WHIMSICAL COMEDY

Evening Star, Issue 20777, 27 April 1931, Page 7

WHIMSICAL COMEDY

1 CH. SAILOR, BEHAVE' AT THE STRAND For consistently good entertainment tho Strand Theatre has established an enviable reputation. In recent months tho standard of tho faro offered has been particularly high so that there was little Avondcr that a eroAvdcd house Avolcomcd ‘Oh! Sailor, BehaA-c,’ Avhen it Avas shown there cm Friday evening. This film arrived hero after highly successful seasons in tho north, and there is every reason to believe that the film Avill set up further records during its season in Dunedin. ‘ Oh! Sailor, Behave ’ Avhich is an adaptation of Elmer Rico’s stage plaA r , ‘ See Naples and Die,’ introduces to local audiences lavo new screen comedians, Olsen and .Johnson, avlio aro reported to bo America’s funniest cloaviis. Whether the, latter claim is justified or not, this illimitable pair, Avith their clever antics and diverting drolleries, kept Friday night’s audience in a continual roar of merriment, and more of their characterisations should he Avelcomed in Dunedin. As tho tAvo American sailors on leave in Naples, tho city of girjs and gondolas, they become entangled in a series of adventures Avhich arc hilarious in tho extreme. Their romantic pranks and high jinks with the piquant little Italian maid (Irene Delroy) were always laughable and distinctly refreshJII? ()h, Sailor, Behave ’ has a flimsy story, the film depending chiefly on its

many opportunities for bright comedy work and its many catchy song hits. The latter are effectively contributed by that very popular artist, Charles King, and Lottie Loder, who plays opposite King, a Paris newspaperman sent to Naples to interview a, very powerful Italian general. During his mission in Italy bo falls in love, and he and his fiancee are planning for the wedding day when his partner is suddenly called away to Paris. Charles makes further attempts to obtain his interview and scores a story lor iiis paper only alter the most sensational and exciting adventures. He is taken prisoner by the general’s soldiers, while iiis sweetheart is iilso iuvolvd in a rather dangerous situation which is only saved ,by the ingenuity of the “ goofy ” sailors. Charles King’s vocal contributions are numerous, and as sung by this favourite artist, are extremely welcome. Olsen and Johnson also contribute some selections, and these, of course, arc brimful of these comedians’ quaint humour, which is sufficiently ludicrous to provoke gales ol uproarious laughter. Lowell Sherman in tho roll of an unwelcome Prince from Moscow, and Noah Beery as the Italian general, are prominently featured in the particularly strong cast, and, like tho other stars in tho film, give excellent performances. Tho main feature of tbo supporting programme was ‘ Pages of Scarlet,’ a mystery drama with some deft touches of comedy to break tho tension. Patrons aro advised to book seats for this programme. The box plans are at The Bristol and the theatre.