ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 110, 11 May 1935, Page 7

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

A new and beautiful story told in a way that is both convincing and satisfying is "The Life of Jenny Lind," now showing at the St. James Theatre. The plot concerns the great singer at the height of her career, and her love for the young composer Paul Brandt. ' As "the Swedish Nightingale" Grace Moore has, a part even more suited to her talents than that in

"One Night of Love," which introduced this new and delightful star to .Welling*' I ton audiences. Her voice is heard in several beautiful numbers, including "Casta Diva" (from "Norma"), "It is Destiny," "Barcarolle," "Oh Why," and "Lovely Hour." The tragic figure of Brandt is splendidly played by that - old favourite Reginald Denny. This is a particularly fine "piece of character work, as with his blindness Brandt's whole character undergoes I a change. When he first meets Jenny Lind he is an aggressive,, temperamental perI sonality, but his affliction brings on a tenderness and sympathy which is well portrayed. The third star of the cast is Wallace Beery, who makes a comparatively brief appearance, but a very couvincing one, as the great Barnum, under whose management the great singer reaches the height of her fame. He has in Ms train his whole retinue of freaks, whom he presents to Jenny Lind as his own "pnma donnas." As Olaf,' Brandt's friend and partner in the hard days which follow the oncoming oT*his blindness, Gus Shy makes a singularly pathetic and heroic figure. The parts of the: singer's retainers Josephine and Broughm, are played well by Jobyna Howland arid Gilbert Emery. Another -well-known face in the cast is that of Karl Dane, the well-known comic star of the silent days, who acts the part of an enthusiastic Swede at one of Jenny Lind's concerts. Melody and finely-balanc-ed acting make this picture one that should be seen. -It is certain .that, as a successor to "One Night of Love," it will enjoy increased popularity.: The supports, which include a special newsreel, an interesting musical feature, "Romantic Argentine,' and a very entertaining comedy, "Done in Oil," featuring Thelma Todd and Patsy Kelly, are of the usual St. James excellence. .