DE LUXE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 72, 18 December 1937, Page 14

DE LUXE THEATRE

* “I Promise To Pay” And “Behind The Mike”

Yet another variation on the familiar theme of American racketeering is provided in “I Promise to Pay,” which heads the new programme at the De Luxe Theatre. This time it is the activities of vicious moneylenders and the havoc they cause in the family life of a humble worker that come up for investigation, and in the progress provide vigorous entertainment. There is little room in the plot either for conventional romance or comedy relief, but the story is presented with such vigorous realism and commendable insight into human nature that the picture is well above the average of its type. Briefly, the story recounts the adventures of a clerk who tails into the clutches of a money-lending gang. They use intimidation and force to extort their interest, but their victim has the courage to put the police on their trail, and the racket, is smashed. i Robust performances are given by Chester Morris and Leo Carillo, and Helen Mack has a Sympathetic role as the hero’s wife.

A ramshackle country radio station that reminds one of :i Heath Robinsou cartoon in the multiplicity of its one-man-controlled gadgets, is the most memorable feature of “Behind the Mike,” the second attraction. Williatu Gargan is a big programme organiser who is saddled with the task of putting this station on the map, and Judith Barrett pin vs the girl with whom he bickers furiously through a large part of the picture.