THE TALKIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17841, 14 October 1929, Page 9

THE TALKIES.

OPENED AT CAMBRIDGE

“THE BROADWAY MELODY 4 .” On Saturday all roads led to Cambridge, for were not the talkies to be inaugurated at the Town Hall? Never before perhaps has such interest been manifested by the amusement-seeking people of the Waikato town. In lie afternoon and again in the evening the theatre was packed, included in both audiences being large numbers of Hamiltonians —so many, in fact, that it was hard to realise, as one saw the familiar faces, that one was so far ':v away from one's own town. The management, with initiative and enterprise deserving the greatest praise, has installed the Western Electric sound equipment, which is admitted to be as near perfection as is so far possible, and the result, as the pictures were screened and the audience heard the stars whom they had formerly only seen, aroused great enthusiasm. A slight delay late in the evening was just one of those _ little things inseparable from a “first night,’ and will not occur again. Cambridge, judging by Saturday- night's fine programme, is to be heartily congratulated upon possessing one of the best talkie equipments in New Zealand, and there is no doubt that large audiences will be attracted nightly. “The Broadway Melody,” which headed the programme, gave a fascinating glimpse into "back-stage” life, with all its joys and sorrows, its triumphs and failures, its generosity and meanness, its glamour and sordidness, its,romance and struggle. The audience saw the glory and the glitter of a spectacular Broadway revue, into which was woven the story of two little troupers from the West eager to win success on the Great White Way. Drama and comedy, romance and" sensation, were intermingled in an intriguing manner, and the new art which has brought the voices of the players to the screen gave point and emphasis to the dramatic story-. Specially entertaining were the songs and dances introduced, while one scene,

“■The Wedding of the Painted Doll,” in colour, w : as one of the most exquisite things seen on stage or screen. Bessie Love, Anita Page, and Charles King headed the excellent cast. The short subjects with which the programme opened were delightful, and to many people these acts will be among the most acceptable features of a talkie programme. William O'Neal’s beautiful tenor voice rang through the hall as though he were there in person, and he justified his billing as a New York star. Sunshine Sammy, whom we had previously seen in the silent films, sang and tapdanced in entertaining fashion, and George Lyons played the harp and sang sweetly. Then there were the Revel-f fers, whose harmonising was a rare delight. Every gramophone lover has at least one of their records, and it was therefore of particular interest to see them as well as to hear them. Altogether, the programme was veryenjoyable, and introduced the talkies to Cambridge in the happiest manner. It is safe to predict crowded houses at the Cambridge Town Hall for some time to come, and it is equally safe to say that there will always be a big sprinkling of Hamilton picturelovers present. The current programme is one that should not be missed, and it will be followed by one of equal interest, headed by the talkie version of the great stage success, "Madame X,” with Ruth Chatterton (American stage and screjen star) in the highly dramatic role made famous by Pauline Frederick in America and England, and played in Australia by Muriel Starr. The talkies in Cambridge have been launched most successfully.