‘SOLDIERS OF THE KING’

Evening Star, Issue 21622, 18 January 1934, Page 12

‘SOLDIERS OF THE KING’

BRILLIANT COMEDY FDR GRAND Laughter is the keynote of every, film in which Cicely Courtneidge plays, and ‘ Soldiers of the King,’ which conn xiiences at the Grand Theatre to-mor-row, is no exception from the rule. In fact, it is one of the funniest pictures that, have been shown in Dunedin for many a day! The title is rather deceptive, for it is not by any means, a war or army picture. From beginning to end it is one continuous scream, a burlesque on the lives of a, troupe of theatrical artists, and 'the title is derived from the fact that the song; ‘ Soldiers'of the King,’ is one of their chief numbers* Cicely Courtneidge, who has costarred with her husband, Jack' Hulbert, in most of his comedies, plays the dual roles of Maisie Marvello, and her mother, Jannie Marvello. The name Marvello is taken by all members of the troupe, who appear in their show as one great family. While, every moment of the picture is sheer delight' owing to the speed with which one laughable f incident follows .in the wake,, of another, one sequence .. will stand out • in; the- memories of all who see it. ; In this particular instance, one ofthe adagio troupe fails to appear, and at. the last moment Cicely takes her place. • It would bo impossible to imagine anything funnier than the inelegant Cicely Courtneidge trying vainly to appear graceful as she is thrown from one man to another,' and there will not be one, person in the theatre capable of resisting the tremendous : humorous appeal of this v impromptu .“act.” • The supporting cast comprises many famous English vaudevillians ■ who perform; their regular “acts” for your enjoyment, .and the Courtneidge comedy is presence of Edward Everett Horton, veteran comedian of many of the most successful pictures from Hollywood, i • ' .