STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 813, 6 November 1929, Page 17

STRAND

“FOX MOVIETONE FOLLIES” The Fox Movietone Follies of 1929, the at the Strand, is in reality a big musical revue fairly bubbling over with new music, gay dancing and colourful revue scenes. “That’s You, Baby” serves to introduce David Percy, handsome young baritone, who has a voice of grand opera calibre. He sings melodiously and with a clarity that makes every word understandable. Sharon Lynn, young Texas actress who has appeared in several Fox productions, including the all-talking picture, “Speakeasy,” plays opposite Percy in this number and reveals a contralto voice of rare charm.

This number also is the vehicle for the debut of Sue Carol and David Rollins, popular youngsters of the silent screen, in musical comedy roles. Miss Carol has a surprisingly sweet voice and Rollins, too, acquits himself with honours. Two children, Gene De Barr and Jackie Cooper, add a comedy touch that is priceless. The finale of the number brings Misses Carol, Lynn and Dixie Lee, and Messrs. Percy, Rollins, Frank Richardson and Bobby Burns together in a harmony septette that brought forth an ovation from the opening night’s audience.

Miss Carol shares honours in “The Breakaway,” with Jeanette Dancey, a tiny pickaninny who sings and dances in a manner that marKk her as one of the child performers on stage or screen. The “Breakaway” originates a new dance that undoubtedly will be popular with the younger set.

“Walkin’ With Susie.” with the exception of Frank Richardson, is an all-negro number. It is done with a zest and enthusiasm characteristic of the race in a setting as novel as ever seen on screen or stage. Carolynne Snowden, Jeanette Dancey and a dozen specialty dancers are featured in this number.

Colour photography adds much to the beauty of “Pearl of Old Japan.” It is a fantasy based on an old Japanese legend, and the setting is a magic grotto under the sea. The music is especially beautiful, and the pageantry and movement shows expert direction.

The talkie features of the remainder of the programme include the song.

“Barber of Seville.” by Richard Bonelli. a L T .F.A. gem, a Fox Movietone News, and an all-talking comedy, Mind Your Business.”