PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 82, Issue 288, 6 December 1938, Page 9

PLAZA THEATRE

“RADIO CITY REVELS” •Revolving about one of the most ingenious themes ever brought to the screen, RKO-Radio’s new musical comedy hit, “Radio City Revels,” commencing to-day at the Piaza Theatre, has been lavishly produced with a star-studded cast headed by Bob Burns, Jack Oakie, Kenny Baker and Ann Miller, and with a melange of lyrics and laughter and dancing among its entertainment features The theme of the film is based on what psychologists call “automatic writing,” the peculiar faculty some few persons possess of being able to write in their sleep or in a subconscious state. Bob Burns is an Ar-1 kansas hill-billy who yearns to become a song-composer, although his efforts. while awake are hopelessly amateur-1 ish. When he is asleep, however, he can —and does —write sparkling songs and on this odd phenomenon th;: whole plot of the picture hinges. A triangular romance develops among Jack Oakie, Baker, and Ann Miller, sensational dancing ingenue. Victor Moore as the Radio City producer, Milton Berle, as Oakie’s pianist, ana Helen. Broderick as Ann Miller’s acidtongued sister, are also heavily involved in the comedy and romantic phases of the picture, as are Buster West and Melissa Mason, the novelty dancing pair of “White Horse Inn” fame. Many catchy songs are featured. Written by Herb Magidson and Allie Wrubel, these include the romantic ballads, "Speak Your Heart” and “Good Night Angel”; three modern numbers, “I’m Taking a Shine to You,” “Take a Tip From the Tulip,” and “There’s a New Moon Over the Old Mill,” and the novelty song, “Swingin' in the Corn." Kenny Baker, the screen's new tenor sensation, sings four of the tunes, with Jane Froman and Marilyn Vernon each singing one, and Bob Burns sings two “gag” songs. Three unique dance routines are also featured in the picture by Ann Miller, who was Ginger Rogers’ dancing partner in “Stage Door,” and by the West-Mason duo. Hal Kemp and his orchestra have a featured spot. With its spectacular finale scenes at Radio City during an anniversary celebration, its intimate

glimpses of the business of songwriting and its unique story and hilarious situations, “Radio City Revels” promises to be a genuine novelty in screen entertainment.