the Hal Roach-M.G.M. feature comedy which opens at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. As a matter of fact, the Emerald Isle can claim most of the progenitors of the actors in question as their own. It is perhaps needless to state that both of Patsy Kelly’s parents originated in Ireland. The. comedienne herself was born in the U.S.A., but she has a sister who first saw the light of day in County Mayo and who still resides there. Another member of the cast whose parents were one hundred per cent. Irish is Charley Chase. Pert Kelton’s mother, Edward Prophy’s grandparents on both sides and Guinn “Big Boy” William’s grandfather likewise made their debut in life in the land of the shamrocks. Both Harold Huber’s and Syd Saylor’s mothers are Irish. Mrs Saylor was bom on “St Patrick’s da” in the mornin.” The only principal member of the cast of “Kelly the Second” who is not certain whether he can truthfully boast of Celtic blood in his veins is Maxi Rosenbloom, former lightheavyweight boxing champion of the world, who, despite his Jewish parentage, believes there must be a trace of Irish somewhere among his ancestors from whom he inherited his fighting spirit. The picture presented by an Irish producer, Hal Roach, and was photographed by an Irish cameraman, Art Lloyd. EMPIRE THEATRE. NEXT WEEK-END. “SINISTER HOUSE ” Adapted from the very popular book, "The Green Shadow,” from the pen of James E. Grant, R.K.O. have produced "Sinister House,” a thrillcrammed story of romantic intrigues for screening at the local Empire Theatre next week-end. The story has in its stellar role Preston Foster as a fascinating detective who mixes trains with brawn, and romance with sinister business. The Empire Theatre management has secured some really fine supporting featurettes.