MAGNIFICENT HUMAN DRAMA

Evening Star, Issue 21784, 28 July 1934, Page 18

MAGNIFICENT HUMAN DRAMA

‘ SORRELL AND SON ’ AT OCTAGON A sage once said that life was made up'mostly of shadows with lovely gleams playing through it. Much the same can be said of the screen, and 1 Sorrell and Son,’ now in its second week at the Octagon Theatre, is most decidedly one of the lovely gleams. The love of Sorrell for his son and the boy’s appreciation of his father’s struggles make unusually appealing entertainment, which touches the heart.

Everyone knows the story of how this father, hack from the war and jobless, is let down by bis wife, endeavours to find work suitable for In's social standing, fails, and starts as a porter in a second-class hotel. It is a slight enough theme, but, built up so cleverly by phases of life, becomes a human document. As Sorrell, H. B. Warner brings to the part bis full experience in the earlier role with ample opportunity for his expressive voice to give an even deeper interpretation. If Sorrell overacted it would be fatal. The part requires such a delicate balance that the merest stx;ess would reduce what should be exquisite pathos to mere sentimentality. And H. 8., Warner triumphs. Indeed, the whole picture is one of superb acting, which will make it remain long in the minds of audiences. It would oq a stony-hearted individual indeed who did not feel moved as Sorrell makes his noble struggle for existence. Peter Penrose makes Kit a delightful little chap. Kit, the man, is played by Hugh Williams, who brings experience and a definite and strong charm to the part. As Molly, the girl who loved Kit, Winifred Shotter is shown in a new type of role which suits her admirably and will add to her reputation. Sorrell’s ex-wife is played by Margot Grab a me, who acts with skill, bringing a metallic note into her role most suitably. The part of Mrs Palfrey, the proprietress of the hotel, is taken by Ruby Miller, and here is a little cameo of acting. Her appearance is all too short, and, although she takes a part that will not bring her much sympathy, it must certainly bring her admiration. As Dr Orange, Donald Calthrop is excellent in a straighter role than his usual character ones, while as the bullying porter Wally Patch adds his contribution.

Tli© supporting programme is short but excellent. It includes a Patlie gazette and an interesting trip to sea with an oyster fleet.