PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 689, 14 June 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

“THE SINGING FOOL” An appealing theme is cleverly treated in “The Singing Fool,” the popular talking picture which continues its successful season at the j Plaza Theatre. One of the most celebrated vaudeville entertainers in America, A 1 Jo_lson, plays the leading role and is seen to advantage first as a struggling ac.oi and finally as the prosperous owner of a popular night club. The talking and sound effects are a feature of the production, which abounds in human interest and is appealing without being maudlin. The story concerns A 1 Stone, a voung member of a troupe of players, who marries the most beautiful girl In the company, only to find her unfaithful. Stone loses all ambition, but for the sake of bis only child struggles on to success. At the height of his fame the child is suddenly taken ill and dies in Stone’s arms. Overcome with sorrow Stone makes his way back to the theatre, where he has to sing “Sonny Boy,” a favourite air of his little son. Facing the expectant audience Stone pours forth bis sorrow as ho sings and the people, thinking him to be acting, depart well satisfied. The supporting programme ot shorter talking pictures includes numbers by tlie celebrated Italian tenor, Giovanni Martinelli. Mischa Elman, the violinist, and other famous artists.

Two versions of the Douglas MacLean starring picture for Paramount. "The Carnation Kid," are now in Australia. One contains 75 per cent, dialogue and the other is an entirely separate silent picture. The same cast, including Frances Lee. Francis McDonald and Lorraine Eddy, was retained for the silent version.