MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 878, 23 January 1930, Page 14

MAJESTIC

“STREET GIRL” A spirited and tuneful drama that clearly shows the possibilities of the new-form musical film entertainment is the Radio Picture “Street Girl.” which opens today at the Majestic Theatre. The picture is distinctive in that the movement of the story and tho musical sequences are naturally dependent and correlated.

Betty Compson, who has reached new heights through the medium of talking pictures, heads the cast of well-known players. This talented star possesses a rich, sweet voice and a wealth of dramatic power. llcr role in “Street Girl” is regarded as the greatest characterisation of her career.

Miss Compson is seen as a girl of the streets who obtains employment as a violin player and entertainer in a small Hungarian cafe in New York’s East Side. The ability of the little group of musicians with whom she works is finally recognised after an unpromising start. Success obtains for them a night club of their own after a series of disheartening experiences. Miss Compson is well qualified to play this particular part, for she started her professional career as a violinist on a vaudeville circuit. “Street Girl” was adapted from W. Carey Wonderly’s story, “The Viennese Charmer,” a dramatic and realistic tale of that little known, but intensely human district, New York’s “Little Hungary.” Jane Murfin wrote the dialogue, and through it brought a poignant and authentic transcription of life in that section.

Featured in support of Miss Compson is John Harr on, whose performance marks him as one of the most accomplished of those stars of the silent screen who have successfully made the change to dialogue pictures. Coupled with the tense drama of “Street Girl” is sparkling comedy furnished by Jack Oakie, Ned Sparks and Joseph Cawthorn, three of tho screen’s best comics. Seldom can a picture claim four distinct song hits, but Sidney Clare and Oscar Levant, well-known Broadway song-writing team, have composed a quartet of popular numbers for “Street Girl” that promise to gain national recognition. “My Dream Memory,” “Broken Up Tune,” a “hot” stepping number which has originated the new “Broken Up” dance, “Lovable and Sweet,” and “Prince of Good Fellows” contain all the elements that go to make up popular hits. The accompanying programme will be of the usual high Majestic standard with talking and singing £eaturettes and new musical selections by Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Orchestra.