THE REGENT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 199, 22 August 1929, Page 11

THE REGENT.

Close Harmony—Talking and Singing Version. Many elements have been deftly blended into making ° Close Harmony, a new Paramount all-talkie and singing comedy-romance, now showing at the Regent Theatre, one of of the most delightful and thoroughly entertaining pictures that have come to the screen since the advent of the audible screen. Into its creation, Paramount has lavished great care, giving it a popular cast, witty, sparkling dialogue. tuneful melodies and superb direction. To begin with, the stars are Nancy Carroll, who recently scored so heavily in *'The Shopworn Angel, n “Manhattan Cocktail,” and “Abie’s Irish Rose,” and Charles “Buddy” Rogers, who is equally well remembered for his fine work in “Wings,” and with Miss Car roll in “Abie’s Irish Rose.” “In Close Harmony,” these popular stars are at their best; singing ingratiating melodies, dancing, and loving with all the zest and enthusiasm of youth. Miss Carroll sings “I Wanna Go Places and Do Things,” a decidedly peppy number that you are sure to hear at dances during the coming season, and Rogers, as the leader of a “hot” jazz band, besides playing five instruments, sings another tuneful number called, “I’m All A-Twitter.” Of course, movie audiences know that Nancy Carroll has a pleasing voice, but they generally do not know that Buddy Rogers also is an excellent entertainer, along musical lines. Well, he is. Then, there is Jack Oakie and Skeets Gallagher, two fifie comedians, cast as the Harmony Boys, vaudeville songsters, who surprise with their melodious harmonies. They sing, “She’s So, I Dunno,” another new number that should cause quite a sensation. But Oakie and Gallagher are really funny; their lines are replete with good natured banter and wise cracks that are sure to win the favour of audiences everywhere. Another role that adds much colour and fun is that portrayed by Harry Green, well-known vaudeville star, who is cast as the manager of the theatre where Nancy Carroll is the star. Green is a typical type, provoking laugh upon laugh as his troubles with temperamental stars leave him almost helpless with perplexed irritation His is one of the funniest roles that has come to the screen since the advent of talking

pictures. “Close Harmony,” was directed by Edward Sutherland and John Cromwell, the latter recently recruited from the legitimate stage, from an original story by Elsie Janis and Gene Markey. John V. A. Weaver, the American poet and Percy Heath, wrote the dialogue. “Close Harmony,” opened at the Regent Theatre yesterday.