PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 167, 19 July 1935, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

•■ROBERTA” TO-DAY A new mark for film musical comedy producers to shoot at is set by “ Roberta/’ the latest Irene Dunne, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers picture, which commences at the Plaza Theatre to-day and to-night. Writing of it, one South Island critic states: —Thinking over ‘'.Roberta,” it is a bit difficult to know where exactly to start to ««y something about it, because the him is throughout so excellently done. It Is one of those American comedy productions which moves fast, is tilled with the best of music and dialogue, and which has at the head of the cast, names which guarantee its quality. Perhaps the mc-st striking thing about “Roberta” is that it breaks away from the tradition of the musical, set and maintained almost since talkies began, and gives a story that in itself is entertaining. The book of “Roberta” is very far from being a peg on which to hang good music, good (lancing and good comedy. In its solidity and aptness, the story is a most valuable addition to the attraction of the film. Irene Dunne is starred, and in this new film she sings probably better than she has ever done before in a series of numbers which allow every scope, not only for her voice, but also for her great ability as an actress. She m particularly attractive in u Lovely to Look At/’ a song which has rather more merit than the general run ot musical comedy songs. Fred Astaire and Ginger Regers, beside providing the dancing, between them handle the bulk of the comedy of the film, and handle it exceedingly well. Their dancing is perfect, one number, a burlesque love scene, being the cleverest thing they have done. The name of the film, ‘‘Roberta,” is taken from the dressmaking establishment of that title run by an American woman m Paris, the scene of the picture. The dressing of the less important characters. who take the parts of models and so forth in the shop, is streets ahead of anything that has been done m lilms before. There are dozens of fashionable creations shown that will make an instant appeal to every woman in the audience. The staging of the whc-le show is magnificent without being overwhelmingly lavish. The music is brilliant, and there are at least half a. dozen new songs. “Roberta” is a film that can lie unreservedly recommended. __________