"RIO RITA."

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 33, 8 February 1930, Page 18

"RIO RITA."

TWO THEATRES SCREENING, What English and American.critics describe as a talking picture triumph more brilliant by far than the triumphant, musical comedy on which it -was founded, "Rio Rita," the first special' attraction from the new Radio Pictures Company, will commence its Auckland season next. Friday, running simultaneously at the Strand and Regent Theatres. From all accounts it is a colossal production, .embracing many spectacular features that could never be within the scope of the stage, with tuneful music and riotous comedy added for good measure. Many of the scenes are filmed in colour. "Rio Rita" was a most popular attraction when it was produced at St. James' Theatre by the Fuller management last year, but on the screen it has been produced on a far greater scale. The leading roles are taken by Miss Bebe Daniels, star of many brilliant comedies in the days of silent films, and Mr. John Boles, who appeared in several pictures before the screen found its voice and allowed him to make use of valuable experience gained as a leading man in Broadway musical comedy. They have a large share in the triumph of the film. The work of Miss Daniels is said to be a revelation; she sings several of the fine songs in the production, and critics have said .that her voice would be a credit to any stage singer. Moreover, elaborate guarantees were given by the producers that Miss Daniels actually does all the singing and talking accredited to her in the picture. The film deals with Mexico, bandits, Texas Rangers and many other romantic people, with situations just as romantic. It tells of the captain of a Texas Rangers, seeking a notorious criminal and finding him apparently in the person of, the brother of , the girl he loves. There is an arch-villain who lives in almost Oriental magnifioence on a large river barge, and a procrastinating lawyer and a bigamous bootlegger to add a generous ; leavening of comedy to adventure and romance. The episode when the two comedians find a bottle of the old, original fire-water and commence to sample its contents is described as one of the funniest things ever seen on the screen. . Perhaps one of the greatest tributes to the success of "Rio Rita" is that in Auckland, where competition is so keen at present, it is to be shown at two theatres simultaneously. Acting on reports of overseas triumphs the managements concerned have decided that it is too brilliant and too important a picture to be confined to one theatre.'