MAGIC OF THE SCREEN

Evening Star, Issue 22578, 20 February 1937, Page 21

MAGIC OF THE SCREEN

H. Q. WELLS’S TRIUMPH SCORES AT REGENT How would it bo to change the current creditor into a rabbit, or conjure a tiger from tho hearthrug to indulge tho nephew P Those are but mild examples of the capabilities of the [lowers of Roland Young, who, through the courtesy of H. G. Wells and Alexander Korda—not to mention one or two gods —is gifted with miracle-making in ‘ Tho Man Who Could Work Miracles.’ This novel production came to the Regent yesterday, and at, both the afternoon and evening screenings the theatre was packed. It is a picture that rivals the best American films, and should command a large following during its season in Dunedin. Often when a picture of this calibre is shown, tho associate programme is definitely below standard, but such is not the case with this show, whicli literally represents the cream of theatre entertainment.

How the gods gave George M'Whirter Fotheringay, a draper’s assistant, power to do whatever ho willed, and now he used that power, is the strange story. In its imaginative character the picture is a true successor to ‘ Things to Come ’ (which has already been shown at the "Regent), but it is in much lighter vein. For all its humour and buffoonery, however, it provokes considerable thought and slyly castigates the leaders of every branch of society through the reactions of the central character. Like 1 Things to Come,’ it is a product of what promises to become a famous partnership—Ft. G. Wells, the author, and Alexander Korda, the producer. George M'Whirtcr Fotheringay finds that at his command he can make the lamp in flic public bar of the local inn move about however he wishes it, and buds himself ejected for carrying his wishes into effect. He discovers be can produce rabbits and kittens and bunches of vio-

lets and grapes from the air, and can send village policemen to San Francisco and other places. And lie is mightily startled at his power, but no more so than the inhabitants of the village in which he lives. Those who could better their positions in life seek to advise him, those who might be affected by bis power seek to destroy him. But after a Jong period of indecision ho resolves to slum all aid and defy all opposition, and sot his course according to his own desires. As Fotheringay, Roland Young is* exceedingly weM cast. Ho instills delightful humour into both his parts, first as the slow-thinking draper and later as tlie active potentate. Ralph Richardson, as Colonel Winstnnloy. is what one ..would expect of the. retired Indian soldier who is county magistrate, collects swords, and cultivates roses. Others who give admirable interpretations are Joan Gardner, Ernest .Thesinger, and Robert Cochrane. A notable feature of the production is the remarkable photography which records amazing scones of impossible happenings with a perfection that is convincing. The main attribute of the production is that the plot is quietly philosophical in its trend and conclusions, makes sly digs at tho loaders of every branch of society through tho reactions of the central character, and in so doing compels all of average intelligence to laugh and think at' the same time—no mean achievement. Korda seizes upon it to present a scries of skilful illusions that are alternatively hilarious and spectacular. The leading role v that of George M'Whirtor - Fotheringay, an English country draper’s assistant to whom are given miraculous powers that the world might have another chance to redeem itself, is portrayed by Roland Young., A delightfully informative Paramount newsreel ushers in the first portion of the programme, the piece de resistance of whicli is a splendid nature study film about gannets. This intensely interesting production emanates from an English studio, and deals with every phase of the life of these picturesque sea birds, which dive gracefully from high above tho water in search of prey, ‘ Radio Rascals ’ is a short feature embodying vaudeville items. One of those fine travel films, which on this occasion takes tho audience over Central America, concludes a really brilliant programme.