“Broadway Melody of 1936” Is Dazzling

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 6, 8 January 1936, Page 5

“Broadway Melody of 1936” Is Dazzling

DANCING AND SINGING ABE SENSATIONAL

(Regent: Screening Saturday.)

So packed with entertainment is “Broadway Melody of 1936” that it at once registers a right to acclaim as the greatest extravaganza yet to he made hy Hollywood. Stars, story, music, dancing, all are present in satisfying and often thrilling form, so splendidly elaborate is the picture and so skilfully is it fashioned.

Thero is glorious comedy, and the story takes dramatic turns which set it above the usual vehicle of its type. The plot is superbly woven amid the gor geously spectacular specialities, and the many song hits all fall naturally out of the streaming action of the production.

For players the cast has as one of its 'top personalities the gifted Jack Benny, now lending to the screen the brilliant talents that have made him a star of stage and the outstanding genius of radio broadcasting. He handles a grand tolo perfectly, and he has the most ample and able support from noted performers like Una Merkel, who rings the bell as a wise-cracking secretary; Robert Taylor, a grand romantic male lead, and others.

Eleanor Powell wins triple honours in the picture for she is not only seen as the “world's greatest feminine tap dancer,” but handles the ballerina de mands finely, and in addition proves she is a fine dramatic actress.

It is practically an all-star cast. Among other triumphant players in tho cast are Sid Silvers, June Knight, Vilma and Buddy Ebsen, Nick Long, Jr, Frances Langford, Harry Stockwefi. Eobert Wildkack and a great man? more.

The spectacles are done with unprecedented charm. Among tho musica: highlights are five great songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. Th« elaborate ballet by Albertina Rascn i:one of the outstanding sequences in all musical pictures. The dances were staged by Dave Gould and add further glory to his record. Eoy Del Euth directed with that skill for which he is famous and this metro-Goldwyn-Mayur picture toasts an all-round splendour in which he has a large share of credit. With John W. Considine, Jr., as the producer, “Broadway Melody of 1936” may be set down as good entertaiumcnt.

“Modern Times”

She has not yet appeared in an important role on the screen, yet Paulette G .ddard receives a 3 much fan mail and as much space in the newspapers and magazines as many an older veteran of the front ranks of stardom. Hollywood attributes this unusual distinction to the fact that Miss Goddard's name for over a year now has been linked with Hollywood's most famous actor and producer, Charlie- Chaplin. Millions have already seen Miss Goddard's face in the periodicals of the world, and millions will see her face in its screen dimensions for the first time when she appears as his leading lady 'in Charlie's newest film, “Modern Times.” Miss Goddard is 24 years old and was born in New York. Her mother, who is considered to be one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, took her daughter to California, she says, because she believed in the importance of sunshine as an aid to health and beauty. After several years in California, they returned to New York where Paulette, always a good dancer, was given an assign ment in a musical comedy. During the last few years she has been a member of a small theatrical repertory group in Hollywood. After Chaplin, on a visit to the organiser of this group, had met Miss Goddard, he remarked: “She has every quality I am seeking . . . youth, abundant vitality, and above all else, freshness. How I hope she can act!” His wish was gratified; when he gave her a screen test he knew he had found the right, girl for “Modern Times.”

“The Lone Wolf Returns” Stars Henry Mollison

Henry Mollison, English stage and screen actor, and Raymond Walburn, a Columbia contract player, were recently added to the cast for "The Lone Wolf Returns,'’ the Louis Joseph Yancc story now in work under the direction ot' R. William Neill. Meivyn Douglas, Gail Patrick and Tala Birell are featured with Nana Bryant and Arthur Hohl seen in prominent parts. Joseph Krumgold, Bruce Manning and Lionel Houser did the adaptation. Mr. Mollison had established an enviable reputation on the English stage before he made his first flight in pictures. His initial bow before the screen was in "Third Time Lucky." This was followed by important roles in "The Face At The Window," McClusky and Drake. Coming directly from the New York stage, Raymond Walburn made his first screen uppearance in Columbia’s "The Defense Rests." Later he was featured in "Broadway Bill,” "Mills of The Gods,” and "She Married her Boss."

Work and Play Muddles Starlet

There are times when the events of real life may conflict with screen roles. This is the diseovercy made by nine-year-old Jane Withers, featured actress, singer and dancer in Fox Film's “This Is the Life.”

The discoverey came during the process of production when Jano was called upon by Director Marshall Neilan to look sad because John McGuire, who has the supporting role, had been taken away by the police. Just a few minutes before, Jano had been given a ride on Mchitable, a burro, and as a result 20 minutes passed before she could get. over her elation and register sadness-