OPERA HOUSE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 285, 4 December 1940, Page 7

OPERA HOUSE

"IRENE." A comedy of errors contrived by Dan Cupid by slyly juggling four hearts, is the romantic basis of RKO-Radio’s gay and tuneful offering, "Irene," co-starring Anna Neagle and Ray Milland, which is the current attraction at the Opera House. The lovely British star is cast as a little Irish shop girl who becomes a dress model, and then almost overnight emerges as the toast of New York society because of the gorgeous gowns she wears in public as a publicity stunt for her flrm. Her wealthy employer, Ray Milland, falls in love with her while guiding her sensational career, but doesn’t reveal his feelings. But his best friend, Alan Marshal, becomes engaged to the beautiful model out of sympathy when she Is exposed as a fraud. Many of the original melodies such as "Alice Blue Gown” and “Castle of Dreams” are included, along with a new musical number. "Charley’s (Big-Hearted) Aunt” “Charley’s Aunt” has become big hearted, which means that new richness comes of an old and greatly favoured dispenser of humour. The stage favourite for close on fifty years has been modernised, and the new creation, “Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt,” commencing on Friday at the Opera House, not only retains the strength of the old appeal but also has a strong touch of freshness and humour. As an antodite to worries in these times, the Gaumont-British Dominions production is highly accentable. Arthur Askey's impersonation of the “aunt” is masterly. An added attraction is "London Can Take It,” showing scenes of the bombing raids on London.