BRIGHT COMEDY AT QUEEN’S THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18092, 28 February 1927, Page 5

BRIGHT COMEDY AT QUEEN’S THEATRE.

“THE BROWN DERBY” HAS LAUGHABLE PLOT

Those people who have been lifting up their voices in lamentation 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 producer. for Johnny Hines, gayest of the gav, blithest of the blithe, has made “ The Brown Derby.” and this mirthful concoction will be presented at the Queen’s Theatre this week. With the remembrance of all his other pictures still green, one avers that "The Brown Derby,” is the superior, by a long way, of all his previous efforts, and from every possible angle be has extracted humour and comedy, and exploited, to the fullest advantage, every possibility of action and speed. Now, we are told that the age of miracles is past, and on attaining years of discretion, we cease to he beguiled by whimsical tales or gnomes and hobgoblins, which is, of course, supremely rational and quite as it should be. But there is at least one adult who refuses to laugh at miracles and fairies, and he is none other than Johnny Hines. For purposes of delectable entertainment and the more readily to arouse the risible faculties of a weary and disillusioned world, be has taken unto himself a brown derby, a poor thing, but his own, and with no authority from Sir James Barrie or Hans Anderson, has invested it with peculiar and very agreeable' and convenient powers. In short, be makes the brown just such a. piece of headwear as might, successfully have reclined on the yellow head of Titania, or, less incongruously, on that of her spouse. It is a fairy hat, or so he believes, and 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 tornado of boisterous mirth. " The Brown Derby ” is no simpering comedy of ■well-bred chuckles and po-litely-restrained laughs. It leans to the vociferous; it jocularly tends towards injured ribs and pleasantly tearful eyes; it is such a comedy as to call instantly for, not for 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 be take-enormous risks in the pursuit of his story. The supporting artists are excellent, Ruth Dwyer, a charming Ingenue with a decided flair for comedy, plavs an important part, and Diana Kane, Flora Finch and Barney Sherry are other players who acquit themselves .creditably m this delightful production. A story from the pen of Harold Bell Wright is the second picture to be shown, a thrilling tale of out-door life. “ The Re-Creation of Brian Kent,” with Kenneth Harlan playing the, leading role. This is told in the author’s virile and compelling style, full of melodramatic situations of power and colour, and the necessary human interest to lend balance. Helen Chadwick, Zasu Pitts and Mary Carr are the main supporting players. The box plans are at Webley's, where seats may be reserved.