Francis Lederer Gets His Greatest Chance

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 84, 10 April 1935, Page 5

Francis Lederer Gets His Greatest Chance

“PURSUIT OP HAPPINESS” HAS MILITARY ATMOSPHERE

(ICosy: Screening Wednesday Next.) Prancis Lederer, one of the handsomest and most talented of America’s recent acting importations, finally has the opportunity to display his actual acting talent in Paramount’s “The Pursuit of Happiness,” which stars him and features Joan Bennett, Charlie Buggies and Mary Boland.

Cast as the shy but charming Hessian soldier Who deserts the British ranks because the colonists promise him “the pursuit of happiness,” Lederer plays with grace and lightness the role of one of the most appealing romantic comedy lovers the screen has presented in some time.

With lissome Joan Bennett cast as the pretty Puritan and the object of his affections, Lederer goes through his courtship and his first amazed intimation to the custom of “bundling” with such obvious pleasure and freshness that the first-night audience roars its pleasure at his performance. In the supporting cast of this excellently written, beautifully directed and acted comedy, are Charlie Buggies andMary Boland, who impersonate the anxious parents . with consumatc ability; pretty Barbara Barondess, whose impersonation of the hired girl with the soldier complex is one of the highspots of the film, and Minor Watson and Walter Kingsford, excellent and impeccable in their execution of important supporting roles.

Director Alexander Hall contributed much to the entertainment value of this exceptional film, by his deft handling of pace and secure control of the acting.