DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1940, Page 9

DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA.

OPERA HOUSE, HAWERA. There is a story to the effect that Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire became so interested in the dance numbers they worked out for "Broadway Melody of 1940" that they had to have an alarm clock installed in the rehearsal hall to remind them when it was time for lunch. From the enthusiasm with which the two stars throw themselves into the dance sequences in Ihe film, which is screening finally to-night at the Opera House, the story may well be believed. Hawera audiences have acclaimed the film as the "best yet" in the long caval- I cade of "Broadway Melodies" which bring to the screen each year extravaganzas of music and dancing. With Astaire and Powell in the leading roles, and George Murphy, Frank Morgan and Florence Rice ably s ipporting them, the cast alone would make the film notable. Add to that the lavish settings for the dance. numbers set to Cole Porter s music, and the picture takes its place as one of the year's most entertaining. The dancing ranges fron tapping through waltz sequences to genuine ballet; two numbers which alone make the picture worthwhile are photographic gems. They are "Begin the Beguine," which has a 60ft. mirror as a baekground to a dance routine beginning with a slow, exotic rhythm and working into a swingtime version to a vocal accompaniment by.the Andrews Sisters. The other, the "Pierrot and Pierrette." is the ballet sequence, and is done effectively in an entire setting and costuming of black and white.