"QUEEN OF HEARTS"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22413, 8 May 1936, Page 14

"QUEEN OF HEARTS"

FILM FOR STRAND THEATRE The vivacious Gracio Fields adds greatly to her reputation by her performance in "Queen of Hearts," which will open a season to-day at the Strand Theatre. Miss Fields needs no introduction anywhere in the British Empire, for she is known through her gramophone recordings, her musical hall presentations and her stage and screen appearances. "Queen of Hearts" shows her in another homely part—that of a humble little seamstress whose heart yearns for the love of a film actor far beyond her reach. She has the attribute of determination, however, and she is assisted by a stroke of luck when she comes across her hero, unmistakably drunk, and drives him homo in his own car. Although she learns to drive on the way, she gets him to his apartment and is iitcr summoned for stealing his car. Hoover, her way is made much easier when she secures a position in tho chorus of the show in which 'her hero appears, and she gradually shows talent sufficient to advance her in the company's ranking. During this part of tho film there is some attractive singing by Miss Fields. Eventually tho company is in dire need of a leading lady and the leading man, grudgingly admitting that the girl has talent, gives her the chance to play opposite him. Needless to say. Miss Fields makes the most of her opportunity and proves an overwhelming success. The closing scene shows the girl accepted by her hero and radiantly happy. This, incidentally, is the first time that Miss Fields has appeared in a film which has a happy ending, and it is the result of a ballot taken among many of her admirers. Tho film is bright throughout, and tho new songs introduced havo already boeomo popular in Auckland. Tho comedy is of the best that English studios can produce, and tho dialogue rises to great heights. Monty Banks is tho producer, and his skill is apparent in every scene.