PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 686, 11 June 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

“THE SINGING FOOL” A 1 Joison is the most famous and popular entertainer in America and, judging by bis remarkable work in the fine talkie, “The Singing Fool” at the Plaza Theatre, very deservedly so. A black-face comedian, a heartbroken father, singing to his little ailing son, his unforgettable ballad “Sonny Boy,” Joison plays upon the heart strings of his audience with his fine personality and splendid voice. Little Davy Lee, a child discovery if ever, there was one, giv£s a breathtaking performance as “Sonny Boy” and provides a splendid partner to Joison. “The Singing Fool” has well been described as “the greatest talkie ever made,” as it combines a splendid film with the songs of the famous singer.

Chief among the items on the really outstanding supporting programme is the solo from the popular opera, “II Pagliacci,” sung by Giovanni Martinelli, the., leading dramatic tenor o£ the Metropolitan Opera Company, and a number of well-known songs by a quartet of popular artists, including “In a Monastery Cell,” “My Rosary” and “Lrinking.” # A comedy and sing.ing number of the

sidewalk as they emerge from the opera, “Between the Acts of the Opera,” will present the famous Howard Brothers, who give imitations of the opera artists they have just seen. Another great attraction is the appearance of Mischa Elman, the famous violinist, who is heard in “Humoresque” and the Gossec “Gavotte.” The overture, “Tannhauser," is played by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra of 80 players.

The British International - picture, “Heroes of the Sea,” which will be released shortly throughout New Zealand, has been retitled “The Goodwin Sands.” Production on this picture commenced recently at the gigantic Elstree Studios. It is a story of the lives of fishermen on the coast of England, and graphically depicts at times of storm these gallant men going out in open boats to the rescue of ships in distress.