COMEDY AND DRAMA

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

COMEDY AND DRAMA

Two Bright Films

for Plaza

“Midnight Madonna.” a drama of mother love and “Who’s Your Lady Friend,” a sparkling, bright, and sophisticated comedy are the two features of the double-feature programme opening to-day at the Plaza. A beautiful woman’s fight to keep her child, sought by a ne’er-do-well husband in order to win control over a huge estate, provides the gripping plot of Paramount’s “Midnight* Madonna.” The mother role is portrayed by lovely Mady Correll. who makes her debut in pictures in this vehicle after a highly successful career on the New York stage. Four-year-old Kitty Clancy, a sensational film find, also plays in the picture. The male romantic lead is played by Warren William, and' the cast also includes Edward Ellis and Robert Baldwin.

Warren William portrays the role of a big-time gambler for the first time in his brilliant motion picture career in this drama of mother love and a court battle waged for the custody of a child. Mady Correll plays the role of a night club entertainer whose child is taken from her by a wastrel father when she becomes heiress to a huge estate. The former stage beauty is the possessor of an excellent singing voice, and she sings a new hit tune by Johnston and Burke, the pair who gave the world “Pennies from Heaven,” in the new drama.

“Who’s Your Lady Friend?” is one of those happy-go-lucky adventures in farce which presents a comedy of errors as its 'pivotal situation. The secretary of a plastic surgeon, Dr. Mangold, is detailed to escort an important client from the station. But he bungles the job. and returns with Lulu, a Frenchspeaking cabaret singer. That is the prelude to an hilarious story. Outstanding in this lively tale are the spaciously staged cabaret, a song or two, and piquant situations are Lulu’s persistence in vamping the doctor, the secretary’s romance with an adoring sweetheart, and the hilarious detail of a glorious “night out” are added ingredients. Romney Brent presents a sparkling portrait of the main character, and he must be voted a good percentage of acting honours. Frances Day gives, of course, the best feminine performance, but she is closely followed by Betty Stockfeld, as Dr. Mangold’s wife, Vic. Oliver as Dr. Mangold, the humorously bemused surgeon, and Mimi is well portrayed by Margaret Lockwood.

NEWS FROM THE STUDIOS Cabled advice putting an end to rumours about the future activities of David O. Selznick, one of Hollywood’s leading producers, and the distributing arrangements for his future productions, has been received by Mr Cecil Marks, general manager for United Artists (A’asia) Pty., Ltd., Sydney. The cable message from his company’s New York office reads as follows: “Can emphatically deny that Selznick is joining Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. An official statement issued by Selznick and Whitney, owners of Selznick International Picture Corporation, reads; ‘We have this night definitely terminated negotiations with Metro and Loew’s Incorporated for a releasing affiliation for Selznick International pictures, due to fundamental differences primarily concerning sales policies affecting production.’ ” “A Star is Born” and “The Prisoner of Zenda” are two of Selznick’s recent successes already released in the Dominion.

Hans Fallada’s simple and charming little novel, “Old Heart Goes on a Journey,” published in an English translation by Putnam, has at last been accepted for a film by the German firm, Ufa. Since publication in 1936 this story has been considered by practically all the leading film companies of Germany, England, and America. It was obvious that the story would make a good film, but the leading part of Rosemarie called for a particular type of child actress which untjl now none of the companies felt able to supply. It will be interesting to see if this film will introduce another child .genius. ....... -,. ,