“RIO RITA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 900, 18 February 1930, Page 15

“RIO RITA”

AT REGENT AND STRAND “Kio Rita’' continues its successful season at botli the Strand and Regent' theatres, and the general opinion of aii who saw it seems to have been that it was undoubtedly the very finest production that has yet come out of a talkie studio, transcending in magnificence, in harmony, in humour and m the very stupendous nature of its backgrounds any entertainment that has ever before been seen in Auckland. It has certainly set a new standard for the talkie world, placing this class of entertainment on a level which it liad not previously attained. Musical comedy is eminently suited for transference to the silver sheet, and with “Rio Rita” the R.KL.O. producers have set a standard for all the film companies, as the popularity of this phase of screen entertainment grows. The producers of talkie films have an unrivalled field in the production of musical comedy, such as this, and it was realised that the screen phase of the picture must transcend any stage production, but nothing so utterly gorgeous, so redolent of humorous dialogue and sparkling music had been for a moment anticipated. The second act, filmed entirely in techni-colour, literally left one breathless with the very immensity and magnificence of its backgrounds and settings. One had all the familiar airs, handled as they have never been handled before. The vocal work throughout was of the highest quality, the chorus work being unsurpassed. Bebe Daniels, in the title role, was superb, 2ier enunciation being perfect and her vocal numbers one long delight. Equally convincing was John Roles as the dashing Jim Stewart, captain of the Texas Rangers. The comedy work was in the hands of two of the brightest artists that Auckland has ever seen, and throughout their tenure of the screen these two had the audience convulsed with laughter. The Ziegfeld ballet girls were seen to advantage in the technicolour sequences, and the orchestral work was perfect. Through the medium of the Western Electric sound equipment, the reproduction throughout was as near perfect as has yet been reached. It was all gTeat entertainment of a standard hitherto undreamed of. “Rio Rita” I should play to capacity houses ! throughout its extended season, and it i is safe to say that a good many of I those who have already been will take the opportunity of again seeing the ! picture.

Several real gondolas have been : secured for use in the Venetian canal j scene in “The Big Pond.” Maurice i Chevalier's next Paramount produci tion.