COMEDY IN THE ALPS

Evening Star, Issue 23093, 20 October 1938, Page 8

COMEDY IN THE ALPS

BRILLIANT BAND OF FUN-MAKERS Of late the “ crazy ” comedy has come into its own, and there has been a spate of such films on the cinema market; some good, some not as good. But one that stands out is ‘ Romance for Three,’ with a keynote of hilarity. Wherever it lias appeared crowded houses have paid tribute to it in mirth as it pursues its gay path to a novel conclusion. Few films can boast such a brilliant array of fun-making talent as 1 Romance for Three,’ which will commence screening at the Regent on Friday. Frank Morgan, Florence Rice, Robert Young, Reginald Owen, Edna May Oliver, Herman Bing, and Sig Rumann are taken into an Alpine setting and left to pursue their laughable antics. Always light, gay, and airy, the film starts off by introducing a Viennese millionaire, Tobler, trying to embrace the simple things in life by joining in an Alpine resort the winners of a slogan contest conducted by his manufacturing firm. With him is his valet, Kessulhut (Owen). He forces Kessulhut to pose as the rich man of the pair, and strikes up a friendship with young Fritz, first prize-winner, and an ambitious lad, though poor. To outline all the amusing situations would spoil the appeal of the film for patrons, but eventually Tobler’s daughter finds romance in the company of Fritz, who is unaware of her wealth. But very aware of it is a designing divorcee (Mary Astor). Then Tobler’s efficient housekeeper complicates things by arriving to rescue him from her clutches. Finally Tobler decides he has had his fling and leaves the hotel, not before finding out that he owns the place and demoting the manager to make way for a dishwasher friend, Featurettes on the * Romance for Three ’ programme include' ‘ Came the Brawn,’ a clever Our Gang comedy concerning a wrestling match ; ‘ Natural Wonders of the West,’ a Fitzpatrick travel talk in technicolour; ‘Snow Gets In Your Eyes,’ a short musical revue offering catchy tunes and the thrills of indoor ski-ing; and ‘Face Behind the Mask,’ an historical mystery surrounding the identity of the ‘ Man in the Iron Mask.’ /