AVIATRIX ROMANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 9

AVIATRIX ROMANCE

Well acted and skilfully produced. “Tail Spin,” Twentieth Century-Fox’s thrilling melodrama of three women who fly, will be screened at the Octagon Theatre on Friday Here, told for the first time, is the exciting story of women of the sky. their split-second escapes and the drama behind their spectacular lives Rarely has the screen dealt with a more compelling theme than this, and rarely has it succeeded in maintaining such breathless suspense from beginning to end It is, in the opinion of this reviewer, the finest production yet to come from the studios of Twentieth Century-Fox and it bears the unmistakable mark of the genius of Hollywood’s top producer Darryl F. Zanuck, Here. Instead of attempting to cover the entire history of aviation, Mr Zanuck arid Roy Del Ruth, the director of the film, strive to show what induces these women to fly and, In singling out Trixie. Gerry and Lois for subjects, have succeeded in making the finest picture of its kind the films have ever presented. With Alice Faye, Constance Benneti and Nancy Kelly in the starring roles and each contributing splendid performances. “ Tail Spin ” is as notable for its acting as it is for its theme. The versatile Alice Faye tops any performance she has given in her lustrous career while the fast-rising young Nancy Kelly again displays the unusual talent that made her a star overnight. Constance Bennett, in a role totally different from anything she has ever played, gives a sincere and con vincing portrayal of the girl who had too much money for her own good. A fine supporting cast headed by Joan Davis. Charles Farrell, Jane Wvman, Kane Richmond. Wally Vernon. Joan Valerie and Edward Norris handles its roles skilfully, and the direction of Roy Del Ruth is superb. Harry Joe Brown was associate produced and the original screen nlay was written by Frank Wead.