"I MET HIM IN PARIS"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22822, 1 September 1937, Page 16

"I MET HIM IN PARIS"

FINE COMEDY FOR EMBASSY

Resembling "It Happened One Night" in the sparkle of its wit, the Paramount production "I Met Him in Paris," which will open a season at the Embassy Theatre to-morrow, should prove a favourite with Auckland audiences, as it has in other countries. Another point that unites it to the earlier comedy is that in "I Met Him in Paris" Claudette Colbert returns to comedy characterisations, for which "It Happened One Night" first established her reputation. Her part in this film suits has capabilities to perfection, for, cast in a role that demands sincerity combined with sophistication, she acts with engaging vivacity and a captivating naturalness. Unlike many comedies_ that depend for their appeal on the polish that clever direction overlays 011 emptiness, "1 Met Him in Paris" is notable for an entertaining and highly interesting plot. Claudette Colbert is seen as a young New York dress-designer, who takes her first real holiday, aiul decides to seek excitement in Paris. Before she knows where she is, two young Americans, one a synical, but good-hearted, play-wright, played by Melvyn Douglas, ami the other an irresponsible novelist, a part taken by Robert Young, have whisked her oil' to Switzerland. The rest of the story deals in amusing fashion with the manner in which each of the two suitors tries to outwit the other, and with the effect their manoeuvres have on the character of the girl Many beautiful scenes depicting alpine sports are ,incorporated in the film, and Claudette Colbert and Melvyn Douglas reveal outstanding proficiency in the art of skating. A thrilling toboggan sled ride introduces n dramatic note, besides giving an insight into the manner in which people may amuso themselves above the snowline. The denouement of the film is perhnps the highlight, of the whole production, and shows the heroine finally emerging from the daze that she has been in during the greater part of the picture and assuming the upper hand. This is a film which for originality, polish and good acting must be considered one of the best comedies shown in Auckland for Eoruo time.,