AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EyFRYBDDYS PICTURES. “THE ROGUE SONG.” The talking-picture debut of Lawrence Tibbett, internationally known Metropolitan opera star, will take place at the Princess Theatre to-night in *'“The(RogCte Song,” a Metro-Gold- : wyn-Mayer production, directed by Lionel . Barrymore and filmed entirely in techincoidr. '

Tlfe ’picture, the first approach to. ah’ operatic film,' is considered to be one of the most important productions of the year and entailed elaborate preparations: • There is an Albertina Ra.sch ballet of 100 girls who dance to special music' ballets and colour details, the. picture is not “high-brow,” Lionel Barrymore the director, quaking-it a point to sub. merge-the . imisic to the, romantic plot and ’ using the . songs only 'lit strategic points;/iri- tli f e narrative where they will be heard as a natural part of the story. .

Tibbett plays an adventurous bandit, leaden, of adventurers who roam the Caucasus Mountains ’robbing the rich and giving to the poor much in the manner of‘‘Robin Hood. When he meets a Russian -princess, • played Hy Catherine Hale Owen, the romance begins. ! 1 The picture is said -to contain a number of daring cavalry scenes for which Russian-Cossacks were engaged. Several hundred horsemen, making up a .singing chorus’.: The songs of The production, which range from operatic to simple love ballads-: are accompanied by a symphony orchestra. .They .include, * ‘Once in 'the feorgia h Hills, •’ ’. ‘.‘To Live, to Love,” “When . J’fn Looking at^You/J- ‘‘Little'-White Dove,*’ “The Rogue Song” 'arid ‘‘The Bandit Chorus.”' ■’

Tibbett is supported by a large cast which includes Catherine Dale Owen. Judith Yosselli, Wallace MacDonald,Nance d’Neill, Kate> Priced Ullrich Haupt, ‘Burr Macintosh, Lionel, Belmorej’ James jr., Florence ’’Lake. ■