MAJESTIC THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 9

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“BLOSSOM TIME.’’ “Blossom Time,” which continues to draw delighted audiences to the Majestic Theatre, is one of the gems of the screen, with charming melodies, first-class acting, and a pretty story set in the romantic atmosphere of old Vienna. It is one of the greatest triumphs yet achieved by a British studio, and it proves an excellent vehicle for Richard Tauber, who sings a number of glorious solos. Vocal and dranfatic ability are not often found united in one person, but Tauber clearly demonstrates in this lilm that he is one of the fortunate exceptions, and he succeeds in giving one the impression that his interpretation of the personality of the composer, Franz Schubert, with whom the story is concerned, must closely approximate to the reality. Certain liberties have been taken with fact. For instance, Schubert is here made the possessor of a glorious tenor voice, which he uses tc achieve success as a concert singer. This has been done in order to permit Tauber to use his great* voice, and there will be none who will cavil at this departure from historical accuracy after hearing the renderings of the favourite songs of the loveable composer. One only regrets that Tauber could not ha* e peen heard more often than he is, although it must be admitted that the producers have already freen generous in this respect. It would, be long, however, before one could tire of such a musical treat as is here provided. The story tells of the romance of a dashing young officer who loves the daughter of a dancing vaster, but he dares not marry her ii. case he should ruin his career, as s wife has been selected for him by the archduchess, of whose regiment he i; rn officer. The girl is also loved by Schubert, but her love is for tin of Acer. There is a deeply moving ele nent in the portrayal of the compos • r’s glowing hopes and his generou: lubmission to his fate, ierdinant iraetz appears as the fortunate lover fane Baxter as the heroine, am Athene Seyler us the dancing arch luchess—an inimitable performance.