A BRILLIANT TALKIE

Evening Star, Issue 20364, 21 December 1929, Page 13

A BRILLIANT TALKIE

• RAINBOW HAN * A HUGE SUCCESS

Tlie wide scope of entertainment that the talkies are able to offer has been illustrated over and over again during the last few months by the introduction of theatrical presentations of remarkable diversity. Before the talkies were developed to' their present state of perfection the pictorial world was undoubtedly dominated by the stars of 'that world. The great actors, actresses, and entertainers of the legitimate stage ruled the theatres. The two spheres were quite distinct. • The adoption of a screen career could not appeal to many theatrical stars, as it could not adequately exemplify their abilities. But with the advent of the talkies everything is changed. They are now able to command world-wide audiences who can appreciate the full extent of their artistry. Such a personality _ is Eddie Dowling, the_ famous singing comedian and romantic actor of Broadway. His debut in the talkies was an pvent of some moment, a fact tbat impressed everyone who saw ‘The Rainbow Man' at the Regent last evening. If anything would establish' the talkies on a strong foundation this production would. It is a delightfully human story, artistically produced, and dominated by the infectious style of Dowling himself, who is indubitably one of the greatest entertainers over seen or heard in pictures. ,‘The Rainbow Man’ has an unusual setting that commands interest from the very outset. The story has a melodramatic element that is subversive to its human appealj and is most pleasingly romantic in its development. Before witnessing this production one would be inclined to imagine that every theatrical sphere had been_ fully exploited as the basis of a talkie, but this picture will introduce something entirely new in the form of a real minstrel show. There is none of the rather wearying jazz. Not that the music is not bright—far froin it. ■ The music is most melodious, particularly when it is sung by Eddie Dowling. The minstrel Show is an excellent entertainment in itself. There are fifty singers in the chorus, an orchestra of about thirty, and all the pleasant features of the hlmost-forgotten minstrel show. ; The singing is worth listening to alone. It js in this setting that a story that must appeal to everyone who sees the picture ■is unfolded; Dowling is the star of the minstrel troupe, and takes under his a little orphan whose one desire is to join the show. They become greatly attached to each other, the boy worshipping “The Rainbow Man,” who captivates/.his audiences in ‘every theatre. Then Dowling meets the girl, pud it is his love for her and the little

hoy that causes him to sacrifice their love and renounce all his old associations. Feeling that they will be .better off without him, he deliberately shatters their faith in order that they may have the comforts of a homo. He drops lower and lower, but it is their love that brings him back tb tho heights of fame again, Dowling has an ideal role as “Tho Rainbow Man,” His presence and personality would transform any production. Has success is not in any way affected by the fact that ho has excellent material to work on this production. The names of Dowling and Maurice Chevalier might well .be coupled as the sensations of the talkies. Frankie Darro is the .little boy of the picture, and gives a singularly winning delineation. Marion .Nixon makes a very sweet and charming heroine. The supporting cast includes Sam Hardy, who is remarkably fine as the loader of tho minstrel troupe. ‘The Rainbow Man’ will undoubtedly enjoy an eminently successful season at the Regent this week.

