GLORIOUS VOICE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 10

GLORIOUS VOICE

LAWRBNCE. TIBBSTT AGAIN “ M ETIiOI’OLJTAN ”AT I’LAZA i 1 For slicer musical mcM, it is > claimed tnat no more distinguished. | picture nas ever como from Hollywood than the Lawrence Tib nett starling veli-Cie, “Metropol-tin which opens to-day at tne Piaza Theatre. Bui “-.Metropolitan” does not rest on music alone. the picture, which picsents Tibbctt in selections from such operatic favourites as ‘ Pagliacci,” “Carmen,’’ and the “Ba.-Lei of Seville,” also Las a well-rounded plot, an engrossing love story, drama, and its fuTl share of comedy. Th'- plot of “.Metropolitan” revolves about Tibbett’s efforts as a young s.nger to gain recognition. Impatient with slow progress in the recognised opera eumpsinies, htj attaches himself to a wild-cat grand opera venture, starring Alice Brady, a tempestuous and vertiginous prima donna. She controls the money, holds ■the affection of the angel, out because Tibbctt fails to reciprocate her affection his career and that of the entire company is threatened. His affection for Virginia Brwee only makes matters worse. Finally Miss Brady leaves the company in a huff. Stranded, Tibbctt makes a heroic effort to put lhe company acros-s. almost fails, ami finally succeeds with Miss Bruce s aid. 'lhe film was personally produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. Richard Boleslawski, who scored a triumph with his direction of “Les Miserable*,” directed “Metropolitan,” bringing Lawrem-t Tibbctt back to the wcreen after an absence of four rears, Cesar Romero, Luis Alberni. and George Marion, sour, a'-p prominently cast in supporting rotes.

Joan Bennett lias been signed ny Paramount for the feminine lead opposite Fred Mac Murry in “13 Hours by Air.” Gertrude Michael, previously announced for the role, is busy in “'Woman Trap.” Zasu Pitts and David Holt are others with, important roles in the air picture. Real and Reel A devoted father of three daughters in real life, Fred -Stone, starring in RKO Radio's “Farmer in the Dell,’’ seems destined to be cast as a “reel father in his films. Stone made his screen debut as the father of Katharine Hepburn in “Alice Adams,” and in his current, picture he is the fatner ot Jean Parker.