TWO FINE TALKIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 972, 15 May 1930, Page 16

TWO FINE TALKIES

“CAMEO KIRBY” A MUSICAL SUCCESS ROXY’S PROGRAMME A great play of the Old South, enhanced a thousand-fold by its presentation in a musical setting, had its initial showing before an enthusiastic audience at the Roxy Theatre last eveniqg. It is “Cameo Kirby,” a Fox Movietone production described as a romantic musical drama. And the description fits perfectly. Two great musical stars who scored so heavily when “Married in Hollywood,” was shown here, more t.han surpass their excellent performance in that picture in “Cameo Kirby.” They are J. Harold Murray and Norma Terris. Miss Terris, cast as “Adele Randall,” an aristocratic daughter of the South, enacts her role with a finish and understanding that makes it perhaps the most outstanding thing of the entire production. Murray, in the title role, is romantic, handsome, a talented actor and reveals a voice the equal of which never has been heard before on a local screen The stars carried the audience with them throughout, their singing of “Romance.” the principal song of the production, being particularly pleasing. Had they been singing on the stage instead of the screen, there undoubtedly would have been a lusty demand for encores. As it was, spontaneous applause followed their singing of the number. Stepin Fetchit, the coloured comedian, is funnier than ever, and in addition, in several scenes, reveals that he is a very fine dramatic performer. His singing of “I’m a Peaceful Man” is a gem which deserves to rank with th© late Bert Williams’s “I Ain’t Got Nobody.” Myrna Loy, Robert Edeson and Douglas Gilmore all contribute finely drawn characters.

A splendid programme of supporting items was also presented last evening. Chief among them was “Courtin’ Wild Cat,” a tale with a Western background, but with a wealth of rare comedy. Hoot Gibson is the star.