MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 996, 12 June 1930, Page 17

MAJESTIC

“KIT THE DECK” "Hit the Deck,” Radio Pictures’ lavish all-talking technicolour musical comedy, is continuing its successful season at the Majestic Theatre. A cast of 14 prominent players, headed by Polly Walker, Broadway beauty, and Jack Oakie, sensational comedian, interpret the roles. No expense or talent was spared to make the screen version the most pretentious offering of the season. A chorus of 200 singers and dancers lend a variety to the screen version that the stage could only suggest. Luther Reed, who directed "Rio Rita,” and Robert Kurrle, responsible for that sensational hit, again have given their talents in making "Hit the Deck” equally great. Nine songs, with a musical background by three orchestras, will be heard. Scenes made at a naval base lend reality to the exteriors. The nine songs featured were picked as the best of 18 made available by Vincent Youman's original score and the contributions of Radio Pictures’ composers and lyric writers. In addition. there are two original spirituals offered by the negro chorus during the spectacular "Hallelujah” number. The first two songs, "Join the Navy” and "Looloo.” are sung by the sailors’ chorus. These are followed by an original screen number, “Sez You. Sez Me.” offered by Jack Oakie and a number of chorus girls. A most enjoyable supporting programme is also being presented. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT "The Rainbow Man” continues to delight audiences at the Victoria Theatre, with its lilting songs and entertaining story. The lives of the people in the small minstrel shows that travel from town to town is brightly told try a cast which includes Eddie Dowling, Frankie Darro. Marion Nixon and Sam Hardy. An excellent supporting programme is also being shown. Charles (Buddy) Rogers has been assigned the starring role in "Follow Through,” a new Paramount screen musical comedy, shortly to go into production at the Hollywood studios. Zelma O’Neal, New York stage star, is to have the feminine lead.