PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 139, 13 June 1936, Page 16

PLAZA THEATRE

( "CAPTAIN JANUARY." Shirley Temple sings and dances her happy way through the film “Captain ' January,” which commences this morn- . ing at the Plaza Theatre, in a manner 1 which will delight the large following she built up by her' earlier pictures. She once again proves that she is not a mere child marionette who dances to the tune called by some adult director. She is an actress in her own right. Seldom has she been better cast than as the little waif cast up by the sea to bring happiness to the life of a lonely 3 lighthousekeeper. Not only does her i part give her numerous opportunities to j display her talent as a dancer, but it { also enables her to be heard in several charming little songs. As her crusty guardian, Guy Kibbee, one of Hollywood’s most talented character actors, gives one of the most likeable per- ’ formances of his career. Much of the comedy comes from his by-play with • Slim Summerville, as an inspector of li -hthouses who is engaged in a perpetual friendly battle with Shirley’s old guardian. Another good portrayal is Sara Haden’s rendering of a sour old spinster who attempts to break up the happiness of the lighthousehome, while Buddy Ebson provides more of his clever dancing. The pic- < ture is well directed. Sentimentality ‘ has its place, but it is never allowed to overwhelm the plot, a fault which has marred too many pictures in which 1 child players have appeared. There is a strong supporting programme. Italy - makes a splendid background for a J coloured film, “Songs of the Mediter- »• ranean,” which combines music and beauty, and has been acclaimed the best < of the year. A Buster Keaton comedy, “Grand Slam Opera,’’ and a cartoon < are also included.