FILM OF CONFLICT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1020, 10 July 1930, Page 15

FILM OF CONFLICT

CLASSICS VERSUS JAZZ “MELODY MAN” AT ROXY Columbia’s very latest all-talking production, “The Melody Man,” shown at the Roxy Theatre yesterday, is a beautiful romance caught by the allseeing eye of the motion picture camera, and set to rhythmic music. This is one talkie that has a soul! Tears, laughter and pathos are blended with a rare artistry, and the result is an appealing all-talking romance played on the heartstrings of humanity. The conflict between the musical classics and jazz form the basis of the plot, which is ap adaptation of the famous Broadway play by Fields, Rogers and Hart. The story concerns a Viennese composer** Von Kemper, who is forced to seek refuge in the TJ.S.A., after having shot his wife and her lover, the Prince Frederich. In New York Von Kemper manages to conceal his identity under the name of Von Henkel. One. day, however, one of his most famous melodies is played, unknown to him, before a large audience. An Austrian agent, who has been sent to New York to look for Von Kemper, accidently hears the number and he immediately recognises Von Henkel and places him under arrest. The plot follows unusual channels and moves to a satisfying climax. The stars of “The Melody Man” include William Collier, jun., pretty little Alice Day and that brilliant actor, Mr. John. St. Polis. A Tull programme of talking and singing featurettes is also being shown.