STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 December 1938, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

ENTERTAINMENT DE LUX. “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” is a great picture and last night’s big audience at the State Theatre appreciated it to the full. The picture made a vivid appeal and brought back old memories to the elder members of the audience who revelled in the past melodies of the world famous composer, Berlin. There is a feast of good things in the picture to catch and hold the close attention of the onlookers and carry them* enthralled right through the story. “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” goes “with a punch” and there is not a dull moment in it. The film casts the principal characters as members of a fictitious Alexander’s Ragtime Band —and lets them do just about what the members of a real band would have done. In the bewildering brilliance of “Alexander” one remembers that Tyronne Power starts with a small band in a honky-tonk. Don Ameche writes the tunes which Alice Faye sings. Love smolders, flares, cools, blows up and is rekindled over the years for Tyronne and Alice. History moves before the eyes with the reminiscent melodies of Berlin as a gentle guide through the plot. Such a story framework—the career of a young musician and the girl who sang the nation’s love, songs —two hotheads quarreling and parting, forgiving and finding love again through the music that was their life — is novel and scintillating. What better acting could one wish for than that' of Alice Faye who was perfection in a most trying part, and who sang probably better than ever before. Bright and vivacious she was well fitted for the part and was a great favourite with the audience. Tyronne . Power gave one of his outstanding portrayals and has secured another film triumph. His powerful dramatic presentation with its light and shadow make up a performance worthy of a great actor. Don Ameche was equally good and handled his role like a master. Ethel Merman shows plenty of spirit in her part and delighted those present with her acting. The comedy work of Jack Haley and Chick Chandler was exceptionally good, while Jean Hersholt, Ruth Terry, Paul Hurst, Helen Westley and John Carradine are all well cast and pleased very much with their presentations. Such a gathering of world-famous stars made a decided appeal to an audience which was loud in its praise of the excellence of “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” The catchy melodies soon had the enraptured audience tapping their feet and humming the words of the old time world-fam-ous songs. The supports are of special interest and make the whole programme one which no picture lover can afford to miss. “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” will be shown again tonight and the wise patron will book a seat as there is sure to be a packed house.