PAUL ROBESON SINGING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22194, 10 September 1937, Page 18

PAUL ROBESON SINGING

Anton Walbrook as he appears in “Michael Strogoff,’’ which ii coming to the State.

Negro Star Has Chief Role in “Big Fella”

Paul Robeson, one of the world’s greatest and most glorious singers, returns to the screen to thrill audiences in an original, dramatic film with music,,“ Big Fella,” which is coming to the Civic. The film presents him in a role unlike anything he has ever done, combining powerful drama and human characterisation with a number of stirring musical numbers, written especially for Robeson by the well-known composer, Eric Anscll. Elisabeth Welch comes once again to the screen as feminine lead. The story suits Paul Robeson admirably, and it has nothing conventional in darkie themes introduced. It is dramatic, it has action, it has human interest and yet it is fundamentally simple: most of all, it has music. Robeson sings six songs in this film. These range from the lighter number in which he captures such lightness of touch, to the serious songs which characterise his dramatic powers. “Big Fella” presents Paul Robeson as Joe, a dockside worker in Marseilles, who is called in to help trace a young boy who has mysteriously vanished from a vessel in port, It is suspected that the youth has been kidnapped, but police l officials are unable to do anything. Joe eventually discovers the lad, who threatens to say that Joe kidnapped him if he is taken back to the ship. The lad. a mischievous 11-year old, has read too many adventure stories and wants excitement. Joe realises that it wouldn’t do for officials to think he had kidnapped the child, and so. with the help of Manda, a cafe singer, he looks after

him, only to have the child really kidnapped by a wharf loiterer who wants the reward. The story builds up to an effective climax, leaving the audience with the impression of having seen a thoroughly enjoyable, human film, filled with haunting melody and acted by an entirely capable cast. Honours, of course, go to Robeson in all departments—acting, singing, emotion, and personality. Following close in his footsteps for honours is his delightful feminine lead. Elisabeth Welch. She appeared with Robeson in "Song of Freedom,” and their scenes together in "Big Fella” show individual sympathy and ability. She also sings in the style that has made her one of London’s leading musical stars. The part of the runaway lad is performed by a new discovery, Eldon Grant. He has plenty of natural charm and ability and almost steals every scene he appears in. Others in the east are Roy Emerton. James Hayter, Mareelle Rogcz, Joyce Kennedy, and Eric Cowley. Paul Robeson’s stirring voice is heard to the very best advantage in “Big Fella.” He sings several outstanding numbers, and others are sung by Elizabeth Welch. Tin; songs are: - "Lazin'.” sung by Paul Robeson; “I Got a Robe,” sung by Paul Robeson; "One Kiss,” sung by Elisabeth Welch; “Roll Up Sailorman," sung by Paul Robeson; “Ma Curly Headed Baby," sung by Paid Robeson; “Harlem in My Heart," sung by Elisabeth Welch; "River Steals Ma Folks from Me," sung by Paul Robeson: "You Didn’t Oughta Do Such Things," sung by Paul Robeson; “Ache in My Heart,” sung by Elisabeth Welch.