THE HEW PROGRAMMES

Evening Star, Issue 23497, 10 February 1940, Page 19

THE HEW PROGRAMMES

COMEDY TRIUMPH ' TOPPER 'SUPPORTS ' WITHIN THE LAW " It is seldom that two outstanding pictures are on the bill at one theatre,, but at the St.'-James,, this week there is a [programme at which no one- could•■; cavil, in' 'Within the Law/ which opened yesterday, Ruth Hussey appears in the role of Mary Turner, created by Jane Cowl inthe stage hit of 1912. Tom Neal, who, like Miss Hussey, gathered stage experience with the -New York Theatre Guild, lins his first leading role opposite her. The cast also features Paul Kelly, ' William Gargan Paul Cavanagh, Rita Johnson, Samuel S. Hhids r Lynno Carver, Sidney-BJack-mer, Jo Ann Sayers, and Ann Morriss. The story concerns Mary Turner, a department store salesgirl, who> is wrongly sent, .to prison : for theft. 'She i studies law, and.on gaining her freedom sets out. to get even with the man who"accused her." She joins a gang i of clever racketeers, and through her.l brilliant manipulation of the law tbe& make, easy money without police interference. The department store; manager is" victimised, but always. within the law. His son falls in love with Mary Turner, unaware of her real identity. He is involved with her in a police, case, but meanwhile they have been-married and she feels that she has at last revenged herself on his father. However, she loves the youth, and suddenly realises that she is making him -suffer. Constance Bennett and Cary Grant, co-starred, and. Roland. Young as " Topper,": achieve a, joint triumph in the Hal Itoaeh-M.G.M. feature comedy, ' Topper,' which is the other feature. ■ The trio turn in brilliant perfor- I mances. Miss Bennett, light and gay in the: high comedy of 'Topper,' is More delightful than in any role she has portrayed, in her illustrious career. Just as Claudette Colbert added to her fame in ' It' Happened. One Night,' and Carole .Lombard scored in ' My Man Godfrey/ Miss Bennett comes into her own in 'Topper.' Cary Grant exhibits the same gay, rollicking manner that characterised his leading role opposite Grace .Moore in 'When You're in i

Love.’ ‘Topper’ is based on the superb whimsy of the screen play, adapted from Thorne Smith’s sensational novel, . ‘ Topper,’ the brilliant talent of the principals providing uproarious fun ana fast-moving action from the opening-scone until the final fade out. Constance Bennett and Cary Grant are ipr^ent;ed,.as ; ,de]ightfplly. -gay but. rollicking ghosts ' who involve Roland goring,: 'in astounding adventures A'and ribald escapades in their conception, of doing a “ good deed ” in changing the'normal -life-- of a sedate hank president in order that they can escape a spiritual prison. Billie Burke, Alan Mowbray, Eugene Pallettei and others give admirable support to the co-stars. The deft direction of NormaniM'Leod, the beautiful photography by Noberfc Brodirie, and the amazing special camera effects by Roy Seayright combine to make ‘ Topper ’ on«£; of the season's entertainment treats. > , .