“SHOW BOAT”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 726, 27 July 1929, Page 16

“SHOW BOAT”

AT STRAND NEXT THURSDAY Accompanied by the gay, spirited notes of a calliope and the melodious songs of negro singers, Show Boat, a talking picture, made from the famous Edna Ferber novel, will have a novel presentation at the tetranci Theatre by means of a “midnight session.” This will commence at p.m. on Thursday next. It is confidently claimed that the audiences will be thrilled by the beauty of its story, the gripping qualities of its drama, by its glorious music and singing, and by the general entertainment qualities of the production. It is magnificent in its sweep, in its settings, in its characterisations, and in the tuneful interpolations that make it great entertainment for the ear as well as for the eye. In fact, it really is a combination of stage and screen. The audience gets the full benefit of a big screen show plus a big stage musical show. By special arrange-

ment with Florenz Ziegfeld, who prod u c e d “Show Boat” as a New York musical extravaganza, Universal includes, in the talking picture version of the s t o ry popular music of the Ziegfeld version, with songs and choruses sung by the Zieg-

feld stars themselves. One of the revelations of the production, which was directed with great artistry by Harry Pollard, is the work of Laura La Plante Magnolia, the heroine. This pretty Universal comedienne proves she is a fine emotional actress, who can act, sing, and read her lines with all the verve of a seasoned trouper, it is reported. Judging from her work in “Show Boat,” she is destined to be one of the most pleasing and popular talking picture stars. Box Plans for “Show Boat” are now open at the Strand Theatre. BAND AT ZOO TOMORROW A very attractive musical programme will be played by the Municipal Band at the Zoological Park tomorrow afternoon at 2.45. Rossini's “William Tell” overture, Weber’s “Invitation a la Valse,” “Maritana” selection, and some of the favourite melodies from Gounod’s “Faust,” together with instrumental solos, hymn tunes, bright marches, will make up a programme of much charm. DIXIELAND CABARET New Zealand’s most luxurious cabaret, Dixieland, where so many happy dances have been held, will be the scene of another gay dance this evening. In addition to the excellent music of the Dixieland Dance Band, a number of cabaret items will be presented. Warner Bros. have brought “The

Desert Song” to the screen in a lavish Vitaphone production. The screen operetta has an all-star cast augmented by a chorus of 100 singers.