GRAND THEATRE PROGRAMME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22721, 6 November 1935, Page 7

GRAND THEATRE PROGRAMME

STORIES BY FAMOUS AUTHORS :..■■■. . —, /;■'.; ,( The celebrated old firm of Lynn, Walls, and Hare, not forgetting the author Ben Travers, again collaborate to comedy point in the farcical mix-tip under the title of "Fighting Stock," which will be the main feature at the Grand, commencing to-day. This time the roystering fun revolves round the adventures of Sir Donald Rowley (Walls), his nephew Sydney (Lynn), and Sir Donald's ultra-correct secretary, Duck (Hare), while protecting a maiden in distress from the attention of a blackmailer. As before, no little comedy is born of the characterisations, with Sir Donald an amusing, blustering baronet, Sydney no mean knight errant when beauty is in danger, and Duck the ultimate in self-effacing modesty. The goings-on may be well imagined, therefore, when this trio engage with the fearsome blackmailer, the development running the entire range of slick farce, unabashed knockabout, and piquant sex comedy in such scenes as Sir Donald's comforting of the frightened little lady. It is all a mass of resourceful fooling in the now familiar manner of the Aldwych lads, who receive sipirited support from Veronica Rose as the distressed damsel, Marie Lohr as a coy neighbour, Lesley Wareing as the pretty stepdaughter, and Herbert Lomas as the blackmailing menace. The spirit of romance and poignant drama which marked the notable book by Ethel M. Dell, has been admirably captured in the film, " Rocks of Valpre," which is to form the other picture on the programme. Given a capable interpretation by a large and talented cast, the story always maintains the interest and concludes with a well-planned climax. Winifred Shotter gives one of the best performances of her career in the leading role, and she receives SQund support from John Garrick and Leslie Perrins.