"THE DEVIL TO PAY."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 11 (Supplement)

"THE DEVIL TO PAY."

BRIGHT ENGLISH COMEDY. It is only to lie expected I haL the combination of Ronald Colman as tlie principal figure and Frederick Lonsdale as author in a film, would produce excellent entertainment, but " The Devil to Pay," which was shown privately at the Regent Theatre at the beginning of the week, is a production even above the standard to be expected of two such talented artists. Commencing in a gay and sprightly mood, the production maintains a spirit of carefree abandon throughout its length, the sparkling dialogue provided by Lonsdale giving ample scope tor Colman's debonair charm. The story has an English setting throughout, and every care has been taken to preserve the correct atmosphere. Colman is seen as Willie Hales, who returns to London penniless after a disastrous venture in Kenya Colony. Although his father has determined to disown him, the young man wins him over, with the result that he is again able to adopt the gay life ho previously led. Almost immediately ho resumes His former acquaintance with a noted actress, but a few hours later meets a friend of his sister who instantly attracts him. 11c finds that the girl is engaged to a Grand Duke, who he suspects is more interested in the girl's fortune than in herself. When a romance develops, the girl's father attempts to convince her that Hales also is only attracted by her money, but she refuses to believe him. When she discovers him with the actress, however, llaies finds himself in disgrace and his efforts to convince the girl of his affection lead him into a further series of complications. Colman is at his best as the irrepressible Hales, his performance being marked by a spontaneous gaiety in keeping with the theme. I/jrctta Young is the girl, while Fred Kerr contributes several comedy touches as Hales' irascible father. The dialogue throughout is sprightly, while among the more outstanding scenes is a lengthy sequence at Epsom during the running of the Derby, every detail of which is exceptionally convincing.