France’s “It” Man

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 732, 3 August 1929, Page 25

France’s “It” Man

M. CHEVALIER APPEARS

“Innocents of Paris” Coming

“JJRANCE’S ‘lt’ man.” That is the phrase now being used i to boost Maurice Chevalier, volatile vaudeville and musical comedy star, whose first Hollywood talkie, “Innocents of Paris,” is coming soon to Auckland. Chevalier makes his bow as a picture player, but he is known on the Continent as the idol of Paris music-halls and a matchless singer of light, catchy songs.

When Chevalier was engaged by Paramount, “Innocents of Paris” was specially written. Songs of the kind in which he excels were composed, a full musical comedy chorus was engaged, and a sti'ong supporting cast, including 'Sylvia Beecher, George Fawcett and the child star, David Durand, chosen. As a talking, singing and dancing feature, “Innocents of Paris" will be one ol Auckland’s outstanding talkie attractions. The picture as a whole is a particularly good one, but it is, of course, the brilliant and novel personality of Chevalier that raises it to a class by itself and makes it one of the few productions that are really out of the ordinary.

The story of the film tells of the rise to fame of a young Parisian, of his struggles, his successes, and his romances. Chevaiier proves himself an accomplished actor in his offstage moments, and a dynamo of musical energy behind the footlights. The principal songs in “Innocents of Paris” are “Louise,” “On Top of the World Alone,” and “It's a Habit of Mine.” The star sings them with magnificent effect, giving them life and sparkle in every line. “Small wonder that the patrons of Mr. Ziegfeld rise up to beg Maurice Chevalier for more and more,” wrote the “New York Telegram.” “It is a joy to watch him. There is something of Charlie Chaplin in Chevaiier. And something of Will Rogers. But, most of all, there is something of the inborn artist.”