DRAMATIC PLOT

Evening Star, Issue 21255, 9 November 1932, Page 9

DRAMATIC PLOT

JONH VAN DRUTEN PLAY FOR RESENT High-strung youth and old-fashioned parents who refuse to understand the newer freedom of the modern generation, provide the dramatic conflict of f New Morals For Old,’ which comes to the Regent on Friday. Ralph and Phyllis, a typical brother and sister in the average home, want to live lives of their own, # unhampered by parental restrictions Ralph scorns his father’s wallpaper business, nourishing instead a desire to go to Paris and study art. Phyllis falls in love with Wilson, and contemplates running away with him, despite the fact that he is not free to make her his wife. Their parents attempt to lay down the law, and consequently there are constant quarrels and recriminations in the household. Eventually both brother and sister achieve their desires, but find them so much ashes in their hands. Ralph fails as an artist, arid is disillusioned by a disastrous love affair. When Wilson finally gets his divorce, Phyllis marries him, and then settles down to a placid domesticity. At last they realise that freedom hasn’t been so exciting after aH. The picture, which was adapted from the John Van Druten stage play ‘ After All,’ i» expertly conceived under the able direction of Charles Brabin, who has contrived to make the situations poignant and stirring without losing his sense of humour. It is particularly the acting, however, which makes this a drama which strikes an immediate responsive chord of sympathy in the onlooker. Robert Young, as the son who seeks an art career,offers a performance which places him in the front ranks ol the screen’s younger leading men. Margaret Perry, who starred in the original stage play, repeats her role in the screen version, giving filmgoers a glimpse of a new and glamorous screen personality. The excellent supporting group includes Myrna Toy, Lewis Stone, Jean Hersholt, and Louise Glosser Hale.