STUDENT CAPERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 821, 15 November 1929, Page 16

STUDENT CAPERS

“WORDS AND MUSIC” AT MAJESTIC i BRIGHT MUSICAL TALKIE A bright and clever musical comedy-talkie lifted out of stageland and expanded into suitable screen proportions is "Words and Music,” presented at the Majestic Theatre for the first time last evening. Its catchy melodies and brilliant ensembles spelt success from the first rousing sequence. Regular picturegoers are familiar with the occasional “surprise” film that comes without quite the usual blaze of advance publicity yet reveals a. higher entertainment percentage than many of its more lauded predecessors. “Words and Music” is such a film. It provides that surprise which any audience is so delighted to receive and entertains from the first scene with a completeness that brooks no criticism. It is perhaps the most genuine musical comedy yet offered in screen form. Of course, there is a heavy basis of plot which screen productions of revue or musical comedy appear to require, but after the preliminaries are got over the show opens with a whirl in an atmosphere typically of the stage. Like the Fox Movietone Follies and others of the same popular group “Words and Music” is a show within a show. One is introduced at the outset to a crowd of cheerful students vieing with each other in the production of what is evidently the American equivalent of a capping concert. A bg money prize is offered for the best ensemble number, and there are schemes and counter-plots among the boys and co-eds of the campus. (.Or something like that.) Then interest begins to centre on two rival “producers”—the college bully and the son of the village music-storekeeper. There is rich comedy' in the amazing student capers that precede the opening of the big show, but the character of the story remains unaltered until tlie moment comes for the presentation of the rival numbers. Then “Words and Music” becomes a musical comedy indeed, with tuneful melodies, gorgeous frocking, excellent dancing and perfect ensembles of several kinds. The casting of “Words and Music” is one of its strongest features and

some excellent acting is revealed. It must be said at once that the picture is a triumph for the leading woman who is yet another of the comparatively few talkie “finds” among players of the silent screen. Lois Moran is indeed a versatile artist. A year ago when she was seen in the cream of silent pictures, when talkies opened she made one minor appearance in a short comedy, tonight she is playing in '‘straight” drama at the Strand, and last evening she was the perfect musical comedy star of “Words and Music.” Obviously this pretty blonde actress has passed through a stage schooling for her leadership in ensemble work is reminiscent of the best musical comedy stars wlio have toured New Zealand, her dancing is delightful, her singing tuneful, and her personality appealing. David Percy, the magnificent baritone who delighted everyone in the "Pearl of Old Japan” number of Fox Follies, plays opposite Lois Moran and sings with equal power and effect in the remarkable hunting scene. It is a pity that his voice was not made available for more than one song. The remainder of the cast includes a number of excellent comedians and dancers, together with a clever ballet. Outstanding among the short subjects on the new Majestic bill is a copy of the Australian Fox Movietone News rushed to New Zealand with the Melbourne Cup in sound and picture. Nightmarch’s victory can be followed with uncommon clarity and every sound on the packed course is borne to the audience. The Majestic’s showing of this picture must constitute something like a record for the rapid presentation of screen hews from overseas. A Clark and McCullough comedy of more than ordinary laughter content and a news budget completed last evening’s uncommonly good programme.