THE FIRST FILM

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21706, 13 February 1936, Page 8

THE FIRST FILM

“THANKS A MILLION*’

An excellent choice ift Thanks a Million” has been made for the main attraction at the gala opening performance to-morrow evening. * This film, starring the popular Dick Powell, besides being rich in musical numbers, contains many _ comedy scenes which , are excellently acted. Indeed, the story is one of the freshest pieces of humour that have been shown for some time. A State election in America gives the opportunity for the action. A bibulous, stupid old fellow is the candidate, chosen in desperation by one party. His general and his habit of being drunk when he is to address electors make him_ the laughing stock of the people _and the weeping-stock of his party. It seems that the party must be defeated because of its candidate. But the manager of a touring entertainment show suggests that the election should he contested in a new way. The nudiences of the hopeless candidate should first be soothed by music and dancing. After that they .would be prepared to bear with any caxppaign speeches. ' , The scheme goes wrong, however. The candidate drinks only the .more, and even when he is sober, he is still met with disapproval. Soon it becomes evident that the people are no longer interested in election matters. They want music. So it occurs to ihe committee of the political party that they would prefer to give votes to a singer than to a politician. , . Dick Powell, who plays the part of a crooner, is persuaUeU to as the governor. Then the opposition, seeing the worth of music, hires Paul Whiteman’s band. After that is yet more scope for music and for comedy. ' The production of the film is excellent The story is never lost in spite of the abundance of songs. The exposure at the end of the perfidy, erf all politicians is most delightful, and the way their discomfiture is brought about is a fitting end to their schemings.