DELIGHTFUL FILM.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20418, 24 September 1934, Page 3

DELIGHTFUL FILM.

“ Melody in Spring ” at Tivoli. Introducing a new star, Lanny Ross. “ Melody in Spring,” which opened at the Tivoli Theatre on Saturday night, is a bright and amusing musical show containing many delightful features. Ross is a decided acquisition to the screen, for not only has he a fine baritone voice, but is handsome, and his acting is excellent. Not that he is comparatively unknown, because he is one of the foremost radio stars in the United States, where his singing has won him great popularity. He is a change from the usual screen vocalist, and on his performance in “ Melody in Spring ” Lanny Ross should be a name featured in many future attractions. Apart from the pleasure of seeing and hearing the star, any audience would be delighted with the drolleries of Charles Ruggles and Mary Boland, a grand comedy team. This time, Ruggles is a wealthy dog-biscuit manufacturer. with a penchant for collecting. Mary Boland, as his wife, has a part to which she can do full justice. Ruggles is pathetic where she is sprightly, and together they furnish a great deal of hilarity. Then there is the charm and beauty of Ann Sothern. a rising young actress. She provides the romantic interest with Lanny Ross, and here again the producers have struck upon an ideal combination. Lanny Ross introduces three catchy songs in the production, “ Ending With a Kiss,” “ Melody in Spring ” and “ The Open Road.” “ Melody in Spring ” is especially good, and is enhanced by excellent choral work. Not the least attractive feature of the production is the beautiful sceneryintroduced as a background to the various sequences. From the opening scene the producers, it is evident, have studied the possibilities of the picture and exploited nature’s beauties to the | fullest extent. Some of the scenes in Switzerland have a beauty seldom seen outside scenic films. The supporting programme includes a Walter Catlett comedy, a “Grantland Rice Sportlight,” and other attractive features.