"THE HOLLYWOOD REVUE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20496, 22 February 1930, Page 15

"THE HOLLYWOOD REVUE."

PRESENTATION AT REGENT.

Entertainment of an unusually high standard is promised in "The Hollywood Revue," the musical extravaganza which will commence a season at the Regent Theatre next Friday. The advent of talkins pictures has made possible the presentation on the screen of the revue type of entertainment that has previously been confined to the legitimate stage, and The Hollywood Revue" is claimed to surpass the best efforts of New York theatrical producers. It is claimed that the film includes more leading artists than any Broadway production or any other motion picture. 'Die revut* also differs from ordinary pictures in that there is no story or plot. No fewer than 20 original musical numbers have" been incorporated into the film, while 200 beautiful girls appear in the choruses and ensembles. A number of clever and specially written sketches have been introduced and are interpreted by famous comedians.

The notable array of artists comprises .Marion Da vies, John Gilbert, Norma Shearer, William Haines, Joan Crawford, Buster Keaton, Bessie Love, Marie Dressier, "Ukulele Ike" (Cliff Edwards), Charles King, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Conrad Nagel, Jack Benny, Polly Moran, Gus Edwards, Ivarl Dane, George K. Arthur. Lionel Barrvmore, Gwen Lee, Anita Page, the Brox Sisters, Natacha Nattova and Company, the Albertina Easch ballet, and the "Rounders." The stars appear in separate numbers, with the immense chorus, and in combination with each other. Miss Marion Da vies appears as a singer and dancer in an amusing sketch, "Tommy Atkins on Parade." in which she is supported by a male chorus. Miss Davies reveals herself as an expert dancer. John Gilbert and Norma Shearer provide a fund of humour in their presentation of the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet." All the other artists are seen and heard to advantage in special numbers. Some of the spectacular and coloured musical interludes are "Orange Blossom Time." "Singing in the Rain," and "Strike Up the Band." The number "Singing in the Rain" is staged on a more lavish scale than even "The Wedding of the Painted Doll" in the "Broadway Melody." The unusual lighting effects make "Singing in the Rain" an act of outstanding interest. In the grand march presentation, "Strike Up the Band." over 100 boys and girls take part. Included in the wealth of tuneful and appealing melodies are "Your Mother and Mine," "Just You—Just Me." "Jewel of My Heart," "Bones and Tambourines" and "Charley, Ike and Gus." Many of the scenes have been made by the technicolour process, and the production is a veritable riot of colour. A total of 600 gorgeous costumes are seen in the course of the film. Splendid results have been achieved by a black and white combination.

A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, "The Hollywood Revue" represents the work of long and careful preparation. No detail has been overlooked, while expense has not been spared in the production of the film. Modelled on tho more ambitious Broadway stage revues, in which the connecting story is replaced by variety numbers and tableaux, "The Hollywood Revue" caters for a diversity of tastes. The film met with enthusiastic receptions in America, and should bo well patronised by Auckland audiences.