Newspaper Drama is Strongly Constructed

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 65, 18 March 1936, Page 11

Newspaper Drama is Strongly Constructed

“THE PAYOFF” IS FILLED WITH TENSE LAUGHTER (Kosy: Screening Wednesday Week.) Filled with thrills, romance and riotous comedy, Warner Bros, latest drama of American newspaper life, “The Payoff,” is based on a story by George Bricker, and concerns the thrilling adventures of an honest sports reporter in his battle to eliminate a band of gam- , biers who are making money by | “fixing” all kinds of sporting events. The gamblers are unablo to fix tho sports reporter cither by bribery or intimidation, until his wife doublecrosses him and gets him so deeply in debt to j the band,-that he has to quit attacking them to save her reputation. James j \ Dunne gives a splendid performance in | the role of the sports reporter, very much-in love with his beautiful, cheating wife. Claire Dodd, who is usually cast in vampish, gold digging roles, has by far the meanest character in the picture of any- she has depicted. Her work is exceptionally clever and the way she makes the audience disliko her is a tribute to her talent. Patricia Ellis, as a newspaper writer, very much in love with Dunn, was never more fascinating than in this role, which calls for a sympathetic understanding and . . real dramatic ability. James Crehan -plays the part of the managing editor witii rare skill, and Frankie Darro is excellent as the little jockey who refuses ta sell out. Glimpses of thrilling action incident to the various sporting events of major importance, such as horse racing, baseball, boxing and football, keep the spectators .tense with excitement. .

Alan Mowbray, who plays a leading role in the Paramount film, “Desire,” has appeared in 60 pictures in the last four years.