"THE JAZZ SINGER."

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19665, 8 July 1929, Page 6

"THE JAZZ SINGER."

THEATRE ROYAL'S SUCCESSFUL TALKIE. Applause in, a picture theatre has been an unheard oi thing up till now, but with the innovation of tho talkies it is becoming quite the order oi the evening; and the large audience that was present at the first screening of "The Jan Singer" ii) the Theatre Koval was generous in its applause. Like "Tho Bellamy Trial," The Jazz Singer" is only part talkie, only the more outstanding scenes being made audibla. It ia a remarkable picture, and provides a rich study in contrasts—a clashing cf ancient religious traditions and ultra modern ideas. Old Cantor Bubinowitz, tie mainstav of the Svnogogue, meant his pod Jaxie to "grow up and become the sixth Cantor m succession, but when he found his eon singing jazz in a saloon his world came tumbling about hU ears tike a pack of cards. Jakie, having an understanding mother, runs away from home and becomes a einger cf jazz. And here Al Joison assumes the role 6f the now grown-up Jakie, or Jack Robin as he ealife himself, and we hear him make his first public appearance. It is in a crowded cafe, and his singing captivates his audience, for there is "a tear in his voice." Mary Dale (Hay McAvoy). a dancer, inspires biro until he is given a chance on Broadway. Then ha learns that his father is critically ill. and all the traditions of his race surge up in his heart, as if impelling hira to return to his father's synagogue to sing the songs of Israel, for it is the Day of Atonement, and there is no Cantor. It is a dramatic climax, and well developed. The Path* news reel i« a very fine production, and with the sound accotnpanimsnt 13 vivid and real. "THE WOLF OF WALL STREET."

The rough and tumble stoker of "The Docks of ftew York" is now known as "The Wolf of Wall Street." polished stock manipulator of the New York £>tock Exchange—maker and breaker of the market! tfeorge Bancroft is the Wall street financier in his latest Paramount production, which opens at the Theatre Royal for one week on Friday next under the direction of Williamson Films (New Zealand), Ltd. Bancroft has one of the best roles of his entire career in thiß new picture. Ho, by natural force and dynamic power, give* his latest characterisation a treatment that hold 3 one in complete suspense throughout the running of the film. Bancroft alone could essay such a role. The story is an original one prepared for the star by Doris Anderson, Paramount writer, Rowland V. I/ee, who recently directed Gary Cooper and Fay Wray in "The First Kiss," directed the Btar in his latest picture. Leo is noted for his knowledge of dramatic Talues. Nancy Carroll and Arthur Rankin have the ingenue and juvenile leads respectively, with Bac'anova and Paul Lukas supporting Bancroft in the more dramatic moments. "The Wolf of Wall Street" is the first absolutely all dialogue feature, in which every work is spoken, to be presented in Christchurch. The box plans open on Wednesday at The Bristol. '