"THE BROADWAY MELODY."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20312, 20 July 1929, Page 11 (Supplement)

"THE BROADWAY MELODY."

THE BEST "TALKIE"'TO DATE. It take? no great prophet to predict that in r. few years, when tho talking picture will h.ivo developed and expanded into a frrm of entertainment much moro perfect than it is to-day. " The Broadway Melody" will he regarded as the first of the early films, after the addition of sound and dialogue to break now ground. This Metro GokhvynMeyer picture which will open a reason at (lie Urgent Theatre, on August 3, was screened privately at the beginning of ilia week and is without doubt tho finest "talkie" yet shown in Auckland. " The Broadway Melody" is entertaining from start to finish. Song, danco and story are woven neatly into a plot of more than ordinary strength; thero is a liberal slice of comedy and thero are occasional touches of drama and even pathos: thero are capable direction, skilful photography and excellent acting; and, above all, there is rapid action. Music, song or dialogue never lag 3 and although there are frequent changes in the mood of the story, dexterous handling keeps inviolate its theme. Concise and syncopated, " Tho Broadway Melody" points the way along which tho "talkie" producer of tho future will tread. Lifo of New York Theatres. Tho picture is essentially something that tho public will greet with open arms and pocket-books. It deals with life in tho New York theatre, a lifo of constant striving, much good humour and many hard knocks. Thero aro thrco young revuo artists, a song writer and ballad singer and two girls, known professionally as a sister act. Their goal is Broadway, and it i 3 with their struggles for success on tho "Great White Way" of New York that tho picture deals. Mr. Charles King, a graduate from the New York musical comedy stage, Miss Bessie Love and Miss Anita Pago aro tho leading characters 111 the film. Mr. King is tho singer-composer, who, after much ' effort, finally "gets his break on Broadway." His first thought is for his friends, the Mahoney Sisters, and ho uses a questionable amount of influence to secure them parts in tho show. But the ways of the New York producer aro hard. Tho whim of a magnate makes ono girl more or less famous; the other is left a little way behind. Thero is romance in the story too, and tho dif fercnt efforts of ihe two sisters to bring one another happiness allow of character studies rare in films of this type. Talented Young Actress. The honours in acting must go to Miss Page, one cf the most talenied young ladies on tho screen. She worked in only a few silent films before tho advent of the "talkies," and won her way to tho front by sheer merit. She did not scorn unattractive parts and this gave her work mora power thaD that of tho dull-faced ingenues who prefer to be sweet arid innocent to capture the favour of audiences. Iler part in " The Broadway Melody is not as' sympathetic as that taken by Miss Lovo, but the young actress portrays perfectly a creature of changing moods who eventually is forced to accept her sister's sacrifice. Miss Love also give? a sterling performance. The stage work which lured her back from Hollywood during the last few years har been of great assistance to her on her return to motion pictures and in the stage scenes sho is excellent. Miss Page and Miss Love are the only two actresses we havo seen to attempt emotional work successfully through the medium of the "talkies. Their comedy is just as successful. Mr. King, too, is splendid. Ho has a good appearance, a pleasant speaking voico, and he sings popular ballads as to the manner born. His acting is sincere and nover forced. Other good performances are given by Mr. Kenneth Thompson, and Mr. Eddie Kano.

Apart from the plot, the construction of " The Broadway Melody" is still ex colJent. An air of excitement pervades it. As tho film deals with tho theatre, there are no lame excuses for tho introduction of musical numbers. Some of the nu:nLier3 sung from the stage, including " The Broadway Melody," "Love Boat" and " You were Made for Me," will probably make new music-shop records. The dialogue sparkles _ with lively wit and fresh American idiom. And tho production work is nothing short of marvellous. There is a host of ballet girb in tho fiim and they dance a.i if it was their chief mission in life. Gorgeous Stage Spectacle. American production methods reach their peak in a revue sceno, " The Wedding of the Painted Doll." This has been photographed in colour and provides a gorgeous spectacle. Throughout tho film, the dialogue, music and sound is sharp and distinctly suggesting that at last the problem of tho moving microphone has been solved.

Altogether, " Tho Broadway Melody" 13 something decidedly out of tho ordinary. It sets a standard by which other talking pictures can bo judged. Its appeal is not restricted to one angle and it should remain at tho Regent Theatre beyond the three weeks which are generally tho limit to an extended season in Auckland.