THEATRE MAJESTIC

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 258, 29 July 1939, Page 16

THEATRE MAJESTIC

* “Honolulu”

‘’Honolulu,” which screens at the Theatre Majestic, introduces itself with a surprise beginning instead of finishing off in the more usual manner with a surprise ending. From an unusual start the story goes on to tell of the fortunes of Brooks Mason, a famous film star, and Joe Smith from a pineapple plantation in

Honolulu, who happens to (be Brook’s double. Yes, that theme’s here agaiu'. All the same, in spite of the familiar Thread on which the story is strung, most of the situations turn out to be beads that sparkle fairly brightly. Snappy dialogue and amusing happenings make it a lively aud en-

liXit Young takes the two parte of Broofe Mason and Joe Smith. The story opens in New York with Mason harassed by his admiring “fans who give him such a rough time whenever he appears in public that he is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and longs tor peace and quietness. While attending a preview .his diable is mistaken, quite naturally. for the film stay and is mobbed. He is hurt and is taken in an ambulance to the star’s apartment. There Mason perstiades him to change identities, as Joe Smith has come from Honolulu to gain poise and sophistication, and Mason desires nothing more than a chance to go out to Joe’s pineapples. On the vessel Brooks meets Eleanor Powell and Oracle Allen who are on their way to take part in a cabaret show. After that the story takes the course one would expect it to. Mason falls in love with Eleanor, but tinde that, as Joe Smith, he has a fiancee waiting for him. He is accused of _embezzlement and is taken to the local jail. Through a misunderstanding, Eleanor and he have become estranged. He cannot get into touch with the real Joe .Smith because the star’s agent never lets him read his own correspondence. And so it goes

on. r Robert Young is adequate as Joe Smith and/or Brooks Mason., playing his two parts with his usual skill and smoothness. Eleanor Powell tries hard to act, and accomplishes some intricate dance routines with such skill and apparently effortless grace that, it is a pleasure to watch her. She dances three or four numbers, but to my mind the best were those she performed in a Hawaiian setting. The Dance of the Drums and the Hymn to the Sun were both exhilarating numbers and should enhance her-already high reputation as a dancer. Grade Allen has her usual nitwit part and plays it well, and all the supporting players come up to standard. There are some good scenes, notably a fancy dress ball with some excellent impersonations of the Marx Brothers, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby and others. Grade Allen goes as Mac West, and is accompanied by the Seven Dwarfs 1

The supports are varied and numerous including some Robert Benchley humour and an “Our Gang” comedy. Both are good, though. I have seen Robert Benchley more amusing.