IRISH RAILWAY FUN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22336, 25 February 1938, Page 7

IRISH RAILWAY FUN

Will Hay, the well-known English radio and film actor, is at his best in “Oh, Mr Porter,” the extremely amusing film, beginning to-day, at the Civic Theatre. In the part of a blundering railway employee who cannot be dismissed because he has relatives in high places, he is in his element, while excellent opportunity is provided for the fine comic acting of his foils, Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott. Not the least delightful touch in the film is the introduction of a decrepit railway engine called “Gladstone,” which has a definite comic'personality. Marcel Varnel, the director of this Gainsborough picture, deserves great credit for a film that is in the best traditions of farce.

William Porter arrives in Buggleskelly, an Irish town where he has been transferred as least likely to do harm, bursting with zeal to make a success of his new job. His efforts to reform the derelict station are, however, greatly hindered by his two assistants—old Harbottle and young Albert, once again portrayed by Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt—who have not been paid

Will Hay in Bright Film at Civic

for months, but live quite comfortably by stealing comestibles off the trains and trading the company’s railway tickets for food. The new stationmaster’s attempts at progress are also baulked by the superstitious villagers, who believe there is a curse on the railway. These tales are fostered by a notorious gun-running gang who used the superstitious fears of the inhabitants of Buggleskelly to cover their lawbreaking deeds. When the head of the gang hears of William Porter’s enterprising plans for an excursion he takes over all the tickets for an imaginary football team and disappears with the train. The peak of the film is reached when Will Hay—determined to solve the mystery of his missing train—sets ofl in an old Victorian engine, “Gladstone," accompanied by his two assistants, and by methods as quaint as those of the criminals are . cruel, the unruffled trie manage to outwit the gang and bring them to justice. The associate feature is a mystery drama. “Non-stop New York,” starring John Loder and Anna Lee.