"THE DEVIL TO PAY."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20993, 2 October 1931, Page 12

"THE DEVIL TO PAY."

COLMAN FILM AT REGENT. Frederick Lonsdale, English author of " On Approval" and " The Last of Mrs. Ghcyncy," has fashioned a perfect character for tho debonair Ilonald Golman in his specially-written photoplay, " The Devil to Pay," tho new film at the Regent Theatre. Even more engaging than he was as the amateur cracksman in " Raffles," Mr. Coltnan romps merrily through a succession of delightful episodes as tho devil may-care prodigal son of tho irascible Lord Leeland. Produced by Samuel Goldwyn for Ignited Artists under the adept direction of George Fitzmaurice, tho picture skilfully creates the requisite English atmosphere. There are many authentic scenes of the English Derby. Few who see the picture can fail to bo captivated by the fascinating nonchalance of the dashing Hon. Willie Hale, who audaciously sets out to woo a fabulously wealthy heiress, but refuses to propose to her until she is disinherited by her father. The fact that Mr. Lonsdale wrote the screen play ensures the wit and charm of the dialogue and the adroitness of tho situations. Mr. Golman has been exceedingly fortunate in his supporting players. Lorctta Young imparls a whimsical charm to the part of the fascinating Dorothy Hope, and Myrna Loy, the alluring queen in "A Connecticut Yankee at the Court of King Arthur," is appropriately seductive in the part of a designing actress with whom the susceptible Willie becomes temporarily infatuated. Splendid studies arc also contributed by Frederick Kerr and David Torrence, who also appeared in " Raffles " Paul Cavanagh, accomplished English actor, is suitably suave as the urbane Grand Duke Paul Mr. Golman who comes from a family well known in the English theatre for three generations, has had a remarkable rise screen fame. After three years' war service, he appeared with success in leading parts on the London stage. Then he staked his all in quest of a Hollywood career. His first film, "The White Sister," made in Italy with Lillian Gisli as tho heroine, was a masterpiece. With Vilma Banky he appeared in a succession of notable romances, including "The Magic Flame" and "The Night of Love." But the advent of Ihe audible screen wrought a tremendous change. No longer was Mr. Column seen as a sad and sombre romanticist, but as the joyous and carefree amateur detective in "Bulldog Drummond," one of the most popular of early talking-films. ./Then followed another debonair role in "Raffles." And row in "Tho Devil to Pay," lie is again tho scapegrace but lovable Englishman-about-town. Frederick Kerr, who has the distinction of having appeared in more original stage productions than any other living actor, has had principal parts in more than 200 plays since he began his career 60 years ago as Sir Toby in a revival gf Sheridan's "The School for Scandal."