PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 201, 26 August 1936, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

—■ - , •‘SONG AND DANCE MAN. - 1 ' I There have been five or sis really ‘ ' great backstage musicals macle since ' 1 1927—some of them had great stars, I some had outstanding song hits, but ' none of them have' had a story like ■ “Song and Dance Man,” the new Fox ; picture to screen to-day at the ; Plaza Theatre. When George M. ; Cohan wrote the story he took the • very heart of Broadway and put it r into a play. Now, the screen ver- ] sion enhanced with new songs, laughs ' and pathos is even more entertaining ■ than the stage play was years ago. j The story of "Song and Dance Man” : reveals the drama of the quiet self- < i sacrifice of a poor ham-and-egg song t 1 and dance man whose girls had a « I chance to make the big time if he ] stepped down and out. The girl, how- i j ever, refuses to take advantage of the j opportunity offered to her by ah wealthy playboy because of her loy- ■ t

j alty to the man who had taught her J all she knew. Paul Kelly has the j title role and is co-featured with | Claire Trevor.' The supporting cast, which is headed by Michael Whalen, includes Ruth Donnelly, James Burke and Leslie Matthews. "Peg of Old Drury.” i Spectacular scenes of 1740 London j are a feature of the British and Dominions historical film "Peg of Old ; Drury,” which will also be screened on | to-day’s programme at the Plaza | Theatre. These include an elaborate reconstruction of the Drury Lane Theatre in the 18th. century, in which ‘shots’ of Anna Neagle as Peg Wellington and Sir Cedric Hardwicke as David Garrick in excerpts from various Shakespearean plays were taken. Others who will be seen in these scenes are Margaretta Scott, who plays Kitty Clive, Peg’s hated stage rival; Jack Hawkins, who plays Peg’s | former lover, Michael; and Hay (Petrie, who has the role ••!' Mr. Rich, I the theatre manager.