ENTERTAINMENTS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 60, Issue 4235, 24 January 1940, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

AT THE REGENT. COMMENCING TO-NIGHT. “ THE GREAT WALTZ.” From the -great score of Johanfi Strauss music choice of the most popular of it all was one of the difficult musical assigments during the filming of “ The Great Waltz,” drama of the life of the composer, currently playing at the Regent Theatre with a brilliant cast headed by Luise Rainer, Fernand Gravet, * and Miliza Korjus. “ The Blue Danube ” was unanimously chosen by all concerned with the picture as Strauss’ bestknown work. From then on various favourites were suggested. A poll was taken in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer music department, and its results submitted to Bernard Hyman, producer of the picture. The musical score as it stands in the picture is the concensus of studio opinion of the cream of Strauss music. The numbers are: “ Artists’ Life,” played by the M.G.M. grand orchestra conducted by Dr Arthur Guttmann; “At the Monastery,” with mixed chorus and organ accompaniment; “ Revolutionary March,” with military band and mixed chorus; “ One Day When We Were Young,” sung by Miss Korjus and Fernand Gravet; “ You and You,” by Miss Korjus, principals, and mixed chorus I’m in Love with Vienna,” by principals and mixed chorus; ballet music from “ Die Fledermaus,” by Miss Korjus and mixed chorus; “ Tales of the Vienna Woods,” sung by Miss Korjus with solo violin and full orchestral accompaniment; and “ There’ll Come a Time,” sung by Miss Korjus, with piano music from Strauss’ “ Methusalem.” Toscha Seidel, the concert violinist, acted as concert master and soloist for this number. All musical arrangements are by Dimitri Tiomkin, Russian pianistcomposer, with lyrics by Oscar Kammerstein 11. The picture, dealing with the life and loves of Strauss, was directed by Julien Duvivier. The musical numbers all composed by Strauss are presented in lavish Imperial Court, opera, casino, palace, and Vienna woods sequences.

Miss Rainer plays the faithful wife, Gravet is seen as Strauss, and Miss Korjus as the Vienna opera star with whom Strauss becomes infatuated. Players include Hugh Herbert, Lionel Atwill, Curt Bois, Leonid Kinsky. Al Shean, Minna Gombell, George Houston, Bert Roach, Greta Meyer, Herman Bing, Alma Kruger ,Henry Hull Sig Rumann and Christian Rub.