PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 123, 27 May 1938, Page 9

PLAZA THEATRE

“HAWAII CALLS” It has been a long time since the screen has shown a more delightful | motion picture than “Hawaii Calls," Bobby Breen’s latest musical starring vehicle, which commences its Wanganui season to-day at. the Plaza Theatre. Bobby himself has undergone a transformation in which he is p;*sented in an entirely new guise, and as a former San Francisco street gamin who goes to the Hawaiian Islands as a stowaway, he handles his role with conviction and a refreshing naturalness. If such a thing were possible, his singing voice seems even to have increased in sweetness and quality, and his rendition of several songs during the picture is nothing short of magnificent. Almost the entire story takes place in Hawaii, and is filmed against backgrounds of lush tropical beauty. Many well-known points of interest are seen, and there are sequences at a luau, or native feast, which are breath-taking in their loveliness. A high point in this celebration is reached when a large group of native girls perform graceful Hawaiian dances in a luxuriant woodland setting. Bobby’s companion as a stowaway is Pua Lahi, a young Hawaiian newsboy who has been his inseparable companion in San Francisco, and the two, after escaping from the ship at Honolulu, embark on a series of highly amusing adventures. Constantly under the necessity of eluding the police, the boys finally make their way to the island, of Maui, and here become the central [ figures in an exciting manhunt. Ned Sparks, as a tippling ship’s musician, is their firm friend during their unlawful voyage to the islands, and takes an important part in the later events ashore. Sparks’ role adds to the gaiety of the picture. Irvin S. Cobb, as a steamship captain, is another outstanding member of the cast, and others in important roles are Gloria Holden, Warren Hull. Mamo Clark, Juanita Quigley and Herbert Rawlinson. Raymond Paige and his orchestra are featured.