AMUSEMENTS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 55, 11 July 1938, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS

FELLA” Paul Robeson possesses wliat maybe recognised at the greatest bass voice ever heard in talking pictures, and each appearance he makes verifies’ this fact without a doubt. The volume and timbre of liis fine voice places . hint apart from any other singer, either white or coloured, in the field. Robeson has more than a. voice, though. He has, firstly, a personality that is completely disarming —his smile equals that of any Robert Taylor or Don Juan; also, he has an. acting ability that stands out in any show he appears in, whether it is drama or comedy.' v

7- .; Consequently, his appearance in “Big Fella*,-’ a new G.rß.-D. production bears more than usual interest. ’’Fodowyng his outstanding performances in dom’ ’* and ‘ ‘Showboat,’ ’, .we"-were wondering just wliat kind of a role he hive, in his next picture. Some r 'thing different, we hoped, but we expected more or less o-n the; usual lines—a darkie story—allowing plenty of scope for his voice. But we were pleasantly surprised when “Big Fella” was flashed across the screen and you will be too.' Here is a story that spits Robeson to the ground, and it has nothing conventional in darkie themes introduced. It is dramatic, itlias action, it has human interest and yet it. is fundamentally simple; most of all. it lias the music we were expecting—Robeson sings six - songs in this film. These range from the -lighter number aji which he captures .such lightness of touch, to the serious songs'-, which characterise his dramatic powers. Amongst these numbers, which were composed by Eric An sell, are “Lazin’,” “River Steals Ma Folks From Me,” “You Didn’t- Oughta R<> Such Things.” and “I Got A Robe.” These will., assuredly become big bits. ‘"‘"Big Fella” presents Paul Robeson as Joe, a. dockside worker in Marseilles, who is called in to help trace a young hoy who has mysteriously vanished from a vessel in port. “Big Fella” will be screening at the. De Luxe ‘ Theatre on Tuesday- and Wednesday—Matinee Wednesday.