PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 684, 8 June 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

“THE SINGING FOOL” A 1 Jolson, known as America’s most famous blackface comedian, lays aside burnt cork for the greater part of his Warner Bros.’ Vitaphone special, “Tlie Singing Fool," now at the Theatre, and to a great extent plays the role straight. And he plays it not as a clowning, wise-cracking comedian, but with an emotional power and depth of feeling that are remarkable. Heading the star’s supporting cast are two leading ladies in the persons of Betty Bronson and Josephine Dunn. The fine talkie programme opens with the overture “Tannhauser,” played by the New Y'ork Philharmonic Orchestra, and a splendid programme of short supporting “talkie" subjects. These include numbers by Mischa Elman, the violinist, a burlesque of opera players by the Howard Brothers, and a setting of a monastery cell is used for the remarkable offering of solos and quartets by a quartet of cowled friars.. The greatest item of these short features is the solo by Giovanni Martinelli, which is heard with remarkable clarity. Giovanni Martinelli has made a notable success at Covent Garden and at the Metropolitan Opera House, New Y'ork, and has been pronounced one of the best of the great Italian tenors. His flawless tenor voice is heard to the fullest advantage in “Vesti La Giubba.”