“DADDY LONG LEGS.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 193, 15 August 1931, Page 12

“DADDY LONG LEGS.”

j Laughter and tears, the chief rej quisites of any drama, are perfectly i blended in the new Fox production, j “ Daddy Long Legs,” which opened, to- ! das’- at the Regent Theatre, with Janet Gaynor and Warner Baxter in the prinj cipal roles. Critics who have seen the photoplay report that it gives these two popular favourites unlimited opportunities, for the .display of their charm and talents, and that it offers the season’s treat to Gaynor and Baxter fans. Janet Gaynor is seen as a little slaving orphan, who mothers the small tots In the John Grier Home. Through an unexpected stroke of fate she wins the admiration and friendship of Baxter, who plays the title role, and he without revealing his identity to her adopts her and sends her to college. From that point on the romance develops rapidly until it reaches its climax, a most unexpected one for Miss Gaynor. “ Daddy Long Legs ’’ is being hailed by critics and public alike, wherever it is showing, as one of the finest offerings in the history of the talking screen., Many say it marks the most heart stirring and genuine performance of Miss Gaynor's career, not excepting her unforgettable “ Diane ” in “ Seventh Heaven,” the silent film which lifted her overnight from comparative obscurity to the heights of stardom. Although her screen sweetheart, Charles Farrell, is missing from the picture, the producers have placed one of the screen’s most popular and capable actors in the title role, Warner Baxter, who was last seen in the Fox production, “ Doctor’s Wives.” The cast which supports Miss Gaynor and Baxter, is one of unusual talent, and includes such luminaries as Una Merkel and John Arledge. Box plans are at The Bristol.