PLAZA THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 256, 25 July 1936, Page 13

PLAZA THEATRE

“The Ex-Mrs. Bradford” The mystery story, “The Ex-Mrs. Bradford,” now in its second week nt the Plaza Theatre, is so involved that its screen unfolding would be uninteresting if it were not for the “something different”—in this case the light-hearted and witty dialogue of William Powell and jean Arthur in the chief roles. The exwife makes things move the moment she steps into the picture as a clue-mad mystery hunter. The surgeon is an unwilling listener until a personal inducement is provided bv the murder of a friend. The happy-go-lucky comradeship of the pair lightens the progress of the mystery, and w’ith enlightening events crowding the stage the way is set for as tense a round-up as anyone could wish for. Neither the real motive nor the “weapon” is apparent till near the end, and both are a surprise. The complacent.,but dumb detective is there, nor must the long-suf-fering man-servant (Eric Blore) be forgotten. Every clue is a likely one, and in chasing them the doctor manages to make himself Public Suspect No. 1. The lady is somet’mes helpful but more often gets in the way in delicious fashion. As soon ns the two nre sure of their ground they move swiftly and surely, and all the time the sparkling give and take is sustained. To tell anything of the solution would be to ruin the climax, which is a piece of breath-taking suspense. Extra entertainment is provided by a laughable mix-up. "Framing Father,” and the glimpse of our own Trentham with Gascille’s unfortunate end, is a delightful surprise.