"FAST COMPANY."

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19862, 25 February 1930, Page 15

"FAST COMPANY."

A LIVELY COMEDY

THIS WEEK'S PARE AT THE LIBERTY.

There is nothing unusual about the story, no studio embellishments, to make "Fast Company,'" the chief attraction at the Liberty Theatre this we#k, an outstanding picture, but it is that, und one of the very best talkie comedies soen in Christchurch to date. It is full of humorous Incident and Clever comedy work, and there are laughs galore. As distinct from the silent comedy that on the talkie screen relies in the main fur its appeal on the genuibe comedy ability of its stars, and not upon a series of "gags," and judged in thiß light, "Fast Company" i« good—very good. The two who play the leading parts are Richard ' "Sleets" Gallagher and Jack Oakie, and their performance Is a sterling one indeed. They are new to theatregoers, but their success is assured if their interpretations in this talkie are true indications of their calibre. They are really clever comedians of a very refreshing type, and their witticisms and clever cross-talk are delightful throughout. Then, too, their mannerisms and general technique break away from that which has become boring to screen lovers They are original, and being novel it in all the more worth while seeing and heating them. Opposite them are Evelyn Brent and Gwen Lee, and they, too. do their full share tov.-arrls placing the talkie in the very first class. The large audience which witnessed the opening sessions yesterday were not s'ow to show their appreciation either. It was comedy de lilxe. In support of these four stars is Chester Conklin. His reputation oft the silent screen was great, and in the talking pictures he is equally good. There Is no need for higher praise. The story which preserves a pleasing continuity of action throughout is a rather worn one—it concerns the life of a small town youth who goes to make bis name and fnture in the city as a baseball player —but it i* presented in BUch a pleasing manner that It makes a great appeal. It Is not a story either which lends itself to the spectacular, but the acting of the entire cost is so accomplished, and the talking and dialogue so good, that a Very human story is made into n film spectacular by very reason of its likeness to everyday life. Those who want a good laugh should see this film, and hear it. The supporting attractions maintain the high standard of the chief attraction of the entertainment. They include very interesting gazettes and an uproarious comedy, "The Wife's Birthday," and some splendid singing.