AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 463, 3 July 1937, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

PLAZA THEATRE “Rose Marie” Mountain Air Perfect Medium For Music The glor’ous operatic voice of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy will ring out more triumphantly than ever In “Rose Marie” because of tlhe unusual altitude of their six-week mountain location. Such was the astonishing announcement of Mr. Edouard Lipps, Nelson Eddy’s vocal teacher, while with the star at Lake Tahoe to coach him

through the outdoor numbers of the giant musical, the first to be filmed against natural backgrounds. "We discovered It the first d'ay here,” Lipps said. “Between scenes In a mountain valley set, Jeanette and Nelson harmonised softly in “The Indian Love Call.’ At the first bar they looked at each otter in surprise. To the musical ear, the tones were as clear and bell-like as a flute. Tense Silence. "No one spoke during the minute, then the machine burst out wilh the recording It was beautifully clear, no rough edges, none of the usual haze which singers must rehearse to cut through. It was an exciting discovery tor us.” Lippe explained' that the altitude a mile and a half above sea level, was responsible. “Rose Marie” commences a six-day session at the Plaza Theatre to-night. A GREAT PICTURE Expectations Justified Finer singing has' not been heard in a sound film than that of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald in "Rose Marie.” Apart they are splendid, but in their singing of “The Indian Love Cail” together they reach even greater heights, their magnificent voices blending delightfully. "Rose Marie” has long been awaited as a film following its- phenomenal success as a musical comedy, and great expectations are fully justified. The somewhat Sanciful story suitable for a stage production has been strengthened for the film, which tells the powerful story of a Canadian policeman who sets out to get his man, but falls in love wjth the fugitive’s sis-

ter, a celebrated prima donna.. Against magnificent forest backgrounds the drama of love and duty is played out to the climax. If the film lacks the comedy of the stage show it gains' in scope and in the singing of the principals. Miss MacDonald’s performance is another triumph of versatility with fine acting in both comedy and serious scenes, crowned by her voice, which has full scope in the virile role of the mounted policeman, and the picture would be worth while only to hoar him in the theme song and the mounteds.’ song. ,

KING’S THEATRE “Pennies From Heaven” Columbia’s “Pennies From Heaven” I should get the palm as the year’s j most tuneful picture as well as one of j the most amusing. It gives Bing ■ Crosby a sprightly vehicle for some of the catchiest songs you have ever heard. And Bing’s acting talents are becoming more apparent with each film he makes. He is a born comedian; and he gets plenty of opportunity to show his wares in this picture, for it is literally filled -with laugh-provoking situations and dialogue. Bing is nobly aided and abetted in his foolery by a royal cast that includes Madge Evans, Edith Fellows, Donald Meek, John Gallaudet and Louis Armstrong, coloured king of swing music, and his band. Miss Evans does her role to a turn, supplementing a natural gift of loveliness with some very capable acting. Donald Meek once again does the trick, sqeezing every laugh out of a part that just drips with comedy. John Gallaudet, in a brief appearance, is completely convincing in a difficult role. “Pennies From Heaven” shows at the King’s Theatre on Saturday and Monday only.