"FIREFL"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 16 July 1938, Page 6

"FIREFL"

JEANETTE MACDONALD AND ALLAN JONES With Jeanette MacDonald. Allan Jones and Warren William in leading roles, “The Firefly” was adapted to the screen by Ogden Nasht from the operetta by Rudolf Friml. The setting is in Madrid in 1808. when Ferdinand VII is making his entry into the city as the King of Spain. In one of the principal cafes Nina Azara, an entertainer known as “The Firefly” (portrayed by Jeanette MacDonald), sees among her admirers a stranger, Don Diego Manrique de Lara (Allan Jones), a wealthy young Spaniard by whom she is very attracted. The dancer is in reality a Spanish spy, employed by the Government to discover Napoleon’s plans for the invasion of Spain, a mission on which she leaves the following day. The story works up to a dramatic conclusion. In "The Firefly” Jeanette MacDonald dances beautifully and sings “Love is Like a Firefly.” "He Who Loves and Runs Away ” and "When a Maid Comes Knocking at Your Heart” in perfect voice. Allan Jones sings “A Woman’s Kiss” and “The Donkey Serenade.’ and they sing in duet “Giannia Mia” and “Sympathy with charming effect.