GETTING TO THE TOP.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 102, 27 October 1938, Page 21

GETTING TO THE TOP.

The American singer, Kenny Baker, who has hitherto been seen and heard only in lighthearted musicales, has the opportunity of his life in the role of Nanki-Poo in the British films production of "The Mikado," in which the dainty blonde English girl, Jean Colin also makes screen history as Yum-Yum. Miss Colin was the choice of Victor Schertzinger, who gave Grace Moore her great' chance in "One Night of Love." When he heard- Jean's rendition of the difficult "The Sun and I" excerpt as a test for the role, he complimented her singing and gave her the part without further ado. Miss Colin was starred some six years ago in a film with Bobby Howes, "Lord Babs," and has appeared in other films. When the film industry languished in England, she went back to the stage but in the film version of "The Mikado" definitely makes her claims for screen stardom. Mr. Baker is a tall rangy American with a tenor voice that is the delight of radio listeners. He has sung in a.number of American versions of Gilbert anl Sullivan; was educated in California, is married and has two children. In "The Mikado" he really looks the part of the Prince who fell in love with a schoolgirl.