ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 144, 17 June 1944, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES OPERA HOUSE. At Walt Disney’s insistence, nothing in "Victory Through Air Power’’ can be classified as fantasy. Realism is the keynote, and all animation sequences, whether air raids, naval battles, or illustrations of strategic points, are based upon factual information supplied by the author and a large research staff. Filmed for entertainment purposes, the picture is informative as well, and is kept well within the bounds of plausibility. Its purpose is smply to illustrate the ar theories and views of Major Alexander P. de Seversky, who wrote the book and also plays in the live-action sequences of the film. This latest Disney combination live-action and animated feature runs full length and screens at the Opera House today. Also on the same bill is a musical Walt Disney feature, "Saludos Amigos.” MAJESTIC THEATRE. That thrillingly magnificent screen classic, "Phantom at the Opera,” screens at the Majestic Theatre today in conjunction with "Londontown’s” Queen of Song competition. Filmed in Technielour, the production has astonishing pictorial qualites; but the drama, the music and the performances of its players must be called matchless. The note of terror and hot suspense which accompanies every scene, is completely fascinating. Co-stars Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster and Claude Hains give distinguished portrayals. Eddy, as the Paris Opera star who loves the ambitious young vocalist, has the most colourful role of his career. Miss Foster, appearing I as the singer, wins new laurels. Rains is the “Phantom.” His sinister portrayal of the musical composer who mystifies and terrorises the personnel and patrons of the Paris Opera, is one of the screen’s all-time acting classics. RIXiENT THEATRE. Among the attractions awaited with keen anticipation locally in Republic’s large budgeted Roy Rogers western “Idaho,” which screens at the Regent. Theatre to-day. Inspired by the Hit Parade song "Idaho,” the film is said to embrace all the elements ol colour and romance which made the song famous. Teamed with Roy Rogers in the comedy lead is the inimitable Smiley Burnette, remembered fondly by local western fans as Gene Autry’s comic pal “Frog Millhouse." Virginia Grey has the feminine lead, and Ona Munson portrays a femme "heavy." Henry Stephenson has the starring role in the associate feature, “The Man Trap." DUCHESS THEATRE. It takes all kinds of women to love all kinds of men! Haunting loveliness. gallant loyalty, understanding heart! Smouldering eyes, crushing lips, clinging arms! Two women, each with her own weapons to inspire or destroy five men! No quarterasked! And no quarter is given in “Adam Had Four Sons," screening at Ihe Duchess Theatre.