"CITY OF SONG."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21116, 25 February 1932, Page 14

"CITY OF SONG."

FINE FILM FOR REGENT. Hailed as the British reply to "Viennese Nights," the glamorous musical film "City of Song " will commence a season at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. The cast, which is a notable one, includes Betty StockfieM, "beautiful Australian actress, and Jan Kiepura, renowned Viennese Opera tenor. ■ Critics overseas consider it one of the finest productions from a British studio. The story opens in Naples, the city of picturesque beauty, laughter and song. The city is seen, not in the eyes of a casual visitor, but as it has built itself through generations in the hearts of its own people—a city of sunlight and shadow. Tho very authenticity of the film commends it for studio "sets" wore discarded for I lie genuine, and the fascination and charm of the play lies in the wealth of natural settings through which the story mores. Naples, the Isle of Capri and the ruins of Pompeii lend their splendours to enrich this delightful romance which will linger long in tho memory. In one sequence, Jan Kiepura's golden voice rings through the ruins of ancient Pompeii and one is instantly reminded of Lawrence Tibbett at his best. Hugh Wakefield, character comedian of the London stage, makes an auspicious debut before the audible screen public and contributes a performance of delightfully polished humour. An English critic remarks: "Any British film which has captured natural beauty so splendid as 'City of font:,' and blended it so smoothly with impressivo music, deserves your keen interest. Its simple story introduces you to a young guide of Naples whose beautiful x°ice is heard by a London society girl. She takes him to London to make him famous and becomes infatuated with him. It is an impossible romance, and the film does not • shirk (he logical issue, lending strength to the story. The main appeal lies in the beautiful photography which finds hidden beauty—oven in tho heart of London." In a recent interview, Mr. Peter Dawson, tho Australian singer, stated: "I was very delighted with 'City of Song.' Undoubtedly it is the crowning achievement of motion picture art, combining sparkling wit and humour, melody and romance. The characters are well cast. The spoken word is very naturallv recorded and the singing is beautiful. There is not a. dull moment in 'City of Song,' which should be seen bv everybody."