AMUSEMENTS

Northern Advocate, 17 April 1933, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

“LEAP YEAR” AT REGENT

TOM WALLS STARS,

‘ 4 Iji-ji|> \*L‘;tr ’' <‘:m accurately be described iis an outstanding triumph for the (> auia on t British Corporation, for in the excellence of the acting and the hi jili standard of entertaimnent. throughout the lilin it is undoubtedly the best of its type to lie screened in Whangarci. On the occasion of its dm. presentation before a crowded house at the Regent Theatre on Saturday evening it was accorded a. most enthusiastic reception. Tom Walls discards straight farcical comedy for smart, sophisticated romanticism and, as a modern Casanova, gives a polished, spirited portrayal, well sprinkled with humour. The. whole picture is easy entertainment, a smooth, palatable mixture of comedyromance played by a strong, experienced cast. Anne drey, as Mrs Paula Zahreu, is a fascinating Hnglish brunette who completely captivates the hearts of the audience with her demure mauuers and whimsical smile. Other players include Fills Jeffreys, Jeanne Stuart, Charles’ Carson and Fdmoiul Preon. The direction of the prndnetion is left to the capable talents of Tom Walls himself, and the dexterity with which the smooth flow of entertaining incidents is maintained serves to show that his talents are not confined to acting. Mention of the melodious strains which form a background to some of the scenes must also be made, their good quality contributing largely to the success of the film. The evening frocks worn by Anne Grey and Jeanne ■Stuart are in keeping with the fashionable tone displayed. In the story Tom Walls plays the character of .Sir Peter Trailion, of the Foreign Office. Seeking complete rest from work, he refuses an assignment from his c.hief to follow Paula, the wife of a foreign financier, who is under suspicion. He finds himself at a. loose end, for all his lady friends are out of town, and, through a wrong number on the telephone, meets a charming lady, who refuses to reveal her identity. Their meeting takes place on Leap Year night and leads to an adventure at Bournemouth. They do not meet again for four years, when chance throws them together at Cannes, again on Leap Year night. By this time Peter has become engaged to his old chief’s daughter, but he dexterously shelves his obligations for the sake of the mysterious lady. The ready wit of Tom Walls introduces a happy atmosphere from the start of this light romance and interest is constantly stimulated by a series of well-balanced situations.

THE PLAZA. LAUGHABLE. FARCE. The mother-in-law of fiction materialises with traditional severity in “His Wife’s. Mother,” an adaptation from Will Scott’s play, “Queer Fish,” which had its first Whangarei screening at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday night. This is a picture which has been made to create laughter, and it does so with a vengeance, a spirit oi gay improbability coupledl with the idiosync,tansies of a talented staff, providing an unending chain of fun and frolic. Succeeding situations bristle with, opportunities for comic exploitation. This is accomplished amid a rapid fire of witticism and repartee, in a highly spirited manner, the action partaking of a gusto which leaves no loophole for mundane moments. The story concerns Henry Hagen, newly married and deeply in love, and his efforts to escape the consequences of a, easaual pre-martial flirtation. Greatly to his consternation, his moth-er-in-law, Airs Trout, takes a hostile attitude, and the other party to the liaison, a night club girl, endeavours to perpetuate- the acquaintanceship, and Hagen discovers how difficult it is to allay maternal suspicion. He confides in a friend, Eustace Newsom, who learns that the night club girl was his fiancee until she gave him up because of his interest in Hagen. The two men thus have a common purpose in combating Mrs Trout, who sets about obtaining confirmation of the statement by Newsom’s man servant, that Hagen bias a double in a mystical '‘Captain Binkley. ’’ There are ingenious complications when it becomes necessary for Hagen to impersonate his ‘‘double,’' with Joy leading the counter attack against the sceptical mother-in-law, first in the role of a fiory-temperod colonel, then as a. desperate German crook, and finally as an American detective.

Gus McNaughton, as the indefatigable man servant, has a heavy responsibility, but under his treatment farcical nonsense is clothed with a zest and freshness which are delightfully acceptable. He is splendidly supported by Jerry Verno (Henry Hagen), Jack Hobbs (Eustace Newsom), Jimmy Godden (Mr Trout) and Marion Dawson, as the mother-in-law who is worse than “the Gypsy’s warning.” The preliminary programme includes a very interesting Pa the. News reel, a study of English bird life, “Orphans of the Woods,” and a novel air picture, ‘‘Dual Control,” featuring Mollison and Amy Johnson.