GAY MUSICAL FILM.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20477, 1 December 1934, Page 30 (Supplement)

GAY MUSICAL FILM.

Plaza Has “Twenty Million Sweethearts.” Prominent American radio performers and several popular screen pla3 ,- ers appear in the gay musical film, “ Twenty Million Sweethearts,” which began at the Plaza Theatre today. Prouced by Warner Brothers, who were responsible for “ Golddiggers of 1933 ” and “ Footlight Parade,” this picture is in marked contrast to its forerunners. It is primarily a musical show, but it contains none of those spectacular scenes which have been a feature of the big musical extravaganzas since the advent of “ Forty-Second Street.” Instead, it has an interesting and satisfying story, which allows the introduction of plenty of tuneful music and much good acting. The story tells of a radio agent’s search for talent. He discovers promising young singer whose rather difficult rise to success provides the interest, together with much humour, in the plot. The leading role is taken by Dick Powell, whose attractive voice has already been heard in several successful musical films. In this picture he sings and acts better than ever and gives a particularly pleasing performance. Ginger Rogers and Pat O’Brien head a good supporting cast of popular artists. O’Brien, in particular, is really good as the radio agent and supplies most of the excellent humour which abounds in the piece. Among the radio “ stars ” who appear in the broadcasting scenes and who provide a varied programme of most entertaining numbers are the famous Four Mills Brothers, Ted Fiorito and his band and the Radio Rogues. The harmonised singing of the Mills Brothers is outstanding. The supports include “ Morocco Nights,” another lavish musical film in technicolour. Box plans at the D.I.C.