ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1006, 24 June 1930, Page 15

ST. JAMES

“NO, NO, NANETTE” Lucian Littlefield, bald-headed comedian who has come to the top with a rush since the arrival of talking pictures, is teamed with the inimitable Louise Fazenda, in “No, No, Nanette,” First National’s big screen musical comedy, which is drawing crowded houses to the St. James Theatre. Littlefield, a former stage actor, was just acquiring a definite skill humour in pantomime when the advent of the microphone gave him the use of his voice again for comedy purposes. In “No, No Nanette,” he appears in the role played in Auckland by Jimmy Godden, as a kind-hearted millionaire who can’t bear to see a pretty girl in need of clothes. Miss Fazenda has one of her best roles as his old-fashioned wife. Bernieo Claire and Alexander Gray, stellar recruits from the musical comedy stage, sing and dance the two leading parts. Lilyan Tashman, Bert Roach, Zasu Pitts and Mildred Harris are also in the cast. Clarence Badger directed.

The picture is partly in technicolour, and is filled with songs which are being .sung all over the country. “I Want To Be Happy,” and “Tea For Two,” botli from the original stage production, have been retained in the film version. “King of the Air,” “Japanese Ballet” and “Dancing On Mars” are among the new numbers. A capital programme of short talking and singing featurettes is also being presented.