SPLENDID COMEDY-DRAMA.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 146, 22 June 1931, Page 3

SPLENDID COMEDY-DRAMA.

“ Min and Bill ”, which opened at the St James’ Theatre on Saturday, is a splendid talkie. Xot since her remarkable portrayal of the old wharfrat in “Anna Christie” has Marie Dressier had a role that suits her great histrionic abilities better than that of Min in this production. It is a magnificent piece of characterisation that stamps her as one of the really great actresses of to-day. Marie Dressier made the part of the unlovely keeper of a low, wharf hotel a living and altogether unforgettable one. Xo one who really enjoys the best in screen drama should miss “ Min and Bill.” The story revolves around the love of Min for Nancy, a littl<e drudge, whose derc-liet mother left her at the hotel when Nancj r was a baby. It is when Bella, the girl’s mother returns to the hotel and threatens the future happiness of the girl that Min really rises to the greatest heights of her role. Min sends Nancy to a good school in a distant part, so as to place her out of the way of her worthless mother, who has be\2n told that Nancy is dead. But Bella comes back again, and discovering that Nancy is not dead, but is about to marry a rich young men, plans to blackmail them. For the sako of the little girl whom she loves Min makes a great sacrifice and the picture closes on a climax such as few films can boast. Min without Bill would be an imperfect creature, and it is in the role of Bill that Wallace Beery creates one of the greatest parts of his career. He is the perfect foil for Min, and he makes the part of the skipper of the trawler dovetail into the story as few other actors could. As Min’s star-boarder he is excellently c-ast. Few who see the light in the bedroom after Min discovers his flirtation with Bella will forget it. It is comic, but it impresses with its realism. As Bella, the drunken mother, Marjorie Ram beau was given an opportunity to display her talents such as 3s not often afforded an actress except in the title role. She gave a most impressive characterisation, and was second only to Marie Dressier. Xo one has ever before mixed a defiant swagger so successfully with a stagger—at least not on the screen. Dorothy Jordan in the role of Xancy is pretty and convincing. •The supports include a "Laurel and Hardy comedy, a colour-tone reveue, • The Devil’s Cabaret,” and a Metrotone newsreel, all good features.