Discrimination and taste , have ever been apparent in the selection of supporting subjects at this distinctive house of entertainment, and this week’s bill is no exception to the rule that has been so. admirably adhered to. First of all, there is one of Max Fleischer’s most delightful sound novelties. Tho “bouncing ball” traces a merry course through that popular old melody ‘ Dixie.’ These productions arc invariably humorous. ‘ Jed’s Vacation ’ is a very amusing all-talkie sketch of American domesticity, in which the clever dialogue is reproduced with clarity. The ever-interesting Paths Sound News includes “shots” of the recent international Scout jamboree in England, at which boys from Dunedin wore present. A scenic feature dealing with an ascent of Mount Sterling is another film of dominion interest. Tho Regent has adopted for its slogan this week “ Bigger, Better, Brighter than. Ever.” That, indeed, is no exaggeration, for tho hill could scarcely bo bettered. MANY ATTRACTIONS EMPIRE’S MEW BILL Mystery, love, intrigue, and hate! These are the ingredients that are used in the concoction of ‘ The River of Romance,’ a delightful picture which had its premiere at the Empire Theatre yesterday afternoon and last night. This story of wild passions is taken from tho book ‘ Magnolia,’ by Booth Tarkington, and set against the beautiful background of a southern cotton plantation just before the start of the American Civil War. It is not depicted in any complicated fashion, nor is the Civil War introduced into it. An involved plot would seem out of place in such a setting, tho charm of the production lying in its simplicity. Nevertheless, it is a picture of the days when men met on the field of honour to settle the slightest dispute and refusal of a challenge was regarded as a sign of cowardice. It was because he refused to allow himself to be forced into a duel that the plantation owner’s son was branded as a coward, and turned from his home. Nevertheless, it was because of this tha‘t eventually ho won for himself a reputation of being the handiest duellist in all the States—a reputation only partly deserved. but one which was very useful m an emergency. It is the story ot the steadfast faith or a beautiful girl in the man she loves, and her hope that eventually he will ask her to marry him. There arc many chaining scene's in this picture, not a few thrills, and many laughs. The acting of the principal players is of a high standard Charles (Buddy) Rogers carrying off the honours as tho handsome hero, while Mary Brian, as the girl who grew up and waited, is not far behind. The humorous element is supplied by Wallace Beery, who looks delightfully villainous as the famous General Jackson. This is Wallace Beery’s first talkie appearance, and his debut is a, highly successful one. The reproduction in this all-talking picture left nothing to be desired, tho soft southern diction of tho players being pleasant and striking no jarring note on tho ears. Several well-known actors are included in the supporting cast. Henry B. Walthall is one of the greatest. character actors of all time, a picture player whoso name has been immortalised by his magnificent portrayal as the Little Colonel in ‘ The Birth of a Nation.’ As tho proud old father of the southern hero he gives a .most convincing characterisation in this .picture. It is a long time since such a splendid supporting programme has been shown in Dunedin, and pride of place must, of course, be given to Mr Leslie V, Harvey, whose popularity shows not the least signs of diminishing. Rather, it is on the increase. This is not to be wondered, for Mr Harvey’s amazing versatility at tho console of the Christie Unit Organ is revealed in some different way each succeeding week. ‘ In a Monastery Garden ’ (Ketclby) was played with colour and rich tonal effects, and ‘The Toymakcr’s Dream was a foxtrot in happy contrast. Or unusual interest is tho Empire Local News, the outstanding feature of which are the splendid scenes of Roy Caldcr and Mick Walker, the New Zealand diving champions, in action at tho Municipal Baths. Calder is the greatest diver New Zealand has ever produced, and the Empire management is to be congratulated on being tiro first to obtain pictures of some of his spectacular and difficult fancy dives. Scenes of tho “ Kewpie Club ” in weight-reducing exercises at the baths causes much merriment. Several prominent local “ heavy-weights ” were “shot” during training operations one morniuf -recently, and their antics are most entertaining, the sub-titlings, too, being most clover. ‘ I’ve Got Rings on My Fingers ’ is an amusing Paramount sound novelty and ‘ Trooping the Colours ’ is an inspiring picture with appropriate sound effects. Tho remaining supports are in accord with the rest of the programme, which will be repeated to-night and during the week. AL JOLSON AGAIN POPULAR SINGER AT STRAND A 1 Jolson'' makes ‘The Singing Fool’ a screen classic. Without him the picture would bo little more than just a picture, but with tho brilliant Jolson in tho leading part it soars to heights few films ever reach. W hen ‘ Tho Singing Fool ’ was screened for tho first tune at the Strand Theatre yesterday and again in tho evennig two audiences shared A 1 Jolson’s bright moments and his shaded ones. They laughed when he laughed and were moved deeply when he became one of the players in a little drama of life. He did not need to force himself upon his audience, his engaging personality captivated everybody. In this picture AI Jolson is a waiter in a small cabaret at the beginning, and he wins the approval of patrons by his singing of comic and popular songs. He loves one of the girls at the cabaret, and one evening sings to her before a big audience a song of love written by himself. The girl is immediately captured. But when the

song is sung there happens to be a theatrical manager seated at one of tho tables, and he is so impressed with the sentimental side of Al Jolson that ho offers him a contract for more money and in better surroundings. Accepting the offer, Al becomes one of the leading stars a of Broadway, and soon marries tho girl he loved when a singing waiter. , There is a child born to them. Tho little one is almost worshipped. by his father, who finds inspiration in him. But dark days loom ahead, and it is then that Al Jolson sheds his mask of humour and becomes wrapped in a cloak of gloom. When Al Jolson sings he almost carries one away. In this pipture he is heard singing ‘lt Depends on You,’ his first sentimental number, put out with a depth of feeling. Then he becomes joyous and whirls everyone into happiness with his singing of ‘There’s a Rainbow Round My Shoulder,’ a rollicking jazz known and loved by tho younger generation and part of the older generation, too. ‘ Sonny Boy ’ is a big hit, and this ho is heard singing to his little son several times while the boy is gently going to sleep. Towards the end' of the picture ho is called upon to sing ‘ Sonny Boy ’ once again,'this time to his dying hoy. It is a different Al Jolson who sings this time. Gone is his bright smile and gone is his happy spirit, tragedy forces itself to the fore and turns him into an intensely, dramatic actor. All through tho picture, whether in sorrow or happiness, Jolson retains his magnetic personality. The others in the cast play up to him and help him to be the big success he is. The scenic effects are worthy of mention. Some of them, especially those in a cabaret on New Year’S' Eve. are uncommonly spectacular, which all adds to tho enjoyment of the picture as a whole.

A budget of supporting subjects has been carefully chosen to make the new bill a sound one all round. .Standing out prominently is Mischa Elman’s violin _ playing. • Tire great master’s tone, interpretation, and general brilliance is strikingly brought out in Dvorak’s ‘ Humoresque ’ and Gossec’s 'Gavotte.' ‘Between the Acts of the Opera ’ is a comedy item in which very clever cross-talk' is hoard outside a theatre. Every week the talkies seem to bring something before the public that would not ‘ otherwise be seen or heard. This week it is the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra plays with artistic taste the overture to ‘ Tanuhauser,’ which is perhaps the most popular of Wagner’s works, its simplicity of theme and the economy with which the composer achieves his massive effects largely recommending it to the popular taste. The film is certainly a little education in orchestral playing. While this programme is showing at the Strand it will doubtless attract many admiring patrons. OUTSTANDING DOUBLE BILL A programme of exceptional interest is now being presented at the King Edward Theatre. That silent pictures are still enjoying wide popularity was shown by the reception accorded the two _ feature-length productions last evening. The first attraction is ‘ Black Magic,’ with Josephine Dunn and John Holland. Thomas Meighan has the starring role in ‘The City Gone Wild,’ a powerful drama that will impress everyone who sees it. Altogether, this week’s programme is very entertaining- ■