"THE FLYING FOOL."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21029, 13 November 1931, Page 12

"THE FLYING FOOL."

BRITISH FILM AT CIVIC. A striking example of the splendid type of picture which the Elstree studios can produce is provided by "The Flying Pool," a British International film, which was accorded an enthusiastic reception at its initial showing at the Civic Theatre last evening. The film was produced with the. co-operation of Imperial Airways, Limited, the- Do Haviland Company, and the. French Air Union. The remarkable photography is a particularly impressive feature, and many of the scenes deal with the air services between Croydon and Continental airports, the exposition of the control system at the famous English base being of outstanding interest. From a technical point of view, tho film is flawless. Added to this advantage is an engrossing story filled with sufficient mystery, attended by gripping action.

The story begins in a London club, where a young Englishman, Vincent Floyd, a role admirably played by Henry Kendall, commences his investigations into a series of crimes carried out by an international gang. The interest of tho story then moves swiftly but coherently to the underworld of Paris. Kendall gives a most convincing portrayal as n secret service agent, who disguises his true identity by representing himself to bo an ordinary, but rather eccentric, young man about town. His distinctive mannerisms and ready wit provide a constant vein of humour. As an agent of Pinkerton's, New York, Miss Benita Hume, who was seemingly hand in glove with the criminals, makes a charming heroine. Geoffrey Wallace gives a polished contribution as the leader of the gang, and Miss Ursula Jeans also fills an important part with conspicuous success. Floyd informs the leader of the. gang, Marlow, that he has sufficient evidence in his possession to secure his conviction on a number of crimes. Marlow, by an ingenious trick, aided by his makebelieve woman accomplice, manages to kidnap Floyd during a flight on an airliner to Paris. Floyd is imprisoned in Muntmarfre, but he effects his escape through the assistance of the girl after he has been drugged and thrown into a sewer. From this stage the. story moves rapidly to a dramatic aerial battle, which results when Floyd and tho girl are pursued by tho "gangsters." Marlow is hoisted with his own petard when he alters the landing signs at Croydon in an attempt to crash Floyd's machine, his associates falling into the trap. He races toward London in a powerful motor-car and is being overtaken by Floyd in an aeroplane when his car gnes over a a cliff. This is one of tho most thrilling episodes in the picture. Floyd's mission ended, there comes the fulfilment of the delightful romance, which is another attractive feature of "The Flying Fool." The greater proportion of the supporting programme is devoted to interesting Paramount and Fox Movietone news reels, among tho topical incidents shown being the. trooping of tho colours befare King George in London, the arrival of the aeroplane Do. N. at New York following its transatlantic flight, a trip above the Niagara Falls by an autogyro, demonstrations by the Nazis in Berlin, and young Fascists in Pome, and scenes in the Yellowstone Park. The films are distinguished by excellent studies of Signor Mussolini and Tien* Hitler. There is a pleasing; British film. "The Jolly Farmers," in which South Coast folksongs are sung and glimpses given of English rural life. Commencing to-day, the management will display iu the theatre a Comper-Swift, aeroplane, of the type used in the recent record flight from England to Australia, owned by Mr. H. G. L. West. The engine will be running prior to the programme.