“MUSIC AND ROMANCE"

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 289, 7 December 1939, Page 11

“MUSIC AND ROMANCE"

JEANNETTE MACDONALD AT MAJESTIC. "BROADWAY SERENADE." Packed with musical and romantic thrills, “Broadway Serenade,” starring Jeanette MacDonald, opens to-morrow at the Majestic Theatre. Definitely one tor the "must-see" list, "Broadway Serenade” hasn’t missed a trick in including all of the elements of top-flight entertainment. Unlike most films tn the musical category, this one contains a story which holds interest from the first scene until the fade-out. Seldom has Jeanette MacDonald had a better opportunity for both her dramatic and vocal abilities. For the first time since "San Francisco” she carries the vocal honours singly. Her songs have been wisely selected to please diversified audiences. There are favourites of the Gay Nineties, grand opera selections, and a dash of the day’s hit tunes. In each case the songs are set against colourful backgrounds. LewAyres, as Miss MacDonald's composerpianist husband, gets his best role to date. He is ideally suited for the part and turns in an outstanding performance. lan Hunter forms an interesting third point to the romantic triangles and comedy is split three ways between the always hilarious Frans Morgan, as a Broadway theatrical producer, and his two chorusgirl shadows, Virginia Grey and Rita Johnson, who battle to the death for [ his affections.