STATE THEATRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 176, 25 June 1935, Page 3

STATE THEATRE.

‘-‘ROBERTA.” Starring Irene Dutmc, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, RKO-Radio brings to tho screen a colourful picturisation of “Robera,” which is showing at the State Theatre to-night—tho musical play which has been making theatrical history on tho stage. lavishly produced, the picture retains all of the popular features of the stago play, but also presents a number of specially brilliant entertainment highlights, including a spectacular fashion show. Miss Dunno’s singing, tho spectacular dancing of Astaire and Miss Rogers and sparkling novelty episodes enliven the production, which is expected to eclipse even the success of “The Gay Divorcee.” As a stago play, “Gowns by Roberta,” music by Jeromo Kern, books and lyrics by Otta llurbach, “Roborta,” opened at tho New Amsterdam Theatre, New York, on November 11, 1933, and closed on July 20. 1934, running more than 250 performances. It since lias repeated that sensational success in road showings throughout the larger Eastern cities. Kern, known as tho king of musical comedy composers, wrote two new melodies for the picture, both of which liavo been acclaimed as popular hits. They are “Lovely to Look At,” a beautiful romantic melody; and “I Won't Dance,” a sensational rhythm number. In addition, the popular Korn compositions, “Smoko Gets in Your Eyes,” "Touch of Your Hand,” “Let’s Begin,” “I’ll Bo Hard to Handle” and “Yesterday,” from the original stago show are oolourfully presented. Irene Dunne’s golden voice is heard singing “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “Touch of Your Hand,” “Yesterday,” a Russian song, and a new melody, “lively to Look At.” Dunces said to outshine those they did in “Flying Down to Rio” and “The Gay Divorcee” are introduced by the winged fooled Astaire and Miss Rogers. They do steps tor every mood. A novel number, in which they are heard talking with their feet is done to “I’ll lie Hard to Handle” as a breathtaking, pulse-tingling taps routine. In another sequence they sway and whirl, with incredible gruee to the beautiful strains ol "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” There is also an amazing comedy dance which Astaire does with members of h s hand, to “Let’s Begin.” And when Astaire plays a torrid piano, screen fans arc shown another accomplishment, of this versati.c star. A dance hand, recruited from entertainment headline! s of the screen, stage and ladio is featured.