DE LUXE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 226, 20 June 1936, Page 13

DE LUXE THEATRE

“Ceiling Zero”

Unusual technical interest is combined with excellent entertainment value in “Ceiling Zero,” Warner Bros.-Cosmopoli-tan film, which makes drama, romance, and laughter out of the operations of airlines, now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The dramatic story of the commercial mail and passenger service of the air nevertheless provides in , the every day events in the lives of the and ground, men, plenty of humour. This film gives wonderful chances to that inimitable team, James Cagney an 4 Pat O’Brien, introduces a charming new leading lady in June Travis and offers an exceptionally large all-star cast in support. James Cagney gives the best performance of his career in this characterisation. He is not entirely frivolous, however, for he rises bn the supreme occasion to a heroic deed by taking the place of his rival in love on a flight he knows will end in death. He manages to mix his quaint humour with thrilling action in a way that either keeps one laughing or holding the breath. Pat O'Brien is excellent as the somewhat more sober air superintendent, but he lends no inconsiderable humour to the comedy situations. June Travis is commendable as the pretty air hostess, who is engaged to one pilot and is fascinated by another. The picture is based on the successful Broadway stage play by Lieut Commander Frank Wead, but it far outstrips the footlight production. On the stage the scenes were necessarily limited, and many of the thrilling situations involved were left to the imagination. The supporting programme includes a cartoon, a musical short introducing Jack Denny and his band, news features, ahd items by the Orchestra de Luxe and the Wurlitzer organ.