PLAZA

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21578, 14 September 1935, Page 12

PLAZA

"IN CALIENTE"

Agua Cahente, just across the Mexican jorder and within 100 miles of Hollywood, sprang into being some 10 years and became a colourful town in the centre of a desert. The resort of Hollywood stars, who sought relaxation after their labours and escape from the rigous of the Eighteenth Amendment, it has only one industry —to pro -ide relaxation. It is a suitable setting for a fast moving story interspersed with song and dance. "In Cahente," a Warner Brothers' oroduction, was shown at the Plaza Theatre last evening. In its class it. is a typical American film. There is plenty of action, some good singing, dancing that is first-class, humour that has a wide aopeal, and an abundance of colour. Honours in the acting are shared by two or three of the principals. Edward Everett Horton has a major part, which he carries through with distinction. He is capable of excellent clowning as a means of producing laughter, but he rarely depends on this. His work is more clever. Opposite him Pat O'Brien, an irresponsible character, is completely at home in his part. The two in all earnestness and with the best of intentions, involve themselves in situations that are comic only to the observer. Luis Alberni appears twice, for a few seconds each time, but those appearances remain in the memory. He is a good comedian. Dolores del Rio, who makes a welcome reappearance, is as charming as ever, and forms the centre of some attractive dance numbers. Leo Carrillo, suave and not to be trusted, who is splendid in the facil» wav in which he fleeces the unsuspecting visitors, conducts the business affairs cf Rita Gomez (Dolores) with considerable skill, and from time to time makes use of his most pleasing singing voice.

Minor characters who deserve mention are the musical quartette, whose playing and singing are attractive, but whose silence must be bought, George Humbert, the persuasive photographer, and Dorothy Dare, the girl who burlesques in wonderful fashion one of the main song numbers. The dancing is outstanding, tne best being the exhibition by the de Marcos. Larry Mac Arthur (Pat O'Brien) is the editor of one of New York's smart magazines. To save him from Clara, the beautiful blonde (Glenda Farrell), Horton, in the person of Harold, his financial backer, kidnips him and flees to Caliente. There Larry meets and falls in love with Rita, unaware that she is the dancer of wnom he wrote a scathing review when she appeared in New York. She responds to his advances to get revenge, but the revenge proves a little bitter when she finds that she is really returning his affection. A happy ending is approaching when Clara arrives in pursuit and confusion becomes worse confounded. But the complications ar- unravelled and the only unhappy one is Harold, who finds that Clara has married him. Notable among tne supports is a Looney Tune," with an African setting.