"THE JAZZ SINGER."

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19666, 9 July 1929, Page 16

"THE JAZZ SINGER."

THEATRE ROYAL'S SUCCESSFUL TALKIE. Applause in a picture theatre lists' been an unheard of.thing up till now, but witb the innovation of the talkiea it re becoming quite the order of the evening; and the large audience that was pTreßent at the first screening of "The Jazz Singer" in the Theatre Royal 'J3 8 . generous in its applause. Like "The Bellamy Trial," "The Jan Sin;er" is only part talkie, only the more outstanding Bcenes being made audible. It is a remarkable picture, provides a ricb study in contrasts—a clashing of ancient religious traditions and ultra modern ideas. Old Cantor Rubinowite, the mainstay of the Synogogue, meant his son Jakio to grow up and become tbe sixth Cantor in succession, but when be found bis eon singing jas? in a 6aloon hie world came tumbling about his ears like a pack of cards. Jakie, having an understanding motb?r, runs away from home and becomes a 6inger cf jazs. And here A! Jolson assumes the role of tbe now f*rown-up Jakie, or Jack Robin as be calls himself, and we hear biro make bis first public appearance. It is ia a crowded cafe, and his singing captivates hie audience, for there ia "a tear in his voice." Mary Dale (May McAvoy), a dancer, inspires bim until he ie given a chance on Broadw?v. Then he learns that his father is critically ill, and all the traditions of hie race eurge up':;i his heart, as if impelling him to return to his father's synagogue to sin? the son/js. of Israel, for. it is the Bay of Atonement, there is no Cantor. It is a dramatic chmar, and well developed. The Pathe news reel is a very fine i>roduction, and with tbe sound accompani-n-nt is vivid and real.

"THE WOLF OF WALL STREET." Speaking of the Sydney premiere of "The Wolf of Wall Street," which oomeß to the Theatre Royal for a week's season on Friday next, the "Telegraph" wrote:—"ln the early days of the silent pictures there •Hera some outstanding productions—pictures that would be spoken of a long time afterwards; and so to-day, when the 'talkies' are still in their infancy, somo strikingly successful films'have been made. One such is 'Tho Wolf of Wall Street,' which had its Sydney premiere at the Capitol Theatre, anil which must' 'certainly be' accounted one of tho finest, dramatic productions that has been presented for year?. 11 is tbe type of film, that will live in the memory lons after tho last has faded from the screen. It is an all-dialogue 'talkie' picture, and if anything further were needed to illustrate the possibilities of the great new invention of sound presentation on the screen, this production should serve the purpose. 3s well as providing some of the best entertainment, that ha 3 been seen in Sydney for a very considerable time. It is difficult indeed to find faults with this picture: it is an almost perfect photoplay. The acting of Georgo Bancroft, in,the name part has f«w flaws iu it. His conversation is so true to life thatone can also imagine one is witnessing a production on the stage. He gives a truly remarkable characterisation, relieved at times by delightful touches of whimsical humour, a portrayal that should long be remembered. As the unfaithful wife, Baclanova also gives a fine presentation: but one of the best littte actresses of the whole production is Nancy Carroll, who enacts the role of Gert (the maid). Her sweetheart strikes trouble through a foolish investment in one of the 'Wolf's' propositions, and she sets out to let the financial genius know what she thinks of him, and after all it is not to her disadvantage Others in the ca?t include Pan! Lnkas, Arthur Rankin. Brandon Hurst. Crauford Rent, and Paul Guertzmsn. A picture not to be missed is 'The Wolf of Wall Street'." Box plans open to-morrow.