ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 857, 28 December 1929, Page 14

ST. JAMES

“THE GOLD DIGGERS OF BROADWAY”

They have blended the rainbow with the talking movies in Hollywood, they have made life dance, sing and glisten in the all-talking, natural colour picture, “Gold Diggers of Broadway,” which is delighting the large audiences at the St. James Theatre.

The wonderful production is a beautiful sunrise to the moving picture art: sets plumaged like peacocks are wiped off in a trice so that another, equally glorious, can take its place. Winnie Lightner, with her sparkling wit, provokes laughs galore, and Ann Penington, dainty dancer, gives a wonderful display of terpsichorean art in many of the beautiful coloured scenes which follow one another in quick procession, while Mick Lucas, croons several songs which, for their appeal and haunting tunes, will find many admirers.

That Warner Brothers have added another achievement to the history of Vitaphone was the concensus of opinion expressed by the New Y'ork newspaper critics, following the premiere of “Gold Diggers of Broadway.” Mordaunt Hall, in the New York “Times,” said:—“A delightful talking and singing natural colour picture. The fun, coupled with the lovely pastel shades, the tuneful melodies, a sensible. narrative, competent acting and elaborate stage settings, resulted in an extraordinary pleasing entertainment.” Quinn Martin, in “The Evening World”:—“A big bold extravaganza in colour. In ‘Gold Diggers of BroadwayF there are laughs enough for anyone.”

A careful selection is apparent in the supporting programme. The large Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Herman Heller, plays the “Orpheus” overture finely in the opening film. Van and Schenck, humorous duettists, are heard in original song numbers and the Vitaphone girls’ ballet of 25, appearing in the musical numbers, “Chinese Lullaby” and “The Doll Dance,” presents clever dancing. Elmira Lane, who possesses a fine soprano voice, is featured in the number. “Realisation,” the remaining support, is a comedy sketch of a man who found his intentions of divorce were not wholly justified.

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS

A DELIGHTFUL CONCERT Old English and Irish folk songs figured prominently in a delightful concert by the Westminster Glee Singers before a large and appreciative audience in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. The six soprano boy soloists, and the nine adult singers included in this talented company gave an exceptionally fine performance, their singing of popular national numbers being greeted with prolonged applause. Among the most delightful items were selections of Alfred Hill’s Maori songs, the prologue from “Pagliacci,” and several of Mozart’s numbers. A matinee will be given on Thursday.