GREAT “SHOWMAN" FILM

Evening Star, Issue 22032, 18 May 1935, Page 11

GREAT “SHOWMAN " FILM

• THE MIGHTY BARNUM' AT EMPIRE All the action, glamour, and romance of the “ greatest show on earth ” are incorporated in 1 The Mighty Barnum,’ which, had its premiere screening at the Empire Theatre yesterday. Last night’s large audience was obviously enthralled by the many good points in this triumph of motion pictAe production, particularly, it is safe to say, by the talented performance of Wallace Beery in the title role. Beery is eminently suited to the interpretation of such a picturesque figure as Barnum, the self-confessed “ Prince of Humbugs.” Beery is ably assisted by Adolphe Menjou, who, in his own inimitable suave way, takes the part of Bailey Walsh, an individual with a definite say in the rise of Barnum to fame. . The story tells how Phineas I. Barnum, the first American to realise the value of publicity, deserts his failing grocery business in the Bowery, rents a livery stable, and enters the sideshow business. His first exhibits include a two-headed calf, a couplo of reptile monstrosities, and a negress, said to be 160 years old, and the nurso of the infant George Washington. With the aid of Walsh, his tippling manager—a part admirably played by Adolphe Menjou, Bgrnum advances from success to success, steadily building up that reputation for exploiting the extraordinary which earned him the title ” the greatest showman on earth.” Barnum has already founded his fortune with the aid of “ the bearded lady,” “ the fattest woman on earth, and “ the tallest man in the universe,” when he conceives the idea of securing the “ biggest elephant in five continents." Walsh is despatched to England to make the purchase from the London “ Zoo ” and a great reception is arranged for his return. Walsh is unsuccessful and brings back Jenny Lind the “ Swedish nightingale.” The grea. showman is in despair, nothing, il seems, will console him, but when the charming Jenny, charmingly played by Virginia Bruce, sings ‘ Believe Me 1. All Those Endearing Koung Charms.’ h© is impressed. Wlien, in a swirling crinoline, she carols the aria ‘ Casta Diva,’ at the Castle Garden Theatre. Darnum is enthusiastic, and it does not take him long to discern that he h.-s secured the attraction of the century. He is transformed from showman to impresario. As in all pictures starring Wallace Beery, there is much comedy and many warm human moments. Beery’s acting throughout is robust, yet convincing, Adolphe Menjou, whose picture record is nothing if not distinguished, has

never bettered his work as the tippling manager. Like Beery, he gives the impression of being perfectly at ease. Janet Beecher makes a splendidly stern wife for the mighty showman, and Virginia Bruce, as the " Swedish nightingale,” shows that her voice is as attractive as her appearance. Rochelle Hudson makes a delightfully attractive ward of Barman, and the audience is moved by her misfortune in falling madly in lovo with Walsh. ' Viva! Villa!’ was a great picture, but the ' Mighty Barnum ’ merits ope of the showman’s own expressions, “ stupendous.” The supporting programme includes a particularly amusing Walt Disney cartoon, ' Mickey Plays Papa,’ a picture that adds to the value of the Empire programme as one suitable for young folk * ‘ Songs of Ireland,’ with organ and vocal numbers, is another very fine attraction, while there is also an exceptionally interesting scenic film depicting life in the Channel Islands.