TRIUMPH FOR GRACIE FIELDS

Evening Star, Issue 21822, 11 September 1934, Page 11

TRIUMPH FOR GRACIE FIELDS

SPARKLING MiISIGAL COMEDY FOR EMPIRE The inimitable Gracie Fields adds another triumph to her ever-growing list in ‘ Love, Life, and Laughter, a. merry musical comedy, which commences at the Empire on Friday, and in her latest effort it is not hard to imagine how this irrepressible lass from Lancashire won a place in the hearts or most theatregoers the world over. It is an elaborately-produced and sparkling musical comedy into which has been worked plenty of good humour,and some fine catchy song hits. _ The role played by Miss Fields is not new, but nevertheless it is impossible to tire of it. Once again she is everybody’s favourite, but this time a new story has been woven round her, giving even more scope for her, delightful type of entertainment. She is seeit now as Nell Gywnn, and the fun really starts when, selling oranges in a street procession, she hurls one and accidentally hits a handsome young visiting prince in the eye. Nell is arrested and charged with committing a breach of the peace. The trial of the popular Nell is an excellent burlesque, and gives Miss Fields a good opportunity, of showing something of her talent. Robert Wilson, as the magistrate, also adds something to the amusement created in this scene. In addition to being a title which gives a good indication of the line* followed by the entertainment provided, ‘ Love, Life, and' Laughter *■ is the name of the rollicking them* song of the picture, and when this merry piece has been sung a few times by Gracie Fields it inevitably springs to the lips of those who have heard it with inflections which have the effect of almost “ bringing the house down.” Gracie Fields also sings ‘ Out in th« Cold. Cold Snow,’ a ditty which, with the circumstances in which it is commenced and finished, forms one of th* highlights of the show. The leading male role, that of Prince Charles, is played by John Loder, a handsome young English actor of talent, who fits into the picture excellently. As Nell’s father, Horace Kennedy puts over one or two delightful gags, ami others who add something to the fun are Veronica Brady and Norah Howard. V