Sailors Ashore

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 566, 19 January 1929, Page 23

Sailors Ashore

NEW CLARA BOW COMEDY

Majestic Books “The Fleet’s In”

HERE is the tihn that every admirer of Clara Bow has awaited with impatience since the announcement of its release. “The Fleet’s In,” starring the volatile little Paramount star, is coming to the Majestic on February 1. A comedy drama of the navy on shore leave, of the rivalry of two “gobs” for the hand of a perky member of the “Welcome Home” committee—that is Clara’s newest picture.

Filmed on the Pacific Coast with the assistance and active cooperation of the United States Navy, “The Fleet's In” may be counted among the star’s greatest successes. A word about Clara Bow, possessor of “It’ and all that “It” means to thousands of enthusiastic moving picture followers. She is the most popular actress appearing in films to-day. This is not a random assertion from the studio publicity office. It is proved by that excellent barometer, the “fan” mail. Clara Bova» receives a greater number of letters each month than any two stars in Hollywood. Strangely enough it has been her fate to be saddled with a reputation for shallow flapperism that appeals to the cruder section of motion picture onlookers. Nevertheless, she has proved on several occasion—notably in the case of “Ladies of the Mob,” her last picture in Auckland—that she is an able actress with dramatic possibilities. Aside from that, however, it must

be admitted that she is at her best in soubrette roles, and her part in “The Fleet’s In” is ideal from that point of view and should appeal to all. / The stor-y is the simple tale of a girl who heads a party of welcome to the Pacific Fleet which arrives to spend a' short stay in port. Two sailors, each regarding himself as a most competent ladies’ man, succumb to her charms, and a triangular situation is built up. The production is lively, speedy, and as modern as to-morrow’s invention. In technique it follows the latest precedent, and its sequences are original in every way.

Malcolm St. Clair is the director, and Clara Bow is supported by James Hall and Jack Oakie in the leadingmale roles, Eddie Dunn, and a host of others. James Hall is a well-known leading man of the younger, rising school, and Oakie is hailed as a “find” from the comedy camp of vaudeville.