GEORGE ARLISS FILM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21377, 29 December 1932, Page 10

GEORGE ARLISS FILM

NEW PICTURE FOR CIVIC Whimsical, lovable George Arliss gives another delightful study of benevolent old ago in "A Successful Calamity," to replace "Sherlock Holmes" at the Civic Theatre to-morrow. An Arliss picture is always a notable screen event. His latest film, to judge from tho opinions of discerning overseas critics, will prove no exception. Even those who are not regular devotees of the cinema revel in the wholesome humour and pretty romance of an Arliss production. Sydney W. Carroll, probably England's most competent film critic, says in the London Sunday Times: "I recommend a visit to 'A Successful Calamity/ in which you will find Georgo Arliss in the best of form. . . . The chief merit of the composition is its all-pervading amiability. There may bo in it a trifle too much discussion about business and commercial intriguing, but the rich humanity of the story saves it. Arliss is fond of playing millionaires, and few screen actors can capture the spirit of the successful man so well as ho does. Exactly why lie, as a rich man, pretends to be poor may be found in the claims made upon him by his young wife and his family in a social direction. "Seldom has comedy been moro delicately conveyed by facial expression. And Arliss does not have tho field ontiroly to himself in this. David Torrcnce, Grant Mitchell, William Jannoy, Mary Astor and Evelyn Knapp ono and all lend admirable aid. A really delightful picture this, calculated to appeal to anyone who likes humour and sentiment adroitly mingled." Miss C. A. Lejeune, in the London Observer, remarks: "George Arliss and his director, John Adolphi, have never' done anything better than this comedy of American finance; tlicy , take their time over every scene, and toss back the ball to oflo another with the ease and cunning of old professionals. Script and dialogue are remarkably good, and the smaller parts solidly cast; tho technique is as quiet and leisurely as Arliss* own style. Unless you are a fiend for cutting, with a highly-developed film-consciousness, this is a film that you'll enjoy nntl recom-, mend to a wide assortment of friends." Mr. Arliss needs no introduction to Auckland film-goers, who remember him in "Disraeli," "Old English," "The Millionaire" and "Alexander Hamilton." And who has not. seen at least one of these films? No other screen actor has maintained a succession of such splendid films. And no other artist's pictures appeal so to the masses while, retaining such wholesomeness and unaffected charm. "A Successful Calamity" is sure to provo an ideal New Year entertainment.