"SHOW BOAT."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 181, 2 August 1929, Page 3

"SHOW BOAT."

SUCCESSFUL MIDNIGHT MATINEE

With one of the most intensely human stories ever transmitted to the screen, supported by the latest in voice and sound effects, and produced with a technique and attention to detail seldom paralleled, "Show Boat," a super production of the film world was introduced at Auckland last evening at 11 o'clock and constituted what fairly can be recorded as the first midnight premiere held in New Zealand. The large circle of the Strand Theatre was comfortably filled with an audience, which, in addition to being intrigued by the unusual hour, was enraptured with the quality and quantity of an entertainment that pleasantly ran the gamut of emotions for fully two hours. The picture, whilst unfolding a charming romance notable for its strength and refinement, recalls the paddlejboat days of last century on the Mississippi River. The settings are magnificent. Opening with a prologue of csenes and music from the Florenz Ziegfeld stage production, song hits such as "Hey Fellow," Miss Helen Morgan in "Bill," and'the wonderful baaso, Jules Bledsoe, in "01' Man River," with coon choruses, the audience is transported to heights of appreciation before the film theme 6tarts. Then comes that remarkable drama of the troupe which lives on the quaint but attractive river boat, the Cotton Palace, the only avenue by which rivertown dwellers share in the reality of the theatre. Faithfully depicted is the kind of excitement and welcome accorded the show boat. Its owners are the genial and inoffensive Captain Andy Hawks (Otis Harlan) and his austere and repulsive wife, Parthenia Ann (Emily Fitzroy), whose daughter, in spite of repression, realises her ambition to become an actress. Magnolia (for short Nola) is the part taken with great distinction by Miss Laura La Plante. A veritable Beau Brummel of his time, suitably named Gaylord Ravenal, joins up with the troupe. He and Nola fall in love. With all his gaiety and dash, Ravenal is a victim of the gambling habit, and the weakness contributes to his subsequent undoing. . Life becomes almost a tragedy for both, but the death of Nola's mother paves the way for their reunion in 'later days. The chief male role is in the hands of Joseph Schildkraut, whose acting is brilliant throughout. Outstanding is his portrayal of drunkenness after squandering his wife's money and returning to her at their poorer quarters. It is a situation conveying a mixture of comedy and pathos. The work of Miss La Plante and Mr. Schildkraut together is sustained to the highest level throughout. The latter also has a fine speaking voice, and his partner sings effectively. It would spoil the unique pleasure of "Show Boat," which is pictcrially perfect, to disclose too much detail of this picture rarity. The musical accompaniment throughout—a series of familiar weaving melodies—enhances the enjoyment. At an interval last evening the management provided an appetising supper. After the show Auckland's entire fleet of taxis was in attendance to transport patrons to their homes.