The Meteor

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 103, 2 May 1941, Page 4

The Meteor

•‘ONE NIGHT IN THE TROPICS" Jones and Kern, specialists in hits, are back in business again. Binging star Allan Jones and composer Jerome Kern combine talents for a second time in Universal’s fast-moving romantic comedy, “One Night in the Tropics,” coming to the Meteor Theatre. Jn 1935 Jones scored his first ‘big-time screen hit opposite Irene Dunne in Universal’s jfilm version of ‘‘Showboat,” which I boasted one of Kern’s most memorable musical scores. On the same lot four years later, the composer furnished live I songs, three of them sung by Jones, for •the new film. Indirectly, Kern was | partially responsible for .Tones’ enj trance into films. A Bcranton coal miner who by working double shifts in the mines scraped together enough money 'for a musical education, Jones first “made good” on the concert stage and in operettas. A major studio tested Jones in New York in 1935. The test consisted of a short dramatic scene and two songs. Jones sang two Kern numbers from the show “Sally” and according to studio officials it was the singing that cinched a contract for the young star prospect. Another hit-mak-ing combination is reunited in “One Night in the Tropics.” A. Edward Sutherland, director of “Thy Boys From Syracuse,” recent hit starring Jones, also directed the new picture. Nancy Kelly, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello and Robert Cummings share star ring honours with Jones in “One Night in the Tropics.” Supporting role are enacted by Mary Boland, Leo Carrillo, William Frawley, Peggy Moran, Nina Orla, Vivian Fay, Richard Carle and Don Alvarado.