“THE LOVE PARADE” IS EXCELLENT TALKIE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19034, 1 April 1930, Page 7

“THE LOVE PARADE” IS EXCELLENT TALKIE.

The large audience at Crystal Palace last evening was delighted with the sparkling operetta, “The Love Parade.” Tt may be described as the best talkie produced at Crystal Palace, the best of its class, at least. In a talkie, the first consideration is reproduction of the voices. This is exceptionally well done here. The players seem to have suitable voices naturally. Added to this, evidently, is a fair degree of training. The result is effective and pleasing. Then comes the singing. The principals in “ The Love Parade ” are good singers, who know their business, and who use their talents to the best advantage. There are six excellent songs in this piece. Standing out . conspicuously is Miss Jeanette Macdonald’s “My Dream Lover.” This is the theme-song, and it fits perfectly into the plot and into the general construction of the story. Mr Maurice Chevalier sings “Paris Stay the Same.” These two performers sing as a duet “Anything to Please the Queen.” Mr Lupino Lane and Miss Lillian Roth contribute a comedy duet, “Let's Be Common”; and. finally, there is an excellent ' horus. “ The March of the Grenadiers.” sung with martial spirit by some forty voices. For the rest, this story in word, song and picture of real love in a mythical kingdom fills in an hour and a half very acceptably, and, it must be admitted, very profitably, for it takes the mind away from dull care, and, with its lighter touches, makes the heart beat merrily. The appearance of Mr Chevalier. described as prince of love and laughter, is a notable event. He carries out the part of the handsome young attache, first Count Alfred, then Prince Consort, and finally King of Sylvania, to perfection. Almost equal in acting is Miss MacDonald; and not far behind in merit are Mr Lane, the count’s valet, and Miss Roth, the queen's maid. The story itself is all action and colour, well constructed. admirably set, artistic throughout. The whole production is delightfully fresh, especially ig the humorous parts, in which Mr Lane and Miss Roth show their qualities as comedian and comedienne. “ The Love Parade.” which has come from the far-famed Paramount studios, should have a gratifying run in ‘’hristchurch. Tt is planned to amuse; hut. it goes further than this—it charms and delights.

Amongst the supports is a bright Jittle speech by Mr A lister MacDonald, a son of the British Prime Minister, on hjs arrival in the t'nited States. He explains that he is an architect, and went to the I T nited States to study the Americans stately buildings. He expresses •\ ,s del ig ht with their architectural S V w,li< ; h - he sa ys. every architect s, *'dy before completing his education. He was asked his opinion of American girls, but said that he was h? hJS to Kiv i> if although. 'm n what 1 £rv n ? tjwih. ’■'' considered them fine indeed. As to politics, "I that to my father," he said. « ,1 ®tipports, as usual, covered a «. mof H- from rescue work after the s, earner U is« onsin sank in Hake Michigan. to parachute “stunts” at Waikiki Beach. Hawaii scenes in S?am a photograph of Madame Curie, discoverer of radium, when £IO.OOO wa« pre-S-f in America, and leopardt. amine. The musical-hall cartoon was •v ery diverting. The theme was “ l*m Afraid to Go Home in the Dark," the coming: out very well.

At last night’s meeting of the City Council the Mayor reported that Mr R. E. M'Dougall had presented the painting “La Lecteur de la Bible” to the new Art Gallery. On the Mayor’s motion a vote of thanks was passed to Mr M'Dougall. The Minister of Education (the Hon H. Atmore) has advised Mr J MTombs, M.P., that Cabinet has approved of a grant for new equipment at the four schools at the Chatham Islands, so that a course of light woodwork for boys may be undertaken.