PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 672, 25 May 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

“THE SINGING FOOL” The singing of the latest popular song success “Sunny Boy” by that inimitable vaudcrville star Al Jolson in the First Na.tional-Warner Vitaphone production '“The Singing Fool” has a heart-catching effect on the audience. Jolson has long been acclaimed as the greatest vaudeville singer in America, but his success in the new talking picture medium is nothing short of spectacular. Hardened critics .overseas have asserted that “The Singing Fool” is the greatest “talkie” made to date, and the fact that it is now commencing the fourth week of its Auckland season is proof that this great picture has won its way into the hearts of Aucklanders, too.

The full sound programme of supports is notable for the appearance of two really outstanding artists, Mischa Elman, violinist, and Giovanni Martinelli, the leading dramatic tenor of the Metropolitan Grand Opera Company, Hew York.

The Howard Brothers are seen and heard to advantage in a comedy. “In a Monastery Cell,” comprising songs by well-known artists, add to the value of the entertainment. An overture, “Tannhauser,” is played by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

In “Mother Knows Best,” Madge Bellamy proves her versatility by her imitations of Anna Held, Al Jolson and Harry Lauder. Her talking and singing sequences In this production are said to be a revelation. She is equally effective in her imitations of the French accent of Held, the negro dialect of Jolson, and the Scottish burr of Lauder. “Mother Knows Best” is a story of the rise to theatrical success of a little stage star, guided by her mother, who fights with her and for her always. As “Sally Quail,” Madge Bellamy is said to appear in an entirely new role. Louise Bresser appears in the other leading feminine role.