RETURN OF COMIC FILMS

Evening Star, Issue 20779, 29 April 1931, Page 4

RETURN OF COMIC FILMS

1 PLUNDER ’ A NEW PRODUCT That laughter is a tonic the ages have proved. In the early days of cinema entertainment the slap-stick comic won immense favour—because _ it made everyone laugh. Whether it was that the ” desire to laugh grew less pronounced, or that merriment became unfashionable is not clear, but laughter pictures were forsaken by the producers for tragedy and heart-sobs pictures. Now the movie-going public is experiencing another revolution. The producer lias discovered that laughter is one of life’s virtues. As a consequence the merry picture is hero again, not the one-time slap-stick variety, but none the less laughter raising. In the forefront of the movement stand the British and Dominions Film Corporation Ltd. Allied to the Aldwych Company of merrymakers they are producing a series of amusing pictures in which Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls costar. The second of these, * Plunder,’ comes to the Regent Theatre on Friday. Critics, it is said, have found it difficult to convey in words the screamingly funny humour in ‘ Plunder.’ Of the many funny incidents one situation stands out—a scene in Scotland Yard when Ralph Lvnn and his partner in crime (Tom Walls) are interviewing some of tho detectives working on a mysterious burglary that took place in a country mansion. Lynn’s inane expression and his brilliant method of conveying in Ids fatuous remarks wistful appeal is incomparable. The most notable event in the history of cinematograph entertainment in England was the gala performance given in honour of the British Prime Minister, the dominion Premiers and the delegates to tho Imperial Conference. ‘ Plunder ’ was one of tho two pictures presented to this most distinguished gathering, and at the conclusion Mr Ramsay MacDonald, addressing the audience, said that “be had never seen a better picture limn ‘ Plunder.’ ” No picture could receive greater praise, and the GovernorGeneral of New Zealand (Lord BlodisInc) was equally eulogistic when lie saw this British production recently in Wellington. it is announced that at matinees commencing on Friday, the Regent will screen the opening chapter of a fine now serial film, ‘The Ace of Scot land Yard.’ Box plans for the ‘ Plunder ’ season are on view at The Bristol.