ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1003, 20 June 1930, Page 16

ST. JAMES

“NO, NO, NANETTE” The elaborate dance numbers in "No, No, Nanette,” First National’s big musical screen show which opens today at the St. James Theatre, were under the direction of Larry Ceballos, Hollywood’s most prominent dance director, noted for his sparkling and spectacular ensemble arrangements. Ceballos, formerly with Chariot’s Revues in London and the Greenwich Village Follies in New York, created and staged all the dance numbers with his chorus of 125 girls and 25 men. Like all the Ceballos stage effects, these dances have the qualities of speed and vivacity. Ceballos is considered the supreme authority on modern stage dancing. Michio Ito, internationally famous dancer, and one of the outstanding actors of Japan, assisted Ceballos in staging ensembles for the Japanese ballet, which is one of the huge scenes in “No, No, Nanette.” The chorus dances the age-old steps of Ito’s native country, which have been handed down through generations. This scene and a number of other high spots in the picture are made in technicolour. Some of the special players in this Japanese sequence are members of the Ken Geki company of Nipponese stars who toured the United States a short time ago, attracting wide attention. Bernice Claire and Alexander Gray have the leading roles in “No, No, Nanette,” which is the screen version of the famous New York stage success. Miss Claire is making her first film appearance in this picture, while Gray is playing his second film role, his first having been opposite Marilyn Miller in “Sally.” Miss Claire and Gray sang and danced together on the stage when they were prima donna and leading man in “The Desert Song.”

Others in the cast are Lucien Littlewood, Louise Fazenda, Lilvan Tashman, Bert Roach, Zasu Pitts, Mildred Harris, Henry Stockbridge and Jocelyn Lee.

Another brilliant supporting programme will also be presented.