"HARMONY LANE"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22860, 15 October 1937, Page 16

"HARMONY LANE"

BRIGHT FILM AT EMBASSY A musical film, "Harmony Lane," which has an unusual interest from the biographical nature of its subject, commenced a season at the Embassy Theatre yesterday. The life of Stephen Collins Foster, composer of a number of well-known negro songs that have, retained their popularity for nearly a century, makes an entertaining theme for a film, allowing as it does for the natural introduction of music and song, while drama and humour aro also found in abundance. Foster was brought up in intimate association with the negroes of the southern States of America, and the recording of their songs, which played so great a part in their daily life and work, was an ambition that he never forgot. "Let me write the songs of a nation, and 1 care not who makes its laws," was one of his sayings. The everlasting popularity of such of his songs as "Old Black Joe," "Swanee River" and "Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming," shows how true his words were. Douglass Montgomery gives a flawless interpretation of his character, his aet-

ing bringing out the small details that give life-to a screen presentation. He also sings in attractive fashion. Foster's romance with Susan Pontland, which had ft powerful effect on hin character, is one of the most dramatic parts of the film, Evelyn Venable playing a difficult rolo with distinction. Foster later married Jane McDowell, a woman of strong character hut uusuited to the erratic genius of her husband. This part is taken by the capable actress Adrienno Ames. Some of the most beautiful scenes in "Harmony Lane" are those which deal with the simple life of the negroes. Their songs are sung in a natural and powerful setting by an old-time Christy Minstrel Show, which brings out the plaintiveness of the melodies in a beautiful manner. The old-world atmosphere of the film, combined with the highquality acting and singing, makes it an entertainment of strong appeal to audiences. The supporting programme is of an exceptionally high standard.