‘THE MAN IN POSSESSION'

Evening Star, Issue 20988, 30 December 1931, Page 5

‘THE MAN IN POSSESSION'

BRILLIANT COMEDY FOR EMPIRE Robert Montgomery, one of the most recent arrivals in 'the ranks of the stars, demonstrates that his promotion is more than justified by his performance in ‘ The Man in Possession,’, a delightful comedy, opening at the Empire on Friday. The play from which the picture was adapted is one of the most recent works from the pen of the distinguished British author who wrote such successes as 1 The Mask,’ ‘ The Hotel Mouse,’ and ‘ The White-headed Boy.’ Pleading the supporting cast is the elongated Charlotte Greenwood, stage comedienne, who recently added to her laurels with outstanding screen roles in ‘Parlour, Bedroom, and Bath’ and ‘ Stepping Out.’ In the new film she plays the part of an English maid with an especial dislike and mistrust for the new butler, the part played by Montgomery. Irene Purcell, New York stage actress, plays the romantic lead opposite Montgomery in the new film. Miss Purcell, who won overwhelming success in the New York production of ‘ Dancing Partner,’ recently repeated this role with William Haines in the screen version entitled ‘ Just a Gigolo.’ Others in the imposing cast are C. Aubrey Smith, of ‘ Impersonating a Lady ’ fame; Beryl Mercer, distinguished character actress, who last played in ‘ The Public Enemy ’; Reginald Owen, who recently starred on the stage in ‘ Candlelight ’; Alan Mowbray, who last played in ‘ Topaz ’ on the stage; Maude Eburne, Forrester Harvey, and Yorko Sherwood, noted British, players. The locale of the story is in England, and Montgomery plays the part of the young ne’er-do-well who becomes a sheriff’s deputy, serving attachment writs. His duty, takes him into the home of a ravishing widow, and lie is .persuaded to impersonate a butler to spare her the humiliation of having an attachment guard in her house during an important dinner party. There are many hilarious highlights, climaxed in the ousting of the widow’s suitors and admirers. Of course, the hntlor wins the lady fair, amid gay circumstances. The dialogue is sprightly and effervescent. and fhe story moves smartly with a sophisticated motivation. ft is charmingly set, in an English cottage, and the costumes and backgrounds are especially; ®r_or£hs; of