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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 period. 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. Unlike later versions inspired by the popular Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.-produced stage show, this earlier rendition drew from Edna Ferber’s 1926 novel.

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 the adventures of
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 kicked off 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, premiered on November 7th of that year and 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 musical created by Guy Bolton under the direction of Ziegfeld, incorporating verses penned by P.G. Wodehouse.

Paul Weston, Redditch, Worcs

I have come across information suggesting that wave mechanics might allow for the existence of a universe alongside our own. Is this notion accurate?

What does ‘truth’ mean and is this equivalent to ‘reality’? In science, one creates a hypothesis that aligns with present observations, which can subsequently be utilized to forecast outcomes from fresh tests or examinations intended to rigorously scrutinize the hypothesis. Should the hypothesis hold up under these conditions, it becomes recognized as our contemporary comprehension—essentially considered ‘the truth.’ However, this status remains provisional unless proven otherwise.

In certain experiments, photons of light seem to exhibit properties of particles, while 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.

The same applies to parallel universes or multiple dimensions. They might be used to explain mysteries at the extreme end of physics, such as why gravity is so much weaker than the other fundamental forces of nature, such as electromagnetism.

But unless they can be observed, they remain a mathematical device rather than palpably real.

Ken Wood, Newport, Gwent

QUESTION Why are FC Metz known as the Graoully Dragons? What other strange club nicknames are there from around the world?

French football club FC Metz has two nicknames. One is Les Grenats (The Maroons), the other is Les Graoullys.

In local legend, Saint Clement of Metz vanquished a terrifying wingless dragon known as the graoully, which lived with countless snakes in the town’s Roman amphitheatre and tormented the locals.

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 as a sign of victory.

In his youth, the author François Rabelais was frightened by the graoully’s massive eyes, gigantic head, gaping mouth, and crushing teeth. This creature continues to be a significant emblem for the town today, featured in the cathedral and incorporated into the heraldry of both the local football and ice hockey clubs.

The Zacatepec football team in Mexico are known as the Sugarcane Growers because of their green and white stripes (green being the colour of the local cane, white the sugar), and Spanish team Cadiz as the Yellow Submarine.

Various nicknames highlight prominent local industries. For instance, Malaga is known as the Anchovy Eaters, acknowledging the region’s fishing activities. Meanwhile, Alemannia Aachen goes by the Potato Bugs moniker due to their shirt design resembling insects with stripes. In Spain, Leganés FC is called the Cucumber Farmers.

Less commonly, Hartlepool United FC’s moniker, the Monkey Hangers, stems from an apocryphal tale suggesting that locals in the town once executed a monkey, mistaking it for a French spy during the Napoleonic conflicts.

Ian MacDonald, Billericay, Essex

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