CHRISTMAS COMEDY PROGRAMME

Evening Star, Issue 20983, 23 December 1931, Page 12

CHRISTMAS COMEDY PROGRAMME

ST. JAMES BOOKS JOEL BROWN FILM One comedian whoso popularity never ■wanes in Joe E. Brown, of the big mouth and comical antics, who has been seen in many uproarious farces, .but who is said to excel himself in ‘ Broadminded,’ the comedy specially chosen as the Christmas attraction for the St. James Theatre. To qugte a review: “Joe outdoes himself in the character of a tiinid followed of the eternal female, who, by an odd turn, is appointed guardian of a young waster with tons of money and no brains. It is the wish of this youth’s lather that Joe remove him as far away • from women asj possible. So Ossie Simpson (as Joe is called) sets out for the West in a baby car, taking his charge with him. On the road the pair meet with some most astonishing adventures that will reduce you to acute convulsions, and to make matters delightful for the waster, but terrible for Ossie, the lad falls iu love with the first beautiful girl he meets on the journey. Ona Munson is delightful in the role of the pretty trouble-maker. Marjorie White, with prettiness and an unerring comedy sense, becomes, in turn, the object of the tepid attentions of Ossie, and Ilolmes Herbert is the millionaire father who, full of good intentions, sends his son into more complications instead of fewer. A splendid portrayal of a very modern ..girl who sets her cap for the rich youth, played by William Collier, jun., is given by Margaret Livingstone. Grace Hamilton is the solicitous aunt, and Bela Lugico, famous as Dracuia, plays a hot-headed Spaniard who resents the arrival of Ossie and his party. The casting is perfect, and the story is crammed with mirth-mak-ing possibilities, the director having bridged the gap between comedy and melodrama with remarkable understanding. Joe E. Brown has had many triumphs, but none quite so big as this <jne.” A particularly fine supporting programme will bo screened with ‘Broadminded.’ The management reminds patrons that, as there will be no screenings on Christmas Day, it is advisable for intending patrons to reserve eai’ly for the opening night of the programme on Boxing Night. The plans are trt The Bristol.