"KING OF JAZZ," A WONDERFUL PRODUCTION—MAJESTIC.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Volume 59, Issue 256, 1 December 1930, Page 2

"KING OF JAZZ," A WONDERFUL PRODUCTION—MAJESTIC.

Never before has tbere been sucb an entertainment as was presented at tbe Majestic Tbeatre on Saturday nigbt, nnder tbe titi© of "lying of Jazz." For a long time tbe public of Napier Tiave awaited for the arrjval of this production and bbfiking for the tbeatre was heavy for sbnie days before, witb tbe resnlt tbat wben tbe curtain_ rose on Saturday nigbt tlie auditorium was packed. ' It is often the eas© when a film has been mucb boosted that when it is actually seen •ib proves disappointing. Witb "The King of Jazz," liowever, notbing tbat had previousjy been said, or tbat could be placed on paper, could adequately _ describe tbe beauty of tbe production and the audience departed at th© conclusion of tbe evening witb the feeRng that tlie pieture could ecpially well bave been entitled "Tbe lying 'of Films." Fixnn tlie very commencement of the pieture, in a transfusion of eolour and a medley of sound tbe production beld tlie gaze fascinated, an as each itein followed tlie last the amazeilient of tbose present at the wonderful production became greater and greater. Tbere was no story to the film, merely a riot of sound, eolour and talent,_ being pre--sented in eigbt great musical numbers, eacb of wbich was presented in cbaracter on a scale which mnst have cost more than a great inany films to pro cluce. Tbe magnitude of the settings uas amazing and tbe novel ideas qnd effects were a constant source of delight to see. Eacb and every item was entirelv different bnt all were prqcuced on the' same lavish scale, wonder foljowing wonder until in the "Melting Pot55 a wonderful climax uas reached. All people have heard I'aul W'hiteman's Orcbestra on gramo pbone records, and this fiue combination of skill formed tbe central figure oi tlie production, playing numerous melodies in perfect style. Paul IVb itein an bimself proved an admirable leader for various acts and created not a little amusement. This side of buman natur© was as admirably caterect for as the eye for beauty was by the lavish settings, colours, dresses and effects, for tliei'c were several numbers wbicb .maintained tbe audiciice in a constaut slate of merriment. Tbe stars cbosen for tlie various acts were excellent, perliaps the mosfc popular being Jolin Boles, wbo dclighted witb two very pleasing songs. He has a niaguifieent voice wbich was perfectlv suited to tbe numbers rendcred. Oue of tbe outstanding featrres of tbe pieture v.as tbe wonderful music production and clarity wjtli which the wbole film was reproduced. Tbere was not a serateh or a sign of uistortion, every not© and word beiug heard perfectly as if the players and actors were actually in tb© tbeatre itself. Tlie dancing was also perfect, w higbly trained school of beautiful girls giving a performance sueh as bas rarely, if ever, been seen before by Napier pieture lovers. This product.ou was respoiiftible for bringing at least oue' new star into prominence, Liiis being Jeanett© Loff, wliose perfori ance and' beauty tbrougbout the ev.ening was ono of 'tlie outstanding ftntures. "Tlie King of Jazz" was a ir.'ignificcnb production and every adult and cbild in Napier and district sliould witness it. In addition tbere was an excellent seleetion of ail-talkie sborts, the wbole programme being oue of tbe most enjoyable ever witnessed in Napier.