"SHOW BOAT"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22538, 1 October 1936, Page 14

"SHOW BOAT"

CIVIC THEATRE FILM The phenomenal reception accorded the popular musical production "Show Boat" when it was presented both on the stage and on the screen a number of years ago, has been repeated, if not eclipsed, by the manner in which the latest film version has been received by Auckland audiences during its current season at the Civic Theatre. Presenting a story of tender romance, interspersed throughout with some of the most beautiful music to come from Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, the play is said to offer as fine material for a first-class musical production as film producers are ever likely to find. It has the colourful background of the old South with the floating entertainment palace of tho Show Boat ns a setting for the presentation of the story. It offers innumerable opportunities for comedy and musical interludes, while continuity is preserved by the delightful romance which forms the basis of the whole production. While past versions of "Show Boat" have emphasised the sentimental aspect of tho story, tho latest film has laid more emphasis on the humorous side, and tho picture abounds in amusing situations and bright comedy. The many characters who take patt also contribute their quota to the entertainment value of the picture and it is a tribute to the skill of the direction that each vignette is perfectly drawn. When it is known that no fewer than eight of the principals in the present production have also appeared in the same play on the stage, it can bo realised why it is so difficult to point to any one player as being outstanding. Irene Dunne, as Magnolia Hawks, has seldom been seen to better advantage, while Allan Jones, as the attractive waster, Gay lord. R a venal, also gives a very good performance. Other wellknown players who fill important parts with distinction are Paul Robeson, Helen Morgan. Helen Westley, Donald Cook and J. Farrell Mac Donald.