AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1932, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

IVRRYBODYB PICTURES. “LAUGHING SINNERS.” As the worldly Salvation Army girl who forsakes her tambourine for the arms of her travelling salesman lover, Joan Crawford scales new dramatic heights in “Laughing Sinners,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s picturisation of ‘“The Torch Song.” If anything, the new vehicle is an even more dramatic one than “Within the Law,” and in it Joan negotiates a difficult characterisation, endowing it with a wealth of rich delineation. Her performance, in the opinion of this reviewer, is the finest she has offered, and eclipses all previous efforts. Sharing leading man honours in the screen version of the striking Kenyon Nicholson play are ’Neil Hamilton and Clark Gable. Hamilton plays the part of the old love who comes back into th e repentant girl’s life. Gable is the simple Salvation Army boy .worshipping her with an honest faith and devotion. Both are excellently cast and turn in splendid performances. The supporting cast is a particularly fine one, including Marjorie Rambeau, Guy Kibbee, Cliff Edwards, Roscoe Karns, Gertrude Short, George Cooper, George, F. Marion and Beri) Woodruff. The picture constantly maintains a fast pace with never a let up in interest and action. Joan offers a new song number in the opening scenes, singing “What Can J Do—l Love That Man.” It should be popular, if for no otheh reason than Joan provides it with a delightful introduction.'