PARAMOUNT THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 196, 16 May 1936, Page 15

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

“Peg of Old Drury” ‘Teg o£ Old Drury,” the English film screened at the Paramount Theatre last evening, is a picture of infinite charm and sentiment, recalling to memory an actress of the eighteenth century who was not only a brilliant player but whose wit and beauty were ‘‘the toast of the town”—none other than pretty Peg Woffington. The screen story is not that of the play, for it commences when Peg was a jig-dancer in Dublin. It shows how she was hired to London by a handsome young devil who promises her marriage. Needless to say he deserts her, and Peg by her own wit and winsomeness gains an entrance to Drury Lane Theatre, and soon catches the attention and affection of David Garrick, who raises her to stardom, much to the chagrin of Mi-S--tress Kitty Clive. But in the hey-day of her powers Peg develops heart trouble, and finally collapses after speaking the epilogue in “As You Like IL” Sir Cedric Hardwicke is seen in the role of Garrick and flashes of his powers are given of that actor as Shylock, Richard 111, and Abel Drugger. Other figures of historic interest are Dr. Johnson and Mr. Rich, the cat-loving manager of Drury Lane (who made a fortune out of “The Beggar’s Opera”). Peg is delightfully played by Anna Neagle, whose rich Dublin accent is a treat to hear. The programme also includes a fascinating Dutch picture, ‘‘Springtime in Holland,” which is alive with comedy and colour. It contains the prettiest Dutch ballet imaginable—a symphony in blue. Some new views of changing London gave a kaleidoscopic idea of the infinite variety and charm of the greatest of English cities.