BIG MUSICAL FEAST

Evening Star, Issue 22683, 24 June 1937, Page 5

BIG MUSICAL FEAST

'ROSE MARIE'FOR EMPIRE Rich in music, singing, and scenic beauty, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film version of the popular operetta ‘ Rose Mane ’ opens its Dunedin season at the Empire to-morrow. With its melodious score, beautiful settings, and a talented cast, the picture should prove as successful as any shown in Dunedin this year. Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, who take the leading roles, are as delightful as they were in the film of Victor Herbert’s ‘ Naughty Marietta,* one of the most popular musical pictures ever screened. Audiences would bo well pleased to hear them singing merely the original score, which includes ‘ The Indian Love Call,* ‘ Rose Marie, I Love You,* ‘ Song of the Mounties,’ and several other items. But the picture also presents selections from the operas ‘ Romeo and Juliet ’ and ‘La Tosca.’ The result is a musical feast, set against magnificent backgrounds of mountain trails, shimmering lakes, and cloud-flecked skies. Miss MacDonald’s earlier scenes display her as a temperamental prima donna. Her artificial manners and her sudden reversions from public amiability to private storms of rage demand ah acute sense of comedy -in which she is never lacking. Besides excerpts from ‘ Romeo and Juliet,* she sings a gay number called ' Pardon Me, Madam.’ Then, learning that her brother (James Stewart) has escaped from a Canadian penitentiary and is hiding, wounded, in Northern Canada, she attempts to find him. During her journey she encounters Sergeant Bruce (Nelson Eddy), and is compelled to accept his escort. The rest of the story tells how the good-humoured mounted policeman tames her tantrums and wins her affection. Both in operatic and popular numbers Miss MacDonald sings with rousing effect. The fine presence,_ first-class acting, and resonant singing of Nelson Eddy confirm the splendid impression ho made in ‘ Naughty Marietta.’ Minor roles are well handled by Reginald Owen, Janies Stewart, and George Regas.