Haunting Melodies and Exotic Dance Ensembles

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 5

Haunting Melodies and Exotic Dance Ensembles

GAY “LA CUCARACHA” IS CURRENT IN THE CITY

(State: Screening To-day.)

To the pulsing rhythm of a Mexican rhumba orchestra and set in all the glamour of a native cantina at its height, the romance of the peppery Chatita is unfolded in “La uucaracna," ivixu-ivacuo' s hrst short feature made by the new Technicolour process that reproduces every colour and shading and tint with lifelike fidelity.

“La Cucaracha,” was a barracks song of the days of tho Villa revolution. Its exceptionally catchy melody has been retained, with new lyrics that have a direct bearing on the plot. Stcflii Dunna, effcresccnt Hungarian star, is seen as tho dynamic heroine. Don Alvarado has the role of tho professional dancer who causes her pulse to beat faster, and Paul Porcasi enacts a dance impressario from Mexico City, a role replete with comedy. Lloyd Corigan directed this Pioqcer Pictures production. Just as the film musical “Flying Down to lvio” popularised the now famous “Carioca, ” so will this popularise the song and the dance from which the film takes its title. The melody has that haunting, inspiring rhythm that lends itself so well to dancing and it is predicted that bands and orchestras throughout the land will be featuring it enthusiastically.

Prominent in the cast of Jack Buck amaa’s latest comedy, ‘‘Brewster’s Millions,” arc the 12 girls specially chosen for their beauty from 1500 applicants. These have small but extremely decorative parts in the production, and lend to it a brilliant and unique touch.