OPERA HOUSE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 257, 31 October 1939, Page 9

OPERA HOUSE

"THE STOKY OF IRENE AND tTERNON CASTLE.” “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle,” screening at the Opera House, is a biographical film, refreshingly new in subject and treatment. In song and dance it tells the story oi the great international dance team of 1911-1916. It is more than a mere biography or a mere song and dance film—it contrives to bring back the atmosphere of those pre-war days. In the leading roles, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers have a picture eminently suited to their talents. Fred Astaire has perhaps a little less dancing than usual—there are no long routines which, in some cf his earlier pictures, tended to slow up the action, Perhaps the difference here is that the story is all-important, and that the dancing merely helps to create the character. Ginger Rogers proves her acting ability in a number of notable scenes, particularly one at close of the film when she receives the news of the death of her husband. The film will surprise many who regarded the Astaire-Rcgers combination as a dance team only. The supports. which include newsreels, a Silly symphony, and news films, are excellent.