“RIO RITA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 891, 7 February 1930, Page 15

“RIO RITA”

COMING TO TWO THEATRES

New York audiences are raving: about “Rio Rita,” the spectacular musical film which is coming to the Regent and Strand Theatres on February 14. Even the blase trade critics have opened up a new box of enthusiasm, out of which, as an instance, jumps this piece of “Film Daily” praise: “One of the screen’s great pictures and wonderful entertainment which should reap a harvest. This one puts Radio Pictures into the big league with a smash. It's a success from every angle and a sweet box office bet.

“William Le Baron, Radio production chief, put a iot of production values, showmanship and entertainment into this picturisation of the Florenz Ziegfeld musical show. And the screen version, while adhering to the stage show, goes further, demonstrating the vast possibilities in production of this type. It is new treatment for the screen, in that it follows musical, show formula- This one should rank with top-notch moneymakers of screen history. "The work of John Boles and Bebe Daniels Is superlative; in fact, the entire cast is great. A wonderful piece of property for Radio and a box office bonanza for exhibitors. Any kind of audience will vote this a success.” In addition to Bebe Daniels as Rio Rita and John Boles as Captain Jim, important roles are taken by Bert AVheeler and Robert Woolsey, of the New York stage.

This film version of “Rio Rita” abounds in the spectacular ensembles and catchy tunes that made the stage show so popular, and is enriched by the outstanding. singing of Bebe Daniels. The box plans for the Auckland season open at both theatres on Tuesday,