"BELOVED VAGABOND"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22555, 21 October 1936, Page 16

"BELOVED VAGABOND"

riLM FOR EMBASSY THEATRE Skilful direction lies behind the success overseas of "The Beloved Vagabond," the film version of W. J. Locke's tale, which will open a season to-morrow at the Embassy Theatre. "The Innocents of Paris" was acclaimed in Auckland as something rarely delightful in screen work, anil "The Beloved Vagabond," which is its sequel, is no less deserving of praise. Locke's hero is a violinist who spends a happy life in the by-ways of Europe, a happy-go-lucky individual who derives a quiet pleasure from the simpler things in life. Naturally ho has his ups and downs, but passes over the gloomy days as not worth worrying about and welcomes those when the sun shines. Ho is the complete philosopher and as such is something new for the screen. The audiences which see "The Beloved Vagabond" will find it a simple tale, simply told and acted, with immense appeal as a story of human people. The role of the vagabond is admirably suited to the French singer, actor and comedian, Maurice Chevalier. His lackadaisical manner and good humour fit the part to perfection, the result being a highly-creditable charactor study. Of the supporting artists Margaret Loekwood and Betty Stockfield are specially deserving of credit. Neither is well known in Auckland, but each promises to be. Care has been taken that the charm of the novel is reproduced as nearly as possible. Much of the pleasantly humorous dialogue has been transferred to the film and pains have not been spared to secure authentic settings. Much of the background is the French countryside, and if this sphere has not been explored greatly in films to date, there is everv reason to think it will in future. If novel has been eclipsed in the film it is in the musical accompaniment supplied. This shows discrimination and taste in its selection and contributes greatly to the enjoyment of the picture. "The Beloved Vagabond" is an English film, the production of the newly-formed company Associated British Films,