THEATRE ROYAL SHOWS DRAMA OF FRENCH STAGE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18938, 7 December 1929, Page 33 (Supplement)

THEATRE ROYAL SHOWS DRAMA OF FRENCH STAGE

The "Innocents of Paris” Is a picture of outstanding quality. The story is much after the style of two other great talkies which have appeared at the Theatre Royal, in that It hinges round the stage, a gifted nobody who, goaded to ambition by the scorn of the father of the girl he loves, climbs to fame almost in a day, and the attractions which he meets there to bring complications into his' love affair. The plot is laid in Paris, that picturesque place, among the French those picturesque people. The leading part, that of Maurice, Is a wonderful conception, and is wonderfully played by Maurice Chevalier. His acting is beyond reproach, and his voice, very reminiscent of A 1 Jolson’s, has an irresistible attraction. Opposite him, as Louise, is Sylvia Beecher, one of the most attractive ladies the talkies have discovered. The part of Jo Jo, the little lad who is rescued from the river by Maurice, and who takes such an important and attractive part in the story, is splendidly acted by David Durand, a gifted child actor. The first half of the programme is devoted to “ shorts.” This week's “ Audio Review ” gives an exquisite glimpse of the Riviera, where all is sunshine and colour, the playground of the rich. The film is coloured, and the effect in parts is magnificent. Then the audience are taken to various parts of the world through the medium of the “ News of the World ” sound reel. Music of a rriost acceptable nature follows, no less a personality than Dorothy Helmrich, the noted concert singer, giving “ Annie Laurie ” and “ My Boy Billie."