TWO STARS IN COLLABORATION

Evening Star, Issue 21091, 2 May 1932, Page 5

TWO STARS IN COLLABORATION

* SUSAH LENOX * FOR ST. JAMES Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer certainly concentrated on entertainment when Clark Gable was handed the choice assignment opposite Greta Garbo in ‘ Susan Lenox, Her Fall and Rise/ which comes to the St. James on Friday. It was a happy choice, anyway, and the picture is by far Garbo’s best in talkie. Modernised, the David Graham Phillips novel makes splendid material for Garbo, and as her leading man Gable is more than amply romantic. For one thing, the new Garbo effect has a sweep in dramatic action that carries the story from one episode to another with a colourful atmosphere that keeps interest at top suspense. It is one of the most visually entertaining talking pictures we have seen, and has none of the dragging tendencies so often noted in a dramatic story. The dialogue is sparkling, pointed, and well rounded. And always the pace of the picture keeps its even tempo, climaxing into a powerful ending bound to thrill the most adamant fan. Robert Z. Leonard, who makes his first appearance as a director with Garbo in this new production, has been careful to keep the story moving. There is very little of the sitting down and talking-things-over footage in this film. Leonard has employed his camera to every possible advantage, and given his picture a splendid screen presentation that adds vastly to,its dramatic qualities. Greta Garbo’s role is one of great demands and requires an unusually wide latitude of emotional characterisation to which she rises with superb artistry. Gable is splendidly cast, and in his first straight romantic lead offers a magnificent performance that should go a long way in clinching his hold on stardom. the supporting cast is impressive, especially in the performances of Jean Hersholt, John Miljan, Alan Hale, Hale Hamilton, Hilda VaUghn, Russell Simpson, Cecil Cunningham, and lan Keith.

The box plan is now open at The Bristol.