ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1010, 28 June 1930, Page 15

ST. JAMES

“NO, NO, NANETTE” A triumph, of music, colour, and sparkling comedy—that, in brief, describes the delightful musical comedy, “No, No, Nanette,” which Aucklanders will remember as a successful stage play of a few years ago, and which is now at the St. James Theatre as a talkie. In bringing "Nq, No, Nanette” to the screen, First National has set a brilliant pace for other studios to follow. The story—the comical tale of a very unsophisticated millionaire who imagined he could buy clothes for pretty girls just out of pure good-nature, and get away with it—is exceedingly humorous. The special scenic musical scenes, including dazzling trips to Holland, Japan, New York, and Mars, are very beautiful. “Nanette” is mirthful, melodious, and produced with an artistry never excelled, and rarely equalled, in the annals of the screen. It is impossible not to rave about the music. “King of the Air” is the most important song number, and has a swinging, virile tune that will live for a long time. It is sung by Alexander Gray, the youthful leading man, in a way that you will remember for ever. Other song numbers are “The Japanese Ballet,” “The Dance of the Wooden Shoes,” “Dancing on Mars,” and “Pretending.” They are all lilting, melodious songs. The two .original song hits j of stage play, “I Want to be Happy” ■ ? n< % for Two,” have been retained. !N 1 * a ?*> mi eLt truthfully be said that the musical comedy would not really have been “No, No, Nanette” if l th ™ e two numbers had been omitted. ; Ihe programme at the St. James also includes a number of brilliant shorter talkie items.