TALKIES AT THE ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 855, 26 December 1929, Page 15

TALKIES AT THE ST. JAMES

OPENING THIS EVENING today another talkie theatre will be added to the City's long list of these houses. This is the St. James Theatre, which, since its opening nearly two years ago, has been presenting stage musical comedy revue and vaudeville shows. The design and seating arrangements in the auditorium make the theatre very suitable for the showing of pictures and for days past workmen have been busy installing the latest Western Electric talking equipment. The films to be shown at St. James comprise the whole output of Warner Brothers* sudios for 1930. “Talkies” to be presented in the near future will introduce many new artists, as well as many old favourites. The opening attraction is “Gold Diggers of Broadway,*’ an all-colour, singing and' talking production, which the management has been successful in securing for the first screening in the Southern Hemisphere.

Winnie Lightner is cast in the principal role in “The Gold Diggers of Broadway.** 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 Ziegfeld 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 “Paintnig a Kitchenette,” “Song of the Gold Diggers.” “Go to Bed,” and “Tip-Toe Through the Tulips with Me.”

An excellent supporting programme has also been arranged for this evening.