STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 811, 4 November 1929, Page 15

STRAND

FOX MOVIETONE FOLLIES Revealing possibilities of tlie new talking picture medium hitherto undreamed of, the William. Pox Movietone Pollies of 1929 received the warmest of receptions from a capacity audience at the Strand Theatre again on Saturday evening. This production, which has been talked about for months and which has aroused more curiosity in the motion picture world than any previous all-talking performance, is all and more than has been claimed for it. It presents for the first time on a motion picture screen a gigantic musical revue, constituting the first challenge of Hollywood to Broadway’s supremacy. There are 11 elaborately staged numbers in addition to a “backstage” story, skilfully interwoven, which keeps interest at the point and provides the best opportunity to date that inimitable comedian, Stepin Fetchit, has had to display his talent. Several song numbers already have been heard over the radio, and undoubtedly will become popular hits throughout the country. They include “That’s You, Baby,” “The Breakaway,” “Walkin’ With Susie,” “Big City Blues” and “Pearl of Old Japan.” A staggering array of principals includes Sue Carol, Lola Lane, Sharon Lynn, Dixie Lee, David Rollins, John Breeden, Stepin Fetchit, David- Percy, and Prank Richardson. Con Conrad, Sidney D. Mitchell and Archie Gottler, celebrated song writers, are responsible for the words and music. The direction was by David Butler and' Marcel Silver. Gottler, with Panchon and Marco, staged the ensembles. Several most entertaining short talkie features are presented on the same programme.