“RIO RITA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 893, 10 February 1930, Page 14

“RIO RITA”

AT TWO THEATRES ON FRIDAY The film version of the famous stage hit, “Rio Rita,” has been staged in elaborate style and is coming to the Regent and Strand Theatres next Friday. It has every element of audi-ence-appeal, colourful settings, fine music, exceptional cast, splendid singing, comedy par excellence, dance ensembles, brilliant costumes and a brilliant cast. R.K.O. has provided a film treatment to the stage operetta, which sustains interest throughout. The comedy sequences are particularly effective, as the comedy is interspersed nicely between the song numbers and story development, rounding out the picture, and giving it a freshness always sought but seldom attained. Bebe Daniels, in the title role, scores a sensational success, as does John Boles as Captain Jim. Miss Daniels’s singing will be a revelation, and her performance throughout is of a high standard. John Boles is more than equal to the job of putting over the tuneful numbers, and his reputation in musical films is now assured. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, from the New York stage, make an instantaneous hit in the prominent comedy roles. The ensembles and dance numbers are beautifully executed, and are in themselves a treat worth the price of admission. The whole show has been staged with a lavish hand, which will be of particular interest to those who have never seen a big New Y"ork production. The box plans open at both theatres tomorrow morning.