BOBBY BREEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1938, Page 2

BOBBY BREEN

EASTER ATTRACTION AT THE STATE. The screen has not presented during the current season a more completely entertaining motion picture than “Make a Wish.’’ the new Bobby Breen musical starring vehicle filmed by Principal Productions for RKO Radio, which is the grand Easter attraction at the State Theatre. In no department of production has anything been neglected to make the picture a thoroughly enjoyable one. and it easily qualifies as the best in which the young singing star has ever appeared —a pleasing mixture of comedy, romance, tuneful songs and beautiful backgrounds. Bobby combines real ability as an actor with a magnificent singing voice which seems even to have increased in volume and sweetness. He is heard in several haunting melodies written by the noted Viennese composer. Oscar Straus, the outstanding one of the group being the theme song bearing tire title of the picture itself. Basil Rathbone, no longer the suave villain, plays a truly romantic role for the first time in his screen career, and contributes a performance which stamps him as a versatile actor of unusual attainments. The leading feminine role is portrayed by Marion Claire, famous radio singer, who gives every promise of future screen stardom. The explosive Italian, Henry Armetta. is vastly humorous in a characterisation that is literally a comedy gem. Others in the big cast who do especially commendable work are Ralph Forbes. Leon Errol. Donald Meek, Leonid Kinskey and Herbert Rawlinson. Director Kurt Neumann has maintained the action at a lively pace, and both he and the associate producer, Edward Gross, may well be proud of a picture which stands high in the list of the season's best.