THE PLAZA

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21116, 17 March 1934, Page 9

THE PLAZA

" (JAU.ANT I.ADV," A STOUV WITH SURPRISES Ann Harding can always be relied upon to give a brilliant performance; and that statement applies with equal force to Clive Brook, so that when their names are coupled together in the one film, as is the case in "Gallant Lady," the United Artists' release which will start to-day at the Plaza, pictuicgocrs can be assured of really outstanding entertainment. The story of "Gallant Lady" is filled with surprises, chief of which is a real plot with the making of several minor plots dovetailed into it. The curtain goes up on two definite problems, on-; as old as the race of Adam, the other as new as a modern cigarette. Ami Harding as "Sally" envisages the world-old problem, and is rescued from her despair by Clive Brook, as "Dan," the doctor, who has "technically killed a man." paid a penalty for that, and is himself in need of rescue, with a ruined name and a psychological grudge to settle with society on a "question of ethics." The story. which might be that of any people in any western country of to-day, concerns certain New Yorkers. Till halfway through the piece a small group of persons is found work more or less in harmonv with the two principal characters downed by fate and rising by each other's help, with only the unseen yet awful power of "convention" in opposition. Then comes one of the author's surprise; and counter-plots. All the characters in the film arc vivid, and do some excellent team work. Clive Brook is much more pliant than usual. Against a background of mo-icrn rnanrers. Ann Haraing gives one of her finest performances. The film is certain to arouse discussion; and all who sec it cannot fail to admire the excellent acting, casting, and directorial technique presented in "Gallant Lady."