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What was the earliest movie adaptation of a stage musical?
In 1927, "The Jazz Singer" brought an end to the silent film era. This movie included six well-known songs sung by Al Jolson.
Musical films quickly gained popularity, and in 1929, multiple movies tailored for cinema screens emerged, including the Academy Award–winning "The Broadway Melody," along with "Gold Diggers of Broadway" and "Sunny Side Up."
On April 17, 1929, an initial adaptation of "Show Boat" was unveiled. This rendition did not originate from the popular Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.-produced stage show but instead stemmed from Edna Ferber’s novel published in 1926.
Nevertheless, numerous songs from the Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II musical were included in a special prologue that was added to the film prior to its release.
"Rio Rita," released on September 15, 1929, was adapted from the 1927 Broadway show produced by Ziegfeld. The production featured music composed by Harry Tierney and lyrics penned by Joseph McCarthy. This lighthearted tale revolves around Texas Captain James Stewart, a ranger, chases the outlaw known as 'The Kinkajou' across the Mexican border and finds himself falling for Rita, the bandit's sibling.
The movie marked Bebe Daniels’ (as Rita) debut in talking pictures; John Boles played the character Stewart, and it also kickstarted the cinematic journey of the comedic pair Wheeler & Woolsey. One of its most recognizable songs was The Rangers' Song.
In 1929, two additional films originating from Broadway musicals were released. "Paris," featuring Irene Bordoni and premiering on November 7th of that year, was derived from a 1928 Cole Porter stage production. Another film titled "Sally" made its debut on December 23rd; this movie stemmed from a 1920 Ziegfeld-created show written by Guy Bolton, along with verses penned by P.G. Wodehouse.
Paul Weston, Redditch, Worcs
I've come across information suggesting that wave mechanics might allow for the existence of a universe alongside our own. Is this concept valid?
What does 'truth' mean, and is this equivalent to 'reality'? In science, one starts with forming a hypothesis that aligns with present observations. This hypothesis is subsequently utilized to forecast the outcomes of fresh experiments or observations aimed at rigorously testing it. Should the hypothesis prove successful, it becomes established as our current comprehension—essentially considered 'the truth.' However, this status remains provisional until potential refutation.
In certain experiments, photons of light seem to exhibit properties of particles, whereas in others they display wave-like behavior, and occasionally both simultaneously. However, direct observation of a photon is not possible; our only means of studying them is through their impact on surrounding elements.
This could also apply to parallel universes or various dimensions. These concepts may help unravel enigmas encountered at the farthest reaches of physics, like why gravity is significantly weaker compared to other basic forces of nature, for instance, electromagnetism.
However, without being observable, they remain merely a mathematical tool instead of something tangibly real.
Ken Wood, Newport, Gwent
QUESTION: Why do FC Metz go by the name the Graoully Dragons? Can you also share some unusual team nicknames from different parts of the globe?
FC Metz, a French football club, goes by two nicknames: Les Grenats (The Maroons) and Les Graoullys.
According to local lore, Saint Clement of Metz defeated a fearsome wingless dragon called the Graoully. This creature resided along with numerous serpents within the town’s Roman amphitheater and often terrorized the inhabitants.
This symbolism representing Christianity’s triumph over paganism continues to be observed nowadays with processions where an effigy of the dragon is carried through the town in celebration.
Writer François Rabelais recounted being frightened as a young person by the graoully’s massive eyes, gigantic head, large jaws, and crushing teeth. This creature continues to be a significant emblem for the town, featured in the cathedral and incorporated into the heraldry of both the local football and ice hockey clubs.
The Zacatepec soccer team in Mexico are referred to as the Sugarcane Producers due to their green and white striped jerseys (the green symbolizing the local sugarcane and the white representing sugar). In Spain, the Cádiz team is nicknamed the Yellow submarine.
Various nicknames highlight prominent local industries. For instance, Málaga is known as the Anchovy due to its significant fishing sector, whereas Alemannia Aachen is called the Potato Beetles because of their distinctive striped shirt design resembling insects. Meanwhile, Spain’s Leganés FC goes by the moniker The Cucumber Growers.
Less commonly, Hartlepool United FC’s moniker, the Monkey Hangers, originates from an apocryphal tale suggesting that locals in the town executed a monkey during the Napoleonic Wars, mistakenly thinking it was a French spy.
Ian MacDonald, Billericay, Essex
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