ROBESON SINGS IN “KING SOLOMON’S MINES”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 April 1938, Page 4

ROBESON SINGS IN “KING SOLOMON’S MINES”

When it was announced that G.-8.-D. would film Sir H. Rider Haggard’s most thrilling tale of romance and adventure in South Africa, “King Solomon’s Mines,” and that Paul Robeson would play the role of Umbopa, coloured pretender to the throne of Kukuana, film fans thrilled at the thought of seeing their favourite coloured actor in a really great acting role; but were somewhat dejected at the thought than no singing opportunities would be offered him. But the producers knew the popularity of Robeson’s voice—his fame as an international concert singer, stage and screen star is recognised through this as much as his dramatic ability—and they, too, thought it would be a lost opportunity if he did not sing. So careful consultations were held, and the result was that three songs were ingeniously introduced into the action of the film.

The songs, “Kukuana Song,” ■‘Climbing Up! Climbing Up!” and “Ho! Ho! The Wagon Song,” have all been specially composed by Mischa Spoliansky. writer of songs for Jan Kiepura and other famous singers Lyrics were written by Eric Maschwitz, the 8.8. C. executive,, novelist, librettist and dramatist, who has written lyrics for song hits under the nom-de-plume of Holt Marvell, scoring terrific success. “King Solomon’s Mines,” under Robert Stevenson's direction, has become a really great entertainer,. and the all-star cast, in- addition to Robeson, includes Cedric Hardwicke, Roland Young, John Loder and Anna Lee. This adventure of a lifetime opens on tomorrow at the State Theatre for an extended season. l.ij