NEW MUSICAL COMEDY

Evening Star, Issue 22524, 17 December 1936, Page 14

NEW MUSICAL COMEDY

DICK POWELL AND JOAN BLUNDELL A musical feature of delightful freshness, ‘ Stage Struck,’ commences a season at the Regent to-morrow. The theme is an old one, but that does, not prevent - the film from being a joyous story of song, humour, and dancing which cannot but exercise a tremendous appeal. From first to last it runs through its course with a* lightheartedness that does one good. To most people “ talkies ” are for amusement and relaxation. ‘ Stage Struck *• certainly satisfies these desires. The story, or what story there is, is about a stage-struck country girl, but it really revolves around Dick Powell as the director of dancing in a “ flo £ h and blood ” show. And so excellent dancing is provided by ‘ over 100 of what are supposed to be Hollywood’s most beautiful girls. However, although Powell dominates ■ the scene, one welcomes the fact, his portrayal is so good, and as well as that other elements ■ are allowed the attention they warrant. The well-known Yacht Club Boys are brought in several times in a legitimate, way, fitting in with the sequence of events, instead of merely being “ dragged in.” Miss Jeanne Madden as the stage-struck heroine of the piece does her part excellently, as indeed do all the principals and cast, which includes such well-known stars as Joan Blondell,' Warren, William, and Frank M'Hugh. One of the “ high lights ” of the humorous parts is where Powell and a mastiff dog crawl together out of a rather compromising situation. Another unusual scene is where Powell and Miss Madden visit an aquarium and are seen in unique settings. The accompanying programme is in keeping with the Regent’s usual high standard, and includes a refreshingly new musicale titled ‘ Rush Hour Rhapsody,’ a Looney Tune cartoon, and snaps from the motion picture sensation, ‘Anthony Adverse.’