“THE BOHEMIAN GIRL”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23001, 2 October 1936, Page 5

“THE BOHEMIAN GIRL”

LAUREL AND HARDY STARRED j Laurel and Hardy are themselves again! In their original screen version of Balfe’s famous light opera, which was produced nearly a century ago, the gay buffoons, despite their colourful gipsy costumes, are more than the Stan and “ Ollie ” the public has come to know and love than they have been for several months. Whoever was responsible for selecting Michael Balfe’s musical classic as a background for Laurel and Hardy antics is to be congratulated. The music, sometimes lilting and again pleading, is altogether delightful. What little of the original story of “ The Bohemian Girl ’’ is used in the modern screen version is sufficient to form the peg upon which a quick-paced and hilarious scenario is hung. It would spoil the pleasure of those who have to, see this Hal Roach-M-G-M feature comedy to reveal the story here. Suffice it to say that the plot revolves around a band of gipsies of which Laurel and Hardy are members. Love interest ■ is sustained by Antonio Moreno, of whom Mae Busch, “ Ollie’s ” nagging wife, is enamoured. Jacqueline Wells is seen in the role of Princess Arline as a young lady, while four-year-old Darla Hood is the same character as a child. Other of the principals in the cast, all of whom give creditable performances, are James Finlayson and William P. Carlton. There will be an excellent supporting programme, including a more than interesting featurette entitled “ The Hit and Run Driver."