A TUNEFUL OPERETTA

Evening Star, Issue 21640, 8 February 1934, Page 11

A TUNEFUL OPERETTA

’ THE DESERT SONG' FOR EMPIRE Presented in New Zealand a year or two ago on the stage by a talented company, ‘ The Desert Song,’ the tuneful operetta for which Sigmund Romberg wrote such catchy music, has always been a great favourite with the public. Later, Warner Brothers presented the show in talking picture form, and its success in this city easily equalled that of the stage production. And now, with the vogue for musical shows, and as a result of many requests, ‘ The Desert Song ’ is to begin a season at the Empire Theatre tomorrow. , In this reissue of ‘ The Desert Song tho sound has been improved, and as is now tho custom, is on tho Him itself. Nothing has been lost in the screen version of this tuneful show. In fact, there are several places where tho screen production excels tho stage one. So much more can be shown on the screen, and this is a great asset, for ‘ The Desert Song ’ is one of those pieces that are very spectacular and need big sets. Its filmed exterior scenes in tho real desert and dune country, vast interiors of palaces, cafes, and other scenes far excel anything that could be built on the stage. The story of ‘ Tho Desert Song, dealing with tho adventures both in war and in love of the mysterious “ Red Shadow,” leader of the rebellious Riffs, is both romantic and intriguing. John Boles is heard in such numbers as ‘ One Alone,’ ‘ The Desert Song,’ and ‘ The Riff Song.’ Charlotte King, with her glorious voice, is ideal as Margot. Ihe comedy element is a chorus of more than 100 trained voices. Those two priceless comedians, Laurel and Hardy, arc at their best in the other attraction, ‘ Laughing Gravy,’ an hilarious farce.