HEUGHAN’S HIGHLAND DRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 708, 6 July 1929, Page 16

HEUGHAN’S HIGHLAND DRESS

TO BE SEEN HERE NEXT THURSDAY

As is always the case when some- ; thing new or different is first done, ' there is much discussion for and against the question “Why?” Even 1 yet there are people who ask why Heughan wears the kilt at his concerts. If you have heard and seen Heughan, ; and still wonder why, ask yourself this question, “Can you imagine him doing his stylo of programme in ordinary evening dress, at once stiff and conventional?” It would be almost impossible. You would still have the glorious voice, the wonderful art that conceals art, the matchless songs sung by a great singer, but that romance and delightful freedom of his, that makes the whole thing so informal would be lost. That romance and freedom of style was one of the distinctive features of the minstrels and troubadours of olden times. They were required to wear, as a sort of passport, their national dress. Scotland had many minstrels who wore the kilt, not in the way as many comedians have done, making it appear foolish, but correctly and very proudly. He has found there is no more suitable dress for his purpose than his national dress the kilt. No dress has 3.ltered so little through all the periods. It is surprising to find so j many people who think of it as a j fancy dress. As Heughan wears it, it iis ordinary Highland evening dress, j Yet with what distinction—worthy of a great country and Its glorious traditions. He has shown the world how a kilt should be worn. When singing Scottish songs he makes them what they should be. Through them he expresses “the soul of a nation.” Auckland will have the opportunity to hear him here at the Town Hall for a season commencing on Thursday next. The box plan is at Lewis Eady, Ltd.

An exact replica of the back-stage of a theatre was constructed for the filming. of “The Broadway Melody,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s a 11-talking, all-singing, and all-dancing picture. Dressing rooms, curtain drops, sc°n> ery, ladders, all the clutter of the stag®, will be seen in realistic order in this spectacular production. “The Broadway Melody” has a highly talented cast, headed by Bessie Love, Anita Page, and Charles King.