AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20524, 18 April 1932, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

o THEATRE ROYAL. CLIVE BROOK IN "24 HOURS." Conforming to the unities of time nnd place, and reinforced with some of the best film photography yet seen in Christchurch, "-■i Hours,'' which opened at the Theatre lloyal on Saturday night, is excellent entertainment. The story deals entirely wtth one crowded day in the life of a city millionaire, and shows til* dramatic happenings which chnage the course of his whole life and which save hint 'from sinking deeper and deeper into the "slough of despond in which he is wallowing. Clive Brook is well cast in the rolo of the rich man, unhappy in his married life, and growing more and moro melancholic with each succeeding drink—for he is seeking a refuge in the bottle, lie is an intellectual drunkard, however, and his besottedness offers him no solace. He thinks his wife loves him no longer, and he is driven to frequenting low speakeasies and a certain music hall whore •Rosie, the star dancing girl, offers him the love he believes is forbidden him at home. Kay Francis plays the part of his wife, u delicate role which she bandies superbly. Her charming appearance, her excellent taste in dress f and her ability to display fine feeling without ostentation or over-acting, mark iter out as ono of America's most talented actresses. Miriam Hopkins, who had the difficult role of the harlot in "Dr. JekjMl and Mr liyde," is cast as Kosie of the music hall, and Regis Toomey appears as Tony, a desperate racketteer, engaged in gang wars and capable of the most violent forms of crime. The story of "24 Hours" is taken from the novel "Shattered Glass," by Lmiib Bronifield, and it is certainly very well adapted for tho screen. 1

Tho picture tells tho tale of suspense and fear caused by the murder of a woman, and by suspicion centred on the innocent num. Brook, as tho millionaire, bleeps the sleep of the drunkard in Kosie's rooms. During tho night Rosio is murdered, and the man on the couch hears nothing. Next day he is arrested and charged with the crime. His wife unexpectedly stands by him through the ordeal, and out of th« turmoil of hate and suspicion comes the realisation of pure love. There i*» a happy reunion, and man and wife "drink to his last drink."

fieorge fSarliier, Adrienne Ames, th.ivlotto Granvillp, Minor Watson, Lucille la Verne, and Wade Boteler are in the supporting cast.