TALKING FILMS

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20987, 16 October 1933, Page 5

TALKING FILMS

■ <^ — : THE CIVIC THEATRE ."YES, MR .BROWN" Jack'Buchanan makes a welcome reappearance-all the more agreeable because he- is seen comparatively rarely in talking films—in "Yes, Mr Brown," which began a season at. the Civic Theatre on Saturday. In the three or four pictures in which he has been seen in Christchurch since talking films came into prominence his acting was most convincing, but in his latest picture he shows very clearly why he is recognised to be one of the best box-office attractions m London at the present time.

The Civic Theatre has gained a reputation for providing good entertainment, but with any of the many enjoyable pictures which been shown there "Yes, Mr Brown" can compare favourably. It is abundantly provided with humour, has several catchy songs, an amusing plot deftly handled, and a: east in which there is no weakness. Jack Buchanan, as the leading character, is seldom off the stage, but his capacity for entertaining is such that he never becomes boring. His acting is beyond reproach, he has a pleasant singing voice, and a very attractive screen presence. In the past the few pictures in which he has been seen have not given him much opportunity to show his skill as a dancer, but in this production he is given plenty of scope. Buchanan takes the part of a manager in a large toy store in Vienna, to which Mr Brown, the owner, is coming. Buchanan, with hopes of a oartnership, is determined to show Mr Brown some of the gaiety of Vienna, and Mr Brown, having seen numerous screen productions purporting to include scenes of Vienna's night life, is looking forward to the prospect. In Buchanan's home there is some discord about his wife's pet clog, which she wishes to have at the table when Mr Brown comes to dinner. The result of the disagreement is that she leaves the house just before Mr Brown arrives. With Brc e n expecting to meet his wife, Buchanan in desperation induces his secretary to impersonate her. This naturally leads to a series of embarrassing and laughable situations, but the position becomes more complicated by the return of the wife, who insists on meeting the guest. She is introduced as Buchanan's secretary, and the picture becomes more amusing still. Mr Brown then asks to be shown some of the night life of the city, but he finds the place to which he is taken is no different from what he is accustomed in New York. He then indicates that unless he is given brighter entertainment there will be no partnership, and demands to be taken to see two famous dancers at another night club. But when the party arrives it is found that the dancers have had a disagreement with the management and will not appear, so 3uchanan, lightly disguised, and his wife's maid, stage a burlesque waltz, which makes the most uproariously funny incident in the film. Mr Brown begins to find Vienna to his liking and the prospects of a partnership appear bright, but at last he finds that he has been deceived. He is, however, fully consoled by the fact that Buchanan's "wile,"' for whom he has been showing a distinct liking, is his secretary, and the story ends with Buchanan obtaining his partnership. The story moves at a fast pace and there is no chance of anyone becoming bored. There is plenty of bright and catchy music running through the picture and the lour main characters have very pleasant singing voices. The work of the choruses in particular is extremely effective. Of the songs, "Yes, Mr Brown" goes with a fine swing, but it is hardly more attractive than "Learn to Live" and "Leave a Little For Me." Hartley Power is cast as Mr Brown, and he fills his part very adequately. Margot Grahame appears as Buchanan's wife and Elsie Randolph as the secretary. Both show themselves to be polished actresses. VCra Pearce. who is well-known to picturegocrs and whose last appearance was in ".Just My Luck" with Ralph Lynn, is cast as the maid, and with Buchanan she is responsible for the most laughable incident in the production. An interesting supporting programme includes a Novelty News Reel, a scenic of the New Forest and the surrounding district, showing some of the charms of rural England, and an unusual offering, "What the Stars Foretell." Recent Theatre—"Another Language," 2.30 and 8 p.m. Plaza Theatre—"Kiss Me Again," 11 a.m., 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Crystal Palace Theatre—"Many Waters," 12, 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Theatre Royal—"The Rebel," 2.30 p.m., o p.m. Everybody's Theatre—"New Moon," 12, 2.30 p.m., 8 p.m. Liberty Theatre—"To-morrow at Seven" and 'The Parachute Jumper," 2.15 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. Majestic Theatre—"Midnight Mary," 12, 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Grand Theatre—"Stepping Sisters," continuously from 11 am.