TOM WALLS IN " LEAP YEAR "

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12536, 30 December 1933, Page 4

TOM WALLS IN " LEAP YEAR "

LAUGHTER AND INTRIGUE. “Leap Year,” the long-auaited Tom Waffs comedj . has at last reached the King’s Theatre, and judging by the enthusiasm displayed by Dirge audiences everywhere, fulfils all predictions that the movie critics made tor it. as being oue of the biggest laughter hits of the year. YY ithout his famous partner in comedy, Ralph Lynn, it is demonstrated that YValls loses none of his grip upon the comedy cf situation I and sequence. Indeed, it is refreshing to see YValls dominating every scene. as his is the type of humour that has all the satisfying variety > which makes one want to see and hear more of him. The picture abounds in typical YY'allsian situation, which, as it can be in.agiued, lead to many laughable and intriguing developments. A critic whe has been intrigued by “Leap Year'' writes: “.Just to sit and hear him (Tom YY alls) talk and talk is marvellously entertaining. It isn’t what he says, so much as the way he savs it —that sly. self-confident, almost un-der-his-breatli way he has. Beautiful Anne Grey is the girl who has to sit still and listen to his blarnev. She does it delightfully. He talks "to the girl of his heart very much as he talks to his dog. He is the screen's champion spoil-binder in this film.” "Leap Y'ear” is a first-rate example of the brilliance ot production which distinguishes British and Dominions’ productions. YY'hetber -t be the apartments of a wealthy bachelor the dining saloon of a fashionable hotel, the promenade deck of a liner or the loveliness of a hotel at Cannes the settings are fully in keeping with the story of the doings of well'to-do people. The luxury begotten bv opulence characterises the whole. “Leap Y*ear” introduces a new Tom YY'aTta. the rich farceur giving place on this occasion to the romantic character actcr. In addition to those mentioned above, Edmond Breon and Ellis Jeffreys play important supporting parts and add much to the entenain' ment quality of the picture The supports comprise “The Secret. of the Desert.” Episode II of the thrilling serial. “Phantom of the Air. Fox News. Ideal Magazine Nature Study, “The Heron. and Novelty “Jolly Jack Tar.” “UP FOR THEDERBY." YY’hen Sydney Howard and Race Horses get together, the result is bound to be the most amusing medley of comedy ever seen or heard oi» the screen, and this is just what happens when they are linked together in tho new British and Dominions film, “Up For The Derby.” The story concerns friend Sv-lnev as a punter, whose absolutely infallible method of picking winners with a pin fails him dismally until he happens on “Bathing Belle” in the last. Putting his one and only pound note on it, he is overwhelmed by the generosity of the bookmaker allowing him. when they find “Bathing Belle” is favourite and can’t lose, to mintl his cash hag and see the race from the pedestal from which the “bookie” and his friend have departed “for a cup of tea.” Naturally at the conclusion of the race when the irate* punters return for their winnings, they find Sydney endeavouring to pacify them by telling them that the “welshers” will be back after their cup of tea. This is just one of tho big laughter moments of the film with which it abounds. Chuckle follows chuckle, laugh follows laugh untill it develops into, a real outburst, of the most gloriously funny nonsense ever seen or heard. Howard is ably supported bv Mark Dalv. Frank Harvey and Dorothy Bartlam. who nil provide their share of tho fast fun and humour which lifts tins production out of the rut of ordinary comedies and indeed makes t tho comedy classic ot the visit . Th > stijeports include: Universal News and a supporting featurette. “Karina.” -* romance woven round the life of arm Indian Princess.