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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, numerous movies tailored for cinema screens emerged. Notable among these was the Academy Award–winning "The Broadway Melody," along with titles like "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 hit Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.-produced stage show, this rendition originated from Edna Ferber’s book 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 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 speaking roles; John Boles played Stewart, and it also kickstarted the cinematic journey of the comedic pair Wheeler & Woolsey. One of its most recognized melodies 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 Ziegler Follies show created by Guy Bolton, incorporating 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 develops a hypothesis based on present observations. This hypothesis is then employed to forecast the outcomes of fresh experiments or observations aimed at rigorously testing it. Should the hypothesis prove successful, it becomes widely recognized as our current comprehension, essentially considered 'the truth,' up until the point where it can be refuted.

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 study is through measuring how it influences other entities.

This can also apply to parallel universes or various dimensions. These could serve to elucidate enigmas encountered at the farthest limits of physics, like why gravity is significantly weaker compared to other basic forces of nature, for instance, electromagnetism.

However, without being observable, they stay as merely a mathematical tool instead of something tangibly real.

Ken Wood, Newport, Gwent

QUESTION: Why do FC Metz have the nickname Graoully Dragons? Can you tell me about some other unusual team names used globally?

FC Metz, a French football club, goes by two nicknames: Les Grenats (The Maroon) and Les Graoullys.

According to local lore, Saint Clement of Metz defeated a fearsome wingless dragon called the Graoully. This creature dwelled along with numerous serpents inside the town’s Roman amphitheater and often harassed the inhabitants.

This tale illustrating Christianity’s triumph over paganism continues to be observed nowadays withprocessions 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 heraldic designs of both the local football and ice hockey clubs.

The Zacatepec soccer club in Mexico is referred to as the Cane Producers due to their green and white striped uniforms (the green symbolizing the local sugarcane and the white representing sugar). Meanwhile, the Spanish team Cádiz is nicknamed the Yellow Submarine.

Various nicknames reflect key industries nearby. For instance, Málaga is known as the Anchovy, acknowledging the prominence of the local fishing sector. Meanwhile, Alemannia Aachen goes by the Potato Bugs, which alludes to their shirt design featuring stripes reminiscent of ladybugs. In Spain, CD Leganés has earned the moniker The Cucumber Farmers due to this association with agriculture.

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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