STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 807, 30 October 1929, Page 16

STRAND

“FOX MOVIETONE FOLLIES” Only two more days remain of the Auckland season of A 1 Jolson’s great dramatic and singing success at the Strand Theatre, “The Jazz Singer,” together with the short supporting talkies. A beautiful array of gowns is displayed in the William Fox Movietone Follies of 1929, which is to have its local premiere on Friday at the Strand Theatre. One number serves to introduce Miss Dixie Lee, until recently featured in the Broadway production of “Good News,” in which she danced and sang the “Varsity Drag.” The Fox Follies number she sings is “Why Can’t I Be Like You?” Strolling down Fifth Avenue, she is struck by a marvellous display of gowns on models in a modiste's window. She stops to inspect them, wondering why she never can get clothes like those she sees in the window. She sings, “Why Can’t IBe Like You?” based on this theme, and is astounded when the models come to life and parade for her inspection. The song was written by Con Conrad, Sidney D. Mitchell and Archie Goltler, who also staged the number, assisting the revue director, Marcel Silver.

The show girls who serve as models are Youda Hay, Sue Rainey, Lucile Jacques, Irish Ashton, Katherine Irying, Lita Chevret, Melva Cornell, Dorothy Cecil, Mildred Myrnie, Sugar Adair, Betty Becklaw and Marie Cooper. The Fox Follies were directed by David Butler, who also provided the story. William K. Wells supplied the dialogue. Sue Carol, Sharon Lynn and Lola Lane are other girl principals. In all, there are two hundred performers.