“RIO RITA” SUCCESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 898, 15 February 1930, Page 16

“RIO RITA” SUCCESS

ROMANCE AND COLOUR IN PLENTY A SPECTACULAR PRODUCTION When Captain Jim Stewart, of the Texas Rangers, rode into the walled-in garden of a Mexican ranch in search of the notorious Kinkajou he did not succeed in iaying the bandit by the heels. But he was not altogether unsuccessful. He rode away with the heart of the fair Senorita Rita. The course of true love, particularly In musical comedy, never did run smooth, and in “Rio Rita." the bis screen version of the popular musical comedy which was screened at the Regent and Strand Theatres last evening, there is no exception to the rule, fortunately so, because thereby hangs the story of Rio Rita. + i, Fol i? wing a recent stage production, the turning of “Kio Rita” has been awaited with more than usual interest, and, although comparisons of the two lorms of production are somewhat invidious, it must be admitted that in many respects the photographic production enjoys big advantages. Particularly in the outdoor scenes greater realism is obtained. “Rio Rita 1 ’ is well suited to the With a dashing captain of Texas Rangers and a dark-eyed senorita just across the Rio Grande, to provide the romance, bank robberies and bandits to give thrill and excitement, and by way of extra diversion, ballets and gorgeously-frocked stage ensembles, there are provided the ingredients of a first-class picture. There is no doubt that it was very much enjoyed by the audiences that crowded both theatres last evening. Of particular interest is the appearof Bebe Daniels in the title role. Although a very popular actress of the silent screen, it was hard to believe that she could adapt herself so successful to talkie productions. With the advent of the talkies this actress along with many others, was discarded for vocalists, but Miss Daniels succeeded in proving that she had a voice, and in “Rio Rita” she has further proved that she will exceed even the heights to which she reached in the silent films. Than as Rio Rita Bebe Daniels could not have been cast. She lias the slim lissom figure and the dark beauty essential for the role. She is a distinct type, and furthermore a good actress. Her voice, although not of the powerful. soaring type, has very pleasing quality, and it carries well. Her diction is particularly clear, and she sings with considerable artistry. Her opening number in the garden . of her Mexican home was particuiariy well sung, and throughout she maihtamed a very high vocal standJohn Boles makes a flashing Captain of Hangers, and, except for a tendency to sing through his teeth, his lyric tenor voice is quite pleasing. He has many fine numbers, and he sings them with conviction. The duets betWrS2n he and . Rlta ar e very well done. The play is rich in comedy, this being carried out for the most part by Chick, the bootlegger, and Lovett, his lawyer. Robert Woolsey is the lawyer—a quick, slap-dash, hornrimmed American, and his work Is particularly bright. Although most of his lines have to be given at rapid fire, every word is heard. Dorothy Chick’s wife, is also responsible for some clever comedy, and her dancing and singing are bright features of the show. MAGNIFICENT COSTUMES There are many splendidly staged scenes. The ball room scene, with its magnificent Mexican costuming is particularly fine. It is here that Bebe Daniels and John Boles do some of their best work. Believing that Jim is trying to capture her brother under suspicion of being the notorious Kinkajou, Rita’s love turns to hate, but, relenting at the last second, she saves his life when he is about to be shot dawn by the Mexican guards at the outer door. Opportunity has also been taken of the scene on the pirate barge to introduce some very novel and spectacular effects, and the colouring and costuming has been carried out in a particularly lavish scale. In “Rio Rita” there are some very bright choruses, and they are well sung in the film version, the “Song of the Texas Rangers,” being particularly pleasing. The dancing is also very good, and is successful in banishing from the show any possibility of a dull moment. All the minor roles are entrusted to very capable hands, and the result is a very colourful and faithful production. Certainly “Rio Rita” marks another epoch in the production of musical comedy.