REVUE DE LUXE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 961, 2 May 1930, Page 15

REVUE DE LUXE

“PARIS” AT THE STRAND IRENE BORDONI AND JACK j BUCHANAN . At a time when revue is follow- i ing revue so rapidly that prac- i tically every week brings a fresh j *P° ctac, e, comparisons are difficult and somewhat futile. Nevertheless, one may assert with confidence that Auckland has yet to see a better production than “Paris." The credit for the success that attended the opening of his First National-\ itaplione show at the Strand Theatre last evening must go to two consummate artists —Miss Irene Bordoni and Mr. Jack Buchanan. Irene Bordoni is a star de luxe in r ® vue luxe - -Her great success in the stage version of “Paris" undoubtedly has been repeated on the screen, and her personality is one of the most vivid that talkies have revealed. Her acting and her flaire for roguish, sophisticated comedy captivated last evening’s audience, but it is her smging of gay, catchy songs that is so especially delightful. m “Paris” her songs are generous in number, yet they seem all too few. “Somebody Mighty Like You" could be enjoyed many times, as could ‘Don’t Look at Me” and “I Wonder What is Beallv on his Mind.” Then there is her burlesque of modern syncopated songs of the U.S.A. brand, including an imitation of A 1 Jolson singing ‘‘lt All Depends on You,” calculated to teach him a lasting lesson. The name of Jack Buchanan is one to conjure with on the London stage, and his work in “Paris” leaves no doubt as to his future in talkies. Buchanan is a leading man in a hundred. His acting is suave and interesting, his comedy effective, and his singing fully up to the standard that should be attained by a partner of Irene Bordoni. His patter dancing must be seen to be appreciated—a light, graceful performance with a‘ rhythm about it that becomes more fascinating as the show goes on. For explanatory purposes, “Paris” may be divided into two distinct shows, each complete in itself, and each with particular merit of its own. First there is the revue proper—a gorgeous affair in full technicolour, with, the Bordoni-Buchanan touch, and an enormous supporting east and ballet. There are at least a dozen different stage items, each gorgeously mounted and accompanied by lilting melodies. The stars sing such duets as “My Lover” and “Mighty Like You.” Miss Bordoni appears again and again in wonderful clothes backed by wonderful settings, and Mr. Buchanan dances and sings his way through catchy little trifles such as “I’m a Little Negative, Looking for a Positive,” and “Miss Wonderful.” Then there is the story behind the scenes; but .not one of those vague affairs, devised purely as a weak excuse for the happenings across the

j footlights. The story of “Paris” is polished comedy presented by a group j of excellent players. Chief among the clever supporting j people is Louise Hale, whose portrait of an American mother engaged in releasing her son from a siren’s toils is much too good to be missed. Laughter becomes hilarity in her best scenes. Zasu Pitts, as the maid, and Jason Robards. are others deserving of praise. The new Strand programme includes a Fox Movietone News with several New Zealand features, beautiful teclinicolour views of the Grand Canyon of America, a comedy duet, and other attractive films. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT i | “The Wagon Master” is the title i of the new talkie attraction now at the Victoria Theatre. Devonport. It is j an outdoor story full of stirring action of the adventures of the early Ame- . rioan Western pioneer. The well- ; known actor. Ken Maynard, appears ! in the leading role as master of a ; line of waggons. i A full supporting programme is also j being presented. _ .