“WEARY RIVER”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 816, 9 November 1929, Page 15

“WEARY RIVER”

LOVE MELTS PRISON BARS PLAZA’S FINE TALKIES Richard Barthelmess has at last made- his debut in talking pictures —and what a debut! A favourite motion picture star has entered into this newest p'hase of the cinema with a vengeance and one would predict for him a career of success that will dwarf his already brilliant one. Barthelmess appeared—and was heard—in his newest starring vehicle, “Weary River,” at the Plaza Theatre last night. Silent or otherwise, “Weary River” would have been adjudged a great picture. It is one of those rare Barthelmess characterisations which we have rightfully expected from him and which he has delivered in “Tol’able David,” “The Patent Leather Kid,” and more recently in “The Noose.” But in addition, to. Barth elmess's usual splendid screen presence, his unmatched pantomimic talents are abetted to an amazing degree by the use of his voice. Audiences will be surprised to hear the highly pleasing quality of his voice in “Weary River.” He plays the song, “Weary River,” on the piano with excellent feeling and respect for its sentimentality. Frank Lloyd has done an exceptional piece of directing and the cast is'a notable one, especially in regard to Betty Compson, who -was seen before opposite Barthelmess in “Scarlet Seas.” Miss Compson also speaks, as does "William Holden as the warden, and both register exceedingly well. The story concerns a singing convict whose musical inclinations are brought out in prison from where he broadcasts over the radio, thus winning fame, liberty and a girl. The story is deeply human and fraught with the genuine stuff of greatness. Many people find particular enjoyment in the short talkie features which make up the first part of the presentday talkie programmes. These people will be delighted with these items at the Plaza this week for they constitute a concert on their own. For example, Albert Spalding, t*he well-knowm violinist, plays two selections, and every note is heard as clearly as though he were in the room. His playing of some wild gipsy airs was wonderful. Then there is a comedy sketch by the two Howard Brothers, an “Oswald the Rabbit” cartoon, jazz selections by Henry Halstead and his Stage Band, and finally a gazette in which the news is heard as well as seen. Outstanding items were the views of New York from two miles up among the clouds, the singing of the French Military Academy cadets, and views of tennis in America between Miss Betty Nuthall and Miss Helen Wills.