"THE JAZZ SINGER."

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19668, 11 July 1929, Page 7

"THE JAZZ SINGER."

THEATRE ROYAL'S SUCCESSFUL TALKIE.

App-auso in a picture theatre kse been an unheard of thing up till now, but with the innovation of the talkies it is becoming quite the order of the evening; and the large audience that waa present at the I rat screening of "The Jazz Singer" in the Theatre Royal was generous in its applause. Like "The Bellamy Trial," "The Jazz Singer" is only part talkie, only the more outstanding scenes being made audible. It is a. remarkable picture, and provide* a rich study in contrasts —a clashing cf ancient religious traditions and ultra modern ideas. Old Cantor Rubinowitz, the mainstay of the Synogogue, meant his eon Jakie to grow up and become the sixth Cantor in succession, but when he found his son singing jazE in a saloon his world came tumbling about his ears like a pack of cards Jakie, having an understanding mother, runs away from home and becomes a singer ef j&ee. And here A! Jolson assumes the role of the now grown-up Jakie, or Jack Robin as he callb himself, and we hear him make his first public appearance. It is in a crowded caie. and his singing captivates his audience, for there i 3 "a tear in his voice." Msry Dale (May McAvoy). a dancer, inspires bim until he is given a chance on Broadway. Then he learns that his father 18 critically ill, and all the traditions of his race surge up in his heart, as if impelling him to return to his father's synagogue to sing the songs of Israel, for it is the Day of Atonement, and there is no Canter. It is a dramatic climax, and well developed!. The Paths n<»ws reel is ft very fine production, and with the sound accompaniment is vivid and real.

"THE WOLF OF WALL STREET."

Speaking of the Sydney premiere of "The Wolf of Wall Street," which comes to the Theatre Royal for a week's season on Friday next, the "Telegraph" wrote: —"In the early days of the silent pictures there were 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, some strikingly successful films -have been made. One such is 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' which had its Sydney premiere at the Capitol Theatre, and which must certainly be accounted one of the finest dramatic productions that has been presented for years. It is the type of film that will live in the memory long after the last scene 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, as well as providing some of the best entertainment that has 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 George Bancroft in the name part has few flaws in it. His conversation is so true to life that one 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 little nctresses 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 cot to her disadvantage. Others in the cast include Paul Lnkas, Arthur Rankin. Brandon Hurst, Cranford Kent, and Paul Guertzman. A picture not to be missed is 'The Wolf of Wall Street'." Box plans open to-morrow.