JOHNNY HINES IS IN HAPPY MOOD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18016, 29 November 1926, Page 7

JOHNNY HINES IS IN HAPPY MOOD.

SHINES IN “ THE BROWN DERBY ” AT EVERYBODY’S. Those people who have been lifting up their voices in lamentations over a dearth of good comedies or a plethora of poor ones —both are the same to the pessimist——will no longer have cause to bewail the sins of the motion picture industry. For Johnny Hines, gayest of the gay, blythest of the blythe, has made “The Brown Derby,” and this most mirthful concoction will be presented at Everybody’s Theatre today. With the remembrance of all bis other pictures still green, one avers that “The Brown Derby” is the superior, by a long way, of all his previous efforts, -and front every possible angle he has extracted humour and comedy, and lias exploited, to the fullest advantage, every possibility of action and speed. Now, we are told that the age of miracles is gone, and, on attaining years of discrimination, we cease to be beguiled by whimsical tales of gnomes and goblins, which is, of course, supremely rational, and quite as it should be. But there is to our knowledge at least one adult who refuses to laugh at miracles and fairies, and lie is none other than Johnny Hines. For purposes of delectable entertainment arid the more readily to arouse the-. Fisfble faculties of a weary and disillusioned world, lie has taken unto himself a brown derby, a poor thing but his own, and with no authority from Sir James Barrie—or Hans Anderson, he has invested it with peculiar and very agreeable, convenient powers. In short, he makes the brown derby such a piece of headwear that might successfully have reclined on the yellow head of Titania, or, less incongruously, ou the head of hex* spouse. It is n lioves—and, although a timid fellow, he Jieves—ad, although a timid fellow, he accomplishes wonders while -wearing it, wonders that are nothing more nor less than an exquisite tornado—if a tornado can be exquisite—an exquisite tornado of boisterous mirth. “The Brown Derby” is no, simpering comedy of well-bred chuckles and politelyrestrained laughs. It tends to the vociferous; it jocularly leans towards injured ribs, and pleasantly tearful eyes—it is such a comedy as to call, insistantly for, not one viewing only, but for two or a possible three. For in it Johnny Hines is more original, more engagingly nonsensical than ever; more cheerfully does he take enormous , risks in lus pursuit of speed and action; more brilliant are liis. “gags,” more romantic and interesting is liis story. And his supporting artists are excellent. Ruth Dwyer, a charming ingenue with a decided flair for comedy, has an important part, and Diana Kane, Flora Finch and Barney Sherry are other players who acquaint themselves creditably in this delightful production. The second picture on the bill is the Master picture, “Paint and Powder,” starring Elaine Haramerstein. The industry could do with more films or this type. It takes life in many phases, and proves that it can he as interesting in humble surroundings as it can in the inidst of luxury. The general viewpoint opposes this idea, but this picture- tells its story so convincingly that there can be no two opinions as to its sincerity. It is skilfully acted, and produced most realistically. Everybody’s "Select” Orcliestr; . under Mr W. .T. Bellinghan* F.S.M., will play a special programme of music, including the following:—Overture, “Libella” (Ressiger): symphony, “Surprise” (Haydn); suite, “Les Erinnyes” (Massenet), “Suite Orchestral” (Guirande); opera, “Dor Damon” (Rubenstein) ; entr'acte, “Claire de Lune”;; light selections, "Princess of Kensington” (German); rhapsody, “Espana” (Chabrier); fox trot, "Ninette” (Silberman). The box plans are at The Bristol Piano Company, where seats may bo reserved.