ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 7 January 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“FOX FOLLIES OF 1929.”

MAGNIFICENT PRODUCTION

That magnificent and sensational achievement of the talking screen, the Fox Movietone Follies of 1929, which commenced a three-niglit season before a large and enthusiastic audience at the Opera House on Saturday evening, was repeated last night-, and many intending patrons were again unable to gain admission. This all-talking musical comedy sings, dances, talks, sighs and laughs. It is everything that a stage musical revue is, with the addition of the numerous advantages the motion picture enjoys over the stage. The numbers are expertly and artistically staged, the principals are talented and youthful, the music is original and delightful and there is a highly interesting .story interwoven into the texture of the revue with expert hands. With such a galaxy of talent and beauty it is difficult to single out any particular numbers for especial praise, although “That’s You, Baby,” “The Breakaway,” “Walkin’ With Susie,” and “Pearl of Old Japan” were perhaps the moist enjoyable. “That’s You. Baby,” introduced David Percy, of “Words and Music” fame, with a baritone voice of grand opera calibre. He sings melodiously and with a clarity that makes every word understandable. Opposite him is Sharon Lynn, who reveals a contralto voice of rare chasm. In this number also are Sue Carol and David Rollins, and two children, Gene de Barr and Jackie Cooper, who add a priceless comedy touch. The harmony sextette which closes the number is excellent. Next in popularity is no doubt the delightful “Breakaway” chorus and dance in which Miss Carol shares honours with Jeanette Dancey, a tiny pickaninny who isings and dances in a manner that marks her as one of the greatest child performers on stage or screen. Colour photography adds much to the beauty or “Pearl of Old Japan.” It is a fantasy based on an old Japanese legend, and the setting is a magic grotto under the sea. The music is especially beautiful and the pageantry and movement shows expert direction. Comedy honours are captured by the inimitable Stepin Fetchit. He is by a wide margin the leading negro comedian in the world, and he makes the best- of the many opportunities given him to prove his talent. He also does a “single” number in the revue which reveals his ability a.s a- dancer and singer. The chorus is youthful, beautiful and graceful, and the ensemble numbers leave nothing to be desired. Several interesting all-talking shorts add a zest to the programme, which will be screened again this evening and finally to-morrow night.

WEDNESDAY’S FEATURE

BLACK WATERS.”

it Was night time, and the uncanny lights and dim shapes of the strips as they came up itne ’Frisco harbour, through the dense fog, first inspired' John Willard, the laahous playwright, whose stage .successes, •The Cat and the Canary,” and “The Green Beetle,” ran for over a year in New Yoik and London, to writ© the ingenious plot for his stage mystery thriller —“Fog.” When tips play was produced it shared an even greater popularity than its two predecessors, and- Herbert Wilcox, the famous English producer, was so impressed with the story that he decided to make a “talking l ” picture version of it.

This resulted iut the first! International aJi-talking photo-play, “Black Waters,” the absorbnig British Dominions Film which will be seen at the Opera House, Hiawera, to-morrow, Wednesday. James Kirkwood!, as tthe weary old Evangelist whose disfcortetll body does not deter him from endeavouring to save the souil of the mysterious “Tiger” tarrabee, Tils former master and- ca,ptain, undoubtedly carries off the honours, though John Loder and Halllam Coctey also have remarkable acting and “talking” abilities 1 . Alary Brian, who has the leading feminine role, is all that is appealing and beautiful as Eunice, who for some unknown reason also wishes to seek Larrabee.

A fin© character portrayal is that of Jeelo. the cannibal! and! servant of Larrabee. played' by Noble Johnson, who incidentally appeared as Pharoah’s body-guard in “The Ten Commandments.” Lloyd Hamilton, who needs no introduction a.s one of the screen’s funniest men, offers very- clever eomio relief as Temple, the valet of Elmer, another character who is seeking revenge on Captain Larrabee. A second attraction on the programme will be. the part talking feature “The Office Scandal,” starring Phyllis Haver and Raymond Hatton. The box plans are at Miss Blake’s sweet shop.