MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 29, 4 February 1935, Page 9

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“BLOSSOM TIME.’’ “Blossom Time,” following broadly in the tradition of “Lilac Time” and one or two other great successes or the kind, but still delightfully different and independent in treatment and content is now showing at the Majestic Theatre. The story is beautifully and sympathetically told and the casting of the film has been carried out by a master director with an eye for the proper presentation of a story which cannot fail to appeal to ail classes as long as it is handled with understanding and restraint Paul Stem directed “Blossom Time” for British International Productions, and has produced for thalt corporation an outstanding success which effectively illustrates the fact that the English studios are capable of equalling the greatest achievements of the Californian picture corporations. Richard Tauber is the centre of the film, but exceptionally fine work is also done bv other members of the cast, particularly the juvenile leads, who provide a very pleasing and highly effective touch of romance to the narrative of the great composer. Naturally when the part of Schubert is allotted to a world-famous singer, the story must divert freely from the circumstances of authentic history. Even “Lilac Time ’ endowed the composer with a fine singing voice; but now. in order that he may embark on the many songs which G. H. Olutsam has woven into the orchestral score, Schubert becomes such a virtuoso that he wins the acclaim of all musical Vienna by his robust tenor voicing of his own compositions at a concert. Such abberntions from sober fact are pardonable, and even enjoyable, for Tauber sings magnificently. “Impatience,” “The Heath Rose,” and the famous Horen ade form the most, important vehicles for him. But snatches of many other compositions weave themselves ingeniously round the romantic plot. The Marche Militaire accompanies a scene where the lovers drive in a carriage; Schubert takes his pupils on a woodland ramble to the strains of “Das Wandern,’’ and “The Fisher Maiden” appears,, with new words, in the form of a brisk chorus.

Exclusive and graphic scenes of the funeral of the late Archbishop Redwood are included in the supporting programme. The journey from the bail ica and incidents at the graveside are shown together with othjr g.impses of Ne«. Zealand’s tribute to a loved and respected man It is a picture that should „nt missed