AMUSEMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 429, 21 November 1930, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

“SONG OF THE FLAME” A TUNEFUL OPERETTA AIA JESTIC ’S FINE ATTRACTION “Song of the Flame,” all-Tcchni-colour musical drama coming to the Majestic Theatre to-morrow, brings with its songs at once tuneful and unusual. The most popular number in tnv First National and Vitaphono production is “Song of the Flame,” a stirring composition sung by the Russian revolutionists, Bernice Claire, the Red Joan d’Arc, Noah Beery, and later Alexander Gray, who portrays the prince. Director Alan Crosland smrounded the singers of this number with some of the most spectacular events in the story. “Cossack Love Song” is another of the hits. “AVander Away” is sung by Alice Gentle, grand opera star, who portrays a revolutionist. These three songs are all taken from the original stage operetta, the music of which was written by Gershwin and Stothart.

“Liberty,” “Petrograd,” “The Goose Hangs High,” and “Farewell Number” arc other tuneful hits. They were written by Clarke and Akst. “Tho Love Duct,” sung by Gray and Aliss Claire, is another popular number. This is by Clarke and AVard. “Song of tho Flame” has in the romantic leads, Claire and Gray, the same pair who appeared in “No, No, Nanette” and “Spring is Here.” The picture is the most lavish Vitaphonc and coloour production First National has ever made.

“Song of the Flame” was adapted from tho stage operetta of the same name. First National, however, in the freer medium of the screen, has made the musical romance into a lavish and dramatic spectacle. The operetta was produced on tne stage by Arthur Hammerstcin, opening in New York, December 30. 1925. It ran for nearly a year and then toured the principal cities of the country. A production in London also enjoyed wide popularity. Tho music was written by George Gershwin and Herbert Stothart and the book and lyrics by Oscar Kammerstein 11. and Otto Har-

bach. Additional numbers were written for the screen version by Grant Clark and Harry Akst.

Alexander Gray, baritone, who appeared in “Sally,” “No, No, Nanette” and other films, sings the prince’s role, taken on the stage by Guy Robertson. Bernice Claire is scon in Tessa Kosta’s role in America and Edith Day’s in London. This is lhe part of Aniuta, the Flame. Alice Gentle, Noah Beery and Inez Courtney also have prominent parts. Five thousand people are in the supporting cast.