“JAZZ HEAVEN”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 951, 19 April 1930, Page 14

“JAZZ HEAVEN”

DELIGHTFUL TALKIE OPENS AT MAJESTIC PATHE VARIETY SUPPORT Screen publicity is so complete nowadays that hardened reviewers usually are able to make a fairly accurate estimate of a production in advance. Sometimes, hov/ever, they are disappointed when the picture appears. On rarer occasions they are pleasantly surprised. Such an occasion was provided at the Majesty on Thursday evening, when “Jazz Heaven” was presented. The surprise was a delightful one—an Easter talkie-egg that pleased its recipients immensely. “Jazz Heaven” moves aside from the now familiar path of the talkie revue with a backstage plot supported by hosts of girls and songs. It consists of a well-devised, reasonable, and genuinely-entertaining little story, well spiced with humour and containing enough melody to give it that lilting quality desired in talkies of the type. Further, “Jazz Heaven” is excellently acted by a well-chosen cast, including several clever comedians. At the head of the list is Sally O’Neill, who appeared at the Majestic last week in “Broadway Scandals.” Her work in the newer production is even better than before, added to which she has a better part in a better picture. “Supporting the twinkling and ingenious little soubrette-star is John Mack Brown, the likeable -youngster who, if memory serves aright, made his debut under the wing of Mary He appears as a young song-writer who is helped to success by a girl from a publishing house. Clyde Cook, the Australian comed-

ian, has a part entirely to his liking as the hen-pecked husband of the landlady in the song-writer’s apartments. His work is excellent in the moment when, as the night-watch-man at a piano factory, he allows the hero and heroine to practice their song in a broadcasting room of the building where, by mistake, they are put “on the air.” Joseph Cawthorn and Albert Conti, as the partners in the music-publish-ing business that eventually buys and exploits the song “Someone,” which comes as a recurring theme throughout the picture, work together in a series of comedy interludes of outstanding merit. On Thursday they reduced the audience to roars of laughter and won many friends for themselves, personally. “Jazz Heaven” opens in the sittingroom of a little down-town apartment and ends after a blaze, of colour and movement at a smart night club. It has all the essentials of bright, speedy comedy and may be classed unhesitatingly as a first-class Easter show—one of the most acceptable talkies the Majestic has booked since the screen spoke. On the same programme is a varied group of short subject films, quite the best of which is a Pathe series of variety turns combined with news budget items. A pair of astounding acrobatic dancers and an uproariously funny comedy turn are special features of the group. A Universal screen news budget, introducing the chatty “talking reporter,” a comedy cartoon, and some interesting views of Auckland follow. Last, but not least, a Universal talking comedy, introducing a familiar infant comedian as a talkie star. The Majestic orchestra Contributes to a thoroughly'enjoyable programme. ONEHUNGA PICTURES STRAND THEATRE At the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, this evening there will be presented “The Broadway Scandals of 1930,” an entertainng production of a JNTew York stage show, with numbers of new and and catchy songs and dancing ensembles, with Jack Egan and Sally O'Xeill in the leading roles. Bright supporting items will also be shown. FORESTERS’ HALL At the Foresters’ Hall. Onehunga. this evening the chief attraction will be “Midnight Flyer,” a roaring railwaydrama, with an exciting plot. A num- | ber of excellent supporting items complete the programme. CLICK CLACK CABARET The well-known Click Clack Cabaret reopens for the 1930 dancing season this evening. The floor is in perfect condition and every arrangement has been made for the comfort of dancers. The latest and brightest music is provided by the Click Clack Internationals. BAND AT ZOO TOMORROW Tomorrow the Municipal Band plays at the Zoological Park, when a veryinteresting programme will include the hymns “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” and “Abide With Me.” overture “Hungarian Comedy-,” selections, “The Gondoliers” and “Old English Songs,” byBishop, cornet souo, “L’Adieu.” by Mr. , Fred Bowes, variations on the theme [ "Home, Sweet Home.” and other tune- > ful a.rjd nnrnlar items.