"HIS BROTHER'S WIFE." ST. JAMES'.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 289, 5 December 1936, Page 18

"HIS BROTHER'S WIFE." ST. JAMES'.

Rita Barbara Stanwyck t-'ln-is Kobert Taylor Prof. Kahrenheim .1 <>an HersluiK " Fi,sli-oye " Joseph Calleia Tom Toilji Eldmlge Dr. Claybourne .... .Samuel H. Hinds Hill Arnold Jed I'routy Robert Taylor is the attraction of "Hi.Brother's Wife," the newest picture tc delight St. James' Theatre patrons. Fron first to last his is the personality thai counts. Throughout; "Woody." Van Dyke who may be said to have recorded another of his frequent successes witli this effort, makes him smile fascinatingly makes him frown despairingly -while leading his beloved's heart the wildest of chases, and makes him pose for suitable moments in iirofile or in full face. A wealth of witty dialogue makes the film —essentially a drama, even melodrama— at times come right within the realm of sheer comedy. So much does this happen that there is not much time left for pure love-making. Indeed, this lasl aspect seems to have been a characteristic of Taylor's last two or three films It was distinctly noticeable in "Small town Girl" and "The Three Wist Guys." Comedy subordinates romance, 01 at least transforms and disguises it. Af times one wishes "Woody" would stoj being clever and get on with the job ii hand. "His Brother's Wife" is in itself ar intriguing tale. Taking their cue from the unexpected success of "The Story o Louis Pasteur" and "Sins of Man," tin producers made the love interest centr{ round an expedition to some obscure Central American jungle, fighting againsl natural and human obstacles to conquei "spotted fever," believed to have beer caused by a bacillus carried by "ticks.' Taylor is a brilliant young niedica scientist who spends a wonderful ten days -before he is due to sail tearing round New York madly with a lovely casinc attendant (Barbara Stanwyck). They dc every crazy thing possible, their principal foolishness consisting of "swapping" hatf with the multitude. It docs not sound exactly thrilling, but the way this mad pair perform the deed makes it seem a most desirable parlour game. Then the hero decides that she lias "beaten the bug" and refuses to go on with his career. Certain peculiar are brought to hear on the matter, resulting in the strangest matrimonial tangle ever conceived. at least on the screen. The tale is brought to a strong climax by failure md success in the research operations and by a tremendous sacrifice on the part of both hero and heroine. The last surprise is a definite twist in the story that puts 3verything back into the category of happy marriages. Barbara Stanwyck is again the splendid :ombination of comic and dramatic actress ivhioh she revealed herself in "Red Salute" and "The Bride Walks Out." Jean Hersholt portrays the elderly scientist in :-'narge of the tropical bug-fighting expedition and makes, as he always does, a brilliant character study of his role. The St. James' is offering a first-rate supporting bill, headed by a splendid "Harman - Tsing" technicolonr cartoon entitled "Little 80-Peep" and a musical •omedy "short" based on the application ->f practical psychology to the stodgy lives 3f business employees. CHORAL SOCIETY. The annual performance of the 'Messiah" by the Auckland Choral Society is to take place next Thursday n the Town Hall. From year to year the quality of the choir's performance lever flags and once again the audience should be splendidly entertained. Miss Ada Lynn will act as soprano soloist. Miss Mina Caldow as contralto. Mr. Grordon Fagan as tenor, and Mr. Edward STewling as baritone. Mr. Len Barnes ivill conduct.