"PARIS" THE WONDERFUL AT GAIETY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Volume 59, Issue 101, 31 May 1930, Page 2

"PARIS" THE WONDERFUL AT GAIETY.

Instantaneous success is certain to greet tlie mammoth production "Paris," with Irene Bordoni. which cpmmences its season at the Gaiety De Luxe to-night, and judgiug from the advanced bookings, before a crowdod audience. It is a first National and Vitaphone picture in technicolour, resplendent with dazzling ballet scenes and gorgeous settings, wonderful vocalisation and a captivating theme, "Paris," however, is not a one-artist show. It is a unique combination of attractions and all are of the highest order. The theme of the picture deals with the adventures of a puritanical mother and lier not-so-nuritanical son, the latter going to the Erench capital to study architecture. He becomes enamoured of a vivacious stage star and the news has the effect of almost overwhelming his mother. The thought of the scion of a Pilgrim '. Eatlier's house becoming inveigled with an actfess is too rnuch for the staid, pnm grey-haired mother, who at oncp sets out for ihe scene of her son's disgrace. On her arrival in the gay city undreamed of incidents occur which move swiftly to an amazing climax. This, however, is not in the direction one woul(J expect. The mother shatters all precept and principles of her line in her subsequent conduct in a highly delightful way and tbe end comes with a surprising denouement. The picture throughout constitutes one of the most attractive and enjoyable since the inception of the talkie in_ Napier. Staging is spectaeularly lavish, intense ihterest is maintained right to the last inch of film, the artistry of its principals reaches such heights and during its nnwinding the story abounds witn such mirth-provoking scenes and clever witty contretemps that all tastes are catered for and. there is a delight in every moment. Irene Bordoni, carrying the heaviest burden in the production, make^ an impressive success of her inaugural screen production. Her acting and the refined ouality of comedy whicli she has cultivated are as pleasing as her singing, which reaches a high standard of artistic accomplishment. Yet Irene Bordoni does not monopolise. The work gf Jack Buchanan, playing opposite the leader, is outstandiiig. His comedy work is irresistible and. he is the possessov of a highly pleasing voice which is exploited throughout the production with the utmost effect. Really clever is the ■impersonation of the young American architect by Jason Robardo, while an altogether.naemorable roleis that taken by Louise Clpsser Hale. As the mother she is brilliant in the hour of her fall from the straight and narrow, proscribed path of puritanical principles to the Boliemianism of the Erench . capital. Her every apnearance is a triumph of refined artistry, and in her escapades with the incorrigible principle of the Erench theatrical star, she carried out the pantomimic element with fine discretion, avoiding judicious.ly any inclination to overdo hurlesque or pathog as the occasion demanded. The appeal of the ballet, extravagantIy robed. in numbers that weta characterised by surprisingly uniform ability and precision, is more than satisfied in the appearances of the Folies Bergere, who give to the- picture a spectacular value that is difficult to estimate. "Paris," however, relies upon no such eommendation, for in its inherently artistic production, its ricli and refined comedy and ii> Ihe ability of its principals it is tichly endowed with attractions. A splendid collection of specially selected •'shorts'' will accompany this _ truly remarkahle attraction, inclnding Albert _ Spalding. the celebrated concert violinist. Hymans and Maclntyre. a comedy team, offer an liilarious comedy sketch. Pat West's Syncopated Blues Players will be heard in s.everal big favourites. Lyna Cowan. the noted master of cere.--monies at -Gi-anman's Egyptian Tliea-. tre, Hollywood, takes charge of a commun'ity sing; in which several of tbe old-tinie . songs, make this one of themost popular humhers. Tbe latest Paramount and Fox "Sound" news complete one of tbe greatest entertain ments ever presented since tbe advent of the talkies. Reservations can be obtained at the tbeatre, or by ringing 'pbone 3809.