Thrilling Action and Much Excitement

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 71, 25 March 1936, Page 11

Thrilling Action and Much Excitement

“THE PAYOFF" SEEN WITH “SHE GETS HER MAN" < - (Kosy: Screening To-day.) “The Payoff’’—on a double bill —is based on a story by George j Bricker. Filled with thrills, ro- \ mance and riotous comedy, Warner Bros, latest drama of newspaper life concerns the thrilling adventures of an'honest sports reporter in his battle to eliminate a hand of gamblers who are making money by “fixing" all kinds of sporting events. The gamblers are unable to fix tho sports editor either by bribery or intimidation, until.his wife doublecrosscs him and gets, him so deeply into debt to the band, that he has to quit attacking them to save her reputation. James Duiino 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 tho picture ot any she has depicted. Her work is exceptionally clever and the way sho makes the audience dislike her is a tribute to her talent. Patricia Ellis, as a newspaper writer, very much iu love with Dunne, 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 with rare skill, and Frankie Darro is excellent as the little jockey who refuses to sell out. Glimpses of thrilling action incident to tho various sporting events of major importance, such as horseracing, baseball, boxing and football, keep the spectators tense with excitement. 1