TALKING FILMS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21087, 12 February 1934, Page 15

TALKING FILMS

CIVIC THEATRE TOM WALLS AND RALPH LYNN IN "ROOKERY NOOK" No one need remain down in the dumps if he can see "Rookery Nook" at the Civic Theatre. The audience at the Civic on Saturday, when the new film of the noted comedy was submitted, was kept in a state of almost continuous and boisterous laughter. The new film is in every respect highly satisfactory and the presentation of Ben Travers's widely famous comedy by the equally famous Aldwych Theatre cast reaches a high standard of perfection. As soon as Winifred Shotter, whose cruel stepfather has cast her forth into the cold night, arrives at Rookery Nook there is no gap in the succession of farcical situations and smart dialogue. Demure and charming, Winifred Shotter contributes in no small measure to the general hilarity and pleases immensely. A real triumph is scored by Mary Brough as the housekeeper at Rookery Nook, who lives out, and who possesses a wide and particular knowledge of the scandals of the neighbourhood. She is the perfect type of the free-spoken woman servant who aspires to the title of a female Paul Pry—hard featured, harshly spoken, and, as the phrase goes, seemingly hard-boiled. Admirable as the exponents of the woman characters are, it is actually the fooling of "the three musketeers" of the Aldwych cast—the inimitable Tom Walls, the debonair and subtle Ralph Lynn, and that portrayer of the assinine male, Robertson Hare—that is the backbone and mainstay of the production. Each in his particular department stands out prominently and brilliantly, and the combination is one that sweeps all before it and carries the audience headlong from funny incident to farcical situation, and from one humourous quip to another more humourous. Their work in "Rookery Nook" is without flaw, and marks a high standard of effectiveness in the art of the comedian. The other characters are admirably represented and the whole production reaches a high uniform level of excellence. The new copy of this famous comedy made by the British Studios for British Dominions Films will appeal strongly even to those who have seen the earlier version.

On the first part of the programme was a most interesting nature study of British sea birds, which was characterised by the enterprise shown in photographing the different birds in their native habitats. Most interesting, also, was the travel film, "Pioneering in New Guinea," which gave an excellent impression of the nature of the mountains and broken country that the gold-seekers have penetrated. The giant all-metal aeroplanes, by means of which the heavy machinery for the dredges was transported, were pictured and aroused keen interest. The Ideal Sound Cinemagazme presented varied fare, ranging from a description of the manufacture of mirrors, a display of women's fashions, to colourful scenes in Andalusia.

Regent Theatre—"As Husbands Go," 2.30 and 8 p.m. Plaza Theatre—"Private Life or King Henry VIII.," 2.30 and 8 p.m. Crystal Palace—"Early to Bed." 12. 2..'50, and 8 p.m. Majestic Theatre—"Midnight Club," 12, 2.30, and 8 p.m. Liberty Theatre—"BarouH" and "Major of Hell." 2.15 and -.45 p.m. Grand Theatre—"Guilty as Charged," continuous from 11 a.m.