AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20427, 23 December 1931, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

—♦ THEATRE ROYAL. "THE CITY OF SONG." The preliminary announcements regarding the British talking picture, "The City of Song," thai there were many unusual features about it, and that it has set a new and higher standard, were borne out fully at the pre-vicw given yesterday in the Theatre Royal, where it is to head the new bill starting 011 Christmas night. It is indeed tTiflicult in a phrase to describe the romantic story, the beautiful settings, aiid the exquisite reproduction of the songs sung by Jan Kiepura, the Viennese operatic tenor. In each respect, "The City of Song" is comparable with nothing of its kind yet seen and heard in this City, and it is safe to predict that music-lovers will be delighted with it. Jan Kiepura has been ncclaimud in Kurope as "the new, handsome Caruso," and though there may exist differences of opinion as to whether the description" is perfectly just, there can be no doubt that he possesses a voice of bell-like sweetness and power, free from any suggestion of tremolo, yet capable of the expression of the deepest emotion. ■As the character in the story, Kiepura conveys the impression of youthful vitality and impulsiveness, and his acting convinces by its spontaneous naturalness. "The City of Song" is Betty Stockfleld's first film, and her experience on the stage undoubtedly has stood her in good stead. All her movements speak of grace, her speaking voico is sweet, and her charm is irresistible. She gives a consistent reading of the part of the rather flighty English lady who recognises the possibilities of the voico of tho Neapolitan guide and whose infatuation is part of the- love interest. Much of the humorous relief is supplied by Hugh Wakefield, who has a great reputation hk a comedian. His style is of the quiet rather than the boisterous order. An admirable sample of it is given in the scene with the Italian hotel clerk who speaks only his native language and indulges in long speeches in rpply !o the simplest questions. The settings call for special remark. A great deal of the action is in Naples and vicinity, and the actual sconery is reproduced and thus adds greatly to tho enjoyment of the dim.