LIONEL BARRYMORE AT HIS BEST

Evening Star, Issue 21632, 30 January 1934, Page 6

LIONEL BARRYMORE AT HIS BEST

EXCELLENT CHARACTER ACTING ■A wealth of fascinating portraiture in the presentation of the characters is the outstanding feature of. ‘ The Stranger’s Return,’ the film coming to the Regent on Friday. Phil Stong,' the author of the story on which tho picture is baaed, has emphasised tho age-old contrast, between town and country folk. As in ‘ State Fair,’ one of his earlier productions, rural America foi'ms a picturesque background for the author’s main theme, and on the old-established farm of his imagination he presents a genuine story bf genuine people. -- In the realistic detail and in the skilful acting, particularly of Lionel Barrymore, Stuart Erwin, Miriam Hopkins, and Franchot Tone, lies the true merit of this production. The “ stranger ” is Louise (Miriam Hopkins), and she is portrayed as the city-bred descendant of a farming family who makes her return to the old homestead.

The advent of this graddaughter is greatly resented by the other relatives and descendants of “ Grandpa ” Storr (Lionel Barrymore). This shrewd, determined, eccentric old man, proud owner of the farm property, does not hide his dislike for most of these relations, .in which he rightly discerns greed for his possessions rather than genuine love. On the other hand, Louise and he find in each other a happy sympathy of thought. Under her grandfather’s influence Louise soon realises that she belongs to the country. With knowledge of this, “ Grandpa ” Storr neatly turns the tables on those seeking most of all to inherit his possessions. As the lovers Miriam Hopkins and Franchot Tone both act with ability and sincerity. Irene Hervey is perfectly cast as tho young farmer's wife, while Stuart Erwin, in the role of a faithful but not strictly sober farm servant, brings into this vital screen drama a pleasant touch of humour.