NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 711, 10 July 1929, Page 17

NEW REGENT

“CLOSE HARMONY” There is something- more to a screen play like “Close Harmony,” which is now at the New Regent Theatre, than the mere charm of a star like Nancy Carroll, or the ability of Charles Rogers—something more than a few talking and singing sequences and an absorbing plot. This entertainment, which can be better described as a play with music, rather than a musical comedy, has not gone very far before audiences hear the vivacious Miss Carroll sing “I Wanna Go Places and Ho Things.” Its title better identifies the effect of “Close Harmony” as an amusement venture rather than mere descriptions in words. After all that’s why people go to the theatre, because they want to go places and do things. They go to grasp romance, to see gjuety, to be inspired by new personalities, refreshing episodes. and environments that are apart from the daily routine. The silent films satisfied these appetites, and hence were successful. Then came the invention of the talking and singing screen, holding out every promise of additional variety in theme and treatment. And in a sense these promises have been lived up to with .just enough that is novel and new to whet one’s appetite, with respect to the novelties to come. One sees “Close Harmony,” and afterward feels that one has been places and done things, for variety is its keynote. It offers the thrills of backstage life, the adventures of those clamouring for success and recognition. their moods, jealousies and emotions. Miss Carroll is a successful stage celebrity, who has wit and everything to give the boy with whom she is enamoured. Rogers is the ambitious boy who has nothing to give but his grit. But they harmonise their talents, and the result is some exciting adventures up the ladder of success. And the audience goes with them right along up to the top, to enjoy the glories of their seventh heaven. The remainder of the programme is equally entertaining. There are songs by Ruth Etting, the Columbia recording artist: some clever humour by Smith and Hale, two Jewish comedians; musical selections by Borrah Minevitch and his Harmonica Band; a gazette with full sound accompaniment; and. finally, Arthur G. Frost at the big Wurlitzer organ.