AN IRISH COLLEEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 108, 8 May 1936, Page 10

AN IRISH COLLEEN

“PADDY O’DAY’’ AT PLAZA. JAN E WIT H E ItS B R ILLI A NT. By her brilliant performance in “Paddy O'Day.” which commences a season at the Plaza Theatre tomorrow, Jane Withers proves once again that she has every claim to be regarded in the first flight of juvenile actors. The picture gives her full opportunity to show her versatility, and in no respect was she found wanting. Her singing is charming, she dances with the skill and grace of a first-class adult performer, and into her acting she instills unusual vigour. And as she takes the part of an Irish colleen, there is always a twinkle of merriment in her eye. Jane Withers has the support of a good cast also, Rita Cansino shows herself as an actress, possessed of an attractive personality, who can dance and sing exceptionally well. Pinky Tomlin is an able comedian with a tuneful ear and an ability to place heart and soul into everything he undertakes, whether it is collectingstuffed birds or running Bohemian night clubs. The conventional, but nevertheless amusing, part of a butler is take by Russell Simpson, while Vera Lewis and Louise Carter, as maiden aunts of the inevitable vinegar type, are delightful. Altogether, “Paddy O’Day” provides really good entertainment, in which there is much to laugh at, and a little of a more sombre tone. Perhaps the most outstanding features are the singing and dancing numbers that take place on the stage of a lavish cabaret. The story relates how Paddy O’Day, on a trip from Ireland to America, is befriended by her many fellow passengers, among whom is Tamara Petrovich, played by Miss Cansino. They part at Ellis Island, for Paddy is to be sent home again, be cause her mother, whom she has come to join, has died. The child, however, is simply told her mother is ill, and she therefore decides to run away and find her. After many adventures Paddy finds herself in the home of the eccentric Roy Ford, played by Tomlin. She is given shelter here, and later is discovered by Tamara. It is Paddy’s influence that creates a romance between Tamara and Ford, and which gets them all involved in a night club scheme evolved by Tamara’s cousin, Mischa. The film finds its climax in the happy culmination of the romance and the finding of a permanent home for the little girl. Laura. La Plante (Mrs. Irving Asher) has given birth to a daughter. ♦ • ♦ • “The Great Ziegfeld” is now finished—and runs for four hours. MetroGold wyn-Mayi r are undecided whether to cut it or snow if as it stands.