“Borm to Danes’ Rythmic Extravaganza

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 123, 26 May 1937, Page 11

“Borm to Danes’ Rythmic Extravaganza

.ULiHANUR ±'UW±Jljlj XiiA.TUJK.JiD IN BRILLIANT PRODUCTION (Regent: Screening Saturday.) That peculiarly rhythmic tapping sound which is being heard all oyer town to-day is merely the echo of Eleanor Powell, who once again ' clinches her title of the world's greatest feminine tap dancer in the new Metro-Goldwyn-Maycr musical | spectacle, “Bom to Dance.” Miss Powell, who first won praise from critics and film audiences alike in j ‘‘Broadway Melody of 193 G,” is a de-■ light to behold, a pleasure to listen to, and a tremendous treat to lovers of I dancing in any form. In her first pic- < ture she proved her versatility by . switching from tap dancing to ballet; | in ‘ *Born to Dance” she introduces a< bewildering array of routines, including ' even an original version of the current popular “swing” tempo. In its music, production value,, and dazzling array of supporting talent, •‘Born to Dance” in every way lives up to the high standards set by its brilliant dancing star. Tho songs, written by Cote Porter, of “You’re the Top” and “Night and Day” fame, are of the type that once heard linger on | the ear for weeks after. In its magnificent settings, eye-filling ensembles, every one of whose dancers must be a beauty-prize winner, the interesting naval backgrounds and the general luxury of the proceedings, the picture is definitely in the tradition of ‘ ‘ The Great Ziegfeld.” Dave Gould did a brilliant job of supervising the dances, and the direction of Roy Del Ruth adds immeasurably to the success of the whole. The story of “Born to Dance” involves the romance of a small-town girl who falls in love with a navy man and almost loses him to a show girl. The personable James Stewart is the navy man, and Virginia Bruce gives an outstanding portrayal as the temperamental show girl. Also scoring in a topnotch supporting cast are Una Merkel and Sid Silvers.