"THE SINGING FOOL."

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19736, 28 September 1929, Page 8

"THE SINGING FOOL."

♦ TO RUN A THIRD WEEK. CRYSTAL PALACE. "The Singing Fool" will tie continued a third week at Crystal Palace Talkies. Its popularity has increased, and it has proved to be the best talking picture to be screened in the City since the introductoin of such films. In the leading role is Al Jolson, An.erica's greatest art.st of song and pantomime, and he is assisted by Davey Lee, as Sonny Boy, Betty Bronson, and Josephmo Dunn. The picture incorporates dancing and singing, and the talking sequences are always beautifully clear and without accent. There is a good, sound atorv attached to this elaborate background, so that the charge that it ia merely an empty spectacle cannot be brought against "The Singing Fool." Not since "Woman to Woman" was staged and screened has there been a more emotional and moving drama than that of the night club singer, his faithless wife, and his little boy. The tears that flow at "Madame X" and other famous dramas are as naught to the tender feeling aroused by Sonny Boy and bis father. And all this without being in the least bit maudlin. Always "The Singing Fool" is artistic, never over-acted, coherent, and restrained. The feature which remains longest in the memory is the personality and acting of Jolson. He has a good "show" voice, the old actor's undying conviction that the show must go on, a sure method of extracting the last ounce of drama from any situation. The result is that wherever "The Singing Fool" has been shown tens of thousands have crowded to see it. Something in the picture lifts it from being a sentimental story to the levels of great tragedy and great romance. The supporting sivVects are of a particularly high standard, especially the singing of "On With the Motley," from "Pagliacci," by Giovanni Martinelli. This is a superb number The New York Philharmonic Orchestra, under Henry Had'ey, play the overture to "Tannhauserr" in a robust, healthy manner, and a oomedy entitled "Grand Opera Burlesque" by the Howard Brothprs and the News of the World conclude an attractive and var'ed programme. Box plans are at Thi> Bristo' Piano Company, where seats may be reserved.