ST. JAMES THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 242, 9 July 1938, Page 16

ST. JAMES THEATRE

* “Romance For Three’’ M.G.M.'s “Romance for Three,” which began yesterday at the St. James Theatre, is one of those films that demonstrate the weakness of the star system. Because it lacks any top-flight “names” in the cast this film is not likely to meet the success it de-

nerves; and yet I doubt if anyone could see it without being thoroughly entertained. Competence is written all over "Romance for Three,” from Frank Morgan, Robert Young and Mary xVstor down to the smallest "bit” player in the cast: and Eddie Buzzell's di-

coction maintains a lively pace for the narrative, while keeping the nonsense firmly in check. This is an irresponsible comedy rather than a crazy one. and although the situations and characters are incredible, they have a human quality and a spontaneous gaiety that disarms criticism. Every member of the cast somehow gives the impression of enjoying acting the film as much as I think almost any audience will enjoy seeing it. In another of his deliciously humorous characterisations Frank Morgan portrays an eccentric millionaire who wins second prize in his own slogan contest. The prize is a holiday at a Swiss winter resort, and Morgan decides that he will have more fun if he poses- as a poor man. The first prize winner (Robert Young) really is poor but through a misunderstanding is mistaken for the millionaire on arrival at the alpine hotel. The management shower luxuries upon him, while no more than tolerating Morgan. The latter is set to washing dishes and made to occupy the worst room in the hotel — but through all these discomforts he maintains a cheery front.

Complications pile up in the story—but never to the extent of smothering the interest—when the millionaire’s povertystricken pose is penetrated by a lovely adventuress (Mary Astor), and she sets out to vamp him wholeheartedly, when Robert Young falls in love with Morgan’s daughter (Florence Rice) and when Morgan's highly efficient housekeeper (Edna May Oliver) descends bn the hotel to rescue him from the clutches of the vamp. Reginald Owen dithers through this modern. fairy talc in his usual amusing fashion as Morgan’s valet; Miss Rice and Robert Young are a pleasant and refreshing pair of young lovers who manage to put considerable feeling into their roles; and Herman Bing's excitable acting in the part of the hotel porter is a joy to behold. The lidghlighte of the comedy are Edna May Oliver’s antics on a ski run and Morgan’s encounter with a runaway washing machine, _ but everything in “Romance for Three,” including the dialogue and settings, is calculated to keep one in a very happy mood.