SUCCESS OF " SHOW BOAT."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20323, 2 August 1929, Page 17

SUCCESS OF " SHOW BOAT."

BRILLIANT ENTERTAINMENT. FIRST MIDNIGHT SESSION. The first midnight premiere to be given in Auckland took place last evening, when " Show Boat." the massive Universal picture, opened its season at the Strand Theatre. The manner in which the film has heen heralded, coupled with the novelty of attending an entertainment past midnight, drew an audience of over 500, and it was a gala opening night in every sense of the word. The audience seemed to enter into the spirit of the production, and. scorning the modern vogue of the picture theatre, was liberal with its applause throughout the film. " Show Boat " is in many respects a memorable picture, with a wide appeal. All too often a story is ruined in its transcription to the screen, but this picture is suffused with all the subtle characterisation, action and beauty of atmosphere which distinguished Edna Ferber's fine novel. It tells the story of a little band of troupers on the Mississippi River. It opens in the closing days of last century and continues until the present day.

The show boat of the film is the Cotton Blossom Floating Pulaco Theatre, owned technically by Captain Andy Hawks, actually by his indomitable wife, Parthenia Ann. Their daughter Magnolia grows up to he the leading lady of the little troup and then into her life comes Gaylord Ravenal, a gentleman gambler, down on his luck, who accepts an engagement as leading man. Romance, comedy and tragedy aro blended into the story with a true touch. The film has been excellently produced. It is not a complete "talkie," but talking and singing scenes abound, and at moments of strong dramatic interest dialogue is most effectively used. Two scenes are outstanding. In one, Miss Laura La Plante, as Magnolia, goes on the stage at a Chicago cabaret and to a motley audience sings the song of her old show boat days, "01' Man River." As sho sings it the events of her past life are unfolded around her. The other scene is a triumph for Mr. Joseph Schildkraut, the brilliant Ravenal of the play. Having very effectively wasted his money in Chicago's gambling palaces, he returns to his wife , with borrowed money and very drunk. This scene is a most powerful piece of work and Mr. Schildkraut never lets it degenerate into comedy. Even the alcohol,c giggle has a note of tragedy behind it. Both Miss La Plante and Mr. Schildkraut do splendid work throughout the film. They have modelled their work on the. period of the story with a result .that some of their exaggerations must be taken as typical of the age and not as signs of over-acting. Miss Emily Fitzroy, Mr. Otis Harlan, Miss Alma Rubens and little Miss Jane La Verne are others who do excellent work.

The photography has been accomplished yrilh an eye for artistry and some of the atmospheric shots of the river in its manychanging moods aro exceptionally good. The prologue, consisting of scenes from the Ziegfeld stage production, is excellently reproduced and it is a treat to hear Miss Helen Morgan, Mr- Jules Bledsoe, Aunt Jemima and a host of coloured singers in the many fine songs. Excellent, too, is tho Movietone orchestral accompaniment. Until well past midnight the audienco sat gripped by the story, sincere acting and beautiful photography. It was not onlv the novelty of the midnight prenneie which kept them sitting there into a now dav- "Show Boat" is brilliant enteitainment and deserves a most successful season.