“RIO RITA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 742, 15 August 1929, Page 15

“RIO RITA”

COMING TO THE ST. JAMES

Arrangements are well forward for the big musical comedy event of 1929 to be presented at the fit. James early next month by Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller’s "Rio Rita” Musical Comedy Company. In “Rio Rita” is seen one of the best casts ever assembled on the musical comedy stage, and a ballet and chorus deserving of the highest praise. Gladys Moncrleff is at her best, Les Pearce is an excellent juvenile lead, with a fine voice and manly appearance. Janette Gilmore is a dancing comedienne of rare quality, and Dave Mallen and Charles Norman constitute an excellent comedy team. “Rio Rita” is a magnificent production. The beautiful scenic effects, lighting and gorgeous dressing are delightful, and the story containing a Mending of love, with the introduction of the passion of the Mexican and the spirit of the Texas Rangers, adds a thrill that all amusement lovers liko in musical comedy. In describing the opening performance at Wellington the critic in the ‘‘Evening Post” writes: —“Miss M<# crieff was given a rousing welcome back to Wellington, and she bowed and bowed again in acknowledgment. She looked superb in a thoroughly congenial part, throwing herself wholly into the romantic spirit of the play, and singing as freshly as ever. She was recalled again and again. Mr. Leslie Pearce, as captain of the Rangers, was the beau-ideal of the lover in musical plays, the hero, no doubt, of every impressionable girl in the house, for he is a fine figure of a man. good-looking, and sings as a finished a.rtist. As to the comedians, what can be said of Janette Gilmore? She is unique, a thoroughbred among comediennes, with a style and personality all her own. ... If there is a fauit to be found with ‘Rio Rita’ it is that there is too much for the money.” ‘‘Rio Rita” will no doubt repeat its experience here as elsewhere: Crowded houses nightly.

“Bright Eyes” (originally titled “Luxury”), has afforded Betty Balfour the honour of again leading the list in the “Sunday Referee” cinema star ballot. The “Referee,” referring to Betty as the most popular British actress today, stated that the picture was . . . “the only one indeed in the twelve.” This production will be released by Cinema Art Films in the near future.