TALKIES FOR ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 852, 21 December 1929, Page 20

TALKIES FOR ST. JAMES

THE OPENING ATTRACTION The announcement that the St. James Theatre will Jn future present talkie programmes has been hailed with a good deal of interest by Auckland's amusement lovers. This beautiful theatre built specially for stage shows has, naturally, splendid acoustic properties, and the Western Electric equipment at present being installed will be a model of clarity. Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller made an extensive survey of the whole field of film productions and decided on showing Warner Brothers’ Vitaphone attractions exclusively. The opening attraction, “The Gold Diggers of Broadway,” is one with an excellent reproduction of sound and dialogue, which, it is claimed, is remarkably distinct, and this should be another feature which will enhance the entertainment value. The production, which abounds in singing and delightful dancing numbers, was adapted from the great stage success by Avery Hop wood, which is ranked among the most popular plays produced in recent years. David Belasco was responsible for the production and it bears the indelible mark of his genius. V .nnio Lightner is cast in the principal role. The vivacious star, who, by her delightfully irresponsible portrayals, has earned the title of the “Screen Tom Boy,” is said to give a remarkable characterisation, and it would be hard to imagine a better selection for the difficult role she is called upon to play. Miss Lightner has definitely taken her stand with the most celebrated actresses of the day. The supporting cast is no less notable. It includes Conway Tearle, who has attracted a huge following of screen admirers. He has served a rigorous apprenticeship on the legitimate stage and has achieved many outstanding triumphs. “The Crooning Troubadour” is the title Nick Lucas has earned among radio followers in the United States. He is a proved vaudeville performer and takes a leading part in “The Gold Diggers of Broadway.” Nancy Welford and Ann Pennington are also featured in the cast. The former is one of the most popular dancing and singing “ingenues” from the Ziefeld Follies, and has an enviable reputation on the Broadway stage. Miss Pennington is another artist with a large circle of admirers and is seen and heard in some entrancing numbers in the production.

The chief song hits of this new show are “Painting a Kitchenette,” “Song of the Gold Diggers,” “Go to Bed” and “Tip-Toe Through the Tulips With Me.”

The opening programme will also include a particularly fine supporting list of shorter talkie items.