FINE TALKIE RUNS AT CRYSTAL PALACE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 63, 16 March 1931, Page 3

FINE TALKIE RUNS AT CRYSTAL PALACE.

. “ Lightnin’ ”, which heads the new programme at Crystal Palace, is full of dry, whimsical wit which has made Will Rogers the best-known humorist in America. The picture must add greatly reputation already won here by Rogers in his pictures ’’They Had To See Paris” and “So This Is London.” His work is natural and unaffected, the work of a man who is living his part rather than merely playing it. “Lightnin’ ” might have been made for him. As the kindlyhearted though rather shiftless backwoods hotelkeeper he wins instant approval. “Lghtnin’ ” Bill Jones would not have worried about a depression and such a thing could not exist where he was. Simple, shrewd and kindly his personality infuses the picture with an atmosphere which will make it one of the best remembered of stories. There is nothing outstanding about the plot, its charm lies almost entirely in its treatment. Bill's wife owned the Calivada Hotel on the border separating Nevada from California, and the place had become very popular with women going to Reno, the capital of Nevada, to get divorces. “Lightnin’ ” was rather a big attraction and some of the best of the moments of the film are when he dispenses his naive philosophy on life and divorce to these women. The “villains of the piece” are two crooked lawyers, who try to get Mrs Jones (Louie Dresser) .to sell the hotel in exchange for some worthless stock. They nearly succeed, but “Lightnin’s” native shrewdness at last wins the day. The court scene with "Lightnin’ ” cross-examining ope of- the lawj-ers is one of the best pieces of work that has been seen here. The romantic interest of the story lies with Helen Cohan (as “Lightnin’s” daughter, Milly) and Joel M’Crea (as John Marvin), a young backwoods lawyer). Both are new to Christchurch audiences but both are very promising young actors. Louise Dresser gives another outstanding performance as Mrs Jones. The picture has a very beautiful setting and the photography is excellent. ’ The supporting programme is well up to the same high standard, with a tour of Egypt as one of the best features.