REGENT THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 268, 14 November 1935, Page 9

REGENT THEATRE

“MONTE CARLO.” To have Jack Buchanan as the stat of any film i s t 0 ensure its unqualified success; but to have Jcauette MacDonald as the excuse for healthy romance is to put the production "right in the front. And that is why “Monte Carlo" is as re J freshing and completely satisfying as any musical comedy that has been screened. At tho Regent Theatre last evening interest never flagged, whether the two voices were blending in one of their many selections or whether Jack was playing the fool as only he can do- it. In a musical comedy one does not expect to find a plot of any great depth, aud while “Monte Carlo" does not contain many elements of probability, the sequences give the stars numerous opportunities of displaying their vocal talent. In short, the story is of a count, who, attracted by the beauty of a countess who has run away from her groom on the wedding poses as a hairdresser to further his acquaintance. His varying success is the basis for some hilarious adventures. The supporting programme includes ono of the Screen Souvenirs series, a bouncing ball cartoon, Hollywood Snapshots and a newsreel. “Broadway Gondolier" When song-writers are assigned the job of creating numbers for the average musical show, whether on Stage c-r on screen, it usually means three or four songs. A six-song show is ordinarily reckoned exceptionally “fat" as to tunes. Coming to the Regent Theatre on Saturday, the new Warner Bros.’ musical, “Broadway Gondc-lier,” is unusually rich with, music, it is pointed out by Harry Warren, melody writer. Teamed with Al Dubin, Warren wrote a total of six major songs. There are, in addition, not a few arrangements or operatic and other music. Dick Powell sings three cf the numbers—“ Outside of lou,” “Lonely Gondolier,” and “A Rose in Her Hair,” and sings the last two named in both English and Italian; “The L'ow and the Pig and the Duck” a kiddie comedy number with farcical sound effects, is sung by Joan Biondell and Dick Powell. »Sam Ash sings tho theme song. “You Can be Kissed” is an orchestral number, sung by the “Three Debutantes,” with Muzzy Marceline. “Lulu’s in Town” and “Sweet Lucy Brown” are arranged for the Mills Brothers. “Broadway Gondolier’’ is an unique musical spectacle based on the story by E. Y. Harburg, Sig Herzig and Ilans Kraly.